Slot machines are not the same beasts that they were a hundred years ago, even if they do adhere to some of the same basic principles. There are two main types of slot machines: straight slots (also known as ‘flat tops’), and progressive slots. The difference between the types is not really the game itself, but the payoff. On a straight slot machine, you will be paid a predetermined amount that can usually be found on the machine. With a progressive slot, you are paid a jackpot that grows by a percentage of every coin played into the machine, or sometimes a group of machines.
Aside from progressive or straight, slot machines also vary by denomination, with machines ranging from nickels to $100 machines. The choice is always up to the player, but a helpful hint is to set a predetermined limit before hitting the slots, in order to save for next month’s bills.
Other differences in slot machines include a various number of reels and symbols (remember, the lesser the number of reels the symbols, the greater chance to hit on the machine), as well as the opportunity to play multiple coins in a machine. Often, the more coins played in the machine at once, the greater the payoff.
If you hit the jackpot, don’t worry if the money doesn’t pour from the machine like a spaghetti western. Today, most of the machines only pay out smaller amounts. The big wins will be paid out by a casino employee. That’s the real reason for the huge red light on the top of the slot machine, aside from adding to the general air of excitement in the casino. |
