While myths about slot machines have continued unabated for decades, the truth is slot machines are created with one goal in mind – to ensure players are entertained when playing. A closer look at these machines reveals how they operate and how they are regulated.
Most people know very little about slots and the biggest misconception is that they can be rigged. The fact is that slot machine payouts are completely random. There is no way that anyone – whether a guest or someone from the casino, or even the machine manufacturers – can predict when a machine will pay out. Still have some doubts? The truth is that the reality is very different to what you may have heard.
To understand how a slot machine works there is a Random Number Generator (RNG) that continuously cycles through numbers at a rate of thousands per second. These numbers correspond to stop positions on the reels of the slot machine that display winning or losing combinations of symbols. When you hit the spin button, the RNG picks the combination at that given micro-second and each reel stops in the position that corresponds to that number. Therefore, the outcome of the game is randomly determined at the moment when you hit the spin button. When the reels have stopped spinning the machine will check whether the reel stop numbers correspond to a winning or losing combination, at which point it will pay out and/or end the game.
Marius van Rooyen, Slots Manager at Montecasino says that over the years the myths relating to slot machines have become the subject of urban legend and is totally lacking in factual foundation. “Since most people don’t understand the inner workings of slot machines it’s understandable that we’ve developed our own theories based on our personal experiences.” Let’s take a look at a few of the most popular myths regarding slot machines.
If a slot machine hasn’t paid out for a while, it’s due for a win.
False. Each game played is totally independent of the other; just as a dice has no memory of what number came up in the last throw. This means that it’s as likely that you will throw several sixes in a row as it is to throw none. By the same token, it’s as likely for a machine to have several winning combinations in immediate succession as it is for it not to have any for a while. It is random in the strictest definition of the word – which means lacking a definite plan, purpose or pattern.
Machines have different programmes for the different numbers of coins/credits you play and therefore you have more chance of winning a jackpot if you play one coin/credit rather than three or more coins/credits.
False. The number of credits or coins wagered per spin has no effect on the randomness of the game. The influence of the number of coins/credits wagered only comes into the calculation once a winning combination is verified and if the number of bets wagered affects the value of the payout. With most types of games, the higher the bet, the higher the payout for winning combinations will be.
The temperature of the coins or the machine will affect the way a machine pays is pure superstition.
True. A slot machine is not affected by temperature of the coins or the machine. There is no such thing as a “hot” or “cold” machine.
Casino staff can predict when a machine is going to pay out.
False. Once again, the outcome of each game is randomly determined and therefore it is impossible to know when a machine is going to pay. One of the core functions of casino staff is to interact with the guests and assist them with regard to the products and services on offer, as well as attending to slot machine payouts.
Casinos can loosen or tighten slot machines at the flip of a switch.
False. Slot machines have computer chips which determine the Return To Player (RTP) percentage. These comply with national norms and standards and are tested by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) and approved by the Gambling Board. Changes to the RTP percentage are strictly regulated by legislative requirements. Devices that have an influence on the game outcome are sealed in a ‘logic box’ inside the slot machine. This process is recorded, strictly audited and controlled by internal, external and Gambling Board auditors.
If you use your Club Festival loyalty card the machine will pay back less. Conversely, only gold or platinum cardholders win jackpots.
False. The card has no influence on the outcome of the game. The computer systems used by casinos are for the purpose of monitoring and collating information on players, so that they can be appropriately rewarded through the loyalty programme. In short, neither the card not the card status can transmit any instruction to the machines relating to the payouts.
If you play all the lines on a slot machine you have a better chance of winning.
True. Playing the maximum bet on a slot machine increases your chance of a bigger payout. For example, you should max it out instead of playing single lines because you increase your chances of winning a bigger pot, and the expected value is higher. It is important to remember to always play within your budget, so don’t increase the amount you spend rather choose a machine with a lower bet.
If the casino changes games it is because they are paying out too much.
False. All slot machines have a theoretical payback which is regulated by provincial Gambling Board guidelines. Casino management will track which games are most popular with their guests and make sure there are more of these games on offer. In the same way that the retail environment would not do away with a product that is a best seller, casinos do not remove games that keep their customers coming back. To offer new gaming experiences to guests, the casino exchanges current games with new products, as it is only allowed to operate a specified number of slot machines at one time.
“The truth is that we want our customers to have an entertaining experience. People who constantly lose don’t come back. But the reality is that we can’t predict, determine or change the outcome of who wins or loses – it’s a game of chance and completely random, which is what makes it so exciting. The enjoyment we get out of playing slots comes from the anticipation, the thrill of the unknown and the promise of possibility. It’s about being a Maverick of Chance. Wherever technology takes us, the games will continue to be fair, regulated and, above all, fun!” concludes Van Rooyen.
To find out more about the various slot machines and tables games on offer at Montecasino, or to sign up to the Club Festival loyalty programme for exciting offers and discounts, go to www.montecasino.co.za.
ISSUED ON BEHALF OF MONTECASINO BY STRATEGIC PUBLIC RELATIONS.FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT JENÉ GODFREY ON 011 672 2037 OR E-MAIL jene@stratpr.co.za.
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Award-winning Montecasino - Gauteng’s number one entertainment destination - is ideally located in the heart of Fourways Johannesburg and is a spectacular 24-7 ‘World at Play’ development meticulously designed to replicate an authentic Tuscan Village. A casino, retail entertainment, corporate hospitality and events, three hotels on property and a luxury office park, is perfectly packaged to offer the very best in stylish entertainment to deliver a unique and memorable experience. Visitors to Montecasino are immediately captivated by our Italian communal theming and vibrant social and entertainment buzz – an atmosphere that keeps them returning again and again. Catering for both the leisure and business markets through our broad range of facilities, entertainment activities, abundant parking and convenient location just off the main commuter routes; it is clear to see why Montecasino attracts over 9.3 million visitors annually. For more information go to www.montecasino.co.za or join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/montecasino. Another Tsogo Sun Gaming Experience. Montecasino - We’ve got it!
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