7 Interesting Facts About Slot Machines

Slot machines have been entertaining players for decades. Aside from slots’ attention-grabbing music, bright and shiny symbols, and fun animations, they also don’t require expert skills, making them available to anyone, even those with no gambling experience.

If you’re curious and want to learn random facts about these trendy games, Konstantin Terekhin, an online casino expert, has listed them down for you. Feel free to check his other posts here.

Exciting Facts About Slot Games

Every country has its own legislation on gambling, so it’s important to know the laws your country follows to avoid unintentional mistakes that can lead to penalties. 

In the United Kingdom, the primary legislation that governs gambling (gaming, betting, and participating in a lottery) is theGambling Act 2005. A study concludes that 17% of the country’s population gamble online, proving Brits’ penchant for virtual gambling. 

If you’re new to virtual gambling, online slot games are the easiest ones to try out first. Here are some fun facts that can get you more invested in slots:

1.   The Fascinating History of Slot Machines

Sittman and Pitt developed the first slot machine in 1891 that closely resembled what we have today. The machine contained five printed drums, each with ten cards. 

Gamblers have to insert coins and pull the reel. If the player won, they could get a free beer or cigarettes from the bar. The machine became extremely popular across New York, and it became the precursor to what Wilhelm Schultze created in 1893. 

In 1894, a mechanic from San Francisco named Charles August Fey invented new features for Wilhelm’s machine and built the first coin-operated gambling machine with three reels. Each reel contained five symbols: a horseshoe, spade, diamond, heart, and a Liberty Bell.

Slots development in the modern-day brought us online video slot games. Slot providers offer online slots that allow players to play without the need to step outside their homes.

2.   The Biggest-Ever Slot Jackpot Was $38.7 Million

A 25-year-old software engineer from Los Angeles won the biggest slot machine payout ever, at$38.7 million. After putting three $1 bills in a slot machine at the Excalibur Hotel & Casino, he won. 

Other big jackpots on slot machines offered over the years include:

●     $15,491,103.27 in Nevada

●     $13.1 million at the Sunset Casino, Henderson

●     $34.9 million at the Desert Inn 

According to Rick Sorensen, spokesman for International Game Technology (a slot machine maker), the progressive Megabucks jackpot is generally paid out in instalments over 25 years. However, winners can negotiate other payout options.

3.   They Are Called by Many Names

In the United Kingdom, slot machines are also called “fruit machines” because machines with fruit themes are the most popular for offline and online slots. In New Zealand and Australia, people call slots “pokies.” 

Throughout their history, slot games were also named the “one-armed bandits” because, in some areas, unreliable people tricked people into losing money while gambling.

4.   It’s A Game of Chance

There are many ways to win at slot games, but luck will always impact your winnings. Whether you play slots in physical machines or online, there’s no definite strategy to consistently win prizes. 

This is because the bet is randomly selected using a computerised random number generator. Although, you can still incorporate a machine’s RTP (Return To Player) and know theslot machine’s payout percentage to get better chances of winning slots.

5.   They Work Even If No One Plays

Symbols on slot machines move even if no one presses the play button. The reason behind this is to ensure random and fair results. The random generator systems work nonstop to guarantee that no one can trick players when playing slots.

6.   The Random Number Generators Determine Results

The first slot machines in history worked with the help of mechanical levers and reels. Today, online slots and other modern machines feature a random number generator. 

Random number generators simulate arbitrary numbers to provide thousands of sequences every second. This will prevent third parties from interfering with the game. The latest number combination will determine players’ results when they press the spin button.

7.   Pro Slot Gamers Exist

Although slot games are based on luck and are labelled games of chance, some professionals specialise in this area for a living. A great way to know how you can increase your chances of winning slots is to check out best online slots reviews to gain information from experts.

Conclusion

There are many reasons to play slots. Whether it’s for the opportunity to win big or to simply have fun, slots can always pique an individual’s interest. If you play slots, just make sure that you do so responsibly.