Like you, we love playing online slots in the UK. But do you ever stop and wonder how they work behind the scenes? Every slot game you play relies on an algorithm that creates random outcomes to determine whether a spin will be a winning or a losing one.
These algorithms, or Random Number Generators (more on that later) are rigorously tested to ensure that their outcomes are truly random, and they cannot be predicted.
In this article, we’ll explain how slot machine algorithms work – don’t worry, we promise we won’t get too technical! Without further ado, let’s get started…
What Exactly Are Algorithms?
These days there’s lots of talk about algorithms – but what are they, and how do they work? According to the Oxford English dictionary, an algorithm is ‘a process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a computer.’
Essentially, algorithms are programmed with a set of instructions to perform a task or generate some kind of output. There are lots of algorithms at work in our everyday lives - for example, when you search for something in Google its algorithm provides certain results that relate to the keywords you typed in. Or when a music streaming app suggests music it thinks you might enjoy, based on its algorithm.
How Are Algorithms Used in Slot Games?
All slot games use Random Number Generators (RNGs) to determine outcomes. RNGs are pieces of software that use algorithms to ensure the randomness of outcomes.
They do this by generating a sequence of numbers, each of which corresponds to a symbol on the reels. This sequence is completely random and cannot be predicted, meaning that it’s impossible to know when a winning or a losing spin will occur. And that’s all part of the fun of it!
What Are Pseudo-Random Number Generators?
There are two types of RNG: True Random Number Generators (TRNGs) and Pseudo-Random Number Generators (PRNGs). A TRNG is a piece of physical hardware that measures certain external factors (for example, atmospheric noise) to produce ‘true randomness’. This type of RNG is extremely complex, and only tends to be used in very high-security environments.
PRNGs are more commonly used in online casinos and slots. A PRNG is a software tool designed to generate a random number sequence using an algorithm and a specified value (usually called a ‘seed’), which the algorithm uses as the basis for its structure. The seed is derived from a random process occurring inside the computer – it could be random mouse clicks, the computer’s internal clock, and so on.
The main point to understand is that these outcomes cannot be predicted. Don’t be fooled by the ‘pseudo’ in the name of PRNGs - the results of slots are truly random, and licensed casinos like Spin Genie have their RNGs tested regularly by independent bodies to ensure that this is the case.
Symbol Weighting
While playing slot games, you’ve probably noticed that some symbols tend to land more frequently than others. For example, bonus symbols typically hit less frequently than the standard symbols on the reels. This is because each symbol in a slot game has its own unique ‘weight’. Of course, we don’t mean kilograms or pounds – we’re talking about the weighting of symbols and how often they might show up on the reels.
The more frequently a symbol appears on the reels, the lighter its weight. The less frequently a symbol hits, the heavier its weight. This information is fed into the algorithm, which produces random outcomes that are informed by the weighting of the symbols. Of course, it’s still entirely possible for a payline to be full of heavier weight (more valuable) symbols – it’s just likely to occur less frequently than other possible outcomes.
Image: Unsplash
What Are Paylines?
Paylines are another crucial element of how slot machines work behind the scenes. Most slot games (except some games, such as cluster pays slots) have paylines. Sometimes they’re called ‘ways to win’, but essentially they can be thought of as invisible lines sitting behind the reels. If the correct combination of symbols appears on a payline from left to right, you will win a cash prize.
Each slot will have a different number of paylines, and in some games you will be able to determine the number of paylines you would like to play with. In these games, the more paylines that are in play, the greater your chances of winning. However, this also means that your bet per spin will increase.
There are also some slots that pay right to left (as well as left to right), and others where more paylines may become available as the game progresses. It’s important to read the rules of each game you play before you begin, so that you can understand how they work.
Are Slot Algorithms Fair?
Online slots at licensed casinos like Spin Genie are regularly checked to ensure that their RNGs and algorithms are fair. If you’re playing online slots (or any kind of online casino game) in the UK, it’s important to check that the site you’re using is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKG). It’s an independent regulatory body that is dedicated to protecting players from harm and ensuring that casinos (both online and physical) are fair and not rigged.
In short, if a UK casino is licensed by the UKG, you can be sure that it’s safe. If it isn’t, steer well clear! You can search for a casino on the UKG website’s public register to check that it has an active licence.
How to Win at Online Slots
If you’re reading this, you might be curious about how to win at slots. Hopefully the information above will help you to understand that there is no way to predict whether you will win or lose on certain slot games. All outcomes are determined by RNG algorithms, and part of the fun of online slots is their unpredictable nature.
However, there are a few things you can do to make the most of your gaming experience:
Read Up About Slots
Since you’re reading this blog, you’re already doing a great job of this one! Learning about slots and how they work is a great way to really get the most out of your gaming experience. Online casinos like Spin Genie have lots of information to offer – for example, on our site you can find articles about understanding slot symbols, the best high RTP slots, the differences between progressive and non-progressive slots, plus much more.
Choose Games with a High RTP
Many players like to choose games with a high RTP (Return to Player) because theoretically these are the games that pay out the most over time. Although there are certainly no guarantees that playing a certain slot game will achieve a certain outcome, your chances are theoretically better with a high RTP game than a low RTP one.
Responsible Gambling
In any conversation about slot machines and online gaming, responsible gambling is one of the most important things to remember. There are lots of different ways to gamble responsibly, but perhaps the most important is to set limits and stick to them. Before you start playing, decide how much money and time you will spend.
Remember that online gambling is for fun, and you should never see it as a way to make money. By following tips like these, you can have a safer gambling experience and make sure that it stays fun.
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