Some players clutch lucky charms while playing slots while others try to “time” things right so that a machine will pay out. Some look for “hot” slots while avoiding those “cold” ones. Another player may believe that a big payday always comes on a Saturday or Sunday. Do these players have a chance at some winnings? These are just a few of the slot myths that many players believe and the sad news is that they are just that – myths. Hot and cold slots are a myth, as is the notion that one can “time” a slot payout. Other notions about luck and slots are also myths.  Read to discover the top five slot myths and learn the truth behind these common misconceptions. 1 – Hot & Cold Slots Some players believe that certain slots are simply “hot” – seemingly awarding jackpots all the time (at least from their perspective). Other slots are seen as “cold” – stingy with those payouts and best to be avoided. But the simple fact is that the random number generator (RNG) and the game's high-tech inner workings ensure completely random results. The RNG runs millions of combinations a second to determine a random result as soon as a player hits the “spin” button.  The RNG ensures random results and a fair game. Because of this, the idea of hot and cold slots is a myth and very flawed thinking. Some games may pay out big jackpots over a short period while other times they may not pay out much at all over a longer amount of time. The RNG ensures that no one can predict a payment. Those machines are neither hot nor cold and no previous spin has any effect on subsequent spins as well. There is no skill involved in winning – it’s just a random event. Modern slot machines contain a pseudo-random number generator (RNG) that cycles through about 4.3 billion distinct values continuously at approximately 1,000 values per second,” researchers with the University of Alberta report. For each bet, the machine selects the cycle’s current position and outputs the correlated reel positions onto the display. Unlike the free throw in basketball, no amount of practice will improve the odds of winning at the slot machine. Moreover, receiving a near miss is no more informative about an upcoming win than any other type of miss. 2 – Timing is Everything This is another common myth. Some players believe that a casino’s slots only pay out in the evening or at certain times of the day. So what is the best time of day to play slots? The RNG determines outcomes, so play whenever it's convenient for you. The RNG and the machine’s software determine all winners – at random. Schedule that slot play when you feel you want to play – not when you think they might pay off. 3 – Slot Machines are Rigged The belief that slots are rigged is a common misconception. It may seem sometimes like you just can’t win, but the simple truth is that casinos have a major house edge on the whole when it comes to slot machine play. Slots are designed with a house edge, but regulations ensure they pay out a certain percentage over time, known as RTP (return to player). RTP can apply to a certain type of gaming machine or the casino as a whole. For example, a casino or slot with an 88% RTP is paying back 88 cents of every dollar wagered. Casinos (and online gaming platforms) don’t adjust individual machines to work against players. They simply collect a percentage of all the money put in a slot. As a study from the Institute of Information and Communication Technologies at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences notes: Each slot machine has a parameter called return to player (RTP). RTP is the average amount of money that a player will get back, on average, after each spin of the reels. 4 – Betting More Can Give You a Better Chance at Winning Betting more doesn’t increase your chances of winning and can quickly drain your bankroll. This can simply drain a player’s bankroll over time. Playing higher than you can afford is a recipe for disaster and betting more also does not affect your potential for winning. This is a myth as well and players would be better advised to stick to stakes they can afford. There is a caveat to this concept when it comes to RTP. Some high-stakes machines may have higher RTPs than those at lower stakes. Progressive games, those that feature massive jackpot pools from numerous slots over a certain state or area, may also only award the highest payouts to those who meet a certain bet threshold or play at a certain level. Those who want to have a shot at those prizes will want to play at these levels. But it’s still advised to play games that best fit your budget. 5 – There’s a Trick to It Some players believe they can influence the random number generator while playing. They devise certain tactics and ways of spinning that they believe may affect how the machine pays out or stops the reels. Here are a few tricks players believe may help them: Stopping the reels manually at a certain time – This does not affect wins or losses. Following certain betting sequences – This is also a myth and doesn’t affect the RNG. Playing for a certain time limit – The RNG solely determines the results of a spin and playing for varying times doesn't affect that. No player action influences the RNG, making every spin purely random. The reels just serve as a representation of the result determined by the RNG. It’s important to realize that players face extremely long odds when it comes to winning one of those eye-popping million-dollar jackpots that regularly make headlines. As Investopedia notes: Slot machine odds are some of the worst, ranging from a one-in-5,000 to one-in-about-34-million chance of winning the top prize when using the maximum coin play. 6 – That Lucky Charm Makes a Difference Lucky charms do not affect a slot machine, and most players know this. Those lucky charms may simply bring good feelings and add to the fun. While most gamblers hope for some luck at the slot machines, seeing results is more a product of being at the right place at the right time. The RNG, not lucky