Slot machines have been around since the 1800s, and were originally installed in casinos and saloons for use by those without enough gambling knowledge to tackle the craps, blackjack, or daunting poker tables.

Nowadays however, slot machines are still in use the world over, although online slots, or virtual slots, are proving to be an ever-growing internet hit.

Here are a few bits of information for well informed gambling:

Payline

In first production, slot machines contained a series of drums, which rotated around a main cog at varying speeds. The drums would slow down until eventually come to a halt, and winnings were decided by the ‘payline’.

This payline is still in use today but has been converted to video reels, and has increased from a single horizontal line, to a series of multiple horizontal and diagonal lines which provide various combinations of betting tactics and payoffs.

Modern paylines are able to produce over 50 combinations of results from a single spin.

Pay Table

A pay table shows the player what the winning combinations are, how much their bet will garner, and the hierarchy of the hands. Traditionally, the pay table would be printed onto the face of the machine for easy reference. These days the pay table is generally available at the push of a button, especially on online or computerized slots.

Random Number Generator

Today’s modern slot machines select the next combination with the use of a random number generator. The number generator runs whether the game is in use or not, and powers the slot machine’s computer chip to produce random numbers at a rate of about a hundred a second.

Near Miss Programming

You might have heard some people referring to a machine as ‘hot’ or ‘spending’, by this they mean that the player on the machine is on a winning streak. Although payouts do fluctuate, the random number generator keeps the machine from either paying out too frequently, or not paying out at all.

Near miss programming is the process of calculating a series of low-winning combinations, and then running them at a certain time. For instance, the player might be on an upward streak and hit one number short of the jackpot prize. The player may also hit a high-winning combination, but only while betting the minimum credit.

Legalities

Even though the programming in the modern slot machines can be edited and manipulated, there are laws in most countries to keep casino owners from short changing the unsuspecting player. The payouts must be within certain parameters depending on the government. For example, New Jersey has a legal limit of 83% while Nevada has a better percentage for players at 75%. These figures are usually between 82 and 98%.These percentages cannot be altered to suit the casino’s busier or quieter hours.

Credit Meter

Represents how many credits the player has available in the machine.

Rollup

The lights and alarms which resound during a winning spin is called a Rollup. It was meant to alert players of a win so they don’t have to walk away a winner short handed.

Tilt

Tilt alarms were built into slot machines to keep players from becoming addicted to playing slots. The tilt system is now menace to the casino as it is hard to control and can encourage players to try their luck for a quick win.

Signature Slots

The casino’s in house brand of slot machines.

Higher and Lower Denomination Machines

Most casinos, physical or online, will have different types of machines. Not only are they differentiated by the machine themes, but the game style, pay table and the minimum credit.

It is known that higher denomination machines do have a higher payout percentage than lower denomination machines, but one needs to take into account the rate at which one gambles; both time wise and financially.

Online Slots and Casinos

One can find slot machines, not only in casinos, but everywhere from corner pubs to airports all over the world.

Online casinos are becoming the new way to play the odds. Most online casinos offer free rooms, or training rooms, for newcomers. Why not try your hand at somefree online slotsand get into the swing of things before venturing into real thing.