UNDER THE HOOD
How Do Algorithms Work in Slot Machines?
By Sean Chaffin
Today’s slots are complex machines and have come a long way from the days of “one-armed bandits” with mechanical reels determining the results of a spin. Whether you hit a big win, bonus game, or no winning combinations at all is a result of the advanced technology and software utilizing algorithms to determine random results.
The software ensures fair games, which now feature numerous options and ways to win, with algorithms playing a massive part of the entire process.
What is an algorithm?
Technology and software have made life simpler in many ways—from cell phones to automobile safety and comfort measures to simply being able to work remotely via a computer screen. Algorithms play a big part of our lives—whether we realize it or not—and are simply procedures for solving a certain problem or performing some sort of computation. Programmers use algorithms that offer a list of instructions for very specific actions on both hardware and software.
“Algorithms are widely used throughout all areas of IT [information technology],” TechTarget.com notes. “In mathematics and computer science, an algorithm usually refers to a small procedure that solves a recurrent problem. Algorithms are also used as specifications for performing data processing and play a major role in automated systems.”
Many of the daily routines that most people take for granted involve the use of algorithms to some extent. This can range from simple tasks like sorting numbers or more broad actions like making recommendations for users on an internet site or streaming platform. Checking out Netflix for a show or movie may come with other recommendations, which are triggered because of an algorithm.
How are algorithms incorporated into slot machines?
When playing a slot, the result of each spin of the reels relies on the algorithm within the machine and its software. Slots use a random number generator (RNG) to determine the outcome of a spin as soon as a player hits the “spin” button. Purely mechanical actions are no longer required to spin the reels of a slot—the technology within the game determines the result of the spin instead.
The RNG is actually an algorithm generated by the computer within the machine, or at a central location for online play. The algorithm generates a sequence of numbers, each of which corresponds to a symbol on the reels.
“The software sets up the algorithm with a seed value,” UntamedScience.com notes. “This is only natural because for something to execute repeatedly there has to be a beginning: that is the seed value. The seed value is derived from any one of a number of repetitive actions or operations happening in the computer. It could be processes that are running, the specific pattern to a mouse click, a specific set of keystrokes, or even the computer’s clock.”
These procedures make it impossible to predict a certain result or “time” a spin of the reels as to when that machine will pay out. A winning spin can come at any time—in complete randomness.
How do algorithms determine wins and losses?
Is there anything players can do to sway a machine into paying out? No, the algorithm predetermines the result of every spin. A number is assigned to each and when the reels spin, the RNG algorithm begins running through these unique numbers at a rapid pace—thousands of numbers per second, and the overall process is basically instantaneous.
These numbers determine which symbols will be displayed on the reels and paylines. The reels’ ultimate positioning isn’t based on the mechanics of the game itself, but on the algorithm RNG. The symbols are simply representative of what the computer produces.
“The arrangement of the symbols on the reels, determined by the numbers they are represented by, determine whether you won, and by how much,” UntamedScience.com notes. “That is how random the whole exercise is. There is another factor to consider: each symbol is weighted uniquely. This means in a game with 24 symbols per reel the chances of a symbol landing on a particular reel are effectively 1 in 24 and completely random.”
What are the benefits of a slot using RNG algorithms? They ensure completely random results, enable more slot gaming options, offer more intuitive machines, deliver quick results, and allow for more dynamic slot games.
Can you still win despite today’s high-tech slot wizardry?
Yes, but having an understanding of how slots work should give players some realistic expectations. Slots come with a considerable house edge. Some players believe that a game is “ready” to pay out or that if you play at certain times of day you have a better chance of winning. Some may believe in the idea that certain machines are “hot” and others are “cold.”
The truth is that these are all myths and payouts are completely random based on the RNG and algorithms built in. That certainly doesn’t mean that slots can’t be entertaining. As with playing blackjack or roulette, players can have a nice day at the machines and find some solid wins all the way up to major jackpots. Casinos give a certain amount of everything wagered back out to players—that’s what keeps players coming back.
Some casinos pay out 90% or more and these high percentages at least offer a chance to get some of your money back—and occasionally some winnings. And while those massive six- and seven-figure jackpots may be extreme longshots, lightning does strike a lucky few on occasion.
It’s key to remember that slots should be seen as a form of entertainment and expecting to win on every session isn’t realistic. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose and make it a goal to simply have a good time. If a big win shows up, so much the better!
