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10 Popular Slots Myths

When it comes to slot machines whether online or at a land-based casino, there are a number of myths that are held to be true by casino players across the world. Here we take a look at some of the most widely believed myths and why it is actually a mistake to believe these:

Myth 1: A slot machine will be due for a win when it has been "cold" for a long time

Slot machines are governed by Random Number Generators and therefore "programmed" to yield random results. This means that the chance of a slot machine being either "hot" or "cold" will always be the same and the odds remain constant. So when you're playing don't think feeding a slot machine with large sums of cash will help you to win, or if you're playing and winning that you will continue to win. There are no "streaks" when it comes to slot machines.

Myth 2: New slots are looser than older ones so that people will play them

While it would be a great idea on the casino's part if this were true, but unfortunately the reality is that it's not. Most new slots are popular because of their novelty value and people play them whether they win or lose because they enjoy experiencing something different. Both old and new slots are operated by random number generators which govern their payouts.

Myth 3: Casinos launch new slots to offer players more variety

While this is partially true, the real reason that casinos offer such a huge range of slots it's due to the fact that slots players are generally fickle and look for a new machine when they are losing, so having alternatives is a great way to keep players playing and the revenue streams flowing.

Myth 4: Casinos aren't interested in low-value slots players

When it comes to slots there is not really such a thing as a low roller. All things considered, even if you play the quarter machines and put three-quarters in every 5 seconds that equates to $540 per hour which is no small sum. Casinos also offer all players a variety of promotions which shows they are of interested in all levels of players.

Myth 5: Intelligent people don't play slot machines

This is an unfounded and very biased view. Slots players come from a variety of different backgrounds and are representative of a cross-section of the world's population. When asked why they play slots, these players generally respond that slots are relaxing. No matter what the attraction, slots definitely are responsible for the majority of both brick and mortar and land based casinos' income with more players playing slot machines than all other games combined.

Myth 6: When playing bonus rounds within slots, each stop is equally likely

While it may seem that each option is equally likely, they aren't. For example, in a game like Wheel of Fortune, the wheel is not a mechanical device but rather an electronically controlled "entertainment feature" which is governed by a random number generator, so something that looks like a one in 10 chance may actually be one in 10,000!

Myth 7: Progressive Jackpots always hit on weekends rather than weekdays

Many people believe that Progressive Jackpot slots are programmed to payout only on weekends, and while many jackpots are hit on weekends this is due to the fact that more people play on weekends than on weekdays. This, of course, leads to more winners on weekends. Continually altering payback percentages would be a huge job for casinos and they are unlikely to ever employ such a strategy. Instead, they make their money with high volumes of players and while there may be more winners on weekends, there are also more losers at the same time.

Myth 8: No slot machines offer a player the edge over the casino

This is untrue. There are some slots which are known as advantage play machines wherein savvy slots players can obtain the edge over the casino if he/she knows what to look for and how to play these properly.

Myth 9: Senior citizens spend their money on playing slots and don't save

While there are increasingly more senior citizens playing at both online casinos and land based ones, this isn't the case, but if it where would it really be an issue? These people have lived through a lot and the majority are able to make their own decisions. So maybe their children won't receive as much of an inheritance but at least their parents will have enjoyed themselves.

Myth 10: A slot machine that just paid out won't pay out again for some time

While this may be true for slots at your local pub, when it comes to slots machines at land based casinos as well as in online slots, spins are governed by Random Number Generators and while the slot is set to payout at a rate of less than 100% so that over time it will make a profit, wins still remain random and can be hit quite quickly after each other.

The only time play will affect payouts is in the case of progressive slots where the payout amount will be based out on the previous win as jackpot totals reset to a base amount once hit.

Victor (victor@casinotestreports.com)

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