slots world

Those new to playing slot machines may be intimidated on that first trip to a casino or even when opening a virtual gaming site to play online. But there isn’t much to worry about and putting a few bucks in a slot offers a chance at some gaming fun including on that next trip to Las Vegas. If you’re new to the world of slots, getting a general knowledge of what to expect is simple and a few concepts will help on that next trip to Vegas. Perhaps that could even mean bringing back some winnings after a few nice sessions at the slots. Keep reading to learn more about how to play slots in Vegas and what to expect. How to play slots in Las Vegas While casinos offer plenty of entertainment options, from table games to big-name shows to sports betting, slot machines have become the most popular form of casino wagering in recent years. They are simple to play and modern machines offer plenty of amazing graphics, sound effects, and fun beyond vintage games that may have simply featured three reels spinning with a few symbols on each. Instead, slot fans now can find games with slot themes of every variety. Pop culture has become a popular theme in recent years. Players can expect games featuring: Movies and TV shows Music bands and singers Animals and nature Activities such as sports Asian-themed slots Video poker And much more There is literally something for everyone and at every limit level as well. Most games start at simply one cent per payline, the lines used on the reels to designate winnings spins. Now that you know a little about these machines, how exactly do they work? A slot is basically built around a set of reels that spin vertically. In the old days, these were real mechanical machines with symbols that were used to show a win if they lined up correctly on the payline. Modern slots, however, are based on software and RNGs (random number generators) within the machine. Reels are also mostly represented on a video screen now on most games. Players no longer need to pull a mechanical reel to activate the reels, and can simply press the “spin” button. Click here for further information on slot machine reels. Modern slots also offer more paylines to add more opportunities to win. Players now enjoy bonus games, which may even require user interactivity, and free spins to add even more chances to win. Wild symbols can also substitute for other symbols on the reels to make for extra winning combinations. Players new to a slot may want to check the pay table as well when starting to play. This is usually located on the video screens and shows the best winning symbols and combinations – including what needs to align to win a jackpot. The entire process of playing a slot in Las Vegas or at any other casino is simple and here’s a guide with a few concepts to remember. Playing Slot Machines Feature Result or meaning Spin button Initiates the slot reels Symbol Images on the reels are used to represent winning spins. Paytable Shows possible winning combinations to watch for Paylines Lines used to determine winning spins. The slot will indicate all winning spins. Scatter A symbol that can initiate a bonus game. Wild Used to substitute for other symbols and create more winning combinations. Credits Money put into a machine. Jackpot A higher payout is rarer than a normal winning spin. Bonus game An extra game that may require a different screen or feature. These offer players a chance to win more and bigger prizes. Free spins A feature on many games where players can be rewarded with extra spins that don’t take away from a player’s credits. These offer players more chances to win. Click here for additional slot terminology. How to play progressive slots in Las Vegas Players new to slot machines may have seen occasional stories in the news about eye-popping jackpots occasionally paid out to players. These can top $1 million with the largest jackpot ever paid checking in at much more. In 2003, a player at the Excalibur Casino in Las Vegas hit a $39.7 million jackpot after depositing $100 in a Megabucks machine. This type of machine is called a progressive slot machine. These games take a portion of each spin and place that into a separate prize pool. The games are linked together in a certain jurisdiction or area, and that prize pool continues growing until someone hits it big and scores a massive chunk of the total prize pool. This is what allows a slot to pay out such staggering prizes. Players dropping some cash in these games also have chances at some other smaller, yet still large, jackpots as well. Most casinos in Las Vegas as well as in other casino destinations offer at least progressive slot games. These offer chances at massive paydays but it’s important to remember: Massive jackpots are rare Most progressive slots require players to play maximum credits to qualify for the largest jackpots Some progressives require higher stakes than non-progressive slots Those traveling to play in Vegas will find many opportunities to try out a progressive slot machine. Playing progressive slots offers a chance to dream about what it might be like to really hit one of those huge jackpots. That likely isn’t going to happen, but some nice wins could still come your way as you try to hit it big. To increase your chances, consider exploring our How to win at slots guide for valuable insights. Are slot machines “rigged” in casinos? The quick answer to this question is no. Players must realize, however, that slot machines feature a house edge. The games pay out a certain amount back to players while the casino keeps a certain amount for itself. That house edge can’t be overcome, so it’s important to realize that. However, playing slowly and within your means can make for real entertainment. The RNG within the slot determines if a spin will be a winner or loser, no matter what