How Slot Machines Work

How Slots Work

Slot machines have come along way from the crank handle, grinding gears, springs and levers. However the basic principles behind their operation remain the same. Be it digital or physical they are automated and electronically operated. The basic principle behind all types of slot machines is that every game has an equal chance of winning the jackpot or getting a winning combination on a played line. A number of reels, commonly 3 or 5 are decorated with symbols and are spun by pressing a button. The resulting combination of symbols displayed across a line determines wether or not there has been a win.

A line is a preset line across the reels. While originating as just one line straight across, most slot machines have many different lines criss-crossing and going diagonal across the board. A player can choose the amount of lines they wish to play each game.

One of the key components to ensure that every game has an equal chance of winning is a Random Number Generator, or more commonly known as an RNG. A RNG is a computational device that is designed to generate sequences of numbers or symbols that are completely random, ie there is no pattern evident.

RNG numbers are necessary in slot machines so that every spin has an equally random chance of winning. If this was not the case, patterns could be detected and the machine would be able to be manipulated by the player so that they would win unfairly.

Slot machines are typically pre-programmed to pay out a set percentage of the total wagered as winnings. This is generally in the vicinity of 85-98% depending on the machine type and location. This is similar to most casino house games where there is a favourable percentage to the house in order for them to make a profit.

An example of this would be that if a machine had a payout percentage of 90% and there was 1 credit a spin played, over a total of 1000 spins, 900 credits would be payed out in winnings to the player.

Each slot machine has varying payout structures and can best be understood by reading the associated pay out tables for the machine.