Number Slot Machine
The Random Number Generator (RNG) is the brains of the slot machine. While most players know that there is a computer chip picking the numbers, they do not fully understand how it works and this can lead to some of the many myths and misconceptions about a slot machine. One of the most common myths is that a machine has a cycle that can let a player know when it is due to hit. Many “Snake Oil Salesmen” will try to sell you a system for doing just that. Save your money — it can’t be done.
The number of possible outcomes on the slot machine does not change. However, by reprogramming the chip, the operator has full control over the likelihood of each of the different outcomes. For instance, the operator could make the three cherries appear only once in a million spins. By playing any such slot machines for just a few spins, it was then possible to work out whether the slot machines was about to pay-out, and players would be able to work out when to click onto the spin button at just the right time that a random number would be selected that had a winning combination attached to it. Introducing URComped Slot Machine Finder. URComped's Slot Machine Finder is a product of the URComped community where we have received uploads from thousands of members that have tagged pictures, videos, slot machines, and casinos of over 3,000 different slot machines at hundereds of casinos.
The RNG Program
Inside the slot machine is a microprocessor similar to the one in your home computer. Instead of running Word or Excel, it runs a special program, the RNG, that generates numbers to correspond to the symbols on the reel of the slot machine.
You might say that the RNG is in perpetual motion. As long as there is power to the machine it is constantly selecting random numbers every millisecond. The RNG generates a value between 0 and 4 billion (approx number) which is then translated into a specific set of numbers to correspond to the symbols on the reels. The outcome of each spin is determined by the number selected by the RNG. This number is chosen when you hit the spin button or deposit a coin.
The RNG uses a formula known as an algorithm which is a series of instructions for generating the numbers. The scope of this is beyond most of our mathematical knowledge but can be checked for accuracy. This is done by the Casino Control Board and other testing laboratories to make sure that the program performs as it should so the player will not be cheated.
Principles of the Random Number Generator
Here is a more simplified explanation that's easier to relate to. Although this is not precisely how the RNG operates, it should give you a basic understanding of the principles of how the winning spins are determined.
Reel Type Slot Machines
Reel type slot machines have a number of spaces on each reel that contain a symbol or blank. These are referred to as the physical stops. Most of the old mechanical machines had reels that could hold 20 symbols while the modern slots have reels with 22 physical stops. The microprocessing technology allows the new machines to be able to accommodate a large number of “Virtual stops” which I will explain in a future article.
For this example, let’s simplify things and imagine that there are only 10 stops on each reel. With 10 stops there can be 1,000 different combinations. We get this number by multiplying the number of symbols on each reel. (10 x 10 x 10 = 1,000) The 1,000 combinations that can be attained are known as a cycle, and this is the word that sometimes confuses a player into thinking that the machine has cycles of winning and losing.
The odds of a three number combination being picked are one in a thousand. Theoretically, if you play 1,000 spins you should see each of these number combinations once. However, we all know that this is not the case. If you played a million spins you would see that the numbers would even out to be closer to the actual probability. This is similar to flipping a coin 100 times. Although the odds are 50 -50 you are unlikely to see 50 heads and 50 tails after 100 spins.
The Daily Pick 3 Lottery
Many of you have seen the Daily Pick 3 lottery drawing. They have three glass bowls or drums each containing ten balls numbered 0 -9. The balls are mixed up and when the top is lifted a ball pops up the tube showing you the first number. This is repeated for the second and third number to give you a three-digit winning combination.
To use this as an example of the operation of the slot machine, we will replace the numbers 0-9 on the balls with slot symbols. In each bowl, we will have one ball with the jackpot symbol on it. Two balls with a Bar, three balls with a cherry and four balls which are blank. Imagine the RNG in the slot machine as the person drawing the winning combination.
Here is the breakdown of the number of times out of a thousand that the winning combination made.
- 3 Jackpot 1 (1x1x1)
- 3 Bars 8 (2x2x2)
- 3 Cherries 27 (3x3x3)
- Total Wins 37
The 963 losing combinations consist of:
- 3 blanks
- 2 blanks and a symbol
- 1 blank and two different symbols
- 3 mixed symbols
The RNG picks these combinations of numbers thousands of times each second. Now imagine a string of blinking lights where only one bulb can be lit at a time. The electrical current is zipping from bulb to bulb down the string. When you push a button the current stops moving and the bulb in that position lights up. In this example, the light represents the three digit number just picked by the RNG. If you hesitated a second before pushing the button the results would be different. This is the same as you getting up from a machine and seeing someone else sit down and hit the jackpot. The chances are astronomical that you would have hit the spin button at the exact same millisecond.
Choosing How Many Lines to Play
When playing a progressive slot machine, the player needs to bet the maximum number of credits and activate the maximum number of lines in order to qualify for the progressive jackpot prize.
However, there are cases when the player does not play a progressive slot machine, so they need to make some simple decisions.
When it comes to single-line machines, the amount of money that is to be spent is nothing to worry about, because the multiplier is the only factor to comply with. In the past, the dollar machines were better than the nickel machines, which, on the other hand, were better than penny machines, but this is no longer the case.
Video slot machines normally have more stops compared to mechanical slot machines, even if the latter are modern ones.
What players need to be aware of is the fact that the probability of getting the jackpot on a slot machine is very low indeed. This rule is particularly true when it comes to modern video slot machines, which can have a large number of stops. Always remember that the machines run on Random Number Generators, which determine the outcome of a certain spin.
Statistically speaking, there are 32,768 possible outcomes of a spin. Only 12 of these outcomes would result in a jackpot, which means that the chance of getting a jackpot on the machine is really small. Still, some experts do not recommend an approach where players bet on one payline only because this decreases their chances even further. According to some more experienced players, betting on the maximum number of paylines is equal to losing your money too quickly, while the chances of winning the pot are not significantly improved.
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Choosing the Multiplier to Play
Apart from choosing how many paylines to bet on, players need to decide what multiplier to play. Many players prefer to use the x1 multiplier even when playing the maximum number of lines, but this is considered a strategy that is not so successful because the single multiplier usually does not return enough money to cover the player's initial wager.
According to some slot experts, a good and profitable strategy is to play a total of 9 paylines with a x5 multiplier. This makes for 45 credits wagered, while the player will receive 50 credits in case of a winning combination. Such a bet will at least cover the original wager made on the spin. This strategy is also good because the player is provided with the opportunity to generate bigger winnings while putting less money at risk.
Lucky Number Slot Machine
Slots Bankroll Management
Finding Slot Machine to Play
Slots Rules
Choosing Line Number and Multiplayer
How Much Time to Spend at Slot Machine
Betting the maximum multiplier is not recommended when the latter is too large. This also increases the bet per spin. In such cases, players should choose a number of lines and a multiplier that they feel comfortable with and put smaller amounts of money at risk.
The key is to choose a multiplier that will at least bring them their initial bet back on a small three-symbol winning combination. Such wins are among the most common ones, and the logic is simple; if a player is able to cover their bet on the three-symbol combinations, this will apply when it comes to four and five-symbol wins, too.
This strategy is truly very simple, but also effective. It is important to play a combination of a multiplier and number of paylines that will pay more than your initial bet when hitting a three-symbol combination.
Many contemporary slot machines have fixed paylines and do not allow players to pick the number of lines they want to play on, so the only control players have on their bet is the multiplier. By choosing the multiplier wisely, they will be able to better control their winnings. Also, always remember to check the paytable of every machine carefully in order to make sure it offers a combination that is to cover your initial bet.