a player does. Here’s a look at a few questions some players new to slots might have: Do slot machines pay out less on the weekends? Answer: No, slot results are based on the RNG and the software within the machine no matter what time of day or week. The machines generate random results and your win or loss is based on a random result. Do casinos put the “loosest” slot machines near entrances? Answer: This is also a myth and the game’s performance is based on the RNG and internal programming. These games are basically computers and provide random results. Are some casinos due to pay out a jackpot? Answer: This is also a monomer and come machines may pay out jackpots two or three times within a certain amount of time. Other times they may experience a “drought” before paying out. The results are random based on the random number generator. How to get free play in Las Vegas? Free play refers to a slot that a player receives without having to use any of his or her own money. Players can actually cash in for real winnings with these spins and it’s always worth taking advantage of these bonus spins when they are available. How does one actually get some free spins in Las Vegas or at other casinos? Many properties offer players some free play simply for signing up for the casino’s rewards card, especially some of those located away from the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. A rewards card is always worth getting as well because if you’re going to play slots, table, games, or video poker, you might as well earn points toward some of those rewards. Many properties “comp” players with free meals, hotel rooms, and other prizes depending on the amount they play at the casino and the number of points accrued. Those rewards can also include free play sometimes as well. Players may be rewarded with a certain number of spins or a certain amount toward playing. Any winnings collected during these spins can be cashed in for possibly even bigger prizes. A rewards member may also even be invited to a slot tournament. These are sometimes free or may have a minimal buy-in, and have players competing on the slots in a tournament-style competition. The goal is to beat other players within a certain time limit with a chance at some nice cash or prizes put up by the casino. Click here for further information on slot tournaments. Free play can be a lot of fun and doesn’t cost a player anything with a real chance to win. What is the best time to play slots in Las Vegas? This question may actually depend on the person. Weekends tend to be the busiest and finding a spot at your favorite slot might be more difficult because of so many visitors looking for some winnings themselves. However, those who like the energy of a busy casino may want to hit the slots in the evening or on a weekend. There may be a bustling energy when visiting a casino during this time. On the other hand, for visitors who like a more subdued feel with plenty of room to roam, the morning or daytime might be a better option for playing some slots in Vegas. There tend to be fewer players during this time, which might make for a more relaxed experience. Earlier in the week can also be a good time to play some slots as well. There tend to be fewer players in town and you may have better access to your slots of choice. There is one thing to remember when it comes to the best time to play slots: the actual games are unaffected by the time of day or day of the week. Slots don’t pay out at certain times over other times. As noted, the computer programming within the slots determines a payout at random. In fact, the RNG determines a winner as soon as the “spin” button is pressed, zipping through millions of combinations almost instantaneously. That next jackpot may pay out on Monday at noon, Friday at 7 p.m., or Sunday’s early morning hours at 4:33 a.m. You just never know. When it comes to winning, players have no real insight into what’s the best time to play a slot. Those nice payouts and jackpots come at completely random times. Do casinos get rid of slot machines that pay out too much? Many players may think the casino has stacked the deck against them. In a sense, that’s true when it comes to the idea of the house having an edge over players. However, casinos mostly just want to keep slots on the floor that players enjoy and keep playing. Remember, casinos generally keep a percentage of the entire coin-in to their slot machines. That means they make their money from players actually playing at the slots. That’s why casinos offer players free drinks and the chance at comps like free meals and rooms. The casinos want players gambling and are less concerned with player payouts – property managers know they have the edge in the long term. Those games that don’t receive much play are generally the ones that can be removed. More popular games that are generating plenty of coin-in may be repositioned into better locations and properties may also add more of them. The payout to players is often determined by the slot manufacturer and referred to as RTP (return to player). That’s the total percentage of coin-in paid back to players overall. The higher the RTP, the better the chance of a payout for players. This figure also can apply to casinos, gaming jurisdictions or areas, individual slots, a section of games (such as high limits), and more. Sometimes casinos may even make changes because of player interest. In recent years, many Las Vegas properties have phased out a lot of the nickel slots at their properties. Penny slots have become more popular and replaced many of those former nickel games. Those one-cent slots, however, have numerous paylines and each spin can cost much more than a penny. As TripAdvisor notes: The casinos didn't really mind, because the penny machines have a much lower payback