Debunking Slots Myths
The slots gaming genre is undoubtedly one of the most popular and beloved choices for casino players all over the world. There are many aspects of playing slots that make this the perfect gaming choice for seasoned and novice players alike. While the instant rush of spinning the reels and thrill of potentially winning a life-changing jackpot are obvious attractions, the simplicity and ease of getting started with slots is another great aspect that makes players choose this genre time and time again.
Fun and excitement aside, we encourage our players to educate themselves on healthy gambling practices and habits to ensure that playing slots remain a light-hearted, thrilling and pleasant recreational activity. To help you along, we’ve shared in-depth knowledge of slots and expert advice.
We’ll be looking into the following:
Slots Win Rate Defined
While slots are well-known for their simplicity, in terms of gameplay and rules, there are a few terms that new and seasoned players ought to understand well to take full advantage of every slot gaming title. One of these concepts is the Win Rate, also referred to as Return to Player percentage or the house edge, which describes the total of a title’s wagered amount that is returned to players via jackpots or wins. This means that the win rate will show you what percentage of the total jackpot will be kept by the casino operator.
Since casino operators provide gaming services to many clients, the house edge can be seen as a service fee. For example, a RTP percentage of 96% means that the slot will pay out 96% of the total jackpot to players, while the operator will receive the remaining 4%. This 4% is vital to the survival and profitability of both land-based and online gaming venues. Failure to have a house edge would be disastrous for operators and could result in them being unable to pay software gaming providers and employees alike. In the long run, software developers wouldn’t be able to invest in developing new technology and concepts for the slots genre and every other casino game they provide.
Simulation of the Win Rate’s Effect
One of the defining aspects of gaming is the anticipation that players feel when spinning the reels and the sense of uncertainty that comes without knowing whether it will result in a win or not. The technical term for this uncertainty, that leads to exhilaration, is called variance. The variance is responsible for creating a tangible possibility of an immediate profit for players while gradually guaranteeing the operator of the casino will make a long-term profit. While these two goals being simultaneously achieved might seem contradictory, the variance and RTP percentages have been designed to ensure that players have a fair chance of winning and operators are able to conduct profitable businesses.
To prove our point, we have created a simulation of how the variance works and how achieving both of these goals is possible. In each of the simulations below, we have started the player on a wager of $1. As the chart depicts, there is a possibility for players to double this wager, lose the wager completely or end up not making a profit. We made use of a number generator to keep our simulation as close to a slot machine gaming experience as possible.
The dark blue, orange and light blue lines represent scenarios where a house edge is not applied to the slot game. Meanwhile, the green, red and yellow lines depict scenarios where a 3% house edge has been added, leaving players with a 97% win rate.
For the first chart simulation, we have run through the outcome a total of 100 times. We can see that the green and yellow lines result in positive results even though there is a 3% house edge. These two scenarios serve as proof that it is possible for the casino operator to gradually make a profit while players have a real possibility of short-term profits.
For the second simulation chart, we have kept all variables the same except for the number of times that the scenario has been run. As opposed to the 100 times of the first chart, the second chart has been extended to show results of 1 000 times.
As the chart shows, there is still no distinct difference between the scenarios where a house edge has been applied. This serves as further proof that the possibility for players to make a short-term profit and operators to gradually make long-term profits remains intact. From a players’ perspective, this means that you can play for a long period of time without your bankroll taking any significant knocks.
For the last scenario and chart, we have run the simulation 10 000 times. At this point there is a discernible difference between the scenarios that have a win rate of 97% and those that have a win rate of 100%, or no house edge factored in. The red, green and yellow lines have a 3% house edge and are gradually decreasing.In essence, these simulations show that the amount of times a slot is played can have a long-term effect on the profits that players see.
This chart may leave you wondering if there is perhaps an optimal amount of time that you should spend playing slots to ensure that the possibility of a profit remains on the horizon. However, this is an impossible question to answer since our scenarios don’t factor in the payout of a specific slot machine. This simulation was conducted to depict how the relationship between time spent playing a slot can affect your overall bankroll.
