Many gamblers play slot machines because of their simplicity, bright graphics and the tantalising possibility of a big win. But there is a lot more to slot machines than meets the eye, and understanding key concepts such as Return to Player (RTP) and volatility can help players maximise their enjoyment and minimise their losses.
The pay table of a slot machine tells players how much they can win on specific symbols, as well as any caps that a casino may place on jackpot amounts. Players can also read online reviews of new slots to see which ones have the best payout percentages. It is important to remember, though, that even the best-paying slot games pay back less money than players put into them – and this is how casinos make their profits.
Adding to this, modern slot machines use microprocessors to determine the probability of hitting each symbol on a reel. This means that it can appear to a player that a particular symbol is “so close” to being hit, when in reality the likelihood of hitting it is far lower. This can frustrate players who feel that they are being cheated by the system, and leads to them chasing losses which will ultimately hurt them in the long run. This type of ‘price inflation’ is something that casino operators fear, as it can cause players to switch venues and cut into the house edge. Consequently, it is common for casinos to avoid increasing the house advantage on their slot machines as much as possible.