charms, has more to do with wins and losses. So why do gamblers embrace these kinds of lucky charms and ideas of luck in general? It can give some players a sense of control and also lead to some frustration in the process. A belief in luck appears to soothe our discomfort with randomness but can also make us fearful of doing anything that might incite bad luck,” the Mindful Healthy Life journal notes: Living our life based on the principle of fate-driven luck means that we’ll experience frustration when things don’t go as planned, or negative events will confirm what we’ve always believed: that nothing good ever comes our way. 7 – Using the Slot Lever Gives You a Better Chance to Win Using the lever doesn't improve your chances of winning compared to the spin button. In the early days of slots, a lever would set the mechanical reels in motion. Today’s games feature few mechanical inner workings but some games still include a level on the side of the machine. Some players mistakenly believe that using that lever gives them a better chance to win. However, the lever simply does the same thing as the spin button and has no bearing on winning and losing or the RNG. Nothing you do has an impact on the result of each spin. It’s all a matter of the device’s computer workings. Understanding this helps players focus on enjoying the game rather than chasing myths. Explore the thrill of Jackpot Party's free slots below – no downloads needed! Responsible Gaming Reminder Whether playing at a live casino or online, it’s important to set boundaries and reasonable budgets when playing slots. Don’t wager more than you can afford to lose and make sure gambling funds are for entertainment only. Expecting to win at your slot machine play each time out is unreasonable. Make note of safe gaming practices including:  Don’t go over your bankroll. Play at the limits you can afford. Don’t chase losses. Take breaks when hitting a losing streak. When your bankroll is gone, don’t reach into your wallet for more or visit the ATM machine. Avoid drinking too much, which may make you gamble more. Consider free-to-play slot games like at Jackpot Party without having to risk any real money. Those who do feel they may have a real gambling problem should take advantage of available resources. Many states allow players to self-exclude themselves from casinos and online gambling. Some also offer professional help and addiction programs that are free to residents of those states. For more help, contact the National Council on Problem Gambling or call 1-800-GAMBLER. Conclusion Slot machines offer plenty of bang for the entertainment buck and offer players a chance to win. Some players believe their actions, lucky charms, or other beliefs can affect winning or losing. This is not the case, however, and the machine’s high-tech random number generator determines the result of a spin. That result is visually represented for the player via the symbols on the reels. While some players believe in luck and other superstitions when heading to a casino or playing online, the fact is that the slot’s computer and software determine the results of every spin of the reels. Players should recognize this and also know that the casino has a built-in house edge. RTP (return to player) may also come into play and higher RTP percentages at least pay back more money to players. Always practice responsible gaming and stay within your bankroll when playing slots and only budget money you can afford to lose or consider free slots. Playing slots can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to know the realities of the games when heading to the casino References: University of Alberta Institute of Information and Communication Technologies Investopedia Mindful Healthy Life National Council on Problem Gambling

When playing slots, scatter symbols are some of the most exciting symbols you can land as you spin. These symbols, which can land anywhere on the reel, are often the key to unlocking special features like free spins, bonus games, jackpots, and more. Because of their unique abilities, scatter symbols appear less often than standard symbols. Their rareness only adds to the mystique and excitement when one lands.  Here, I’ve only scratched the surface of scatter symbols in slots. Continue reading below to learn how scatter symbols work, the slot game bonuses they unlock, and more.  Some games may require a specific number of scatter symbols to unlock different features. However, the key takeaway is that scatter symbols provide flexibility in how rewards are earned. I find these symbols to be the most desirable, depending on the games I enjoy playing. How do Scatter Symbols Work? Before diving into a game, check out the paytable to see how they utilize scatter symbols. In doing so, you’ll find that the “x” number of scatter symbols means a specific feature unlocks. The features I most often see unlocked with scatter symbols are free spins, mini-games within the slot, progressive jackpots, and multipliers.  The number of scatters needed to unlock these features can vary. That said, you won’t need to get them in any particular arrangement or on a payline. For example, if a game says you need two scatters to unlock free spins, you simply need two scatters to appear anywhere on the reels to enjoy the perks.  In Zeus II, for example, landing 3 scatter symbols will trigger 10 free games. Check the Zeus II paytable below. With scatter symbols holding so much power, these influence the game’s RTP and volatility. Games that have more scatters tend to have higher volatility (bigger, but less frequent wins). However, when scattered are implemented well into games, they can result in a good long-term payout structure, keeping players returning.  Tip: Scatter symbols are different across all games with them. Check out the paytable for more information.  Types of Bonuses Triggered by Scatter Symbols I mentioned them above, but the types of bonuses you can look forward to with scatter symbols are free spins, bonus games (or mini-games), multipliers, and progressive jackpots.  