It’s important to know that the cycle does not mean the cycle of winning and losing – just the mathematical cycle. The 8,000 possible combinations are known as a cycle. We get this number by multiplying the number of symbols on each reel (20 x 20 x 20 = 8,000). Most old mechanical machines had three reels that held 20 symbols, while most modern slots have three virtual reels with 22 stops – and a random number generator program.įor example, for an old slot machine with 20 stops on each reel there would be 8,000 different combinations. These old electro-mechanical slots weren’t anymore predictable than today’s modern slots. The classic mechanical slot machines used springs and tension to stop the reels at random. And the payout depends on which pictures line up. Depending on which pictures line up with the pay line, you win. Each reel has a picture or symbol printed on them.

A player inserts a coin and pulls the handle to rotate a series of reels. The technology of slot machines may have changed over the years, but the game has remained the same. All machines have one thing in common – the longer you play, the closer the payout will be to the theoretical results.īut in order to understand the theoretical odds it’s important to understand a little bit more about hit frequency and payback percentage. But just because they’re random doesn’t mean that there’s no math involved.

Every spin is just like every other spin – they’re all totally random. Slot machines are very simple to play and don’t require any specific gambling knowledge.

What is bar on a slot machine