Slot machines are games of chance with outcomes determined by internal computer systems called random number generators (RNGs). These systems utilize complex algorithms to produce sequences of non-repeatable, randomized numbers on a continuous basis. This creates probabilistic results for slot machine spins that players cannot predict.
Random Number Generation in Slots
Modern slot machines, like those at Lucky Dreams Casino, operate on computing programs that run the RNG systems and determine spin outcomes. The high degree of randomness ensures fair gameplay that is not weighted for or against players. Regulatory oversight and third-party testing aim to guarantee sufficient randomness too.
RNGs select symbols or number combinations for hundreds of potential spots per spin. Each one corresponds to the symbol positions on the slot machine’s reels or video screen. The mathematical combinations dictate the resulting alignment and whether or not the spin produces any payouts.
Symbols and Reel Outcomes
Default, base game symbols have lower values. Jackpot and bonus symbols occur less frequently based on preset probabilities. For example, a slot may have programmed odds of 1 in 50,000 for hitting the top-tier jackpot prize.
RNG testing procedures allow for accepting extraordinarily low probabilities. Yet hits can and do occur due to the ongoing volume of slot machine spins. This explains how someone can win a mega jackpot despite odds worse than being struck by lightning.
Programmed Payout Percentages
Slot machine manufacturers or game developers program overall payback percentages into RNG systems. These indicate how much-wagered money is paid back out over an extended period of play. A common programmed payback percentage is 90% to 99%.
Over time, a slot machine with a 97% payback percentage will pay out $97 for every $100 wagered in sum. This does not mean each player loses 3% only. One may lose 10% and another gain 15%, due to winning and losing streaks.
Payback percentages account for every type of payout on a slot machine game, from the smallest win to the top jackpot prize. These percentages guarantee payout capability and profits for casinos. Legislation requires meeting minimum payback percentages as well, though they are usually higher.
Hit Frequency
In addition to payback percentage, slot machine games have hit frequencies. These detail how often a spin results in any win whatsoever, on average. A 9% hit frequency means an average of 9 out of 100 spins produce a payout. Hit frequency applies to minor wins up to jackpots.
A slot programmed with a payback percentage of 95% does not necessarily have a hit frequency of 95%. The hit frequency may be just 25% or lower. This indicates substantial volatility, with less frequent but larger wins mixed with more losses.
Jackpot Setup and Triggers
Modern slot jackpots depend on the programming parameters used in RNG systems. Certain symbol alignments or number combinations trigger mega jackpot prizes. These have extremely high values compared to usual payouts but minuscule odds of occurring.
Base Game Jackpots
The main reel set has default jackpots won by spinning matching symbols across a payline. Any thereviewscasino can win depending on the RNG output. Top fixed jackpots may award prizes up to 4,000 of the bet amount. That converts wagers of even $0.50 into jackpots of $2,000.
Larger payout slots allow bigger bets too, some over $500 per spin. A 4,000x win on a $500 bet would produce a $2 million jackpot. Of course, the odds of hitting the top award remain very low. It may be less likely than being struck by lightning twice.
Bonus Rounds
Many slot machine games have bonus rounds as secondary events. These are triggered by specific symbol combinations from RNG outputs. Bonus rounds present extra gameplay, multiplier wins, guaranteed cash, and sometimes even custom jackpots.
The bonus round itself relies on RNG outputs to determine outcomes. Prizes, multipliers, or credit awards vary based on randomized results. Bonus jackpots often range from 500x to 5,000x the triggering bet. So in bonuses alone, slots may award over $250,000 from a $0.50 bet.
Progressive Jackpots
Progressive jackpot slots link various machines across networks for combined prize pools. Small percentages of bets fund the pools which grow over time. Winning progressive jackpots requires aligning the exact symbol combo dictated by the game rules.
Odds are astronomical, commonly from 1 in 10+ million to 1 in 50+ million. Despite terrible probability, progressive jackpots are won somewhat regularly. Their pools grow large enough between hits to retain life-changing rewards.
Below are 2020’s five largest slot machine jackpot payouts in the US, all from progressives:
| Date | Jackpot Amount | Game Title | Location |
| March 21, 2020 | $15.5 million | Wheel of Fortune | Las Vegas |
| January 8, 2020 | $12.8 million | Wheel of Fortune | Las Vegas |
| November 16, 2020 | $8.5 million | Dancing Drums | Las Vegas |
| November 6, 2020 | $7.3 million | Jackpot Inferno | Las Vegas |
| September 26, 2020 | $5.3 million | Buffalo Diamond | Las Vegas |
Progressive networks exist locally within a casino, among multiple properties of the same operator, and through entire production companies. The largest slot jackpots tend to come from manufacturer-hosted progressives due to their greater funding.
Individual progressives frequently spawn jackpots from $500,000 to $2 million. But a networked pool combined across many casinos allows for payouts reaching eight figures and beyond.
Factors in Jackpot Frequency
Slot machine jackpots, regardless of the type, depend chiefly on two configured factors:
- Payback Percentage – A higher payback rate offers more frequent payouts across all win types, including jackpots. But it reduces profit for operators.
- Hit Frequency – Games with programmed lower hit frequencies innately produce jackpots less often. Their bonuses and progressives should hit bigger amounts on average.
In both payback percentage and hit frequency, day-to-day randomness has substantial effects. Some titles see multiple jackpots in a short timeframe. Similarly, a slot may jackpot infrequently despite great odds programmed in. Over long-term play across many games, the probabilities balance out.
Skill does not impact slot machine jackpots, as RNGs govern results. Players may believe picking “hot” or “due” machines matters. However, because randomness strings vary from minute to minute, these theories do not improve jackpot odds mathematically.
Optimal jackpot chasing requires betting maximum credits on progressive titles with the largest, most consistently growing pools. This provides access to top prizes for technically the “best” odds, though still tremendously against winning. Budget and entertainment value are equally viable slot play strategies too.