If
you’re like most slot machine players,
you might believe you will have a better chance
at winning if you play one coin at a time rather
than the maximum. Or maybe that you should back
off after a win because the machine might turn
perhaps you’ve wondered if the jackpot
is truly random, or if someone at the casino
controls it somehow. You may have wondered whether
the jackpot is inactive until it reaches a certain
level, or if the chances of winning are better
at a certain time of day.
Even if you are an experienced slot player,
you may have sometimes wondered if the games
really are random, or if there are little things
you can do to increase your odds. As a result
of these feelings, there are some myths that
have come into existence regarding slot machines.
Here are a few of the myths, and an explanation
of the reality for each.
Myth #1: If the jackpot hasn’t
hit lately, it must be due soon.
Actually, the jackpots in progressive slots
really are completely random. There is a random
number generator inside each slot machine that
determines what combination will be displayed.
Each of the different numbers that are generated
correspond to a certain reel combination, and
it is only when the random number generator
returns the number that corresponds to the jackpot
combination that the jackpot will be won.
That means that each and every spin is completely
random. It doesn’t matter how many spins
have already been made, there are still the
same odds that the next spin will be a winner.
The odds do not change from one spin to the
next.
Myth #2: Slot machines turn cold after
paying out a jackpot.
This is a popular belief among players. However,
it is not true. Slot machines keep paying out
at the same rate as usual after a big jackpot.
The results of each spin are independent of
previous spins. The results of every spin is
dependent on the number generated by the machine’s
random number generator. The rate of payouts
is not affected by a jackpot. There can be cold
streaks following a jackpot, but hot streaks
are just as likely.
Myth #3: You win more often when you
play with one coin.
The truth is that the random number generator
that determines which combination will be displayed
is not even on the same computer chip that counts
the coins. It is impossible for the slot machine
to change the combinations that will be displayed
based on the number of coins bet.
This myth is perpetuated by the fact that players
often reduce their bets when they hit a losing
streak. Then when they win, they think it is
because they only bet one coin. Actually, they
would have won anyhow, even if they had kept
up their previous bets. The amount of the bet
had nothing to do with it. Regardless of how
many coins you bet at one time, there will be
hot streaks and cold streaks while you are playing
the slots.
Myth #4: Casino operators control who
wins the jackpot.
This is false. There is no magic button that
casino operators can push to reward their favorite
customers. They can give you free food or drinks,
or other incentives to try to keep you interested
in playing, but casino employees cannot do anything
to help you win the jackpot.
No matter where you are playing, whether online
or at your favorite casino, hitting the jackpot
is completely random. There is nothing either
the players or the casino employees can do to
change that, and that’s exactly the way
it should be. |
