Slot Machine Myths Busted

Myth: You can spot a winning slot machine. The only surefire way of spotting a winning slot machine is when the bells are ringing and the money is dropping out, as slot machines utilize random number generators (RNG) for their payouts.

Myth: Casinos place loose slots near the cashier, aisle ways, etc. If this were 100% true, these would be the only machines played in a casino. In reality casinos mix slots all over the casino floor.

Myth: Count the number of symbols on the reels to determine your odds. This is mathematically impossible, as there are literally millions of combinations on a 3 reel slot machine.

Myth: Casinos can tighten or loosen slot machines from the back office. No casino can change a machine's pay-out simply by flipping a switch; it requires changing the computer chip.

Myth: A slot machine that has not been paying is due to hit. This is absolutely false. Due to the RNGs, you have an equal chance of winning on a losing machine as you do on a machine that just hit the jackpot.

Myth: Pulling the slot machine handle produces more wins than pressing the spin button and visa versa. This is also false, as the computer only uses these as mechanisms to start the game. Only the computer determines a win or a loss, and it has determined this before the first reel stops spinning.

Myth: Playing with hot coins improves your chances. Nope. Sorry. Since the computer determines a win or loss, the temperature of the machine or money is irrelevant, so don’t burn your fingers with lighters trying to heat up your coins.

Myth: Casinos set slot machines to payback more on the weekends. Wrong. The odds of winning are the same no matter if it's 8:00pm Tuesday, 11:00pm Friday or 2:00a Monday.