Are you looking to learn more about slot machines? Well, look no further! Here at Business2Community, we use our experience and knowledge to explain everything that there is to know, from reels and wilds to paylines and bonuses.
How do slot machines work? These games operate using random number generators (RNG). This produces outcomes at a rapid pace and ensures that every spin is completely fair and unpredictable.
Once the player presses a button or pulls the lever, the RNG will determine the result. The symbols displayed on the reels align with the generated outcome which creates the possibility of winning combinations.
The Mechanism Behind Early Slots & Newer Slot Machines Explained
Slot machines are nothing new, with the first having been developed in the United States in 1891. However, as the years have gone by, slot technology has continued to evolve. To kick off our guide on how do slot machines work, let’s take a closer look at the mechanism behind early games and newer games.
Early Slots
Traditional slot machines are operated through a host of gears and levers. Upon inserting a coin, a detector will activate before the brake is released.
At this time, the handle will be available to move. The spinning reels are supported by a metal shaft in the center of the machine, with the reels being stopped using a braking system.
Sensors will then link up to the payout system when a winning combo has been formed. In most cases, mechanical slot machines feature 20+ symbols per reel.
Newer Slots
From the outside, the design of newer video slots resembles the technology found on older machines. However, what makes them different is that they are run by a central computer that makes use of RNGs. This is what determines whether or not a winning combination is formed.
In order to turn and stop the reels, computerized slots use step motors. The computer controls digital pulses which move with precision in order to drive these motors.
Understanding Slot Machine RTPs
To figure out how slot machines work, one of the factors you’d do well to consider is exactly what the RTP of a machine means. This term is given to the amount a slot will pay out, on average, over a specific period. In order to assign a game an RTP, millions of simulated spins are done before the game is released.
With slot machines at land-based casinos, the RTP can only be changed by physically altering the software or firmware, whereas those found at online casinos are able to easily change the RTP of the games.
It is important to note that although it is pretty simple for a casino to do this, they can’t just simply choose whichever RTP they prefer. Instead, they must select from the options offered by the developer. For example, NetEnt, a well known slot developer, is one of many providers that offer slots with specific RTPs.
How to Calculate the House Edge
Knowing how the house edge is calculated will bring you one step closer to understanding exactly how slot machines work. Note that because the house edge will vary depending on the slot, you will need to calculate it yourself. In order to do that, you must first know the RTP percentage.
The house edge of a slot can range from anywhere between 1% and 12%. This is higher than the vast majority of other casino games. In order to explain this further, we will take a look at the popular Mega Moolah slot from Microgaming. In the table below, we have outlined how Mega Moolah compares with other game types when it comes to house edge:
| Game | Developer | House Edge | RTP |
| Mega Moolah | Microgaming | 2.5% | 88.12% |
| American Blackjack | Pragmatic Play | 0.45% | 99.60% |
| Golden Wealth Baccarat | Evolution Gaming | 1.06%-14.36% | 93.36%-98.95% |
| Craps | Evolution Gaming | 1.4%-16.9% | 99.17% |
Meanwhile, the RTP of a slot is calculated out of 100%, and the remaining amount needed to reach 100% after the slot has been assigned a specific RTP will be the house edge.
So, for example, if a game has an RTP of 92%, the remaining percentage needed to equal 100% is 8%, making the house edge for that slot 8%.
Mechanical Slots vs Online Video Slots
Whether you play slots in person or at a land-based casino, you’ll have the option to enjoy a number of different types. But what’s the difference between classic 1 payline, 3 -reel slots and a standard video slot? In this part of our guide, we take a closer look at each.
Mechanical Slots
Generally speaking, mechanical slots feature three reels, as well as traditional symbols, such as bars and fruit. The outcome of each spin is determined by a random number generator (RNG), ensuring that all potential combinations are possible. Mechanical slots are also known as classic or traditional slots.
Video Slots
Thousands of these slots are now available online and at land based casinos. Coming with a varying number of reels, paylines, symbols and bonus features, these types of online slots also use a random number generator to determine the outcome of each spin.
However, they are more interactive and dynamic. The number of reels will also vary, with 5 being the most common. Meanwhile, they can have thousands of paylines and bonus rounds for you to enjoy.
These are among the ways in which they differ from mechanical slots. On top of this, when you play online slots like these, you will find a number of different types, including progressive jackpot and Megaways slots.
Hopper Fill Slip Explained
A Hopper Fill Slip is a document that records the replenishment of coins from the coin hopper. The number of coins will decrease upon payouts being made to players.
On the slip, the number of coins placed into the hoppers are indicated. You will also find employee signatures of those involved with transactions, along with the number of the slot machine, its location, and the date.
Theoretical Hold – What is it & What Makes it Important?
Theoretical hold worksheets are required by law and therefore provided by individual manufacturers. Worksheets also display information regarding reel strip settings, coins played, number of reels, and payout schedules. Worksheets can be useful for players, as it will give you a better idea of your chances of winning.
