How slot machines actually work?

Ashley Baker
2 min readDec 9, 2019

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Have you ever wondered how a slot machine works? What mechanisms are triggered when a coin falls into the slot? Why do the drums spin and what makes them stop? What mechanism determines whether you won or lost everything?

Many participants simply lower the coin, pull the lever (or press the button) and wait a few seconds. As soon as the reels stop, you can see the result. If you have, for example, three cherries, then we can congratulate you on your victory. But is it that simple? What determines your fate: just an accident or a complex mechanism? Whether we are talking about real slot machines or games in digital format, the algorithm for their operation is the same.

However, randomness has nothing to do with the symbols that the slot machine will demonstrate. Its internal “filling” consists of a special mechanism. We know it under the name random number generator. Its task is to display random numbers, symbols or pictures on the monitor. In just one second, this mechanism scrolls through hundreds or thousands of characters. And all of them are reproduced on the screen completely independently of each other. When the rotation process starts, the generator manages to select three completely random numbers. Of course, the drums contain a lot of numbers or other images, but all combinations are selected by the mechanism and it is impossible to calculate them.

The operation of the entire chip is so fast that the selection of characters or numbers occurs instantly. You do not even have time to remove your hand from a lever or button. The generator already “knows” whether you will become the owner of the jackpot or not. However, for a more expressive and deep effect, the drums continue to spin for a few more seconds. Just to extend the intrigue and create more show effect. The numbers do not always coincide with those needed for the jackpot, because there are so many combinations.

The numbers that the gaming machine displays on the monitor are not related to each other. Each time it is a new result, a new combination. That is why you should not count on winning the game if the machine just brought you the jackpot. This is the principle of operation of each such entertainment device.

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