Slot machines contain many intricate mechanisms. When you press “Play,” spinning reels display symbols that, if they align with the pay table, can earn credits according to game rules. But there’s much more happening behind the scenes; indeed some people have managed to beat slot machines and win big payouts despite all odds stacked against them – but how? What makes these machines tick, and what can go wrong if something breaks?
Modern slot machines are driven by random number generators which produce thousands of numbers every second, which combine into combinations that determine each spin’s outcome — whether you win or lose. Since every spin is unpredictable, it makes it impossible to predict what symbols will appear on the reels or which combinations form winning paylines – also meaning there is no such thing as “hot” or “cold” machines!
Traditional slot machines employed mechanical reels with limited combinations on one reel to display symbols and determine results, from as few as three physical reels or as many as 10. Unfortunately, each mechanical machine had one major drawback: its odds of hitting any given symbol were relatively slim due to only having 103 possible combinations available per reel – thus limiting jackpot sizes and diminishing interest for players.
Manufacturers using electronics in their machines quickly found a solution by weighting symbols. Electronics allowed manufacturers to set up multiple combinations on each reel while still having relatively low odds of hitting any given symbol, thereby increasing payout amounts proportionately larger when that symbol appeared even though its probability wasn’t any greater than any other symbol.
Slot machines feature more than just the credit meter; all machines include a candle and drop bucket or box to signal servicing needs, player hand pay requests or malfunctions. In addition, excess coins may be stored in drop buckets at the base of a machine with hinged lids or locks and filled to levels above its maximum payout mark for better efficiency.
Non-skill based slot machines are also connected to a central system that monitors all aspects of each machine, from its payout history and current payback percentage, as well as any future changes. State gaming commissions oversee these systems; changing payout percentage requires replacing an EPROM device on each game – an expensive and time-consuming task which must be carried out with oversight by state gaming regulators; therefore casino owners often do not alter this figure themselves but may do so to comply with state regulations concerning what percentage of net wins must be returned back to players.