percentage. How often does someone win big in Las Vegas? This may be a hard question to quantify. What may be a large payout to one person may not be the same to another person. Players all across Las Vegas book winning sessions at the slots on a daily basis. Players also record five- and six-figure jackpots on a regular basis in Las Vegas as well as in other casinos around the world. It’s important to remember that the house holds an edge over slot players and that’s just a fact players have to deal with. Slots are meant for entertainment and if you book a nice win, so much the better. When it comes to major jackpots in the $1 million-plus range, those are much rarer. These seem to occur a few times a month and make headlines when they happen. But winning at that level certainly isn’t the norm. As noted, these payouts generally come on progressive slots where players play at higher limits with the max bet in place. These may offer the opportunity at bigger payouts but can also eat away at a player’s bankroll. How do I pick a slot machine to play in Las Vegas? Picking a slot machine is totally dependent on a player’s mood or interests. There is literally something for everyone and every taste – from modern machines featuring pop culture to classic games with lucky symbols like 7s, fruits, and more. Those who like to cash in on frequent spins will look for games offering a low variance of payouts. That means they pay out small and medium payouts more frequently while the larger payouts are rare. Higher volatility slots tend to pay out less often but often larger payouts when they deliver a win to a player. There are numerous online sources to check out some of your favorite slots and how they stack up in these areas. Considering RTP is also a good idea and there are numerous online sources, including slot manufacturer websites, that offer this type of information. A higher RTP means more money is paid back to players and you may have a better chance at winning. There are numerous online sources available to check out various Vegas casinos’ RTP as well as those percentages for individual games and areas. Frequently asked questions What are progressive slots? These are games that are linked together over a certain state or region and offer chances at winning mega-jackpots that often make news headlines. These payouts can go into the millions, but usually require players to play at max credits to qualify for these giant jackpots. The huge prizes are achieved by funneling a certain amount of each coin into the jackpot prize pool. Players can also expect other jackpots on these machines that may not be in the millions but can still be large. Are Las Vegas slots “rigged” by the casinos? No, slots are programmed to pay out a certain percentage of all coin-in to the machine. Payouts are based on the RNG (random number generator) within the game’s software. This ensures a payout is made completely at random. Some machines may seemingly pay out more frequently at times while at other times they may seem dormant and not paying out any major payouts. This all depends on the machine’s RNG. Casinos take a share of the entire coin-in to the machines. They have little need or incentive to actually rig the machines as they also have a house edge and always win over the vast majority of players over the long run. Do Vegas casinos get rid of slots that pay out too much? Again, payouts are based totally on a machine’s random number generator. Properties’ slot changes are usually more based on player demand for gaming than on whether a certain machine has paid out a lot lately. With their house edge, casinos simply want players at the machines as much as possible. They want their share of coin-in to be as big as possible.

Any gambler who’s watched a vintage movie about Las Vegas has likely noticed the iconic mechanical slot machine. These traditional slot machines, unlike today's games which rely on a random number generator, operated using tangible moving parts to determine outcomes. Charles Fey from San Francisco is credited with inventing the very first mechanical slot machine in the late-19th century, aptly named the "Liberty Bell." Since its introduction, slot machines have evolved with various technological advances. Yet, for many years, players' fortunes depended on the intricate mechanics of these beloved machines, where wins and losses were determined by gears and levers rather than digital computations. Keep reading to find out a bit on how these mechanical slot machines worked and if they can be found for playing today. How Do Mechanical Slot Machines Work? Most slot players take the act of popping a few dollars in a slot machine or opening up their mobile phone or laptop to spin some reels for granted. It's pretty easy to get in on the action and modern games feature plenty of “bells and whistles” – from high-definition video with mind-blowing graphics to cinema-style sound effects to easily-changeable betting options. But these types of options weren’t always the case. Early machines featured single denominations of stakes and very few bells and whistles (although bells were a common symbol on early machines). Despite these limited options, early slots were highly popular with gamblers. Machines are the main draw and gambling revenue drivers for most casinos around the world. “There has never been any other gambling device which has produced such enormous profits with so little effort on the part of the operator,” Scarne’s New Complete Guide to Gambling notes. The author adds: “The slot machine is the only mechanical device with a mechanical banker that collects losing bets, pays off winning bets, and makes fewer mistakes than any human dealer in any casino banking game.” Early machines were manufactured in machine shops and made use of mechanical gadgets instead of