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Most modern slot
machines are designed to look and feel like the old mechanical models,
but they work on a complete different principle. The outcome of each
pull is actually controlled by a central computer inside the machine,
not by the motion of the reels.
The computer uses step
motors to turn each reel and stop it at the predetermined point. Step
motors are driven by short digital pulses of electricity controlled by
the computer, rather than the fluctuating electrical current that drives
an ordinary electric motor. These pulses move the motor a set increment,
or step, with great precision.
But even though the
computer tells the reels where to stop, the games are not pre-programmed
to pay out at a certain time. A random number generator at the heart of
the computer ensures that each pull has an equal shot at hitting the
jackpot.
Whenever the slot
machine is turned on, the random number generator is spitting out whole
numbers (typically between 1 and several billion) hundreds of times a
second. The instant you pull the arm back or press the button, the
computer records the next few numbers from the random number generator.
Then it feeds these numbers through a simple program to determine where
the reels should stop.
.
You pull the handle or
press the button, and the computer records the next three numbers from
the random number generator. The first number is used to determine the
position of the first reel, the second number is used for the second
reel and the third number is used for the third reel. For this example,
let's say the first number is 123,456,789.
To determine the
position of the first reel, the computer divides the first random number
by a set value. Typically, slot machines divide by 32, 64,128, 256 or
512. In this example, we'll say the computer divides by 64.
When the computer
divides the random number by the set value, it records the remainder of
the quotient. In our example, it finds that 64 goes into 123,456,789 a
total of 1,929,012 times with a remainder of 21.
Obviously, the
remainder can't be more than 64 or less than 0, so there are only 64
possible end results of this calculation. The 64 possible values act as
stops on a large virtual reel.
Each of the 64 stops
on the virtual reel corresponds to one of the 22 stops on the actual
reel. The computer consults a table that tells it how far to move the
actual reel for a particular value on the virtual reel. Since there are
far more virtual stops than actual stops, some of the actual stops will
be linked to more than one virtual stop.
Computer systems have made slot machines a lot more adaptable, players
can simply press a button to play a game, rather than pull the handle.
For the manufacturers
and slot proprietors, one of the main advantages of the computer system
is that they can easily configure how often the machine pays out (how
loose or tight it is)
.
Wheel of Wealth is a three reel, one payline, three
coin slot machine. Wheel of Wealth has a wild, multiplier
symbol and a Bonus Feature.
To qualify to play the Bonus Feature, you must bet
three coins per spin.
To qualify for the Bonus Feature, you must bet three
coins per spin.
If you bet three coins, and a Spin symbol is displayed
on the payline on the third reel, the Bonus Feature
is activated.
You must bet three coins per spin to qualify to
play the Bonus Feature. If you bet one or two coins
and the Spin symbol is displayed on the payline on
the third reel, you do not qualify to play the bonus
game.
The value of the Bonus Feature prize is displayed
in credits, not coins.
The only coin size available in Wheel of Wealth is
1.00 credit.
Winnings are paid out on the highest combination only.
Malfunctions void all plays and pays.
The Wheel of Wealth is a wild, multiplier symbol.
This means it substitutes for any other symbol to
complete winning combinations.
A single Wheel of Wealth symbol doubles the payout
of any combination it completes.
Two Wheel of Wealth symbols quadruple the payout
of any combination they complete.
Note:
Three Wheel of Wealth symbols on the payline create
a winning combination as shown in the Payout Table.
Example:
1. A single Wheel of Wealth symbol on the payline
completes the winning combination of a single Cherry
symbol. With 2 coins bet, a single Cherry symbol combination
pays out 2 coins. However, a Wheel of Wealth symbol
is displayed, so the payout is 2 x 2 = 4 coins.
2. Two Wheel of Wealth symbols and a 3-Bar symbol
on the payline, combine to produce a three 3-Bar symbols
combination. With 2 coins bet, a three 3-Bar symbols
combination pays out 160 coins. However, two Wheel
of Wealth symbols are showing, so the payout is 160
x 4 = 640 coins.
In an attempt to bring something new and different to the slot player, some variations on the basic slot machines have been introduced. Some of these include:
Progressive machines:.
These multiple-coin machines do not payoff a set payoff rather the jackpot increases with each play. If no one has hit the jackpot for some time the jackpot can grow to gargantuan size. While
the odds are small the payoff can be huge. One note, if playing at a casino and you are lucky enough to hit a big one, do not leave the machine. The machines are programmed to pay only a
percentage in coins the rest of the winnings will be paid out by a check issued by the casino. Stay at the machine until a casino employee comes over to the machine, should you leave some
scam artists are all too willing to quickly sit at the machine and claim that the payoff is theirs.
Double or nothing machines:.
Some slots have added a wheel that can be played after a win. These doubling wheels are even bets, you have a 50/50 chance of doubling (or losing) your winnings. They do not change the
house edge on the machine, but do add a bit of spice to the game that some players enjoy.
Nudge machines:.
Have a light mounted on them that comes on occasionally. If on the player may move (nudge) a wheel forward or backward one location. Sometimes this is all that is required
for a losing hand to become a winner. The house edge on these machines is generally the same as for regular slots.
Wheel-of-Fortune Machines:.
These machines contain a wheel mounted on top of a slot machine and also a sizable progressive jackpot. When the winning symbols appears on the slot machine the wheel spins and the player has a chance at winning the wheel-of fortune jackpot.
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