The Odds of Slots

The odds of matching particular symbols in most modern slot machines are dependent upon the set up of the virtual reel. Since multiple numbers of stops on the virtual reel may correspond to just a single stop on the actual reel, the odds of winning in slots depend on the number of virtual stops for each corresponding actual stop.

The stop for the top prize or jackpot stop for every reel in most regular slot machines, corresponds to just a single stop on the virtual reel. What this means is that the odds of hitting the jackpot on one reel is 1 in 64, or roughly 1.5 percent. If all the reels are similarly set up (1 actual stop for every 64 virtual stops), then the odds of matching all three reels for the jackpot prize goes up to 1 in 643.

Slot machines that offer larger jackpots may have a different set up. Usually, the virtual reel for these machines will have many more stops. This will ensure that the chances of someone winning the top prize are jacked up considerably.

To lure in more playing customers, most slot machines' losing blank stops next to the jackpot image may have more virtual stops compared to the other images. What happens when this is the case is that slots players are more likely to hit the losing stops just above or below the winning jackpot image.

These "near misses" may encourage the player to keep gambling. The reality though is that the nearness of the actual stops is of no consequence to the player's odds of winning.

For most computerized slot machines, the odds are already preprogrammed on the computer chip that controls the machines. What this means is that unless the chip is replaced, casinos will have a tough time changing the odds. This goes contrary to the popular belief that casinos can instantly make their slot machines loose or tight.

Another popular opinion among the gambling public is that slot machines can loosen up on its own. A lot of slots players seem to think that the longer they play in a particular machine, the better their chances of winning after each bet because the machine will somehow loosen up.

However, this isn't the case. The computer which controls the machine will always generate new random numbers for each bet made. The player's chances of winning will not change every time the handle is pulled down. That's just the way it is.

The odds of winning the jackpot in a particular slot machine is the same for every game you'll play.

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