techno-wizardry, although there definitely was some skilled engineering to make these gambling devices work. Many of these classic games made use of typical machine-style components including: a cabinet (often metal in early days) to encase the mechanics gears levers metal shaft to support the spinning reels notched discs kicker connected stoppers Classic machines may vary a bit, but this is the general idea on how the mechanical inner workings of a slot machine work. A metal shaft is a key part of the machine’s functions by supporting the reels (usually only three on older machines), which display various symbols and signify a certain action such as a win, loss, or jackpot. The shaft is connected to a handle protruding from the machine (hence the nickname “one-armed bandit”). Some modern machines feature a handle as well, although they really only activate the slot’s computer software. But in these older machines, the handle actually worked to get the mechanical reels spinning and in motion. A braking system brings the spinning reels to a stop to signal a win or loss. Later machines also made use of sensors to enable payouts based on the position of the reels. More advanced mechanical reels eventually also used coin detectors to initiate the game after a coin was inserted into a “slot” – giving the games the name “slot machines.” This mechanism released a brake so a player could move the handle and go for a spin. Here are a few of Jackpot Party's most famous Vegas slots: What is the Kicker and Stoppers? There’s a bit more to this mechanical process with devices called “kickers” and “stoppers” playing a major role. The three reels on the central shaft also house three notched discs. A second shaft supports the slot kicker. This piece is made up of three paddles that intersect with and push against the disc notches. This second shaft also supports several connected stoppers, which protrude into the disc notches. The kicker and stoppers are joined to springs, which lock them in a “standby” position. When the handle is pulled, these are released until they come to a stop and the reels display that spin’s results. Line them up just right and some slot token or cash are headed your way. The actual specific mechanics of the machine varied by manufacturer, but as noted, this is the general idea of how mechanical slots work overall. It seems as the world became more industrialized and new manufacturing processes gained favor, creating a machine that mixed entertainment and gambling just seemed inevitable. Who knew how immensely popular these games would actually become? “With the emphasis on streamlined production and mechanization that came with the Second Industrial Revolution in the late 19th Century, it was only a matter of time before someone invented a machine that could help people gamble faster and more efficiently,” author David Schwartz notes in Roll the Bones: The History of Gambling. Which Pays Better, Video or Mechanical Slot Machines? Part of the fun of playing a slot is the hope that a nice win is heading your way. But cash payouts weren’t always the case. Charles Fey invented the first coin-paying slots in San Francisco in 1895. Earlier machines were more mere amusement devices and paid out prizes such as: cigars chewing gum candy more free spins on the machine free drinks But Fey’s machine revolutionized the gaming industry, transforming this amusement device into a gambling slot machine. His first machine, known as the Liberty Bell, paid out 50 cents when three bells lined up across the three reels. Slots can now be found in casinos throughout the globe as well as online on real-money gaming platforms and in social media mobile gaming options. Gaming options have changed dramatically but the general idea that payouts come via finding fortuitous luck on those spinning reels remains. Obviously, as advances were made, payouts advanced beyond that initial 50-cent win on a Liberty Bell. Players could wager higher denominations and also win on multiple lines. Modern video slots offer much easier ways to win at much higher denominations. However, players must also be willing to wager more per spin because of so many paylines now available to players. Modern slots also offer the chance to win progressive jackpots as well, which can reach staggering sums. These are reached by games being linked across numerous locations and jurisdictions. A small portion of each spin is put into the progressive payout pool and players getting extremely lucky can take all or even a smaller share of that total. In general, players now have many more opportunities to win on a video slot machine or a game with spinning reels but also using modern software and technological engineering. How Do Mechanical Slots Produce Random Results? The mechanics of a mechanical slot help produce random spins based on the actual spinning of the reels. The kicker and stoppers eventually help bring them to a stop as the reels begin to slow. Is this truly random? That depends on one’s perspective. But in the age of computer software, probably not a perfectly random outcome. The mechanics of these games may have favored certain results occasionally but manufacturers were working with real machine parts and worked to make these results as random as possible. Gaming commissions also worked to make sure these were fair games. This is much different than modern slots. These games make use of a random number generator (RNG) to predetermine an outcome before a player even spins the reels. The software predetermines the outcome based on slot machine algorithms for a completely random result. Modern slots are much more computer and software than an actual machine. How to Fix Vintage Mechanical Slot Machines? Many people love the feel of old mechanical slot machines, but sometimes they can have problems. Here's a simple