Let’s discuss each perk below.  Free Spins: You’ll get a specific number of spins at no cost and enjoy the winnings from them. This can be found in the game Zeus II.  Bonus Games: Some bonus game examples include various versions of free spins, expanding symbols, and Free Fall symbols. These all contribute to winning more money.  Multipliers: Your wins on specific paylines will be multiplied. This increases your payout. You can find these in Raging Rhino.  Progressive Jackpots: Scatter symbols could trigger the jackpot round in some games. With progressive jackpots, the total jackpot amount goes up each time someone plays. Thus, scatter symbols could help win the jackpot or unlock the rounds needed to have a chance at hitting it.  Scatter Symbols Across Different Slot Games Several popular games, including Book of Dead, Gonzo’s Quest, Immortal Romance, and more, offer scatter symbols.  Let’s touch on how scatter symbols work with these iconic titles.  Starburst: Unfortunately, Starburst technically doesn’t have a scatter symbol, but rather wilds. However, these are treated similarly to scatter symbols here, as the wild symbols can unlock free spins.  Book of the Dead: Here, scatter symbols and wilds are the same. Here, if you land three or more scatter symbols, you’ll unlock free spins. In addition, this will unlock the expanding symbol mentioned above. This allows you to win on multiple paylines.  Gonzo’s Quest: Another thing I mentioned regarding bonus games was Free Fall symbols. That’s what’s available at Gonzo’s Quest. This feature offers free spins with multipliers. This can lead to massive wins.  Immortal Romance: Scatter symbols at Immortal Romance unlock “Chamber of Spins.” This feature allows for different free spin modes based on how many scatters land.  Cleopatra: An iconic slot franchise, scatter symbols here unlock a 3x multiplier.  As you can see, scatter symbols here manifest in various ways, and many of them have to do with the game’s theme and design. The Free Fall with Gonzo’s Quest makes sense for the theme. In Book of the Dead, the scatter symbol itself is a book related to the Egyptian theme.  This allows for another layer of creativity you don’t often get to come across with slots that don’t offer scatter symbols. These help create even more immersion.  Discover the Jackpot Party slot games below and unlock exciting scatter-triggered bonuses like free spins, multipliers, and progressive jackpots: Strategies for Maximizing Wins with Scatter Symbols Before diving into playing slots with scatter symbols, I have a few strategies I want you to keep in mind.  Look for High RTP Games: With online casinos, finding RTP (Return to Player) data isn’t difficult. By finding a game with a higher RTP that offers scatter symbols, chances are you may run into them more often which could lead to more consistent wins.  Play Demos: Play the demo version of the game you’re interested in. While each spin is random, you can get a feel for the theme and features.  Read Reviews: While player reviews can be somewhat hit or miss, reading real-life experiences from players could help gauge how much you may enjoy it.  Understand What You Get From Them: Scatter symbols are available in many games, but what do they unlock? Check with the game to see if you’ll unlock something you’re interested in.  Check the Paytable: Paytable is a crucial feature in slot games that helps players understand how rewards are earned. Understanding how you reap the rewards from these symbols is important. This will also help avoid any confusion down the line with why you did or didn’t unlock a feature. Manage your Bankroll: This is a universal tip, but remember to set a budget and stick to it. Never wager to chase losses. Treat this strictly as entertainment. Additionally, know when to call it quits. Set a daily budget if you need to, and once you spend that amount, stop for the day. Never wager more than you can afford to lose.  Scatter Symbols vs. Other Special Symbols I mentioned them above, but Wilds are another lucrative symbol. Scatter symbols can appear anywhere on reels, and they’re not required to land in any specific formation for the win. Conversely, Wilds take the place of a standard symbol and can help bridge the gap between a win. These still need to follow paylines. Think of Wilds as a card in a deck, like a joker, that can act as anything else, whereas scatters unlock special features.  There are also bonus symbols to consider. These are somewhat like scatters. While they unlock features, they often need to land in specific places like wilds. Scatters can unlock multiple features, while bonus symbols are typically tied to a specific one.  Symbol Payline Needed? Unlockable Features Scatter No Free spins, bonuses, multipliers, jackpots Wilds Yes Substitute for other symbols Bonus Mostly yes Unlock specific bonus features The Evolution of Scatter Symbols Scatter symbols are a rather new characteristic and mechanic of slot games. These came online along with digital and video formats later in the 20th century. These were added as tools to make slot games more exciting and add variety across the board. This made certain games more appealing to players than others because of the added immersion and benefits that could come with them.  These symbols changed slots forever due to them not needing to be tied to a payline. Overall, I believe these have added more player enjoyment.  Conclusion Scatter symbols can add a lot of excitement to your slot gameplay. These can unlock features that can lead to even more winnings. That said, I recommend finding games you enjoy most first and foremost; from there, understand that scatter symbols are one of the rare symbols to appear, so don’t bank on getting them every session.  If you find a game you enjoy that has scatter symbols, that’s a bonus. Play within your budget and enjoy the features they unlock when you’re lucky enough to land one.