Over many years, slot machines have become one of the most successful casino games. Since its invention in 1891, the slot machine has become one of the most common and profitable machines and games in casinos around the world. Casinos initially introduced slot machines as a diversion for inexperienced players. Unlike traditional table games (such as blackjack or craps), slot machines do not need any prior gaming experience, and anybody can play with a small bet. Slot machines steadily rose to prominence as the most popular and profitable game in town, accounting for more than 60% of overall gaming sales in the United States.
In this article, we will be explaining how slot machines work. This same principle also applies to virtual slot machines and free slot games. Except that virtual slot machines use a random number generator to randomize the chances.
Slot machine technology has changed significantly over time. Classic mechanical designs have almost entirely been replaced by computer-controlled machines. The game, however, remained unchanged. The player pulls a stick to rotate a collection of reels (usually three) with pictures written on them. If the same winning picture appears on each reel along the pay line, you win (certain single images are sometimes winners as well). The amount of money you receive (the payout) is determined by the photographs that appear on the pay sheet. The conventional slot machine design is based on a complicated arrangement of gears and levers. The main feature is a metal shaft that carries the reels. This shaft is connected to a push-objects handle system. The spinning reels are brought to a halt by a braking device, and the position of the reels is sent to the payoff machine by sensors. When a coin is inserted, a coin detector detects it and triggers a stop, allowing the handle to turn.
A series of events occur when a human pulls the handle on a slot machine. Here’s a quick rundown:
The handle is rotated by a hook mechanism, which hooks the kicker and drags it forward (toward the player).
A catch picks up and pivots a control cam piece on the kicker’s opposite end. This rotates a number of gears connected to the control cam. A spring returns the control cam to its original position, but the gear assembly significantly slows it down—the gears act as a mechanical delay.
When the control cam is pivoted forward, it releases a spring-mounted cam plate that runs across the back of the machine.
The stoppers from the notched discs are also removed by the control cam. As the kicker continues to turn, it pushes the stoppers against several catches on the cam pad. The stoppers are held in place by these to enable them to rotate freely on the discs and reels.
When the handle continues to transfer the kicker, the kicker paddles briefly push the discs forward. As the handle is pulled all the way back and the kicker has gone through the discs, the bottom of the hook mechanism pushes up against a slanted wall. The slant allows the kicker to lower the hook by pivoting it over.
The kicker’s spring jerks it backwards at a reasonable pace. The kicker paddles on the discs touched the notches, easily spinning the reels.
As all of this is going on, the control cam is slowly returning to its original position. It unlocks the stoppers by moving the cam plate back when it returns. Each stopper springs forward and locks into a notch, firmly anchoring the reel.
These are how physical slot machines work. For virtual slot machines like the ones from websites, a random number generator system is used to calculate the chances of winning. To find out why switching to online casinos is more beneficial, click here.