guide to fixing the most common issues: Safety First! Before diving into repairs, always remember to unplug the machine or ensure it's not connected to any power source. You're dealing with metal parts, and safety should always be a priority. Jammed Coin Mechanism: A frequent problem with mechanical slot machines is the jamming of the coin mechanism. Solution: - Open the front panel using a slot machine key or a suitable replacement. - Carefully remove the coin mechanism from the machine. - Inspect for foreign objects, bent coins, or debris. If found, gently remove them. - Check moving parts for any visible wear or damage. If worn out, consider replacing them or seeking professional help. Stuck or Non-Spinning Reels: If your reels aren’t spinning, the cause might be a broken or misaligned spring, or an issue with the internal gears. Solution: Carefully remove the machine's back panel. Examine the springs connected to the reels. Replace any that appear stretched or damaged. Check the internal gears. Clear any debris or accumulated dirt using a soft brush. If gears appear worn out or damaged, sourcing replacements might be necessary. It's advisable to consult with a specialist if you're unfamiliar with the gear system. Non-Functional Pull Lever: If the lever isn't working, it could be due to a disconnect between the lever and the internal mechanism, or it might be broken. Solution: Open the side or back panel to access the lever mechanism. Check for disconnections or breaks in the linkage. Reattach or replace as necessary. Apply a light lubricant to the lever joints to ensure smooth movement. Misaligned Payout System: Sometimes, the machine doesn't release coins even after a win. Solution: Open the machine's front or back panel. Examine the coin release pathway for any obstructions and remove them. Check the payout discs and tubes for misalignments. Ensure they line up correctly with the payout slot. Regular Maintenance: To keep your machine running smoothly: Regularly clean and dust the internal components. Apply a light machine oil to moving parts annually to reduce friction and wear. Always handle internal components gently to avoid causing inadvertent damage. What Happened to Mechanical Slot Machines? As computers became more in use in the 1980 to 2000s, slots began to transform. Slowly those mechanical inner workings were replaced by more modern technology. Developers could create more entertaining and innovative games using new technology. Even the use of coins and slot tokens faded away. Players could use cash and then be paid out in vouchers which could easily be used in other machines. All these changes revolutionized the industry and this saw a surge in the game’s popularity. Players loved numerous new features such as: user interactivity video clips multiple paylines bonus rounds free spins Pop culture tie-ins such as movies, TV shows, and musical acts Many slot machines began featuring a narrative element or at least a common theme, such as ancient mythology, animals, or almost anything else imaginable that might resonate with players. This new breed of slot machines began replacing those older machines featuring real mechanical reels and inner workings. Many were scrapped but some vintage games remain sought after by collectors. Perhaps you’ve seen one in a friend’s game room or in a museum such as the Mob Museum in Las Vegas. A few Las Vegas casinos still offer the chance to gamble on some vintage machines. Some may feature a bit of computer technology but offer the best chance to gamble on classic mechanical slots. For those looking to play some slots of a bygone era, the best place to find some is probably in downtown Vegas. Grab a bucket of quarters, drop a few in the “slot,” pull the handle, and hopefully a nice win is heading your way. Where to Find Vintage Mechanical Slot Machines for Purchase Before purchasing an old mechanical slot machine, ensure it's legal to own one in your jurisdiction. Some places restrict ownership based on the machine's age or prohibit it altogether. Where to Buy: Online Auctions: Websites like eBay often list vintage slot machines. Always verify the machine's authenticity and the seller's reputation. Specialty Retailers: Some shops specialize in antique slot machines, such as San Diego Antique Slot Machines or Nation's Attic. Forums & Clubs: Join slot machine enthusiast forums or clubs. Members might share leads or sell their own machines. Local Antique Stores: Depending on your location, nearby antique shops might occasionally stock vintage slot machines. Classifieds: Check local classifieds or platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Ensure you verify the item's authenticity and the seller's trustworthiness. Buying Tips: Condition Check: Determine if the machine is operational or needs repairs. Consider potential restoration costs. Return Policy: For online purchases, ensure there's a clear return policy in case of discrepancies. Remember, when transporting your purchase, handle with care to protect its delicate mechanisms. Frequently Asked Questions How do mechanical slot machines work? These older machines make use of gears, levers, discs, and other mechanical inner workings to determine the results of a spin of the reels. Early machines featured only machine inner workings whereas today machines make use of software and technology to determine wins and losses. Can players win more on a mechanical slot or a modern video slot? Modern machines offer numerous ways to pay, high denominations to wager (and win), and the opportunity to win progressive jackpots. Did mechanical slots feature random results? The outcomes of a slot were as random as possible based on the technology at the time. The reels spun after pulling the handle and eventually stopped due to the mechanics found inside the slot cabinet.