Slot machine payouts are at regulated percentages over the lifetime of the machine. The machines are regulated, the payouts are calculated over the lifetime of the machine, and – unless the machine is reprogrammed – the RNG (Random Number generator) chip determines the win or lose on each wager. so the machine does not care what day of the week it is, just the RNG.
Having said that, it is obvious that some casinos have increased numbers of PLAYERS on the weekends, and more people playing means that (overall) there is a potential for more winners (and losers), although statistically the odds are the same.
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There are machines that use “gaming psychology” to make you feel that winning 50 cents on a dollar bet is a “CONGRATULATIONS!! YOU WON FIFTY CENTS!!” event, when in fact you LOST fifty cents on that wager. Each wager is a random event, so gamble responsibly, understand the payout tables, and avoid superstitions like any machine is “overdue for a big win”.
Play games you enjoy, and have fun at, and walk away when you have invested an amount you are comfortable wagering. Personally, I am a “session gambler”, and will play a variety of machines when I am in a gambling mood.
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Slot machines are REGULATED, not “rigged” (or programmed to cheat you for the owners benefit).
Regulated slot machines have payouts that are set by the gaming commission, based on the configuration of the machine. This guarantees the payout percentage of the machine, and also guarantees the percentage of profit that the casino can get from each machine.
Having said that, casinos don’t require a dealer to stand at the machine, and cost very little floor space in relation to the money they make for the casino. When you see a casino with 3,000 slot machines and only 50 gaming tables, it’s obvious that the slot machines make a handsome income for the casino.
Modern slot machines are also more complicated than the old 3-reel slot machines of old; you can wager on 10, 20, 50, or more lines at a time, and at different denominations. basic slot psychology says you have to bet more to win more and the flashing lights lure you in to one more spin…..
Even though the machines are regulated, Slot machines are still games of chance and you have the possibility of a large jackpot – but your winning is NOT guaranteed.
Rather than be upset you are not getting the jackpots you deserve, I strongly urge you to play only slots that are entertaining or fun – and play for the fun! Don’t anticipate winning, as jackpots are random and unpredictable events. limit your contribution to the slot machines, and take frequent breaks to enjoy the ambiance of the casino, and keep a little more of your bankroll out of the casino’s coffers.
Also use your players card! that is the casino’s measure for giving you back some of your wagers in exchange for food, prizes, or points. It isn’t much for me (I am a session gambler and a known “low-roller”).
Also look at the paytables, and bet accordingly. they are not all the same!
The secret to how I win at slots:
I own 2 antique slot machines. Hopefully all my houseguests bring spare change. And trust me, they are really loose! (I would never lie). It’s a great way to monetize my home. You can buy one of your own on eBay.
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Disclaimer: I own 2 slot machines, so technically I am a Casino owner, such as it is. I also enjoy writing about gaming on my blog, www.thechenkinreport.com.
Slot attendants, and floor mechanics do not know what machines are likely to pay out. The payouts are triggered by a slot machines RNG (random Number generator), and there is no way to know when the next payout will occur, and how big it is.
Some casinos do print a “hot sheet”, which shows which machines are paying out the most, and the staff may share that with you (if their casino prints it, and lets them share). A hot sheet usually shows that the machines with the most play have the most winners – not which machines are “overdue” to release a huge payday for a lucky gambler.
It would be more prudent for a gambler (IMHO) to pay attention to the pay tables on any machine they fancy. As an example, progressive slot machines will only make huge payouts if you bet the maximum ONLY – so it is smart to play progressive machines only with a maximum bet. If you are killing time and want to extend your play by betting smaller amounts, choose a machine that pays out proportionately on any bet. Or the smaller bet you are willing to wager.
Every play on the slot machine has the same odds of winning – despite our belief system that may believe luck, fate, lucky rabbits feet, and timing are somehow working in our karmic favor.
Even if the slot attendant had a “hunch” that some machines are ready to “hit”, they would not tell you – because they could get fired if you did not win and complained to the floor manager. It most likely violates their employment agreement as well. Most would suggest that “people seem to be having good luck over there” implying that you move to some other, more popular, machines.
Rather than pester the low-paid slot attendants, you would do well to become a “session” gambler, to prevent giving your entire bankroll to one machine – or one table. For example, if a session gambler is going to wager a total of $500 on a visit to the casino, the gambler can make that 10 $50 “sessions”. Putting $50 into the machine to start the session, and playing it until:
The $50 is gone (start a new session at a different machine)
A Jackpot came in for $100 or more (cash out that session and start a new one on the same machine, if you think it’s hot, but put that $100 or more in your winnings pocket). FYI – A slot machine will take back your entire winnings and your bankroll over time; move around a bit.
The Big Jackpot came in (call me, I will tell you how to manage it!)
If you happen to meet a regular at the casino, that person can be a goldmine of information (“nobody wins at those machines”) (“people who play the double diamond machine always seem to win big”). These observations may be coming from a half drunk casino dweller, or an “out on the town” businessman, but the insight may be thought provoking. Some machines will take your money faster, so it may seem that “no one wins” on those machines.
So keep your eyes and ears open, watch your bankroll (sessions), talk to the locals, understand the paytables, and try not to get mad or cry if your not winning; it may not be your lucky day – so try the buffet!
If you take the time to learn and practice discipline in the casino, you will keep your spending in check, limit impulsive bets, and teach yourself to look beyond the machines and take in the ambience. You might even have fun!
I hope you found my point of view enlightening and informative.
