Slots are the most popular form of casino games not just in Michigan, but across the world. Players love the simple game mechanics, generous winnings and razzmatazz that these one-armed bandits bring to gaming. But what lies beneath the reels, paylines and bonuses? How do these machines actually work?
When you play a Slot machine, you’re betting on an algorithm called an RNG. It generates thousands of numbers each second. When you hit “spin,” it stops at a random set of symbols on the reels. If these symbols match a payout line, you win!
The first electromechanical slots began to appear in the early sixties. They allowed for a larger jackpot than mechanical reels and offered improved cheat-proofing. In the seventies, Bally introduced its Money Honey machine with a 19-inch Sony TV screen and advanced modifications. This video slot machine was an instant success and replaced many mechanical slots in casinos.
Video slots are more complex than mechanical-reel machines, as they offer multiple lines of possible wins and can include scatter pays, bonus games and wild multipliers. These features open up large number sets that must be accounted for by the game designer.
Today’s video slots can feature a 20-, 25- or even 40-payline game, which opens up the possibility of several wins with a single spin. This gives game designers a wide range of possibilities to create games that appeal to different volatility preferences. Themes also play a big role in the popularity of slot games, with software developers often offering titles based on gripping movies or television shows, such as the Twilight Zone (IGT), Deal or No Deal (Bally) and Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker (WMS). These themes appeal to a broad audience of players, and the games can often be played on mobile devices.