On this page we answer all the big questions you've always had about slots
and slots gambling. You can play slots smart, or you can just play slots.
Let's be sure you're on the right side of the equation.
What machines have the best payouts?
Many players believe their favorite machines have the best payouts. Is
this a myth? I know many a friend who swears by double diamonds. The "best"
payouts are determined by the purchaser of the machines, since they are
preset to the Casinos specs (within the legal state minimum).
What's a One Armed Bandit?
A one armed bandit is simply another name for a slot machine. Origin of
the term: the single pull lever is the 'one arm', the fact that they used
to be rigged to never win is the 'bandit'.
Are larger casinos better?
In other words, do larger casinos pay off better than smaller ones? There
is no proof of this, and I personally doubt it. I do believe a larger
casino may be motivated to place a few more loose machines around its
establishment, but the sheer number of tight machines would make up for
any advantage. Statistics on slots simply do not bear this idea out.
Do slot machines have a pay and take cycle?
Many experienced people suggest that they do but it is not a black and
white issue, there are many subtle areas between the pay and take cycle,
machines do not just change from one mode to the other. If it is true,
and I personally find it highly unlikely, then it is certainly not clear-cut.
My own experience and observations seem to suggest that the machines are
always in a take cycle, and every once in a while throw in a win. I don't
suggest relying on an assumed mode.
What is a Pay cycle?
A pay cycle is defined as a period of time following a minimum number
of bets (or coin 'takes') during which the machine pays out coins in larger
percentages. This cycle is supposedly programmed into the slots software
to meet the minimum payout schedule as per State law.
What is a Take cycle?
The take cycle is the opposite of the pay cycle. If you believe in the
pay/take theory, then you might be inclined to assume that a pay cycle
is followed by a take cycle, whereby you may get the odd small return,
but essentially slots take all of the time. If there were pay/take cycles
it would only truly be beneficial if you could increase your wager dramatically
at any point in time.
What does the term Hold mean?
The Hold is the percentage of coins played that are kept by the machine,
or the house. In the average case, it is between 3% to 15%.
What is the Pay line?
Most slots have a single (or multiple) horizontal line at the middle of
the visible playing section. If a proper combination falls on that line,
you get paid. Hence, this line is the pay line.
What are Reels?
The reels of a slot machine are the cylindrical spinning pieces around
which all of the symbols are displayed. Most slot machines usually have
three reels but sometimes you will find a two reel, or four reel or even
higher. The more reels in the machine, the more permutations or possible
combinations are able to hit the pay line. This means, in a multiple reel
machine with a single jackpot line (to hit it big you need to get just
the right combo), your chances of hitting that combo are slimmer than
normal.
What are Symbols?
The symbols are graphics, pictures, images, or icons that are spread around
the reels. They can be cherries, lemons, bars, oranges - any one of many
simple recognizable images. Originally, Fay's first machine featured Liberty
Bells, and our common card symbols such as hearts and spades.
Where are the loose slots?
In other words, how can I win easier and quicker? Think there's no knowledge
to be gained in this area? Untrue. There is a lot of common sense involved
in the answer.
There are a number of points to take into consideration. These are the
most common places and reasons for finding loose slots.
1. Near the change booths - casinos want other players who are
waiting in line to receive change to hear the unmistakable sounds and
sights of players hitting mid-level and top jackpots. This will, supposedly,
motivate other players to get more change and play more machines. Makes
sense, and it works.
2. On elevated carousels - high payoff machines that are visible
from nearly any angle from the gaming floor also serve to motivate other
players to put more money into THEIR chosen machines. Makes sense, and
it works.
3. Near the coffee shop/cafe/snack bar - casinos frequently place
their best machines in these locations to motivate players to eat quickly
and get back to the gaming floor as soon as possible. When a player takes
a "time out" for food or drinks it's time spent not playing
the machines. No play = no revenue for the casino.
4. Slot aisles known as "crosswalks" - crosswalks are
areas that players must walk through to get to other slot aisles. Again,
the same principle applies: the casinos want slot players to witness frequent
jackpot payouts. Passers-by using these carefully planned pathways are
more likely to be drawn into the main slot aisles, where the mid-range
and tight machines are waiting to fleece them.
5. Locations highly visible from other slot aisles - same philosophy,
same reasons as cited above.
6. Round or rectangular, freestanding kiosks within the main casino
- nearly all casinos sublet space to the manufacturers of slot machines
(Bally's is a prime example). These freestanding kiosks are not strictly
bound by the individual casino's marketing principles, and may have a
larger percentage of "loose" machines.
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