Payout table
With only 3 different reels, determining whether you have won or not is not difficult at all. This is not something that is always true without exception, but in most cases 3-reel slots pay out more than 5-reel slots when someone wins. 5-reel slots may see a player win more in general, they tend to win less per winning spin. The existence of 2 extra reels means that players have the ability to win more, and win in more diverse ways than they can with 3-reel slots. There are some 3-reel slot machines that offer multiple paylines, but the norm is a single payline, particularly if you’re playing an old-school classic like the 3-reel fruit machines that were popular well into the mid 1990s. 5-reel machines, on the other hand, offer a ridiculous number of paylines. 3 reel slot machines have been around since the early days of gambling. Many gamblers remember pulling the handle and watching the reels spin. Slot machines have changed quite a bit even in the last decade because now the reels light up! Customers preferring the simpler design will love reel machines. Players can either pull the handle or push the buttons.
The pay table shows the player what combinations pay out and how much.
Winning lines
Most machines have multiple winning lines on the reels, so options are given for how many lines the player wants to bet. Each line is equal to one bet, so on a five-cent machine, betting on five lines would equate to betting 25 cents.
Coin bin
Though many machines print redeemable tickets, machines that pay out in coins have a large bin to catch them.
Credit meter
A credit meter keeps track of how much credit the player currently has as well as winnings when the reels are spun.
Credits are often used instead of showing actual cash amounts because, to the player, losing credits may not seem as negative as losing money.
Arm or button
Once the player has selected how many lines they want to bet, pulling the arm or pressing the bet button locks the settings, selects a random number, and spins the reels.
RNG
The RNG continuously generates thousands of numbers per second while the machine is on.
Some RNGs may use a device that collects thermal noise and converts it into electrical signals to help generate the numbers, as computers alone are only able to generate pseudo-random numbers.
EPROM
The EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-only Memory) controls the weighting of the machine to make sure the desired payout percentage is reached.
(See “Odds & Weighting' section below).
Bet button
When the bet button is pressed, the number generated by the RNG at that exact moment is selected and used.
Reels
Reels are for show, and by the time they’re spinning the machine already knows what the outcome will be. Spinning and stopping reels in sequence helps build suspense and excitement for the player, keeping them more interested.
Stops
Each reel usually includes 20 to 30 stops, which are the symbols and blank spaces on the reel.
Odds & Weighting
Over many random play sessions, odds are predictable. By adjusting payouts for winning spins, casinos observe legal requirements while delivering an entertaining experience.
Payouts
Odds are predictable over time,
so adjusting payouts per possible winning spins
yields predictable results over many random play sessions
Required legal payout percentage
Many states have laws that require certain payout percentages. For example, a machine that returns 85 or 90% of the cash it receives over time would still give the casino a 10% - 15% cut.
Weighting
The programmable EPROM allows weighting to fine-tune the play experience.
For example, if a reel has 10 blank spots, as long as that quota is met, it doesn't matter which blank spots are used. The machine could be programmed to land on blank spots around jackpots to give the player the impression of a 'near win.'
Stacking the odds:
multi-reel machines
On a multi-reel machine, the odds of winning decrease exponentially. For example, taking the single reel example from above and multiplying it to 3 reels (all with identical symbols as the first), the chances of a winning combination (3 of the jackpot symbol instead of 1) drop from 1/20 chance to 1/8000 chance.
Anti-tamper
Slot machines are designed to be tamper proof to both the players and the casino.
Cabinet & screen
The cabinet and screen act as a faraday cage to disperse electricity and ground electrical signals, preventing outside electrical signals from interfering with the machine’s processes. The screen is coated in a clear, electrically conductive chemical, and connects to the metal cabinet to allow conductivity between the two.
Coin comparator
The coin comparator accepts or rejects coins that are put into the machine. It compares incoming coins against a coin previously placed in the comparator (e.g. if a nickel is in the comparator, then the machine would only accept nickels).
EPROM
The EPROM is programmed and tested in factory, then placed in the machine with a tamper evident sticker over it. This style of chip is reprogrammable using ultraviolet light and must be removed from the machine to do so, which is allowed only when a gaming authority is present.
Coin dispenser
Coin dispensers use a light sensor to count the number of coins dispensed.
Reels
Reels have sensors that detect extra movement, so trying to move reels manually causes an error to display on the LCD screen and any winnings are negated.