Debunking Slots Myths
Considering that slots are a popular choice for players from all over the world, it’s to be expected that myths and misguided beliefs have taken centre stage. While most of these myths appear to be harmless, there are a few that could result in players making uninformed and financially dangerous decisions. Below, we’ll be taking a look into some of the common slot myths and debunking them.
The Theory Explained
This theory is more for players who visit land-based casino venues to enjoy their slots. The next time you visit your local gaming venue, look out for players who bet big on a slot machine, only to be bitterly disappointed and walk away with no profit. According to this theory, playing at the same slot machine as the disappointed player could be profitable for you because the machine is now due to award a large payout.
The Facts
While we can understand that this theory has put a fun twist on the way we view slots, the facts discredit this theory. It’s hard to say exactly where this theory originated but it appears that players have applied the same logic, and odds, of a coin pusher machine to slots. In the case of a coin pusher machine, this theory would indeed increase your chances of winning but slot machines are designed differently. Keep in mind that all slot machines make use of Random Number Generators for every spin and RNGs are not affected, in any way, by the actions or circumstances of the player before you. There is no increase in your odds or chances of winning.
The Theory Explained
If you’re a seasoned blackjack or roulette player, you’ve likely heard of the Martingale strategy before. In recent years, a myth has surfaced that this betting strategy can be applied to online slot games to increase your chances and profits. With this strategy, players adjust their wager depending on whether they win or lose. In the case of a win, players will wage the same amount as they did in the previous round whereas, if they lose, players will need to double their initial wager. If another loss occurs, the initial amount would then be multiplied by four and so on, until a win eventually takes place. Initially, this strategy might seem like a great way to win at slots if you believe that your odds are always 50/50.
The Facts
The reality of this is that the odds of a slot machine are never at 50/50 and this could lead to players depleting their bankrolls before a win comes along. Most players don’t have unlimited bankrolls and could win small amounts back but this strategy can quickly escalate, especially if you’ve lost several times in a row. As you can see in our simulations chart, increasing the amount of times you play will inevitably lead to losses in the long-term. This fact doesn’t only apply to the Martingale strategy but can be seen with many other strategies as well.
The Theory Explained
This theory is proof of the perception that many players have regarding jackpots being hit at night or specific times of the day. As the land-based casino venue begins to see more players, the chances of seeing a jackpot being won increases.
The Facts
The reality of this misconception is that players might believe that more jackpots are hit as the night progresses since land-based casinos often become more crowded during the evening hours. As a result of the RNG, there is currently no way that players can predict the time that a jackpot can be won, and this will occur randomly. This myth doesn’t seem to be as popular with online players since online slots are played across different time zones, meaning that play is continuous, and a jackpot can be won at any time of the day.
The Theory Explained
There are times when players are sure to feel that luck is on their side. As we’ve shown with our simulation, overcoming the house edge for a short period of time is not impossible even if you’re playing in the same way you always do.
The Facts
This myth can be true in some cases. In fact, the game or casino that you consider to be luckier could actually have a higher win rate than other games you’ve played thus far. While we know that the progressive jackpot is a dream for many, we encourage you to try slot games that have smaller but more frequent wins, for a change of pace. Our CasinoTop team has made sure to only recommend online casino sites and operators who treat their players to fair gameplay. However, if you believe that something shady is going at a particular casino, take a step back, report the casino in question and sign up with an operator that you trusted. While this is all well within your rights to do so, we suggest that you take a break from the game and assess your mental and emotional state before taking any drastic steps.
The Theory Explained
Some online slot players seem to win more often than others. If strategy and skill can be used to win other online casino games, surely the same concept applies to online slots.
The Facts
Casino games are divided into two categories for a reason. Games like poker, blackjack and baccarat can all be considered games of skill, where strategy and know-how can result in players winning more often than not. While it is certainly advantageous for slot players to understand and know the details of the slot title they're playing to extend their bankrolls, the profit and loss that results from a specific slot game will always be determined by luck or chance. There is no skill, bluff or calculation that can be used to determine the results of the next roll.
