How To Read Slot Machine Payouts
Most people look at the vast array of casino slot machines and assume they are all alike. They see a handle, a coin slot, flashing lights and figure one is as good as another. However, in making this assumption, they fail to see a lot of valuable information to help determine if they should play a particular slot machine.
A reel slot machine can only hold up to about 20 symbols per reel, so possible combinations are limited. A video slot machine may have up to 100 reels and symbols. Without reading the actual odds on each video slot machine, it’s almost impossible to predict the probability of winning video slot machines. These payout tables are displayed in some form, usually graphically, on the face of the machine, either at the side of the display screen or on another section of the machine. Online slot machines display the payout tables next to the screen in which the slots spin.
Every slot machine has a payout for specific symbols as well as the number of coins that are played. For example, if the machine you are playing pays five coins for three bells then it will pay ten for the second coin that you play and fifteen for three coins played. There are also bonus multiplier games. Understanding average payout. When casinos advertise that their slot machines pay out an average of 90 percent, the fine print they don’t want you to read says that you lose 10 cents from each dollar you put into the machines in the long term. In slot machines with high payout percentages, in the end you only sacrifice a small sum for a chance to win regular prizes as well as a shot at the big jackpot. A massive jackpot win of €18,915,721 set a new record for progressive slots back in September, 2018.
Surprisingly perhaps, machines aren't all the same. The best way to separate one from another is to learn how to “read” a machine by looking at the payout schedule on the front. Let’s see what information can be found on a typical slot machine.
Casinos here in the U.S. and abroad keep several types of slot machines in play at any given time. A few you'll most often see:
Multiplier: This machine has a payout for a certain symbol and the number of coins played multiplies it. If the machine pays 5 coins for three lemons when you play one coin, it would pay 10 for the second coin and 15 for three coins played. This machine does not penalize you for not playing maximum coins. If you plan to play only one coin at a time, this is the type of machine you should look for.
Bonus Multiplier: This machine operates like the multiplier but offers a bonus when you play maximum coins and hit the jackpot. Three 7’s may pay 1,000 for one coin, 2,000 for two coins and 10,000 for maximum coins. The central question is whether the bonus is worth playing the extra coin.
Multiple Payline: These machines have more than one line of play. Each coin activates a particular line. If you hit a winner on a line that is not activated, you will not receive anything. The older machines used to have three lines but the newer video slots can have up to nine lines.
Buy-a-Pay: These are the most misunderstood machines in the casino. Each coin activates a different payout. You need the maximum coins to receive the largest jackpot.
How To Read Slot Machine Payouts Cash
One example is the Sizzlin' 7s machines. This machine will pay on cherries, bars, and sevens. The sevens pay 1,000 coins. If you play one coin you collect only on the cherries. If you play two coins you collect on cherries and bars.
Three coins are required to collect on the Sizzlin' 7s. If you hit the jackpot with one coin in you will not win anything -- do not play this machine under any circumstances unless you are playing the maximum coins.
Progressive Slots: The progressive slots take a certain percentage of the money played and add it to a pool for the top jackpot.
How To Read Slot Machine Payouts Today
First and foremost, It is never wise to play a progressive machine with less than the maximum coins -- stories abound of people losing out on lesser progressive jackpots because of short coin play.
How To Read Slot Machine Payouts Without
Some casinos link machines together within their own facility to offer mini-progressive jackpots.
How To Read Slot Machine Payouts Online
Megabucks and Quarter Mania are examples of machines from several casinos linked together to offer 'life-changing jackpots'. It's important to keep in mind that payback percentage on lesser wins is lowered to allow for these jackpots.
All of the information you need is posted on the front of each slot machine. Before sitting down to play, taking a minute to “read” the machine will help make you more knowledgeable in determining which machines may be best suited for you.
Until next time, remember:
'Luck comes and goes...Knowledge Stays Forever.'