Slot machines are among the most popular casino games worldwide, but there are still many myths and misconceptions surrounding them. In this comprehensive guide, we uncover the truth behind 15 common slot myths so you can play slots armed with facts rather than fiction.
Myth #1: Slots Get Hot and Cold
Many players believe that slots run in hot and cold streaks based on recent payouts. So-called “hot” slots pay out more frequently while “cold” slots pay less often.
The truth:
Slot machines operate on a random number generator (RNG) that runs independently of prior outcomes. A slot is not more likely to pay a jackpot after one hasn’t hit in some time or less likely after frequent recent payouts. Each spin represents a random, independent trial.
Myth #2: Payout Cycles
Related to the myth above is the belief in slot machine payout cycles. Some think that after a large jackpot hits, no other players will win big prizes for some predetermined period.
The truth: No such unseen mechanism drives cycles of payouts and no-payout periods in slot machines. The randomness inherent in an RNG means that another player could strike it big immediately after a large jackpot payday.
Myth #3: The Casino Can Alter Slots
A common belief is that casinos can tweak their slots to alter payout percentages and payback frequency. Players often distrust slots and suspect cheating.
The truth:
Modern slot machines have sophisticated random number generators that cannot easily be influenced or manipulated. Regulated online casinos with proper licensing do not digitally alter slots to reduce payouts or tweak game mathematics. Brick-and-mortar and online slots generally run as programmed.
Myth #4: New Slots Pay More
When a casino installs new games, excitement builds around the higher win potential of new slots versus older games. The appeal of novelty spurs interest that newer is better.
The truth:
The newer models label on a slot machine does not always equate to better payout potential. New games aim to attract customers through better graphics, advanced features and popular branded themes based on movies or TV shows, not necessarily boosted payout rates.
Myth #5: Odds Vary by Time and Date
Players often convince themselves that slot odds fluctuate based on the time of day, day of the week, or because of upcoming holidays or events. Lucky timing will produce better results!
The truth:
Time is not a factor influencing slot machine payouts because of the innate randomness in RNG software powering the games. The math remains unchanged throughout the day and calendar.
Myth #6: Max Bet Equals Bigger Wins
Because some slots advertise bigger prizes when you bet the maximum, players leap to the conclusion that max betting results in higher payouts across all slots.
The truth:
Playing for the maximum bet only unlocks the largest base game prizes and jackpots. The underlying RTP percentage and hit frequency remain fixed. Max bets speed up losses for players with a predetermined losing session destiny.
Myth #7: Odds Improve by Changing Denomination
Slot players will switch machines and games searching for the magical combination of game type, wager level, and denomination that will reverse their fortunes and fill their pockets.
The truth:
Changing denominations does not equate to improving your odds, since the percentage programmed into the game and RNG determines results, not denominations. However, higher denomination games frequently have better RTP rates.
Myth #8: You Cannot Improve Your Odds
Resigned to their fate, some slot players do not bother with strategies to select better games or access insider information. They believe slots run on luck alone.
The truth:
While generating random outcomes removes predictability, choosing games with better return-to-player rates, hunting for progressive jackpots about to hit thresholds, and practicing bankroll management can improve your slot results.
Myth #9: Never Play After Big Jackpot Hits
Big jackpots stir excitement, leading to overly optimistic views that lightning can strike twice in succession. However, other players avoid slots with recent jackpot payouts, believing that games won’t produce another big winner for higher odds slots.
The truth: An RNG cannot factor whether one or multiple players recently won prizes into its number generation algorithms. Odds do not fluctuate based on past jackpot payout history. Patience and bankroll size influence whether you continue playing through cold streaks.
Myth #10: Near Wins Mean Payday Coming
When slot reels produce “close calls” showing jackpot symbols barely missing alignment, players convince themselves their big moment nears. Those near-wins fuel false hopes.
The truth:
Almost hitting jackpots does not foreshadow guaranteed future success because every result represents an independent trial with consistent programmed odds. Near wins simply frustrate slot players.
Myth #11: Good Luck Charms Work
Guests constantly rub statues of Buddha at Las Vegas casinos for good luck. Players carry lucky pennies, puzzle pieces, dice, or stuffed animals to improve slot odds. Superstitious pre-game rituals and good luck charms seem oddly rational to nervous slot players.
The truth:
Random number generators remain unaffected by superstitious rituals or physical objects that attempt to channel good fortune in a player’s direction. Save your lucky red socks for your next job interview. Slot outcomes rely purely upon software algorithms.
Myth #12: Improving Your Slot Karma
To change their luck, some slot players will leave quickly when winning and stay through cold streaks believing that exiting prematurely prevents the machine from a big payout. By playing through the bad run, the machine will remember their loyalty later.
The truth:
Slot machines lack emotions or memories for past play. They run simple programs producing random outcomes driven by RNGs. Remaining loyal during losing streaks only leads to quick financial ruin for players. Know when to walk away.
Myth #13: Slots Go Cold When Credits Added
When luck turns sour, players grow suspicious of the casino. Some believe adding credits prompts the machine to turn cold and refusal to make further cashouts stems from wanting to reclaim cash.
The truth:
Walking away when you reach your loss limits is advisable, but avoid assigning emotional blame to casino equipment. The solely mechanical slots function via programmed software unaffected by loss streaks or bonus cash.
Myth #14: Power Outages Help You Win
Wishful thinkers insist power failures interrupt a game’s losing streak before the RNG produces the next set of losing combinations. When machines reset after outages, random seeds produce winners!
The truth:
Programmers design sophisticated RNG algorithms that self-correct after shutdowns and disturbances. Power failures or resets do not touch predestined outcomes already queued in the machine.
Myth #15: You Cannot Calculate Odds
Players often view stated payback percentages with skepticism and disbelief that slots odds can be quantified and predicted accurately. Manufacturers likely skew the presented data, some think.
The truth:
Government agencies thoroughly test slots, and certified auditors verify RTP rates. Modern programmers can precisely model slot machine game mathematics and volatility to develop games with reliable and consistent statistical behavior.
While trying to make sense of how slot machines function, players have developed an entertaining body of lore and myths. Before accepting famous slot machine myths as fact, separate probable realities from fantastical fictions.
Rely upon proven slot strategies, not lucky rituals, as the path to boosting your fortunes. Stick with regulated casino sites, choose games with higher RTP rates, play at optimal bet sizes for your budget, and avoid chasing losses that will only grow worse.
Above all else, know when to walk away, and you will avoid fueling myths that slots beat everyone in the end. Play responsibly within your means and only gamble for entertainment rather than necessity.
FAQ
● Is there any surefire way to beat the slots?
No. Slot machines rely on random number generators, so results remain unpredictable and uncontrollable. No strategy guarantees wins, only changes the odds.
● What factors actually change the payback percentages? Game developers program the RTP based on mathematics. Higher denomination games often have better RTP rates. Volatility determines hit frequency.
● Should you keep playing after hitting jackpots?
Bankroll management, not myths, should govern decisions to continue playing. Slot odds don’t change after big hits within a game, but know when to walk away ahead.