4 Slot Machine Math Numbers That You Need to Know
7 minutes
Last Updated: May 18, 2022
4 Slot Machine Math Numbers That You Need to Know
Slot games are pretty straightforward to understand, and you don’t need much knowledge or gambling skill to start playing them.
Despite this, there’s a lot of math going around in the background, as these machines have very sophisticated and complex inner workings.
So much so that knowing some of the math numbers may change your entire outlook on these casino games.
Here are four slot machine math numbers and facts that you need to know if you like playing these exciting casino games:
RNG Math
Some slot players think that they can recognize different slot machine patterns if they observe the game for a prolonged period.
This is a common myth, as all modern slots, such as Eye of Cleopatra slot, for example, work on RNG software that makes every outcome entirely random and independent from previous results.
However, there’s an additional layer to this misconception.
In truth, this is precisely what casinos want you to believe because it will likely keep you at the slot machine for longer, earning the casino more money.
If we were to look closer into the RNG math, we would see that modern RNG software runs through millions of possible combinations for every spin that you make.
Of course, this means that there’s some algorithm controlling the results. But, with so many numbers cycling through every second, it’s impossible for any human to find any pattern or value.
Losses That Look Like Wins
Some slot machines are notorious for masking losses as wins, and many players are unfortunately unaware of this practice.
When playing slots, you would assume that every win means you’re getting more money than you put in.
This is something you’ll never see transparently listed, and you should look for it carefully before you play any slot machine.
Here’s an example to make it more clear. Let’s say that you’re putting in $1 per spin on a particular slot machine.
On one of your spins, the bells ding, the machine lights up and says you lined up a small winning combination.
Without looking, you assume it’s a tiny win that puts you up a few bucks.
You’re happy that you landed a win and continue playing in hopes of an even more rewarding payout. In reality, the small combination paid $0.80, twenty percent less than what you put in.
This is why losses that are disguised as wins can be very dangerous.
They will not only eat up your bankroll but can even lead to gambling addiction if you get caught up in the excitement of seeing the machine light up for every win. So, make sure to do the math on this one before playing.
The Math Behind Penny Slots
Penny slot machines seem like a great way for players with fairly low bankrolls to play slots without overspending.
That said, nowadays, penny slots have almost gone extinct. It’s very challenging to find a game that offers you real winning potential.
In other words, this term is nowadays more of a marketing technique to get you to play the game.
Even if you can find a “penny slot”, high chances are that you’ll have to bet more if you want to play with more than the bare minimum of allowed paylines, let alone be eligible for a jackpot.
Why is this important? Because the total amount you bet per spin directly plays into how much you’ll spend during your session.
If you bet just $1 per spin and play an average of 500 spins per hour, you’re still potentially risking $500, which is a lot of money to most gamblers.
The RTP and the House Edge
We’ll conclude this article with some simple and easy-to-remember slot machine math numbers.
Every casino slot machine has a house edge and a Return To Player percentage that add up to 100% together.
Each slot has a different house edge percentage, which is the portion of every bet that the casino rakes in. Generally speaking, new games like Chicken Chase slot, tend to have a better RTP.
Why is this number so important?
If you play a slot with an RTP of 94%, you can expect to win back $94 for every $100 you bet. The rest goes to the casino through the house edge.
Because these two are closely tied, ideally, you want to find a slot machine that has the highest RTP possible, as this way, you’ll ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.
