Although you might have heard about slot machines, you may not know how they work. It is nothing to be ashamed of — many people are unfamiliar with casino games. Nonetheless, if you want to educate yourself on the subject, you came to the right place.
Slot machines are one of the most recognizable casino symbols in the world, and it is not without reason. They are considered unremovable pillars the gambling industry is built upon, as they make up the bulk of all casino profits. Moreover, not only do they produce most of the gaming revenue, but they are also frequently mentioned among the most entertaining casino games, besides blackjack and roulette.
So whether you want to understand it all better because you want to play slots online or an old machine in your local casino, make sure to read this article. Below, we take a closer look at the slots and explain what makes them such reliable money makers. Let’s get started.
What Are Slot Machines?
The slot machine, also referred to as a one-armed bandit, is a special type of casino gambling machine. The first slot machine was invented by Charles Fey, a mechanic from San Francisco, back in 1894. The device was a modification of a design of a popular poker machine back then.
Slot machines have gone through many changes since their first appearance. They were upgraded, their appearance changed, and so did their payout systems. Currently, most modern slot machines feature three reels and several rows of symbols on each reel. A button is used to activate each reel and spin it once.
The player can bet up to a specific amount per every spin, and every time the reels stop, the machine counts how many matching symbols appear and pays out based on that number.
Slot machines are considered one of the most random games in casinos, as there is no way for the player to affect the game’s outcome. Similarly, when you play online slots, you can never predict what your next spin will look like.
Mechanical Slots vs. Video Slots
There are two different types of slot machines: video slots and mechanical slots. The difference between them is not only in their appearance but also in how they work. Video slots are powered by software, which means that all of their components are controlled by computer chips and software programs called Random Number Generators (RNGs). These RNGs are designed to produce random outcomes across multiple variables, thus making it impossible for anyone to predict the outcome of any spin.
Mechanical slots are primarily composed of metal parts rather than software or any other electronic components inside them. Obviously, you won’t find them in any online casinos, but they are still very popular in land-based casinos, thanks to their timeless design and simple mechanisms.
How Do Slot Machines Work?
Slot machines have a long history of upgrades from their first appearance to the present day. They have been changed quite a lot, but they still rely on a few basic principles.
A slot machine is a simple device with a lever you pull or a button you press to activate the reels. If you manage to achieve a winning combination, you receive a reward in cash or additional spins.
The payout is based on how many identical symbols appear on each payline you activated during the spin. A common way of checking how much money you can make by getting a specific combination is by looking up the pay table which contains an array of possible combinations of symbols on the payline, along with the amount of money you win for each specific combination.
The popularity of slot machines comes mainly from their simplicity – there are no complicated rules or strategies to learn if you want to win. Instead, all you have to do is insert money into the machine, set your wager, and then pull the lever.
What Are Return to Player (RTP) Percentages?
The percentage of the return to player (RTP) is one of the crucial terms to learn in slot machine gambling. It indicates the percentage of money the player will retain from every dollar wagered on the device. In other words, it will tell you how much money will stay in your pocket after a long playing period.
For instance, for every $100 played, the player will get back $95 if the return to player percentage of the machine stands at 95%. This system prevents players from losing too much.
If you wish to start playing slots, you should search for games with the highest RTP percentages. This way, you will ensure that you will leave the casino with at least some cash in your pocket.
Conclusion
Slot machines are a great way to get acquainted with the gambling world. They offer a lot of fun while also being easy to understand and control. Moreover, as long as you pick games with high RTP percentages, you do not have to worry about losing too much money while playing them.
However, if you want to win big money, you may play table games, like blackjack or poker. These casino games allow for a better chance of winning big money. Additionally, they are a lot more complex and, therefore, more enjoyable to play for some people.
Still, if you want to play slot machines, we recommend trying out free versions of Vegas slots online. This way, you can learn more about how they work without risking your money!