How do online slot machines work? This question has often been asked by people who are not familiar with the world of internet gambling. There are many myths about the work of slots, the most common of which is the myth that the longer you play, the greater the chance of hitting the jackpot.
So, today we will analyze in detail how slot machines work, what is RTP, and which slots are worth playing.
How do online slots work?
The operation of online casino slot machines is based on a random number generator – a unique program that works according to an algorithm. It is the generator that is responsible for the combinations that fall out during the game. This process is absolutely random, its result cannot be predicted.
Since the appearance of the first online slot machines, the progress in development has gone far ahead, but the principle of operation of the generator and its reliability have not changed until now. Of course, there are still some changes, because software developers always need to take into account modern requirements.
Mathematicians, programmers, and psychologists took part in the development of the random number generator. The modern generator used in slot machines was invented by a professor at the University of Massachusetts.
It is a 128-bit md5 algorithm used in banking security systems in addition to online casinos. Which is excellent evidence of its reliability.
What is RTP in slots?
The Official Return to Player (RTP) is the percentage of payment to the user, which is set by the developer in each slot machine. The RTP indicator reflects the proportion that denotes the ratio between the users’ winnings and the income of the gambling establishment.
For example, if in the parameters of the slot machine the RTP is 95%, then the player will receive 95% of the bet. And the casino accounts for only 5%.
This does not mean that the player will receive only 95 cents on each abstract dollar. The player can hit the jackpot slots after just a few spins or after a few dozen of spins of the drum.
The variance is responsible for this. Variance is a property of the random number generator. The RTP takes into account the variance, therefore, it is necessary to make several hundred rotations in order to establish the validity of the stated RTP.
The percentage in each slot directly depends on the mathematical model chosen by the creators and the requirements in a particular case.
Of course, no one will ever issue a license to an establishment where a ridiculous percentage of payments is set, obviously lower than the level specified by law. In general, this range varies from 80 to 95%, it all depends on the country.
So, gambling platforms and companies that release new casino games are forced to comply with this rule. Some soft-makers release slot machines with a single RTP, but some make adjustments to each new game.
What slots are worth playing?
If you have made several dozen spins, and the long-awaited win is still missing, then you better switch to another game. Do not forget about the random number generator, because each spin is independent and does not take into account everything that came before it.
Another spread myth that the percentage of winning depends on the amount of the bet is also not true, the generator does not work like that. The number generator ensures that there is the same winning percentage for each of your spins on any bet.
But still, you should not stubbornly play one slot, waiting for your jackpot. There are many slot machines now, perhaps you will be more fortunate with another slot machine.
Local and progressive jackpot availability
Of course, you need to play where the payout percentage is the highest. This could be understood from what was said above. But besides that, it is worth remembering about jackpots.
There are two types of jackpots:
- Local jackpots are tied to a specific online casino, and its amount is formed from all the bets made by players of this casino.
- Progressive jackpot accumulates the bank from all casinos in which this slot is set and its amount is much higher.
Just don’t blindly chase progressive jackpot. As a rule, it is much more difficult to win it than chasing the local jackpot. Yes, it is less, but, as practice shows, there are more chances to win it.
Among all the major online casinos, there is a real “cold war” for new players. So they are forced to offer more and more bonuses in order to attract new users.
One of these pleasant bonuses is no deposit, where the player is offered a certain amount of free spins for registration. This is a great opportunity to win something without spending a dime on it. At the same time, you will also check the percentage of “return” for a particular slot machine.