Slots

Random Number Generators (RNGs) form the foundation of modern slot machine design, which has evolved drastically since the era of purely mechanical machines. An RNG is a microprocessor, much like the ones used in computers. This microprocessor constantly generates random sequences of numbers; in fact, it produces thousands of sequences every second.

There are two types of RNGs: true random number generators and the so-called pseudo-random number generators (PRNGs), which use computational algorithms to create long sequences of numbers. PRNGs appear random but are actually determined by a seed value, or key. Therefore, the numbers can be reproduced and predicted if the seed is known. True random number generators are rarely used because they are extremely complex and often fail to produce true randomness over long periods. PRNGs, on the other hand, are used almost everywhere, from electronic games to cryptography. Although they are labeled “pseudo,” their results mimic randomness closely, and the numbers they generate cannot be realistically predicted or reproduced without the seed.

Tip: The generation of random number sequences never stops, even when the game is not being played.

Every virtual casino game, including slots, virtual blackjack, roulette, and video poker, is controlled by an RNG, typically a PRNG. The numbers generated correspond to positions on the reels. The instant a player presses the Spin or Play button, the most recently generated number determines the outcome. All of this happens in a fraction of a second, making it impossible for players to predict the results or count the symbols. Conversely, casinos cannot adjust the machine to ensure that its jackpot is paid only once every few months. If a game uses an RNG, it cannot be manipulated.

The RNG is often associated with a slot’s hit frequency, which indicates how often a winning combination will appear. In slots, it ranges from 3% to 40%. A hit frequency of 20%, for example, means that the game will stop on a winning combination about 20% of the time. These numbers can be confusing because a 3% hit frequency may sound unappealing, yet such a game usually offers the chance to win a huge jackpot. Video poker games often have a hit frequency of 40%–45%, but in roughly half of those wins the player merely recoups the original bet.

Another important percentage slot players should consider when choosing a game is the Return to Player (RTP), or simply return. It indicates what percentage of all wagers made on a particular game will be returned to players as winnings over time. In slots, the RTP varies widely, but most video slots have a return of around 90%. In online slots, the return is even more generous and often exceeds 95%. The house edge is simply the flip side of the return percentage; if a game has an RTP of 95%, the house edge will be 5%.

Paylines, the positions on which matching symbols must land for a payout, are one of the most important aspects of slots. In the past, physical slot machines had a single payline that ran across the middle of the reels. Once three matching symbols appeared in a straight line, the player collected the corresponding payout. Today, video slots feature multiple paylines in various shapes, including V, inverted V, zigzag, and more. The most basic video slots have at least five paylines, but in some games their number can reach 25 or even 100.

When you start playing a particular slot game, you will see several indicators, one of which is Lines. It shows the number of active paylines. You can easily change this number. Remember, the more paylines you play, the more chances you have to win.

Tip: You place a bet on each active payline, so if you are playing with $1 on a 20-line slot, your bet per spin will be $20.

Traditionally, slot machines pay out winnings for matching symbols that appear from left to right. However, many games now have the “win both ways” feature, which means that winning combinations can also be made from right to left. For obvious reasons, these games have become incredibly popular among players because they offer twice as many ways to win. Another recently introduced feature is the “all ways” win system, which in practice eliminates paylines and allows players to collect winnings for every possible combination. To win, you simply need to land at least three matching symbols on consecutive reels. These slots usually display the number of ways you can win in the following formats: 243 ways, 720 ways, or even 1024 and 3125 ways.

Different games have different coin denominations, and unlike old slot machines, modern video slots allow you to change both the coin denomination and the total size of your bet. Many games offer denominations of $0.01, and they are widely known as penny slots. Typically, the maximum denomination is $1, but some slots allow much higher denominations. The total size of your bet per spin is determined by the denomination you choose, the number of active paylines, and the number of coins you wish to wager on each line. This is why you should always consider these three factors before playing for real money. For instance, you may bet $0.01 per line, which is almost nothing, but if the game has 100 lines and you activate them all, you will be betting $1 per spin.

Slot games also include a Max Bet option, which increases your wager to the maximum number of lines and the highest coin value. In many games, this option is the only way to win the jackpot, but be careful, as the maximum bet can cost several hundred dollars per spin. In some games, using Max Bet also allows you to trigger bonus rounds or free spins.