Pop Culture

Mechanics Behind Online Slots

By Emma C |

Slots have been around for a very long time, back in the twentieth century. It is one of the favorite casino games among gamblers around the world. This statement is confirmed by the fact that this is the most played casino game in casinos.

It is easy to understand why slots are so popular. This is because they are very diverse in their presentation. All slots are thematic, and some are based on popular brands, national cultures, popular tourist attractions, mythology, movies, books, etc. This allows for an unforgettable and enjoyable experience.

Slots have evolved over the years. They have moved from one row of 3 drums to 5 drums in 3 rows, which is the most common slot mechanics nowadays. And even more types with a variety of options are present nowadays as well. Paylines have changed as well, as we can now see “all ways pays” paylines with hundreds of possible combinations and outcomes.

Perhaps the most monumental change in the slots is the appearance of online casinos, which gives us the opportunity to play slot games for money on the Internet.

Online Slots vs Land-based Slots

Online and land-based slots follow the same principles in gameplay. However, there are significant differences in other areas of both types.

  • Atmosphere and Convenience: Land-based casinos have a complete casino atmosphere. Socializing is much more possible, unlike at online casinos. However, online casinos are available to play slots all day, every day, anywhere, and at any time.
  • Availability of Games: Most land-based casinos are stacked to the brim with slots options, just like online slots casinos. You may only have a shortage of options at a local pub where there won't be many options. Also, you may experience long queues at land-based casinos when you want to play a particular game. There may be many people playing that you may not be able to sit in front of the slot machine immediately. This problem has been eliminated in online slots since you run the casino on your phone.
  • Payouts: In this respect, there is nothing to separate the online slots from land-based slots. The payout for slot games is the same in both online and brick-and-mortar casinos.
  • Bonuses: Here, online casinos dominate. There is probably no single online casino that does not offer bonuses to players. Meanwhile, at land-based casinos the reverse is the case.

How Does An Online Slot Work?

Playing slots at a land-based casino, one of the perks is the certainty of fairness. Players feel more secure about the randomness of the game than playing online slots. This is because they can see the machine generating the results for them. However, in an online slot, you may tend to get suspicious because you cannot see what is happening behind the game. And players tend to question the honesty of the game when they are on a losing streak.

It is essential to know that fairness is guaranteed, and you play at a certified and reputable online slots casino. This is because the casino produces its results via a Random Number Generator (RNG). In any serious online slots casino, this RNG is audited by a third party. Audits are to make sure that the RNG is genuinely generating the numbers randomly without any manipulation. The audits are usually carried out regularly.

Random Number Generators (RNG)

Random Number Generator is the heart of every online casino. They are a decisive factor in the outcome of any game.

In slots, every single outcome on the reels is assigned a number. This means that there are thousands upon thousands of numbers available for the RNG to select from at each spin. Every time you hit the spin button, the RNG has already chosen a number, which is an outcome on the reels. It then simulates the spinning of the reels, just to end up with the outcome it has already selected for you from the beginning.

It is important to know that the Random Number Generator is entirely random and does not produce new outcomes based on older ones. The probability for all outcomes is the same at every spin. You can try out an RNG for yourself.

Third-Party Auditors

You may feel uncomfortable that the RNGs are in total control of the casino operators. But be sure that only case-independent parties conduct regular audits of casino accounts and RNGs. These independent bodies run thorough testing of the casino to determine things like the Return To Player (RTP) and the RNGs validity.

Gambling authorities of most gambling jurisdictions require these audits to be conducted regularly. The gambling authorities use these auditors to monitor the casinos. The casinos, in turn, comply so that they can attain and keep their operating license. eCOGRA and iTech Labs are some reputable casino independent auditors.

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