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Online Slot Machines Explained

Online gambling continues to accumulate a huge fan base in Japan, and as it does, so do online slot casinos. Since slots are so similar to pachinko, a traditional Japanese game, its popularity is no surprise. Despite this, most gamblers still do not know how these thrilling machines work.

The majority will say that slot machines are a game of luck. The more pessimistic gamblers will say that casinos rig the slot machines to keep you from winning. So which is the correct answer?

If you are curious about how slot machines work, you have come to the right place. With this article, you will find the answers to all your queries!

Math Determines Your Luck

Yes, the online slot machine determines results based on mathematical algorithms. Not the answer you were expecting? Well, the statement holds for even the earliest slot machines! The first slot machines used simple math equations to determine the reel sizes and the placement of symbols.

The slot machines of today, including online ones, follow a similar concept. However, they use vectors or arrays to symbolize the reels.

The Programming Behind Online Slot Machines

While a slot game has only 10-15 symbols, the actual reels hold way more. Game designers essentially create a group of arrays or virtual reels that contain symbols or their codes. The length of these reels can differ depending on the game.

What matters is that the placement of symbols on the reel is so that some are more common than others. What does this mean? The low-value symbols appear more often than those of higher worth. So contrary to popular belief, the chances of winning at slots is not low; it is just that the amount you win might not be as high as you expect.

How Do Online Slot Machines Work?

While online slot casinos do use math, the system they rely on is entirely random. The way this works is that each pull of the slot lever is independent of the others. So your past pulls in no way affect your future outcomes as the machine has no memory.

The way to increase your odds at winning slot machines lies in the number of times you play it. Gamblers can calculate the probability of a particular outcome if they figure out a few factors. First, they need to know the total number of symbol combinations on the reels. Then, they must determine how many times a particular symbol appears on a reel.

Consider the example of a 3-slot machine with 20 symbols per reel. In this case, the total number of symbols on it will be 20 x 20 x 20, so 8000 combos. Let’s say the gambler needs to hit seven on each reel to win the jackpot. If the number appears once per reel, this makes the odds of it appearing 1/20 x 1/20 x 1/20. So, in essence, the probability is one in 8000.

With this formula, you can easily calculate the probability of possible combos and determine the payout from the same.

Wrap Up

While the math behind slot machines is far from simple, it is not impossible. Also, the more you know about it, the easier it will be to form a strategy. So keep these basics in mind the next time you try your luck at spinning!