As with any casino game, there is a basketful of gambling myths surrounding slots. While many believe these, the majority are based on misconceptions that should be taken with a pinch of salt.
Myths are ideas that develop around a particular topic and become entrenched as beliefs, even though they might not always be 100% true. Over the years, many gambling myths have developed around slot machines. These came about so that the players could explain how or why slot games behave the way they do.
Here are some of the most popular gambling myths about slots that are nothing more than fallacies:
1. Payout Percentages can be Easily Changed
Many people believe that casinos can change the payout rate of a machine by simply pressing a button. However, this is not the case since the payout percentage is part of the game software installed by the developers when a device is manufactured.
These settings are complicated to change, and the operator must file paperwork should they wish to alter these. Additionally, most machines use random number generators to ensure all outputs are fair and random.
2. Jackpots Are Due
There is a misconception that if a slot hasn’t paid out a winning in a very long time, it is due for a jackpot. In reality, slots don’t function like this. Their results are random, and you might have two jackpots spun one after the other, or it might take 2,000 turns between two grand prizes.
Once again, winning combinations for jackpots are governed by random number-generating algorithms, which means it is impossible to predict when the next one will occur. As a result, jackpots can never be due or depend on a specific sequence.
3. Payouts Occur in Specific Cycles
Another gambling myth is that slot games are programmed to pay smaller winnings over a defined number of turns before paying out the jackpot. The fact is that each turn is an individual event, and spins are not related to one another.
Therefore, the result of each turn on a slot machine is always random. For example, a slot may not offer a winning combination for 500 spins, and then it may hit three consecutive jackpots.
4. That Was My Jackpot
You might have experienced a situation where you were playing a slot machine and, after leaving it, the next person who played there hit the jackpot. This might leave you feeling a bit irritated by believing that if you stuck around a bit longer, you would have won. However, this is not the case.
The random number generator in slots continues to operate even when the reels are not turning. As a result, it is more important when you sit at the reels than what turn you take on the machine.
5. Spending More Each Turn Stimulates Payouts
Whether you opt for the maximum bet or go with the conservative minimum, your chance of payout will not change. The only thing that can influence the payout is the number of paylines you play since more lines represent more winning combinations you can achieve.
The size of your payout will also be proportionate to the size of your wager, although payment does not get awarded just because you’re wagering on the maximum bet. The more you bet, the more you can win, but also, the more you can lose.
6. Free-Mode Machines Pay Differently
Online slots behave the same whether you’re playing in free mode or for real money. You are playing the same machine either way, and the results will, ultimately, be the same too. The only difference is that when you play free mode, you neither win nor lose actual cash.
Ultimately, playing slots is less about gambling myths and more about luck and responsible gambling. This means using sound bankroll management techniques and selecting a game that’s right for you. Also, check out payout percentages, as these could give you valuable insight into your chances of winning.
