Slot Machine Questions and Answers
Slot machines seem pretty simple to the average joe, but they are pretty sophisticated machines when you really get down to how they work. Most people think slot machines are rigged or that they follow some type of pattern for the payouts. This couldn't be farther from the truth. Below you will find a list of questions that readers email to us regarding playing slot machines. If you should have a question that you would like answered send it to slotsgeek at gmail dot com.
Answers to Common Questions about Slot Machines
How are slot machines
different from the lottery?
Is a slot machine less likely to hit a jackpot
if it has recently had someone win the jackpot?
Does pulling the handle give me a better chance
at winning than pushing the button?
Are online slots rigged?
Which is better online slots or real slots?
How many coins should I play on each spin?
Should I play progressive slots?
Will I ever win a jackpot?
Is a slot machine ever due for a payout?
Does using a slot club or rewards card decrease
my chances of winning?
Can I determine the odds of a machine by counting
the number of symbols on the reel?
Do slot machines have a pattern or sequence
they follow which can be figured out by intensely analyzing
the outcomes?
When you hit a bonus in a slot machine is the outcome
already determined?
What slot machines have the best odds?
Slots Machine Question - How are slot machines different from the lottery?
Slot machines are very similar to the lottery, and by definition are a lottery. You are winning cash prizes by way of chance. That said your odds of winning the United States Powerball which is the biggest lottery jackpot in the US - 1:80,089,128. Your odds at winning the MegaBucks jackpot, which is the biggest progressive slot in the US casinos - 1 in 49,836,032 (the megabucks odds comes from this site here which I encourage you to visit). Odds of state lotteries is significantly smaller than the 1:49+ million however the difference between the two is the payouts. If I had to choose which game to play, hands down it'd be a slot machine.
Slot Machine Question - Is a slot machine less likely to hit a jackpot if it has recently had someone win the jackpot?
A slot machine can theoreticaly hit a jackpot back to back. Just because a slot machine has just payed out a good sized jackpot out does not mean it is less likely to pay out again.
Slots Question - Does pulling the handle give me a better chance at winning than pushing the button?
Not at all. Whether you pull the handle or press the button makes no difference in the outcome of the spin. Both trigger the same action in the machine and the computer does not know the difference between the handle and the button.
Slot Machine Question - Are online slots rigged?
No. There have been reports of rogue casinos with custom software that isn't audited, but these are easy to spot. When in doubt play somewhere else. We recommend you play at one of our approved online casinos. Playing at casinos powered by reputable software and by doing your homework FIRST before depositing is the best way to ensure your safety. Read reviews from credible websites.
Slot Machine Question - Which is better online slots or real slots?
This is really a matter of personal preference. Do you like the hype of the casino or the nice quiet atmosphere your home provides? The payback percentages of online slots are usually slightly higher than live slots because online casinos have less overhead than brick and mortar casinos. Online casinos can afford to payout more since they do not have to pay hundreds of dealers, pitbosses, security, etc.
Slot Machine Question - How many coins should I play on each spin?
Depending on the type of slot you are playing you should be able to play however many coins you like. If you play progressive slots you should always play the max bet to qualify yourself for the huge jackpot. If you prefer to play one coin per spin then you should always go for a true multiplier machine so you won't be penalized for playing single coins.
Slot Machine Question - Should I play progressive slots?
If you don't mind risking your entire bankroll going for that big jackpot then play progressive slots, but don't get mad when you end up broke. The odds of winning that huge jackpot are slim but not impossible. Progressive slots suit players that have an all or nothing attitude when it comes to playing slots. If you want to hang on to your money a bit longer, stick to the single line three reel slots.
Slot Machine Question - Will I ever win a jackpot? How come I always lose on slots?
Yes and No. Don't expect to win one just because you play often. The best attitude to have is to not even think about winning the jackpot. Expect small payouts, but don't expect it. If your searching to find out why you lose at slots its a matter of luck. There's no way to predict a win or know your going to have a good session. If losing at slots upsets you or your just down right frustrated, its possible you should try a different game with better odds and where you have some control, like blackjack.
Slot Machine Question -Is a slot machine ever due for a payout?
No. Slot machines are run by random number generators and each spin is totally random. Just because the slot machine has not had a large payout in months does not mean it is due for a pay out.
Slot Machine Question - Does using a slot club or rewards card decrease my chances of winning?
Not at all. These are just to track your play so the casino can reward you with comps to make you enjoy your stay and return in the future.
Slot Machine Question - Can I determine the odds of a machine by counting the number of symbols on the reel?
No. Just because there are 10 stops on the actual reel does not mean there are 10 virtual stops. There can be up to 300 virtual stops on each reel. Read more about how slot machines work in our win at slots article.
Slot Machine Question - Do slot machines have a pattern or sequence they follow which can be figured out by intensely analyzing the outcomes?
No. The slots use a RNG to determine the outcomes. This means that each of the machines combinations is determined randomly, and the machine will stick to its payback percentage over the long haul.
Slot Machine Question - When you hit a bonus in a slot machine is the outcome already determined?
Yes.
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