Home /
News /
Slot Machine Myths /

Slot Machine Myths

Yes, slot machine myths are still with us. In spite of, or maybe because of technology people with little understanding of how things work, tend to invent reasons, more especially if luck or chance is involved. Technology has bought the lowly slot machine kicking and screaming into the 21 century. Once regarded as the ugly step sister to the table games, it's purpose being solely to occupy the wives and girlfriends of table players, they now have a much more deserving place within the casino.

Rate this news

Introduction: Slot Machine Myths

Twenty years ago, slots accounted for around 30% of casino revenue. Now that figure stands at 70%. The ugly stepsister is now the princess of the gaming industry. Computer technology has bought huge progressive jackpot within the reach of players making these machines one of the most important constituents of the whole gaming floor. The fact that there are no rules or strategies to learn makes them even more attractive. But with simplicity comes the burning desire to explain how such a machine can function to the benefit of the optimistic player. And that’s where slot machine myths come from. Hold on to your hats, as this train is heading into the land of conspiracies and myths.

Myth #1. Someone hit a jackpot on the machine you just left — so you would have won that jackpot if only you kept playing

Without a doubt, this is the number one of all slot machine myths you’ll hear time and again on the casino floor. The thing is, the slot machine is programmed with an RNG (Random Number Generator). This is continuously working, even when there’s no one playing. It cycles through numbers and these correspond to the ones you’ll see on the reels. When you hit “spin”, then the RNG springs into action and picks a number within a nano-second. because the machine is constantly recycling numbers, then it’s highly, highly unlikely you would have hit the exact same combination by playing for a few minutes more. However, if you would like to learn more about how slots work check out our jackpot winning strategies.

Myth #2. By counting the symbols on each wheel, you can tell the odds of winning

Nope. This doesn’t fly either. As we just said, the RNG generates a new number with each spin. Now on each reel, there are hundreds of stops, though you only get to see very few of them via the front screen. Maybe you can see 20 symbols on each reel of a three-reel machine. But the computer program may have 256 stops for each wheel. So; 256 x 256 x 256 = 16,777.216 possible combinations. It’s because the RNG is capable of generating so many possibilities that these casino/software companies can offer such massive jackpots.

Myth #3 With the flip of a switch, casinos can loosen or tighten the slot machines

This one makes us smile. The thought that someone is watching over each machine and spitefully throws a switch to stop you from winning, is up there with Elvis living on the moon. yet it persists as one of the most common slot machine myths. Inside every modern slots machine, there resided a computer chip that makes all the decisions. Before the machine even hits the casino floor, it has to undergo many tests in order for the casino control commission to grant it permission to be played. On the whole, payback %’s are already decided before new machine ships out to the casino.

Myth #4. A machine that has not been paying out is now due to hit

OK…now we’re straying into the bonkers territory. How would you possibly now something like that? You, nor even the casino itself, can determine when a machine will payout. It’s a totally random occurrence. And by “random” we mean that it’s not related to anything that has gone before. Don’t be that guy, standing in front of a slot and shoving in coinage because you have an illogical belief. It’s just another one of those slot machine myths. You’re better off going to search for Elvis.

Myth #5. The temperature of the coins is important

Slots machines are mechanical devices and we’re afraid that the ambient temperature has zero effect on them. Your coins can be hot, cold, warm, new or old. It makes absolutely no difference. But, of course, if it works for you, then go ahead and knock yourself out. If you wouldn’t like to care about these silly myths just take a glimpse at the best jackpot slot machines online.

Myth #6. Use your slot club card and the machine will pay back less

Now we’re sailing into the realm of the really stupid. There is zero link between your casino card and the RNG. But here’s the rub; by not using your card for some illogical reason, you are actually denying yourself the possibility of all those lovely casino comps. Or even cash-backs. So by not using it for it’s intended purpose, you’re actually hurting yourself. Just forget about these old wives’ tales and slot machine myths. Realize that it’s simply you versus an RNG. Get on a slots machine and enjoy yourself. Remember that it’s called gambling because you don’t know the outcome.