Slot machines have spiraled to the forefront of casino game popularity since they were invented by Charles Fey over 100 years ago. With virtually no learning curve required to play, these luck-based games cater to all players. Whether you’re an avid slot player or simply enjoy learning about online casino games, these five cool facts will solidify your understanding of how they work.
Online slots operate off of Random Number Generators.
The first slot machines were mechanical, and they were followed by the electromechanical ones of the ‘60s. Now slots, both online and at brick and mortar casinos, are video slots. They rely on Random Number Generators to calculate algorithms, with the result corresponding with a stop on the reel.
Payouts vary from slot to slot and are based on the Return to Player percentage.
Every slot comes with its own Return to Player percentage, also known as the payback. This is the average amount that’s expected to be returned to the player in the long run. An example of a Return to Player percentage is 94.67%. The game takes an average of $5.33 for every $100 wagered over the long run.
Symbols are weighted differently.
Not all symbols appear on the reels an equal number of times. Casinos are able to offer big jackpots by weighting symbols differently, with the symbols required to land a jackpot showing up less frequently on the reels than the other icons.
Bonus round results are not predetermined.
Many online slots offer bonus rounds that require players to make decisions. These bonuses are not determined before the round commences, and the decision you make does play a role in the outcome. At the end of the round, all the possible selections reveal their prizes, and these amounts are determined at the start of the round. For example, in the Double Up feature in A Night With Cleo, you must pick one of two lotus flowers. After you pick, both lotus flowers reveal their prize (or lack of prize) which was determined at the start of the round.
There are two kinds of progressive jackpots.
One big draw to specific video slots is the inclusion of a progressive jackpot, but it’s important to keep in mind there are two kinds of progressive jackpots (here's How Progressive Jackpots Work). One jackpot (the Random Jackpot), is awarded randomly. There is no betting minimum, and it’s not triggered by a winning line. The other jackpot is awarded for landing the top line. When choosing a game with a jackpot, check which one it is in the paytable.