Common Myths About Slots

Slot machines are a cornerstone of gambling and casino games. They’re the life of the party with flashing lights, thrilling sounds, and the hope of big wins. But lurking behind the fun are common myths that can sour the experience. Are machines really “rigged”? Do payouts follow secret rules? (SPOILER: no).

These slot machine myths can confuse even seasoned players, but we’re swooping in to set the record straight. Whether you’re firing up the reels in online casinos or playing slots in person, let’s expel these slot game myths one by one.

Myth 1: Slot Machines Are Rigged

One of the most common myths about slot games is that online slots are rigged. It’s an easy trap to fall into when you haven’t won in a while. The reality is much less sinister.

Both land-based casinos and online platforms adhere to strict regulations for fairness. These make it impossible to tamper with a slot machine, even for the casino operator. The house edge does exist, but it doesn’t equate to rigging – it’s simply how casinos stay in business, and it’s displayed in the paytable for all to see.

RNG

When you spin slots, whether you celebrate a win or lament a loss depends on a sophisticated RNG algorithm. Short for “Random Number Generator,” this snazzy technology constantly jumbles billions of numbers before resting on a new outcome with each spin. It ensures that every spin is independent, and no casino operator has control of the RNG software.

Legal Regulations

Both land-based casinos and online slots are required to follow strict legal regulations for fairness and transparency. The slot machine you play must follow the rules and operate within strict parameters, which are regularly verified by independent auditing agencies.

Another myth worth mentioning is the belief that you have to wait long periods of time for your payday. When you deposit with crypto, you play your game in USD. Then, request your withdrawal in crypto, and you’ll receive it within 15 minutes or less after we approve your request. Plus, you gain access to exclusive bonus Bitcoin perks.

Myth 2: “But that win could’ve been my win.”

If you’ve ever found yourself muttering, “Oh, come on!” (or maybe something less PG) when another player hits the progressive jackpot on the slot you’re spinning, you’re not alone. It’s a bit of a letdown, to say the least. You might even think, like many gamblers, that you lost your chance of winning simply because someone else hit the jackpot first.

But this is the truth. Playing slot machines comes down to timing. Every slot machine operates with an RNG, and it cycles through outcomes every millisecond, even when no one is playing the slot. If another player hit the big win before you, it was pure luck – nothing else.

Myth 3: Slots Machines Have Hot And Cold Streaks

One of the most persistent myths is that slot machines go through hot or cold streaks. While playing, it might seem like a machine is “hot” after consecutive wins or “cold” after losses. In reality, slot-based systems make absolute certain that the outcome of each spin is completely random, and nothing but luck affects your winning.          

Myth 4: Placing A Max Bet Will Increase My Probability Of Winning

Placing a max bet doesn’t inherently increase your chances of winning. However, some slot machines are configured to favor higher bets. This is built into the software but is not a “trick” to improve your overall odds. High rollers with a big bankroll and bigger bets might win more money because of win multipliers, but their larger bets do not increase their odds.          

Myth 5: The Duration Since the Last Jackpot Affects Odds and Win Amounts

If a slot machine hasn’t paid out in a while, you might believe it’s “due” for a win, but this myth has no basis in truth. Because of the RNG, the odds of hitting the big win in jackpot slots remain the same, whether it was paid minutes or months ago. Lady Luck plays a bigger role here, as timing and randomness decide the outcome, not the machine’s history.

Myth 6: Casinos Payout More During The Weekends

Weekends are a hot time for playing slots, with players from Florida to Washington spinning simultaneously, so the slot machine must be adjusted to pay more, right? That’s a common misconception that is yet another myth.

In reality, payout percentages (RTP) are already established within the software of every slot on the casino floor, both online and in land-based casinos. Weekends might feel luckier because more players are spinning at once. This gives the RNG a workout, which can result in more frequent visible wins overall, but your odds of winning don’t actually change.

Myth 7: Time of Day Matters

Some believe playing slots at certain times increases their chances of hitting a jackpot. However, time of day has no effect on payouts or odds. Again, the RNG works the same in the morning, afternoon, or night – it’s always fair.

Caveat: It may matter when playing “must-drop” progressive jackpots.

Some casinos have must-drop jackpots. These jackpots are designed to hit within a specific payout cycle. In that case, your chances of winning actually do increase the closer you get to zero, but the spin outcomes are still fair and unbiased. 

Cafe Casino has Hot Drop Jackpot slots, and they’re the secret behind some of the biggest winners each month.

Myth 8: Free Spin Bonus Rounds Are Predetermined

Most players think the outcomes of free spins are predetermined before the round starts, but that isn’t the case. Each time you spin, the RNG ensures the outcomes are random and independent, just like regular spins.

Make sure you read the game rules.

Not every slot game functions the same way, depending on the developer’s style or even the slot machine’s location. It’s essential that you read the rules first, especially with new slots, since they tend to have cutting-edge features and rules. 

Myth 9: I Stop the reels early when I see a winning combination.

You hit the spin button and watch the reels fly by with symbols. You think you spot a matching set, so you rush to hit the stop button to catch the winning combination. Hold your horses – that’s not going to work.

In truth, the outcome is determined the moment you press the spin button. Stopping the reels early isn’t a necessary skill and won’t change the payouts. The spins are theatrical – purely for the eye candy.

Myth 10: 97% RTP means I get 97% of my money back.

While a higher RTP is always a good thing, it’s not a guarantee of the money you’ll win. A 97% RTP (Return to Player) doesn’t mean you’ll get 97% of your money back. It reflects the overall payout percentage over a long period for all players. Your odds of winning ultimately depend on short-term luck, not a guaranteed return on your bankroll.

FAQs

Slot myths are a hot topic, so let’s answer more of your questions.

Do casinos manipulate slot machines?

No, absolutely not. Slot machines, including online slots, at regulated casinos are not rigged. The trusty RNG determines each slot machine’s outcome, and a legit casino adheres to strict regulation and oversight to keep slot functions on the up and up.

Is there a trick to slots?

There’s no magic trick to guarantee winning on slot machines. While gamblers can manage bets and bankrolls wisely, the outcome ultimately comes down to luck.

If you’re looking to get a leg up when playing slots, grab a bonus before you play. If you refer a friend to play at Cafe Casino, you receive a cash referral bonus.

In a regulated casino, there is no such thing as a “rigged” game. If you ever feel like an online slot isn’t paying as expected, check the game’s RTP and volatility. Usually, the answer lies within the rules. While no one can guarantee a win in online slots, one thing is certain: you’re in for a good time.