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In a modern slot machine,
the odds of hitting a particular symbol or combination of symbols
depends on how the virtual reel is set up. As we saw in the last
section, each stop on the actual reel may correspond to more than one
stop on the virtual reel. Simply put, the odds of hitting a particular
image on the actual reel depend on how many virtual stops correspond to
the actual stop.
In a typical weighted slot machine, the top jackpot stop (the one with
the highest-paying jackpot image) for each reel corresponds to only one
virtual stop. This means that the chance of hitting the jackpot image on
one reel is 1 in 64. If all of the reels are set up the same way, the
chances of hitting the jackpot image on all three reels is 1 in 643, or
262,144. For machines with a bigger jackpot, the virtual reel may have
many more stops. This decreases the odds of winning that jackpot
considerably.
The losing blank stops above
and below the jackpot image may correspond to more virtual stops than
other images. Consequently, a player is most likely to hit the blank
stops right next to the winning stop. This creates the impression that
they "just missed" the jackpot, which encourages them to keep gambling,
even though the proximity of the actual stops is inconsequential.
A machine's program is
carefully designed and tested to achieve a certain payback percentage.
The payback percentage is the percentage of the money that is put in
that is eventually paid out to the player. With a payback percentage of
90, for example, the casino would take about 10 percent of all money put
into the slot machine and give away the other 90 percent. With any
payback percentage under a 100 (and they're all under 100), the casino
wins over time.
In most gambling
jurisdictions, the law requires that payback percentages be above a
certain level (usually somewhere around 75 percent). The payback
percentage in most casino machines is much higher than the minimum --
often in the 90- to 97-percent range. Casinos don't want their machines
to be a lot tighter than their competitors' machines or the players will
take their business elsewhere.
The odds for a particular
slot machine are built into the program on the machine's computer chip.
In most cases, the casino cannot change the odds on a machine without
replacing this chip. Despite popular opinion, there is no way for the
casino to instantly "tighten up" a machine.
Machines don't loosen up on
their own either. That is, they aren't more likely to pay the longer you
play. Since the computer always pulls up new random numbers, you have
exactly the same chance of hitting the jackpot every single time you
pull the handle. The idea that a machine can be "ready to pay" is all in
the player's head, at least in the standard system.
It's obvious. An online casino is literally a few clicks away. Not having to
leave your house to play means you can play anytime you want for as long as
you want. You can play in-between loads of laundry during the day, or kick back
and spin the reels over a few drinks at night. And you don't even have to be
at home to play. Anywhere you are where there is a computer, whether it's your
own portable laptop or a friends PC, you can start playing in seconds with a
few clicks of the mouse. Simply put, playing slots online is ultra convenient.
When you're playing online slots it's much easier to keep track of how much
money your betting and how much you're winning. With a simple click you see
all your financial information. This added tool allows you to stay on top of
your finances, and control how much you're betting. You can make wiser decisions
overall about your playing strategy, which translates into higher winnings.
Online Slots The Better Choice.
When you add it all up, playing online slots is the far better choice for both
new and seasoned slots players. Not to say that playing in a Las Vegas Casino
doesn't have its high points too. But unless you can jump in a jet and fly to
Las Vegas whenever you like, playing online is the next best thing. And even
if you have a personal jet, you can still satisfy your slots desires faster
online than you can via the jet to Vegas or a car drive downtown.
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