Jackpot slot machine displaying triple sevens with gold coins flying and random numbers in the background.

How slot machines work is something players spend endless hours trying to understand. Many are always trying to figure out hidden indicators that will help them increase their chances of winning. They treat slot games like puzzles waiting to be cracked. But how do slots determine when you win? Is it how you play? How much you spend? Or is it just pure luck? After all, some players swear by their lucky rituals and objects.

The real answer to these online slot questions, however, is in slot machine algorithms. More specifically, it all comes down to the random number generators (RNG) that determine the outcome of every spin. Let’s break it all down and tackle some of the biggest myths about slot machines along the way.

The Truth Behind Slot Machine Algorithms

A major part of every video slot game – online or off – is the random number generator. This is a sophisticated software algorithm designed to produce random outcomes. If the chance of a basic win is 1 in 6, the program needs a way to determine whether any given spin is successful for the player. And without a physical object (like a die or a roulette wheel), there needs to be a programming solution to this problem. For outcomes that are 1 in a 1,000 or more unlikely, even a physical solution would be difficult to create.

The answer to this problem, for many years, has been an RNG. The RNG pulls an input or “seed” variable from somewhere, manipulates it, and then spits out a number. In early programming, the initial input might be the time on the computer’s clock when the request occurs. As RNGs have gotten more sophisticated, so have the source of input values. In addition, the formula used on this input variable itself can be quite complex. This is needed to ensure that players won’t crack the formula. The input and calculations performed must be kept secret. A modern RNG can continuously generate thousands of random numbers per second for a wide variety of games, even when no one is playing. When a player presses the spin button, the RNG instantly picks a number that corresponds to specific reel positioning. The result is a properly random outcome that is free from manipulation.

Bearded man with a thoughtful expression in front of glowing red slot machine reels showing triple 7s and fruit symbols.

Does It Matter How You Play Slots?

Some players believe in having a strategy for playing slots, such as stopping the reels at just the right moment or only betting a specific amount at certain times. Through use of an RNG, however, each spin is fully independent from the others. The system is not using the last spin’s result as a part of determining the current spin. The player’s bet amount or bet timing isn’t used as part of the RNG algorithm. Bet amount can have place in slot game mechanics, though. For example, it can have an effect on number of paylines activated. It also can affect eligibility for a progressive jackpot. Shopping Spree is a famous example of a game that requires a maximum bet to unlock the jackpot. As a result, the total prize pool is often in the millions!

That said, slots do not “get hot” or “go cold.” Each outcome is independent. It might seem like a particular game is on a streak or is being stingy, but those are really incidences of the gambler’s fallacy. Whether you hit the button hard or softly… whether an animated character is moving or not… whether the game’s song is at a high point – these are all things that our pattern-seeking mind latches on to. They don’t impact the outcome of a spin.

Do Bigger Wagers Increase Your Chances of Winning?

Spending more per spin can increase your potential payouts, but this doesn’t change your odds of winning. Slot games use return to player (RTP) percentages to figure out what players get back in the long run. If a slot has an RTP of 97%, that means that, on average, it will give the player $97 back for every $100 wagered. This percentage is calculated over millions of spins, though. Shot-term results will vary quite a bit.

Higher denomination slots generally have better RTPs, though. But this doesn’t mean you’re necessarily going to win more often. The wins can be spaced out, but more generous. This is known as a “high volatility slot.” Low volatility slows pay out more often, but give smaller amounts. Checking the page hosted by the game’s developer often will reveal what type of game you’re playing. The best approach is to find a slot with a high RTP and a volatility level that suits your preferences.

Do Certain Lucky Charms Work?

You already know the answer to this one. But no matter how hard our logical brain argues against lucky talismans, they bring us comfort anyway. Players will forever be playing with lucky rabbits’ feet in hand, lucky coins in their pockets, or even lucky hats turned backward. Luck is definitely a factor in slots, but it’s not one we can influence. That said, if having your lucky drink in hand boosts your confidence and enjoyment – go for it. Just don’t expect it to influence the RNG.

Close-up of a person playing Piggy Bank Bonanza slot game on a laptop, showing animated pig banker characters and gold coins.

Common Slot Machine Myths Debunked

Slot machine FAQs are always chock full of questions like these, so let’s provide some answers.

Myth #1: Progressive Jackpots Must Pay Out at Certain Amounts

Progressive jackpots grow from taking a little bit out of each wager placed in the game (or across a participating network of games). While some players believe that these jackpots are “due” once they reach a certain threshold, the truth is that most can hit at any time. The payout is randomized, just like your usual slot wins. Some jackpots have specific drop requirements (like our time-based Hot Drop Jackpots). If this is true, the game operator will state it clearly.

Myth #2: Pulling the Lever Improves Your Odds of Winning

Classic slot machines used to have levers. That’s why they were called “one-armed bandits.” Some people think pulling the physical lever gives them an advantage over pressing the button. That’s just nostalgia talking. The RNG determines the result as soon as you kick off the spin. If you pull a lever or press a button, the odds remain the same.

Myth #3: Playing at Certain Times Increases Your Chances of a Jackpot

Some players swear that certain slot machines are looser at night or during specific days of the week. This isn’t true. Casinos do not manually (or digitally) adjust slot payouts based on the time of day. The RNG ensures that every spin is random, 24/7. Of course, if a particular time “feels better,” then play at that time.

Myth #4: The Casino Can Control Payouts in Real-Time

Individual spins and payouts must be random, or a casino will lose its operating license. Casinos do not have the ability to adjust win rates, payout sizes, or any other game factors during play. Regulations and gaming commissions ensure that slots are run fairly and cannot be manipulated by casino staff.

A Way to Actually Boost Your Chance of Winning

Ignition Casino offers slot games that feature the ability to double your chance of triggering a jackpot. Try slots with a “buy 2x chance” feature, and you can directly influence your shot at bigger wins.