Because slots are a game based mostly on
luck, chance and the timing of hitting that “Play” button, game
lovers have developed a number of myths to rationalize thy “whys” of
winning. It matters little how logical a person may be; when it
comes to gambling myths, most believe at least a few. This isn’t
necessarily a bad thing. By creating a rhyme and reason for how you
choose your game, choose your method, play your game- you
personalize the experience for yourself and can feel personally
responsible for your choice when the wins come through. You must,
however, be at least aware that myths are just that; myths. The
question becomes, then, is there any truth at all to any of them?
Myth #1: If a game hasn’t paid out a jackpot in a length
of time, it is “due” for a big win. Unfortunately, for American
machines, at least- this isn’t true. Slot machines, mechanical or
video, utilize Random Number Generators, which means that each and
every turn is just as likely as the last or the next to be the big
win. There is no use in watching people play at a length to no avail
and taking over the machine as they walk away. Winning is entirely
random, based only on the moment that the play button is pressed, or
the lever is pulled and which combination is programmed to show at
that time. It’s old, and a disappointingly false myth, but a myth
nonetheless (sorry, guys.)
Japanese slot machines, however, are programmed to
payout every so often. For example, if the machine is set to payout
at least once every 1,000 turns, and you have played for 900 turns-
you will win within the next 100 pulls. For this reason, stalking
machines can be of benefit- in Japan. You’ll often see local players
circling casinos waiting for foreign tourists to play games at
length and leave. Here, at least, the logic works simply because the
programming is different.
Myth #2: Hot machines are always located in certain
locations. It is a belief of some to think that the “winning”
machines are always placed in certain locations within a casino,
such as the ends of rows, or near the entrances and exits. Again,
luck is the only sure thing when it comes to playing slots- even if
there were certain machines who typically won more often than
others, there would be no requirement of the casinos to place them
in any particular location. The origin of this myth probably came
from someone who typically found that all their wins were close to
the entrance or door. Machines, in fact, may often be moved around
as casinos update their building, hotels, and lobbies. Because many
tourist return to the same casinos, and stay in the same places,
some resorts like to move machines about to give the illusion of
“new” games or an upgrade of some sort. In the end, winning machines
can be found anywhere.
Myth #3: Though not as popular as the others, there are
individuals who have taken the term “hot machine (a machine that has
been winning regularly)” to the extreme. Some believe that the
temperature of the machine can determine its winning ratio. That is
to say, touch machines and play the one you find warmest to the
touch. Once you’ve chosen a machine, they say, make sure you warm
the coins first before you put them into the slots. I assure you:
because computer programming is used, and Random Number Generators
determine a win, the physical temperature of neither the coins nor
the machine have absolutely nothing to do with whether you win or
not. Somebody sitting under a heating fan had a lucky day, and this
myth came into being.
There are, of course, others. Some people use patterns
of betting- betting one coin, three coins, five coins, one- as their
tool. Some favor certain themes, some play only one game (such as
wheel of fortune.) Some players gravitate to machines where no one
else is playing, some wait their turn for their favorite. In the
end, these don’t work as realistic means to determine winning
chances. Playing slots is fun! And as long as you approach the
experience with that knowledge, the understanding of chance, and
you’re willing to take any advice you get with a grain of salt-
you’re sure to enjoy your game! |
