There are many benefits to playing slots online. Slots are inherently random and unpredictable, requiring almost no skill while offering attractive jackpot prizes. However, the way these games work remains a mystery for many players. With limited knowledge about the inner workings, new players often wonder if a casino could secretly control the slots and cheat them out of their winnings.
When playing online slots for real money, you can rest assured that the game is fair and the results are random, provided that the casino is licensed and regularly audited. Let’s dive into how slots work and whether the casino can control them.
How Do Slot Machines Work?
The first slot machine, the Liberty Bell, was created in 1895 by a mechanic named Charles Fey. It featured three spinning reels with symbols like diamonds, spades, and hearts. The iconic fruit symbols would later be introduced in 1907 by Herbert Mills, who made his own versions of the Liberty Bell after Fey refused to sell him the distribution rights.
The original slot machines were made of cast iron, with three metal reels. Each reel had 10 symbols painted on it. Players would pull a lever to spin the reels, and when the reels stopped, the machine would land on three symbols. If they matched, the jackpot prize in the form of coins would be dispensed. Today, modern slots no longer rely on mechanical reels. Let’s explore how these modern slots work to see if they’re just as random and unpredictable as the old machines.
How Modern Slot Machines Work
Modern slot machines, whether online or offline, no longer depend on mechanical components or physical reels. Instead, online casino games are controlled by computer programs that manage the functions and generate results. These results are determined by a Random Number Generator (RNG), a program that continuously produces random numbers. When a result is requested, the RNG provides a number that corresponds to symbols or outcomes within the game.
The outcomes of the game are chosen at random from the generated numbers, and they are not influenced by previous spins or any external factors. The only element considered by the RNG is the house edge. In video lottery games, results are connected to a central system managed by the Gaming Commission, which tracks payout rates and win percentages to ensure they align with the reported Return to Player (RTP) or house edge figures. For other online slot games, licensing bodies and regulatory authorities require regular audits and checks on the slots and RNGs to maintain fairness for players.
Can Casinos Control Slot Machine Results and Payouts?
The reality is that yes, casinos can control or manipulate a slot machine to give players only small wins. Some casinos collaborate with game developers to create exclusive games, which provides them with greater access to the game’s code and random number generator (RNG). It’s also true that many rogue, unlicensed casinos can use gambling software to limit players’ wins, even while advertising large jackpots. However, there are several reasons why a licensed casino would not engage in such practices.
Putting Casino Licenses at Risk
Almost every region with legalized gambling has a local gambling commission that regulates the games within their jurisdiction. For example, the Nevada Gaming Commission oversees Las Vegas, while the NJ Casino Control Commission regulates Atlantic City. To be licensed, casinos must adhere to strict rules and have their games and RNG audited for fairness and tamper-proof operations.
If authorities discover that a casino has manipulated its software or RNG, the casino could face hefty fines or lose its license entirely. Casino licenses are crucial as they attract customers and build trust. Risking such a valuable and expensive license for additional profit simply doesn’t make sense.
Casinos Have a Set Profit from All Wagers
If you’re new to casino slots, understanding how slot variance, house edge, and RTP (Return to Player) affect your earnings is important. The house edge percentage shows how much profit the casino keeps from all bets placed. While players often calculate this for every dollar they wager, the reality is that you can either win more than the RTP or lose more than the house edge percentage.
This percentage is based on the total bets placed by all players, so even though a casino has a set profit from all wagers, whether you win or lose, there is no need for them to rig the system. The RNG has already been programmed to account for the reported house edge. Don’t worry about games being rigged; instead, focus on playing games with the best house edge or RTP. As a new player, overlooking RTPs can be an expensive mistake.
Laws for casino slot developers
Similar to online casinos, casino table games and slot developers are required to report to authorities and comply with regulations. Slot software developers like NetEnt and Playtech must submit their games to regulators to ensure that their RNG (Random Number Generator), RTP (Return to Player), and variance are tested and verified. For example, the Malta Gaming Authority mandates that all slot developers have their RNGs inspected and approved. If any laws are violated, legal actions, fines, or even the termination of contracts and licenses can occur.
Even if a casino attempts to control a slot, developers safeguard their programming code to protect their reputation and prevent tampering. By the time the game reaches your favorite casino, it already has the approval of regulatory bodies.
Casino Reputation and Online Reviews
Checking online reviews to assess the reputation of a casino is an essential step in selecting a reliable online platform. When casinos rig or cheat their games, players often leave negative reviews or share their experiences on forums and with others.
The internet is filled with unreliable scam sites, so maintaining a fair approach and a solid reputation is vital. A casino may attract new players by offering big wins, but it won’t retain them if it fails to deliver. Casinos aim to keep players engaged long-term, which is why they offer bonuses, promotions, and regular rewards.
Will a Casino Secretly Control Slot Payouts?
A trusted, licensed casino has little to gain by tampering with games. In fact, they stand to lose much more. A damaged reputation, the revocation of their license, heavy fines, and ruined relationships with developers are significant risks. Even though a casino technically could control slot machines, a reputable one like BetMGM will not. If you’ve chosen a trustworthy casino, you can enjoy playing without the worry of being cheated or misled.