In the case of single-line slot machines, each position on the reel strips has its own weighting, meaning that more outcomes of the random number will be assigned to one stop than another. The last random numbers drawn when the player presses the 'spin' button determines where the reels stop and what the player wins. There is a separate random number generated for each reel. The games draw random numbers all the time, even when not in play. This is true for both 3-reel physical slot machines (called Stepper slots) and video slots. How they WorkĮxcept for a few antiques still in use (there are some at Bonnie Springs), the outcome every time you play a slot machine is determined by random numbers and how those numbers are mapped to the positions on the reel strips.
The objective of this page is to explain how slot machines work, debunk some common myths, and offer some advice on game selection.
Just put your money in, press a button, and see what you win. As I said in my page about roulette, as a rule of thumb, the easier a casino game is to play, the worse the odds are for the player.