SLOT MACHINE TERMS

We begin our educational journey of slots with some slot machine terms:

RNG-Random Number Generator: A computer chip placed inside the slot by the manufacturer that randomly selects hundreds of numbers and symbols every second at a rate faster than you can push that spin button and even when it is idle. Each number corresponds to a certain symbol combination that is randomly chosen after the spin button is activated. Fewest programmed combos are for the top jackpot. This program computer chip is also designed to determine that particular slot's average payout %. No slot will pay back its preset payoff percentage rate every time because the final outcome of every spin is randomly selected.

Reels: Number of wheels/reels displayed on front of the slot with symbol combinations imprinted. There are usually three, but some slots have more.

Reel Stop: A stop at symbol or blank that determines the result of that particular spin.

Virtual Reels: Found on most bonus slots allowing computerized selection of reel results. Reel combos are given a series of different numbers that are then selected by the RNG.

Multiline: Slot versions having more than two paylines to form winning combinations.

Scatter Pay: Usually found on bonus slots, this winning combination does not require certain symbols to align on any single payline, but 'scattered' across the screen.

Multiplier: Slots offering multiplied wins for certain combinations as per pay schedule.

Hit Frequency: Frequency that a slot 'hits' a winning combo based on number of spins played.

Hold and Re-spin: Slot version that allows the player to hold one or more reels and spin a second time with the goal of improving the result.

Slot Schedule: Posted information on front of slot reveals type of slot, denomination and win amounts possible for each coin played. A must-read.

Loose/Tight Slots: Loose slots will have better payoffs as high as a 'certified' 100%, on average over a period time. Tight slots are the opposite.

Up/Down Slot Cycle: Slot's average payoff percentage rate applies over the long haul, as long as one year. Therefore, a slot with a 98% payoff percentage rate will sometimes pay off at 130% and other times at 50%. The lower percentages indicate a down cycle and the higher numbers an up cycle.

Slots Drop/Hold: Drop: amount of money through the slot. Hold: amount not paid out as wins. These two numbers determine slot's payout %.

Slot-mix or Slot Placement: Generally the loosest slots are placed in high-traffic areas where many can see other players winning often.

Short Win: Large jackpot win after a small cash outlay--happens often.
Sound of Rain: Coins dropping into the holder after a payout...beautiful music.

Onesies (also know as 'flying solo'): Those slot players who insist on playing one coin/spin. Suggest you drop down a denomination and play max. It just hurts too much to play any slot with one coin and line up the jackpot -- the horror!

CALL ATTENDANT: The slot of your dreams has lined up just right! You scream, clap your hands, jump up and down and wait for those peeled off bills to arrive.

We conclude with Winning Slot News:

The largest slot machine jackpot in gaming history of $39,713,982.25 was won on Friday 3/21/03 on an IGT Megabucks machine at the Excalibur in Las Vegas. The winner, who requested anonymity, is a 25-year-old software engineer from Los Angeles. He said he'd played about $100 on the machine when he turned his head away from it for an instant. When he looked at the machine again, the winning symbols had lined up.

This win is nearly $5 million more than the previous record of $34.9 million hit at the Desert Inn in Las Vegas on Jan. 26, 2000.

Congrats to the young bachelor whose life is sure to change dramatically.

I will return soon with more slots information.

Gayle Mitchell is the author of Casino Gambling Made Easier books, Ebooks, booklets and Slots Trilogy. Free Previews of our Products.

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