Are Slot Machines Honest?
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Slot machines are some of the most popular gambling options available at modern casinos. They have even largely taken over online gambling. With hundreds of great titles to choose from, it is easy to see why slots are so popular.
But how do players know they can trust the machine they are using? With table games, you can see the dealer and watch the other players. This can help you catch cheaters in the act.
Most slot machines are honest, but how can you be sure you are playing the right ones?
Keep reading to find out. Also, we will tell you how to find the safest online slots available today.
Are Slot Machines Really Honest?
Assuming you are playing at a licensed operator, there are plenty of ways to verify their slot machines are honest. Here are just some factors to consider when evaluating the integrity of a slot game.
Return to Player Rates
Return to Player (RTP) rates tell you how much the average player can expect to win. For instance, let’s say you are playing a real money slot game with an RTP of 97%. This means for every $100 you invest in the machine, you should, on average, win $97 back.
A lot of factors go into determining a game’s RTP. the strategy you use, types of jackpots available, and bonus features all affect this number.
Over a long period of time, you should earn close to the RTP. You may even win more than expected if you are lucky.
Random Number Generators
Modern casino gambling machines, including slots, use random number generators (RNGs). This software ensures that each spin of the reels is completely random.
Assuming the RNG is working correctly, each outcome is random. This randomness ensures that every player has the same chance of winning. RNGs are built into the game’s software and are checked regularly during audits.
RNGs are used to determine the outcome of each spin and can be used in many bonus features as well. With this software in place, players can feel safe knowing that the outcome is completely random.
Regular Audits
Another reason you can trust that slot machines are honest is that licensed operators have to undergo regular audits. Reputable casinos have to receive a casino license from their gambling commission. This is done at the state level in the US, but it could be a country-wide agency in other countries.
During audits, the licensing agency inspects the casino inside and out. This includes testing the games to ensure they are fair for players. The agency also inspects the software that is being used.
As part of the audit, the licensing agency verifies that all the RNGs being used are working correctly. Playing at casinos that have a good track record in audits is a great way to make sure the slot machines are honest.
Read Player Reviews
Every player will have a different experience when they go to a casino. You can learn a lot about the games at a given casino by reading reviews from other players who have already been there.
When reading reviews, it is important to remember that some players may be biased in their assessments. After all, many players may give an unnecessarily harsh review after a bad day at the casino.
It is usually easy to weed biased reviews out. You could also read expert casino reviews to eliminate bias even further.
Well-Respected Developers
Last but not least, one way to ensure you are playing a safe slot machine is to play games from well-respected developers. There are hundreds of casino game developers that create safe slot games.
Some of the best developers to keep an eye out for are:
- BetSoft
- RealTime Gaming (RTG)
- Visionary iGaming
- Rival Gaming
There are plenty of other trusted developers that you will encounter as well. Playing games from a well-respected developer will help you gamble with confidence and keep your bankroll safe.
Why Am I Earning Less Than the RTP?
RTP is the percentage that players can expect to win, on average, from a specific game. Many players will claim a slot game is not honest if they win less than the expected RTP. However, there are several other reasons that could be causing you to win less than expected.
Bad Strategy
First and foremost, your strategy could be flawed. Using a bad betting strategy will give the casino an undue advantage. This increases the house edge and lowers the RTP.
There is not a lot that players can do to change the outcome of slot games. However, some machines allow you to change your pay lines and stake amount.
Playing fewer than the maximum number of pay lines may limit the bonus features you have access to. The same can be true for your stake amount. If you are not redeeming all of the bonus features available, then your RTP will be lower than advertised.
Make sure you read the rules of the slot game, so you know how much you need to bet to get the highest RTP. You should use this information to create your slots betting strategy.
Losing Streak
The RTP is an average based on thousands and thousands of spins. It is impossible for one player to hit that many spins in one session.
As a result, you may win or lose more than expected in a short time frame. Over time, though, this number will get closer to the RTP. This can be a double-edged sword of sorts.
On the one hand, you can win more than the RTP and even make a profit playing slots. But there will also be times that you win less than the RTP if you hit a long losing streak.
Remember, the outcome of fair slot machines is completely random. So, you are just as likely to have a winning streak as a long losing streak. You should take these losing streaks in stride, and hope for better luck the next time you play.
Casinos May Be Offering a Different RTP
Players should also be aware that casinos can adjust the RTP for the games that they offer. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as by changing the payout scales.
Also, Land-Based Casinos Do Not Usually Advertise the RTPs for Their Slot Games
You may be able to find this information online, but that does mean it is specific to the casino you are playing in. The strategy you use and the bonus options you receive while playing can impact the RTP as well.
All of these issues make it hard to know the true RTP for the machine you are using. Operating with incorrect information can make it seem like the slot is dishonest. However, the machine could be working as designed and you are drawing incorrect conclusions based on the wrong RTP figures.
One way to avoid this issue is to play slot games online. Many developers advertise the RTP for their online slots in the rules of the game. This makes it much easier to find games with the right RTP to fit your bankroll.
Play Slots Online
New gamblers are often weary of playing casino games online. It is easy to understand their apprehension, but online gambling has come a long way over the years.
There are thousands of honest casino slot machines available online. Our experts have reviewed countless casinos looking for the best sites to play slot games. We have found plenty of safe gambling sites that offer fun slot machines that are honest.
We do not just check the games when reviewing a casino. Our experts also verify the security measures of the casino to make sure players’ information is safe. Also, we test the site’s user interface, customer service department, and casino bonuses.
- Wild Casino is the gambling site our experts recommend the most for slot players. Our experts were impressed by the quality of games available, and the casino has great reviews from previous players. New members can even claim a great welcome bonus, which will give you thousands of bonus dollars for playing slot games.
- Another casino that impressed our casino experts was Las Atlantis. This gambling site has a lot of bonus options for lost players, including a $14,000 welcome bonus. It has slot games from some of the top developers, including RTG and Visionary iGaming.
- Our experts also recommend slot players check out DuckyLuck casino. Members of this casino have access to hundreds of slot machines that are honest and fun to play. You can also receive expedited payout times by moving up tiers in the DuckyBucks rewards program.
Are Casino Slot Machines Honest?
Are slot machines really honest? Assuming you are playing at a licensed casino, the answer is usually yes. Of course, players still need to use the right betting strategy to make sure they achieve the highest RTP possible.
Find out more about the casino industry by reading our latest casino blogs.
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