No secret formula exists for winning at slot machines, but some tricks can help increase your odds of hitting the jackpot. Here we discuss strategies for increasing odds of success on slots machines as well as fraudsters that eschew fairness with common cheats and scams in slot machines.
Conventional mechanical slot machines were equipped with a light sensor on one side that detected coin insertion and when activated would stop reels and end games. Cheaters could trick this sensor by attaching string to coins and “yo-yo”ing it through, tricking it into thinking one had been placed into its slot. Unfortunately, modern slot machines no longer have these light sensors and these old methods of cheating no longer work to fool their machine.
Dennis Nikrasch revolutionized slot machine cheating when he devised a way to alter computer chips inside them to trigger jackpot payouts on demand. Nikrasch bought up lots of these chips, hired scammers, and started his reign of slots fraud that plagued casinos for years before finally being caught.
In the 1970s and ’80s, one popular way of cheating slot machines was through using what’s known as a “top-bottom joint tool.” This device consisted of two parts – the top part being a metal rod bent into a Q shape at its end; and at the bottom a long copper wire. These tools could then be used to jam clocks that measured spins to alter results by manipulating clocks used for measurement of them.
Some people believe they can detect when a machine is about to pay out, but this belief is often founded in superstition rather than reality. The odds of any given machine paying out remain the same regardless of when or how much you bet on it.
The key to winning at slots is knowing your strategy before getting started. It can be easy to be carried away by the excitement of a slot machine and spend more money than anticipated; therefore, having a budget and sticking with it are both key components to successful play.
Be sure to carefully read through each casino’s terms and conditions when considering joining one. This will enable you to assess if their operation is legal and worthwhile spending your time playing there. Remind yourself that the house always has an edge in slot gaming, and only gamble with money you can afford to lose. For optimal success, opt for progressive jackpot slots with higher payout percentages or try your luck at progressive jackpot slots with bigger wins. Be wary of any scams claiming to increase your odds of winning, such as lucky rabbit’s feet or lucky hats; these items often represent just a waste of money. Furthermore, don’t fall prey to machines advertising a 98% payout rate as these may just be marketing tactics designed to lure customers. If interested in trying one offering such bonuses look out for words such as “selected machines only” or “up to 98%” in the fine print of each machine that offers such bonuses.