Slot Machine Facts

Common Myths about Slot Machines

Will your slot machine strategy actually work?
Let’s answer some common questions.
Does a "near win" mean that I'm close to winning?

There is no such thing as a “near win” or a “near miss.” If you receive less money than you paid to play, then that is a loss.
The probability that you will win next time does not change.
Can you predict which machine is close to a payout?

Slot machines are neither “hot” nor “cold.” There are no “loose” machines.
All machines operate using a random number generator. The probability of winning is always the same. Each machine has fixed odds that do not change.
Can the timing of a spin affect the outcome?

It is impossible to time a win, because your chance of winning never increases or decreases.
The time of day or day of the week has no effect on wins. The rate of pushing buttons or time between bets has no effect on the outcome. Playing two or more machines at the same time does not increase chances of winning.
Will my payment type affect whether I win or lose?

A player card is not able to alter the probability of the game, and neither can a free play.
A slot machine’s random number generator does not change based on your payment type.

How Do Slot Machines Work?

Class III slot machines are based on random number generators (RNGs). RNGs continuously produce random numbers, even when no one is playing the machine. The numbers are generated multiple times per second.
The numbers that are generated by the RNG are matched with the symbols of the slot machine.
Some symbols will have many numbers associated with them; this increases the odds that this symbol will appear.
Some symbols have very few numbers associated with them; this lowers the odds of that symbol appearing.
The cost of play on slot machines is built into every spin.
For example, if the payout is 90% to the customer, then the cost of play is 10% per spin.
This means that if you spend $1 per spin, on average you would have $0.90 remaining, and your cost of play would be $0.10 per spin.
The average payout includes all types of wins.
Using the example above, if the slot machine has a 90% average payout, incremental wins and jackpot wins ($1200 or more) also count in the 90% payout.
Jackpots make up only 1% of all payments.
Neither casinos nor customers can control the outcome of a spin.
All legal machines and all casinos in Oklahoma are monitored by the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services, Gaming Compliance Division.

Warning Signs

Do you know the signs to watch out for?
High Frequency of Play

Slots have a high rate of play, because the time between one spin and the next is very short.
Higher rates of play are associated with higher risk for gambling disorder.
Using Gambling to Escape

The sights and sounds of a slot machine are designed to trigger dopamine.
If you are gambling to escape difficult emotions, that can be a sign of a problem.
Other cognitive, social, emotional, biological, and genetic factors can also increase your risk for developing gambling disorder.
Believing a Win Will Come Soon

Chasing your losses (returning to get even) is more likely when you believe that a win is just around the corner.
Myths about how slot machines work can make it harder to stop playing.

Slot machines are highly profitable for casinos.

A random number generator determines the odds for slot machines. The odds can’t be changed by casinos or customers.

The odds ensure that casinos have a house edge and remain profitable over the long-term.

Slot machines are not a good way to make money.

The more you play, the more your overall payout will match the odds set by the casino.

You will lose money in the long run if you continue to play slots.

Slot machines can increase the risk that you develop a gambling problem.

The fast rate of play can make it more difficult to set limits on time and money.

Myths about the likelihood of a win can encourage unsafe play.

Using gambling to escape uncomfortable feelings or situations can further lead to unsafe play.