Online Slots are among the most popular online casino games today, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t still surrounded by many misconceptions.
These myths can lead to misunderstandings about how online Slots work, including things like how payouts occur, if you can improve your chances, and whether certain slot games are more likely to payout.
As such, we’ve put together this article to break down five common myths about online Slots, so we can separate fact from fiction and give you more clarity. This way, when you next choose to spin the reels on your chosen online Slots platform – such as playing VirginBet casino games – you’ll be more informed.
1. Online Slots are rigged to limit payouts
One of the most widespread myths is that online Slots can be rigged to prevent players from receiving payouts. The truth is, licensed online casinos use random number generators (RNGs) to ensure that all outcomes are completely random and unpredictable. These RNGs are regularly tested and certified by independent regulators to ensure fairness.
While the casino always has a built-in house edge, this does not mean that individual games are manipulated. The results of each spin are completely random and uninfluenced by previous spins, so there’s no way for the casino or player to control the outcome.
2. Slots are ‘due’ for a payout
Some players believe that if a slot machine hasn’t paid out for a long time, it is "due" for a big payout, therefore making it a more ideal choice. However, the idea that past results influence future outcomes is not true.
As explained above, the RNGs ensure that no pattern or cycle exists when spinning the reels. A slot that has not paid out for a while has the same chance of producing a matching combination (or not) as one that has just produced a payout. There is no way to predict when a slot will pay out.
3. Higher bets increase your chances of landing a matching combination
While betting higher stakes can lead to larger potential payouts, it doesn’t in any way change the odds of landing a matching combination. No matter how much you wager, the probability of landing a matching combination remains the same, due to RNGs.
Some progressive jackpot Slots require a minimum bet to qualify for the jackpot, so in these cases, betting higher may be necessary if you are aiming for the top payout. Always check the game’s rules before playing to understand how bets can impact potential payouts and set a budget before starting.
4. Casinos can change the RTP of a slot at any time
The return-to-player (RTP) percentage of a slot game is a fixed number set by the game developer and regulated by authorities. This is an average of how much a slot machine can be expected to pay out over a long period.
Some players believe that online casinos can alter this figure at will, but this is not the case. In regulated markets, casinos must offer the game with its pre-determined RTP, and any changes require approval from regulators.
Remember, RTP is calculated over millions of spins, and every spin is still random, so this means short-term results can vary significantly. A high RTP does not guarantee frequent payouts, just as a lower RTP does not mean you will always lose.
5. Stopping the reels yourself improves your chances
Many slot games allow you to press a stop button that ends the animation of the spinning reels and reveals the outcome. Some players think that pressing this button at the right moment can improve their odds of landing a matching combination.
In reality, the outcome of each spin is determined the exact moment you press the spin button. Choosing to let the reel spin animation play out or pressing the stop button early does not influence the result. It’s simply a feature to speed up gameplay – not alter outcomes.
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There are many myths surrounding online Slots, which often lead to misunderstandings about how they work. With our clear guide that separates myth from fact, you’ll be more informed when you next choose to spin the reels in online Slots.