Playing Responsibly
Here at CasinoTop, we understand the fun and excitement that slots bring to the casino gaming experience. Regardless of whether you’re visiting a world-class brick-and-mortar gaming venue or enjoying your favourite games from the comfort and safety of your home, it’s important to always feel in control of your gaming habits.
Below, our CasinoTop experts share their top tips and suggestions to ensure that you’re playing responsibly and for recreational purposes only.
Set Limits
When we say set limits, we mean that you should budget for gaming if it is a recreational activity for you. As such, you should have a limit of the amount of money you will be depositing and are comfortable with losing.
Stick to Schedule
Set a schedule for yourself and stick to it. If you plan to play for an hour, ensure that you don’t exceed this time limit and that you aren’t cancelling other plans to play for a longer time.
Don’t set Targets for Yourself
It’s normal to be competitive but you should never set a profit target for yourself. Reaching this target could become an obsession for you which could result in you betting money you can’t afford to or exceeding the time you set aside to play.
Play with Intention
Only play slot games when you want to and not when you feel bored, or that you need to play. Playing slots should be recreational and pleasurable and should leave you feeling more relaxed, not necessarily richer.
Understand your Expectations
One of the key things to keep in mind when playing is what you hope to get out of the experience. If you’re expecting to win a life-changing jackpot, you might need to reassess your reasons for playing. However, if your expectation is purely to have fun and the experience is pleasurable for you regardless of whether you’re playing for real money or not, you’re managing your gaming expectations realistically and responsibly.
Make Use of Responsible Gambling Tools
Most online casino sites these days provide players with gambling intervention or responsible gambling tools. Certain countries have passed laws to ensure that operators remind players how long they’ve been playing for, limit deposits according to your preferences and could even provide self-exclusion options. If you find that you’re displaying risky behaviours, we encourage our readers to make use of these tools.
A Slots Players’ Experience
It’s no secret that almost every slot player harbours some hope of one day winning a life-changing jackpot prize. While there is nothing wrong with this particular hope, the degree of how seriously you play to achieve this can have a negative effect on your life. An experienced slot player who has experienced winning, and then losing, has shared their experience with us.
After overcoming their addiction and recovering from the experience, this slot player now works at the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling as an Intervention and Recovery Support Coordinator. She has shared her story with us and has provided further insight into what her darkest hour was like below.
Question and Answer
How did you begin playing slots?
I always liked playing slots at the casino but had only had the opportunity to enjoy them a handful of times before I attended a conference in Reno. I stayed in a hotel that had a casino and I was excited to play the slots.
How did your hobby become a problem?
Technically speaking, gambling was not really one of my hobbies until I visited Reno. However, once I had played there and won a decent amount of money, my relationship with slots went from never playing to obsession. The line between recreational playing and gambling disorder is unexpected and invisible. The only thing I knew with certainty was that I wanted to experience the high I felt in Reno again.
What kept calling you back to the slots?
I was hooked on the high that watching the reels spin brought me. I felt, at that time, that I wanted to always live in that moment of possibility. Playing slots eventually became less about winning and more about the euphoria I would feel when the reels were spinning.
What do you think the first signs of gambling disorder are and how do they present themselves?
I always look into whether a person’s gambling activity is having a negative effect on their responsibilities, relationships, mental and emotional health and finances. For someone who gambles recreationally, there is no urge to put your money back in the machine after a win to experience the feeling again.
What would you tell someone who would like to try slots for the first time?
I would remind them to be aware of the feel-good hormones and rush of emotions that slots can bring. These feelings can greatly affect your judgement and make you do things that you wouldn’t ordinarily do. I would ask them to be honest about the feeling they have after they lose. If they don’t feel like walking away from the machine and would rather play again, that is a risk factor.
Can Slots be enjoyed responsibly?
Yes, slots can be enjoyed responsibly. If you set a budget and time limit and always stick to these limitations, this can be a recreational activity for you. However, if the feeling of playing slots hijacks your ability to make responsible and healthy choices, it can be dangerous and should be avoided.
Debunking Slots Myths Conclusions
The aim of this page is to inform you and provide you with all of the facts that you need to have a good grasp of the reality of playing real money slot games. In closing, here are the key takeaways of this page: