Slot Machines: Calculating the Odds
The odds in slot machines are not the same as in the early days. Back then, because all the slot machines are mechanical, calculating the odds are kind of easy. You just count how many symbols are on each reel and calculate the odds of getting the jackpot.
For example, if a slot machine has three reels and there are 15 symbols on each reel having a single payline, then there are 3,375 different symbol combinations available - 15 x 15 x 15. Therefore, your odds of getting the jackpot will be 1:3,375.
But today, calculating the odds in slot machines is very much different. Because most of the slot machines today are 100% computerized. Slot machines now have random number generators that determine the outcome combinations and payback percentages, which are predetermined by the casino operators. Nowadays, the number of reels and symbols on each reel are no longer the determining element in calculating the odds of slot machines.
The random number generator of slot machines is programmed to decide which combination will come up for each spin. It doesn't have jackpot quotas that needed to be paid within a particular length of time. Throughout the slot machine's life, the payback percentage is already preset and only the casino operators know what it the set percentage.
Due to this, it is impossible to calculate the odds of a slot machine unless you have the knowledge of its payback percentage. It doesn't matter what kind of slot machine it is, the payback percentage is not affected by it.
There are some slot machines whose payback percentages are published and will give us some idea regarding their odds. The higher is the denomination that the slot machine had, the higher will be its payback percentage. There are some casinos that offer higher payback percentages on their slot machines because they have higher volume of slot players.
It is known that the best slot machines are found in Las Vegas because of the high competition present between casinos in the area. Slots with higher jackpots like the progressives often have lesser payback percentages compared to lower jackpot slot machines.
Whatever slot machine you are playing, your odds is always lesser than 100%. The payback percentages of slots are playing around 70% to 99%. You can determine which machine has the high payback percentage if you try various kinds of them. And when you find the one that is paying out at regular basis, then stick on that one until the time that the slot machine has stop paying out.
Generally, the odds of getting the jackpot at slot machines in land-based casinos are approximately between 500,000:1 and 1,000,000:1. You are a very lucky person if you hit one of these jackpots anytime from now.