References
- (2017). Retrieved 7 January 2017, from https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/clins/my_job_is_writing_software_for_slot_machines_and/
- Slots Random Number Generator - Hit Frequency vs Payout Ratio. (2017). Casino News Daily. Retrieved 7 January 2017, from http://www.casinonewsdaily.com/slots-guide/random-number-generator-hit-frequency-vs-payout-ratio/
- CC-40 A Coin Comparitor - YouTube. (2017). YouTube. Retrieved 7 January 2017, from https://youtu.be/k9ybYjS8jOI
- How Slot Machines Work. (2017). HowStuffWorks. Retrieved 7 January 2017, from http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/slot-machine.htm
- Patent US4448419 - Electronic gaming device utilizing a random number generator for selecting the reel stop positions. (2017). Google Books. Retrieved 7 January 2017, from https://www.google.com/patents/US4448419
- How It’s Made Slot machines. (2017). YouTube. Retrieved 7 January 2017, from https://youtu.be/wjBSXUKn4Qw
• Copy/paste the code below to share this project on your site (in an iframe).
Created By 888casino
Research & design by Animagraffs.Slot games are perhaps the most common type of casino game that exist. No matter what part of the world you are in, if there are casinos there are more than likely also going to be slot games. Bank after bank of games are lined with people endlessly spinning in hopes of striking it big. With so many different type of slot games in existence nowadays, the landscape of these games may be a difficult one to think about navigating. With that said, slots are not confusing and not intimidating.
Reel slots are perhaps the most common slots that exist, and are growing in popularity all the time. Whether you are at a brick and mortar casino or playing online, there are always going to be reel slots for you to take advantage of. In fact, you might be surprised to know that slot games are by far the most popular games that exist in any casino—online or otherwise. As time moves forward we anticipate that reel slots will grow in popularity simply because of how versatile they are.
Reel Slots vs. Video Slots
If you have been in a casino within the last decade, there is no doubting that you have experienced both reel and video slots. The games, for all intents and purposes, are not different at all, but the way in which they operate is. The biggest difference is the fact that reeled slots play host to a physical reel that spins, while video slots often just project spinning reels on a video screen, much like how every online slot game functions.
Reel slots are more classic and are the way in which slot games first came into existence. With the unending technological advances of our day, video slots have recently become a bit more popular than reel slots. You will also find that people love the graphics and themes able to be offered by video slots. When it comes to reel slots, innovation mostly stopped back in the 1980s. While this is not strictly true, reel slots are, in many ways, not as appealing as video slots.
3 vs. 5 Reel Slot Games
If you are an old-timer who has been spending decades at brick and mortar casinos, you might be more familiar with 3-reel slots. For those relatively new to casinos, you will find that 5-reel slot games tend to dominate the landscape. Both games have their fair set of advantages and disadvantages, but whether you prefer to play 3 or 5-reel slot games the decision really comes down to personal preference.
As for 3-reel slots, people tend to enjoy these games because they are straightforward and perhaps easier to understand than any other type of slot game. With only 3 different reels, determining whether you have won or not is not difficult at all. This is not something that is always true without exception, but in most cases 3-reel slots pay out more than 5-reel slots when someone wins.
5-reel slots may see a player win more in general, they tend to win less per winning spin. The existence of 2 extra reels means that players have the ability to win more, and win in more diverse ways than they can with 3-reel slots. Another advantage that 5-reel slots have, in a way, over 3-reel slots is the fact that, through bonus rounds and other special features, players on 5-reel games tend to win more, and tend to win more than strictly money. Whether it be free spins or a period of time with free-play, 5-reel slots can offer you a lot of opportunities to win.
Reel Slot Games FAQs
So, which is better, 5 or 3-reel slots?
As was mentioned above, no single type of reeled slot game is better than another. Whether you play 3 or 5-reel slot games it all comes down to what you prefer. Both games have their own advantages and disadvantages, and what you prefer should determine what games you play.
How much can I win from one spin of a slot machine?
When it comes down to it, the fact of the matter is that the jackpot for a single slot machine game can vary from site to site. Certain sites will offer absolutely massive jackpots, while others will not offer major jackpots at all. A bit of research if required to differentiate the two.
Do slot games exist across all stake levels?
Yes. When it comes down to it, reeled slot games exist across most stake levels. So no matter you want to spend just a few cents per spin or up to 20 or more dollars, there are reeled slot games for you to take advantage of. Slots are great in that they are so incredibly diverse at both brick and mortar and online casinos alike.