On every casino floor there are only a very few really loose machines. It happens the instant the spin button is activated. A computer chip, known as a Random Number Generator determines the outcome. On today’s machines the spinning reels are there for visual effect only. It is what makes a machine a loose slot, an average slot or a tight slot. Payout percentages are set by manipulating the number of same symbols on each reel. If there were two 7s on one of the three reels, the odds would be 1 x 1 x 2 = 2 in 8,000. You have a 1 in 8,000 chance of hitting the jackpot. One of those 8000 combinations will be 7-7-7.

To calculate the odds of lining up three sevens, you multiply 20 x 20 x 20 = 8,000. If the jackpot symbol is “7”, you can be sure that there is only one of those on each of the reels. Here’s a simple example of how payout percentages are set: Take a basic machine that has 3 reels with 20 stops per reel. You could hit the jackpot or you could lose all your money. It indicates that the long term payback (perhaps millions of spins) will be 98%, but during the short period you are at that machine, anything can happen. You know that if the sign says “98% payback” it’s a slot worth paying, but it does not mean if you invest $100, you will get $98 back. So, first of all, let’s talk about the mathematics of slots. You just need a bit of patience and do some detective work. In live casinos, it’s not too hard to locate the better paying machines. 8 Slot Strategies for Progressive GamesĪ tour guide in Reno said when a casino advertises “loose slots”, all it means is that the machines are not screwed to the floor! But seriously, let’s examine what constitutes the term “loose” and how and where do you find such machines.

Loose slot machine meaning