What triggers a jackpot on a slot machine?
The most common ways to trigger a jackpot slot include: Randomly on any spin – like in the Mega Moolah slots. If you line up certain symbols on a payline – like the Megajackpots Cleopatra slot. Via a mini-game bonus – like in the Mega Fortune slot.
Random Number Generators (RNGs)
Slot Machine algorithms use a Random Number Generator as the primary engine to determine outcomes. This is because older machines were susceptible to slot cheats. Simply stated, the RNG determines when the player wins and how much the player wins.
By playing a certain pattern of stakes and games, players could confuse the machine and trigger a glitch that pays out the jackpot. Many slots cheats benefited from this over the years but now many jackpot winners are also being denied their winnings because of it.
- Higher denomination slots have higher payback percentages.
- Make sure you bet enough to be eligible for the jackpots.
- Choose games that fit your goals and playing personality.
- Always play within your budget.
- Start small to win big, or “prime the pump”
- Play machines at the ends of rows.
So how do slot machines decide who wins and who loses? “Payouts on slots are statistically calculated,” says Ambrose. Pressing spin activates the random number generator, which is an algorithm that determines whether each spin is a win or a loss, and how big a win is.
The Ugga Bugga slot machine game has the highest payout percentage, at 99.07%. The second highest is Mega Joker by NetEnt, with a 99% RTP. Jackpot 6000 by NetEnt and Uncharted Seas by Thunderkick come in second and third, with RTPs of 98.8% and 98.6%, respectively.
A video slot machine is controlled onsite by the central computer at the casino. A video lottery terminal is controlled offsite by the state lottery. The only sure way to tell the difference between these two slot machine types is to take a look at what the state gaming commission says they are at that casino.
Easily, as it turns out: the slot machines' algorithm is programmed to work randomly. That means, it's programmed to show 'a' set of symbols across 'some' paylines – with nothing predetermined, and these symbols and paylines displaying randomly.
777 is used on most slot machines in the United States to identify a jackpot. As it is considered a lucky number, banknotes with a serial number containing 777 tend to be valued by collectors and numismatists. The US Mint and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing sells uncirculated 777 $1 bills for this reason.
The best slot machine strategy, in this case, is to play high RTP games for a shorter time, exiting when you are ahead. Equally, allow longer sessions on the lower RTP games, knowing that the bigger prize money comes along less often.
When should you stop playing a slot machine?
A sure sign that it is time to walk away from a specific slot machine is multiple losses. No one is going to give you much of a recommendation in this case. It will be up to you to determine how many losses is enough. If you keep spinning and coming up with losses, it is time to try another machine.
- Ugga Bugga 99.07% RTP - Playtech. This curious offering is unlike other slots. ...
- Mega Joker, 99% RTP - NetEnt. This NetEnt classic is beloved by slots fans. ...
- Jackpot 6000, RTP 98.8% - Netent. ...
- Blood Suckers, 98% RTP - NetEnt. ...
- White Rabbit Megaways, 97.77 RTP - Big Time Gaming.

At the end of the day it's a volatility choice. If you play high limit, you will not hit the progressives as often, but you'll get bigger ones when you do. But on lower limit, you'll get progressives more often with a similar bet, but each progressive will be worth less.
It's better to set a loss limit and move on if you're not seeing a game pay out, than keep hammering away hoping for something to change. While it certainly could, it also could not, and that will just be even more emotionally damaging.
Some slot machine players are convinced that playing at a certain time of day will make a difference in their ability to win or lose. STATUS: Slot machines don't factor time into paybacks.
Real-world conditions vary. Not all slots within a casino have the same jackpot hit frequency, most paying a lot less often than once per 10,000 spins. On a game with a big multimillion-dollar jackpot like Megabucks, the jackpot chances are closer to 1 in 50 million.
Slot machines are typically programmed to pay out as winnings 0% to 99% of the money that is wagered by players.
- Starburst > Software Provider. RTP. 96.09% Volatility. Low. ...
- Gonzo's Quest > Software Provider. RTP. 95.97% Volatility. ...
- Book of Dead > Software Provider. RTP. 94.25% Volatility. ...
- The Goonies. Software Provider. RTP. 96.00% Volatility. ...
- Fishin' Frenzy Megaways > Software Provider. RTP. 96.10% Volatility.
- There's no real way to know if you're going to win. ...
- Slot machines are placed very deliberately in casinos. ...
- Certain deals end up requiring you to spend more in the long run. ...
- You're statistically more likely to lose than not.
Do Professional Gamblers Exist? The first question we should ask ourselves when considering making a living playing slots, is whether anyone else does with some other form of gambling. The answer to that question is a resounding, “Yes!” And the IRS agrees. Professional gamblers do exist.
What day of the week is best to play slot machines?
Payouts are higher throughout the weekend: Many gamblers believe payouts are higher on Saturday and Sunday due to a higher turnout during the weekend so that casinos can encourage more spending.
Slot or video poker machines that have higher payback percentages are referred to as “loose” while those with lower returns are “tight.” The slot payout percentages published in Strictly Slots and Casino Player represent the average percent of each slot wager that is returned to the players in jackpots.
Casino owners or machine manufacturers do not have any control over the payout of the slots. These machines are powered by a Random Number Generator. In modern machines, instead of mechanical parts, RNG uses highly sophisticated algorithms that generate 100% random and independent numbers. the pay lines.
Payout odds vary based on the machine. Two slot machines may look identical, yet may have different odds. So you can't tell by the appearance of the machine. The odds of hitting the top award vary greatly by machine, and may be as low as one in 17,000,000 spins – comparable to winning Lotto 6/49.
The biggest secret to winning at slots is finding a game that actually has the best slot machine odds around. Not all slot games are created equal, after all! If you are playing online slots, finding high RTP games will be easy.