Differences between Class II and Class III Slot Machines
In the US, slots are separated into two categories, Class II and Class III. As these have specific requirements that need to be met by law, the logic is therefore different for each of them. When the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) was passed in 1988, it categorised gaming into three classes.
Simply put, Class I refers to games for charity, cultural, and non-profit purposes. Class II referred to bingo, and Class III to games such as roulette, slots, and blackjack. The separation was introduced to restrict Class III gaming on Indian lands while still allowing those that fell under Class I and Class II categories. This was because games that are similar to bingo in nature were seen as less immoral than games under Class III.
As Class II machines weren’t as restricted, Native American casino operators started thinking of unique ways to develop games that technically fell under Class II but resembled Class III Las Vegas style gambling. This is what led to unique slots that differ slightly from your standard slots. Next, we take a look at exactly how this was done and what makes Class II slot games different from what can be found under Class III.
Class II
These slots were designed to follow bingo logic and are seen as a high speed, automated version of bingo. Class II slots display bingo games being run in the background.
When you click on spin, the player will be pooled with others who have also hit spin and each of them will be given a bingo outcome that is predetermined. With this game-type, you are betting against others, rather than the house. As such, there is just a single winner per round.
Class III
Class III slot machines use a random number generator to determine the result. Unlike Class II games, bets are placed against the house, rather than against other players. They often offer larger jackpots than Class II slots. Odds and compliance are the other differences to consider, with the image below being an example of a Class III slot.
Understanding the Main Slot Symbols & How They Work
Regardless of the number of reels, players must form a winning combination of symbols in order to earn a payout. Mechanical slot machines can have 20+ different symbols, compared to potentially hundreds with online slots. As such, there are a huge number of possible combinations.
Each symbol comes with different payouts, with the amount won depending on the number matched on a payline. Symbols are generally in keeping with the theme of the slot. However, you will regularly find cards and gems, while fruit machines are also very common. Below, we will take a closer look at two common symbol types, scatter and wild.
Scatter Symbols
Although there is no trick landing a payout each time you spin, it’s worth keeping an eye out for slots that offer these symbols. This is because scatter symbols are used to trigger bonus rounds, which gives you an even better chance of winning.
The number of scatters required varies between slots. Scatters can land anywhere on the reels, with free slot machine spins and multipliers being the most common rewards. This type of symbol is generally one of the highest paying, while it is represented by a unique graphic as a result.
Wild Symbols
Wilds are colorful symbols that act in a similar manner to the joker in a deck of cards. This is because they can replace other symbols in order to form a winning combination.
An example would be if you have symbols on reels 1 and 3, as well as a wild on reel 3, you will create a winning combo. Wilds also come with rewards in some cases, while acting as the highest paying symbol in others. Depending on the specific slot, it could be that a wild cannot replace scatter symbols.
Types of Online Slots Available in the US
A variety of different slot machines are available in the US today. Each is slightly different, whether it be based on their theme, gameplay or jackpots. The following are the most popular slots.
Pachisuro
Slots that are specific to a particular country are not uncommon. Pachisuro is an example, with this game type originating in Japan. Evolving from pinball games, Pachisuro slots also have an element of Vegas-style slots to them. The reels do not spin. Instead, a small ball moves through pegs in order to form winning combinations.
Fruit Machines
These coin-operated machines generate random symbol combinations on the reels. They are also known as slot machines, with particular combinations resulting in payouts. Slot machine themes vary, whether it be fruit, animals, crystals or fantasy.
Jackpots
If you are looking to win larger amounts, jackpot slot machines are likely to be for you. Progressive jackpot slots are particularly popular. This is because a proportion of each bet placed contributes to the jackpot. Once the jackpot has been one, it will revert to its default amount.
Video Slot Machines
Video slot machines are available at many top online casinos. Developed by many software providers, virtual reels and symbols are used. The number of reels, paylines and bonus features vary, with the first video slot having been released in the 1970’s. These days, most of the best video slots offer free spins and multipliers in-game.
How to Select the Best Slots
Given the increasing number of slot machines that are available today, it is not always easy deciding which is the best for you. Gamblers must consider a number of factors, with each potentially impacting how to win on slot machines.
One quick method of finding the best slot is to check out expert reviews. The best online slots reviews discuss everything from RTP and paylines to bonus rounds and payouts. When you take a look at some of the best online slots for real money, you’ll find that they cater for both beginners and high rollers. Meanwhile, they are also available on desktops, mobile phones, and tablets.
Our Final Thoughts on Casino Slot Machines
Having read our guide, you should now have a better idea about how online casino slot machines work. You will find both Class II and Class III options designed to suit every type of player.
Thanks to quality developers that are always looking for ways to enhance your overall experience, when you decide to check out some of the most popular online gambling sites, you can look forward to a variety of different themes, bonus rounds, and special features.