Are Slot Machines Programmed?
In slot machines, luck is literally everything. The outcome of each spin is totally random. For better or worse, there is no way you can possibly predict what symbols will come up on the reels. The only thing you can do is guess. Combinations of symbols are produced by an algorithm referred to as Random Number Generator. At the same time, each slot has a series of pre-set parameters. One of such parameters is RTP.
RTP In Slot Machines
Return to player (RTP) percentage indicates what part of all bets made on a slot will be paid back to players as winnings. RTP is set by the company that manufactured a slot. Usually, it’s a pretty high value that ranges between 93% and 98%.
RTP percentage is a very accurate and reliable parameter. If a slot has a 96% RTP, you can rest assured that in the long run it pays back 96% of all wagers made by players. Contrary to common myths, online casinos have no access to slot settings, including RTP. Technically, online slots are stored on the server of the manufacturing company. This makes it impossible for online casinos to interfere with RTP and reduce it. If you had any doubts in that regard, now you can sleep well at night!
There is one important thing you should know about RTP. This parameter is calculated for a very large number of spins. Suppose, you’re playing a slot with a 97% RTP. To get back exactly 97% of your wagers, you need to spin the reels for weeks, which is hardly possible. Otherwise, your payback percentage will be a little different from the RTP value.
Note that owners of land-based casinos can change slot settings, including RTP. Don’t worry though! They’re still not allowed to reduce RTP below the level determined by the regulatory authorities.
How RTP Affects The Gameplay
The technological breakthrough made gambling more accessible to the public. Online casinos started to offer new games, exciting features, progressive jackpots, and other benefits.
While old school gamblers are complaining that online games have lost their spirit and charm, this is not entirely true. Apart from the modified RNG and stylish control panel, online slots have the exact same gameplay as their predecessors. In fact, the only thing that changed is design! The unique personality of one-armed bandits hasn’t gone anywhere.
In mechanical and electromechanical slots, RTP was determined by symbols and number of spins made by the reels. In online slots, RNG has evolved into a smart algorithm running on a computer code. Apart from this innovation, RTP has the same functions as ever.
Online and land-based games are, in fact, one and the same thing. They have the identical settings, gameplay and winning chances. This is true not only for slots, buts also for other gambling games, such as roulette and blackjack. Whether to play in real casinos or online depends on your personal taste and mood!