SLOT MACHINES

Slot machines are the simplest casino games to play.  The only skill a player needs is the ability to pull a lever or push a button.

"One-armed bandits" have been around for more than a hundred years.  Sittman and Pitt manufactured the first ones in 1891.  The first machine had five metal drums with pictures of playing cards painted on them.

The game resembled the video poker games we have now.  Players won based on the strength of their poker hand.   The machines were generally found in saloons.  Rather than winning cash, players won a free drink or cigars!  The bartender decided what the players won.

The first machine that could automatically pay out winnings, called the Liberty Bell, was invented in 1887.  The Bell Fruit Gum Company ran with the idea and created a machine that would give the player a pack of gum.  The symbols on the winning spin determined the flavor of gum.  The cherry, melon and other fruit symbols on slot machines today came from the old Liberty Bell machines.  Even now, the British call them "fruit machines"!

Contemporary slot machines are very diverse.  While some are still modeled after the old 'one armed bandits', most of them have buttons or touch screens to activate the reels.  Some even have themes based on TV, movie or comic book characters!

The foundation of contemporary slot machines is a random number generator.  Some slot machines try to trick the player, convincing him it takes skill to win, but it's all about chance. 

The random number generator works by selecting random numbers thousands of times a second.  When the player activates the reels, the random number generator stops and determines the outcome based on that random number.

Many people have tried to break this computer program in years past, but today’s slot machine manufacturers have precautions in place to prevent this.  Previously, people would insert a coin tied to a string, and then pull it back out again after the machine started.  They have even used microwaves to mess with the computers inside the machine.

An exhilarating facet of slot machines is that some of them carry a progressive jackpot: a jackpot that increases after every play.  In some cases a group of machines are connected to a single jackpot, so that several players are contending for and rising up the same jackpot.  These group jackpots are more than a single slot machine's jackpots.

A few casino experts will keep an eye on a machine that has not paid a jackpot of late and hop on it as soon as the last player leaves!  Here's a tip: keep a sharp eye out for a machine that has not paid out in a while.  However, this tactic does not always work on all machines because some of them work on totally individual spins.

Another matter to look out for is anyone attempting to sell books or promote web sites on how to beat the slots and bust the casino.  Most of these ideas are bogus; so do not give in to them.

Be sure that you know the casino you're visiting and get the maximum out of their comps programs.  Also, players should recognize what the odds and payouts are on various machines.  Payouts vary widely between different slot games.

Don't hesitate to ask the employees such questions.  They will be glad to prepare you for the machines and tell you what the casino provides its customers.  Casinos frequently have free items they give to new players, which should help even out any losses.

Players can also try online slots and play free slot games for safe practice, fun and amusement!  Remember, slots are about having fun.  Slot machines are purely entertainment so don't worry about losing.

Hang out with some friends and try to beat the machines together!