Slot Machines

Slot machines are perhaps one of the popular - if not the most popular - game in casinos. And this fame is no surprise, as the idea behind the game is so simple: you drop money into the slot (thus the name 'slot machine'), pull a lever, and hope to line up three similar images for the win.

Because of the popularity of this game, numerous variations of the original concept have been made. The added features are there either to make the player feel more in control (e.g. slots with 'stop' buttons), or to provide higher probabilities of winning (e.g. multi-lined slots). However, the principle remains the same: drop a coin, spin, and win.

The game of slots is based on probability instead of pure strategy. This is what separates it from other popular gambling games like poker and blackjack. You don't need to learn highfalutin mathematics or fancy card combinations in order to win. What you need to win in slots are two simple things - a sufficient bankroll, and enough discipline.

But before we venture any further, let us take a closer look at where this all started - and contemplate on where this game is heading - at the history of slot machines.

Slot machines started out as a fun drunk man's game, invented by Sittman and Pitt in Brooklyn, New York back in 1891. It was a crude device: there were five drums with 50 card faces, and as with the modern machines, a player needs to drop a coin into the slot, pull a lever, and hope that they get a good poker hand. This prototype of the slot machine has no form of direct payout whatsoever, and prizes were given in the form of material things. For example, a flush would net a free beer, and a full house would give free cigars.

The idea of a drop-a-coin device caught the attention of inventors and entrepreneurs, and soon after, several incarnations have been made. Charles Fey simplified the poker device in 1887. Instead of five rollers, he made only three; and instead of poker hands, what is needed to win is to simply line up three similar images. And this signals the birth of the modern slot machine.

The creation of slot machines today is becoming more and more scientific and mathematical. One popular machine in casinos is the video slots, in which instead of rollers, there's only the digital version of these slots, operated by a fancy mathematical system called the Random Number Generator (RNG). This system uses an algorithm to fish out true random numbers, which are then translated into the slot's results. The RNG is also the mechanism used by online slot machines.

If you are interested in playing slot machines, but do not know how, here's a quick guide that you could follow:

1. When playing at a casino, be sure to get hold of their member's card. Most modern machines have slots in which you can insert this card. The machine stores information on the card as you play. If you have played enough games, the casino offers comps (complimentary), which can come in the form of a free meal, and even a free room at their luxurious hotel. If you lose big time, some casinos offer free credits so you can play more - and even regain your losses!

2. Once you have everything settled, be sure to choose a slot machine variation which you are more comfortable playing in. The more popular ones are as follows:

Progressive Jackpot Slots: This is the typical slot machine, in which you only need to insert money into the slot, spin, and hope to win. This is the most beginner friendly variation, as there is little to be modified. What's more, because of its progressive nature, your chances of winning goes higher as you play more.

Multi-line Slots: This kind of slot machine offers various ways of winning. You can win in the typical way of lining up three similar images in the middle, but you can also win by lining up three similar images at the topmost line, bottom line, or even some diagonal and crisscross patterns. The probability of winning does go higher, but the amount that you need to bet also becomes more expensive.

Video Poker: This machine is a combination of poker and slots. The basic idea of this game is to make the most valuable poker hand and win. The player is given an initial five cards, and is given the chance to replace two or more of those cards. Most pro players prefer this machine, as the player is given more control of the outcome.

3. After you have chosen which variation of slots you want to play in, you should now choose what denomination you are willing to bet. High roller slots go as expensive as $100 per roll. If you are new to slots, it would be best to start at nickel and dime machines.

4. At the slot machine, you should see several buttons. Some of these are multiplier buttons, which will double or triple your winnings. There's a catch though: the bigger the winnings that you are aiming for, the bigger the amount that you need to bet. For now, ignore the buttons. Simply insert your member's club card, insert a coin, pull the lever (or in some instances, push the button), and wait for your winnings!

5. Rinse and repeat. As a general rule, switching machines would not affect the result of your game in any way, except when you are playing in a progressive jackpot machine. Oh, and it wouldn't hurt if you insert some slots strategy too.