Slot machines have changed a lot since their creation at the tail end of the 19th century. First there was the phasing out of mechanical components and then came the full adaptation into digital forms for online play.
Modern slot games look quite different from their mechanical ancestors, especially behind the screen. If you’re curious about how modern casino Slots work then read on, as we’re going to explore the basics of how these games work and the technology that powers them.
Random number generators
To put it simply, modern slot machines wouldn’t exist without the random number generator (RNG). These are computer algorithms that essentially work to simulate the randomness of spinning a set of physical reels.
In any given second, a RNG will generate hundreds to thousands of numbers in an entirely random sequence, making it impossible to predict what number will come out next.
Once the player initiates a game – whether that’s by pressing a button, tapping a screen or pulling a lever – the RNG will lock in its current set of numbers. Each number corresponds to the position of one of the symbols on the reels, allowing the computer to determine the outcome of a spin based on that sequence.
This works to keep modern slot games both fair and unpredictable, with RNGs immune to any external influence. In order to go into operation, a slot game’s RNG must be subjected to rigorous testing to ensure that it is giving truly random results, and all reputable casinos are regularly audited to make sure that no bias is present in their RNGs.
Thanks to RNG, the outcome of any given spin is completely independent of any previous results, giving players a truly fair experience when they spin the reels.
The return to player percentage and volatility
While not an actual Slots mechanic, the return to player (RTP) and volatility are both important concepts in the workings of modern casino games. The RTP is the percentage of all wagers that a slot is expected to pay back to players over time. This is worked out over long timeframes, however, so it shouldn’t be taken as a guarantee of any short-term returns.
Volatility is a factor that players should consider when choosing which Slots option to play, as it accounts for the relative risk factor of a game. Slots with a high volatility offer the potential for large payouts but this is matched by having them less frequently. Low volatility means a game will generally give smaller but more frequent payouts on the whole.
These are important to factor in when looking at the slot games on offer to find a game that suits a player’s personal preferences.
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The single most important piece of technology for modern Slots is RNG. Without these computer algorithms it would be far harder to deliver games with the same level of fairness and unpredictability.
There are plenty of other elements that make up a modern slot game, from their theming to their reel setups, but all electronic Slots rely on the use of RNG.