Slots have existed for over 100 years, and their popularity shows no signs of waning. With simple rules and straightforward gameplay, slots appeal to everyone, no matter their skill level.
The advent of smartphones and the internet has helped take this classic casino game to a global audience and break cultural barriers. Today, slots are accessible and convenient to play, anytime and anywhere players choose.
As technology improves, slots are becoming ever more immersive and exciting. But despite their continued success, some myths still surround the game. So, to set the record straight, we’ve decided to round them up and debunk them once and for all.
Common Slot Myths:
1. Slots are rigged
This common myth comes about from a misunderstanding of the meaning of house edge. Just like any other business, a casino needs to make a profit. To do that, they ensure all games give them a slight odds advantage – or house edge.
This represents the average gross profit that a casino can expect to make from each game. A casino might generate a small profit in the region of 0.5% to 2% on the games with the lowest house edge.
Slots typically have a house edge of 2%-15% depending on the machine, but the Return to Player percentage (RTP) is clearly displayed, so players are aware before they start playing.
Return To Player
All casino games have an RTP, which is displayed as a figure out of 100. Typically, it ranges between 90 and 97% for most casino games. That means games displaying an RTP of 96%, on average, return £96 to players for every £100 they spend.
While RTPs vary across online casinos, they are clearly displayed. Importantly, once set, they are programmed into the game’s software and cannot be altered.
2. Slots run hot and cold
A classic myth you will often hear quoted is that slots “are due for a win”, and a payout will be just around the corner. Needless to say, this is not the case.
Each slot machine spin is totally independent, regardless of how many times the game has been played. While it’s possible for a slot game to go long stretches without a win, each spin is determined by a Random Number Generator (RNG) and is therefore not governed by past results.
Random Number Generator
Casinos use RNGs to ensure every slot machine result is random, fair, and above board. It ensures that each spin is not predetermined and remains independent. All RNGs are tested in an independent audit lab to ensure they meet the standards required by gaming regulators.
3. Staking more increases your chances of winning
While staking more will enable you to receive more if you win, it is untrue to say that it will increase your chances of winning. As stated, each slot machine has a predetermined Return-to-Player rate, which is not affected by stake size and will never change.
4. Playing at certain times increases your chances of winning
Another odd, but often heard myth surrounding slots, is that playing at off-peak times increases your chances of winning. The theory is that casinos are eager to attract customers during these quieter times, triggering more wins to attract players.
However, as we’ve already made clear, RNGs and RTPs govern slots, and casinos cannot change these in any way, ensuring all games are random, fair, and independent.
5. Players can force a win
There are many players out there who claim to have magical powers when it comes to slots. They seem to think they can force a win out of the machine by stopping their spin at precisely the right time.
Others believe that pressing a specific sequence of buttons or altering stake sizes has a similar effect. However, these techniques are as likely to influence the result as standing on one leg and crossing your fingers.
The truth is that slot games rely on RPGs and luck, and no amount of button pressing or superstition will change that.
6. Strategies can beat slots
There is no guaranteed winning strategy for slot machines, but players could choose high RTP titles. Anything between 97% to 98% means the house edge is lower and the potential for long-term payouts is better.
Creating and managing your bankroll is also a good practice and ensures players maximize their enjoyment.
Licensed Online Casinos
Playing at an online casino regulated and licensed by the relevant gaming commission will ensure that all games have been tested and are fair and safe to play. And while there will always be myths about casino games and different ways to beat the system, the reality is that slots are just an enjoyable game of luck.