Online slots don’t involve any maths, does it? It’s just a lot of fun – and random fun when you really think about it – and maths is something that is done at work or at school; it’s not something that is done for a hobby.
Yet although this might be your first thought, it’s not entirely accurate. The truth is, maths is definitely involved in online slots, even if you hadn’t noticed it or registered the fact. Understanding the maths that is linked to slot games will help you to be more successful and give you the best chance of winning since you are able to determine which slot game is the best one to play by looking at the odds. Of course, it can never be guaranteed that you will win, but this maths-based approach could certainly help.
The Mathematics of Slots
The first thing to understand about slots is that they work using a random number generator (RNG). This system is based around specific mathematical formulas which, when combined, give out a random number. This number corresponds to the symbols on the reels, and tells the machine where to place the ones that have been picked.
Sometimes this means there will be a wining combination, and other times it will mean that the player will lose. There are fewer winning combinations than there are losing ones, so it is more likely that there will be a loss than a win.
Calculating Probabilities
It is simply not possible to predict where any symbols are going to land at any time, and that’s why an RNG system is used – it means that no one can cheat by influencing where the symbols are going to land.
You can work out the probability of winning on a slot machine though, and when you have this information you can be sure that you are choosing the right game for you – usually something that has a higher RTP (return to player) which means there is more chance of winning back the money you paid in.
This information should be listed alongside the game online, in the pay table. It is always a good idea to see this as this is an easy way to work out whether the game you are interested in playing is going to be worth the trouble. Of course, if you’re not interested in whether you win or lose and you just like playing the game, then this RTP probably won’t influence you too much, especially if the theme of the slots is something you are interested in. If you do like to win, though, or give yourself as much chance as possible, this RTP number is going to be extremely useful. The good news is that you don’t have to work out these complicated maths problems yourself; it is all done for you.
