7 Slot Machine Myths Debunked

Playing slots games at online casinos and betting sites is hugely popular. But there are a lot of myths and misconceptions out there about how slot machines work and what affects your chances of winning. In this article, we debunk 7 common slot myths and explain what really impacts your results when spinning the reels.

Myth 1: Slots Go Through Hot and Cold Cycles

A common myth is that slots go through hot and cold cycles. The idea is that after a slot pays out a big win, it goes “cold” for some time before going “hot” again and paying out more big wins.

But here’s the truth: Slot outcomes are completely random

Modern slots at CrownGold Casino work by generating a random number for each spin. The game’s math determines if that number corresponds to a win or loss. But each spin has the exact same odds of winning. There are no patterns or cycles at play.

So a slot is just as likely to pay out straight after a big win as it is after going "cold" for some time. Don’t let this myth trick you into thinking you can predict when a slot will pay out again.

Myth 2: You Can Improve Your Odds with Skill

Another common myth is that you can improve your odds at slots by using skill in some way. For example, putting “thought” into when you decide to spin or stop the reels.

But the reality is: Slot machine outcomes can’t be influenced through skill

Slots are games of pure chance. The random number generator powering the game means everything is outside of your control. It doesn’t matter when you press “spin” or “stop”—those buttons are there just for show in most games.

You can’t influence the outcome through timing or skill. And over the long run, the built-in house edge means the casino will always come out ahead.

Myth 3: You’re More Likely to Win if You Haven’t Won in a While

Have you ever gone a long stretch without any decent slot wins? It can make you think you’re “due” for a win soon based on the luck you are having.

But this myth isn’t true either: Every spin has the exact same odds

It doesn’t matter if you’ve won recently or are on an unlucky streak—the odds for each spin never change. Slot machines have no memory of past results. The house edge and RTP stay fixed over time.

Going through a bad run doesn’t mean better luck is coming soon. Wins are still determined randomly and over a long enough timeline, the built-in house edge percentage will hold true.

Myth 4: You Should Avoid Slots that Just Paid Out Large Wins

After a slot pays out a sizable win, you may notice other players avoiding that game for a while. They believe the slot won’t pay out again for some time.

But again, each spin is an independent event: Recent payouts don’t affect a slot’s future performance

A slot that just awarded a $5000 jackpot has the exact same odds of paying out on the very next spin. Its payout percentage also stays fixed over time.

So there’s no reason to start avoiding a slot just because you saw someone else win big on it. Those recent payouts have no bearing on future results.

Myth 5: You Can Improve Results by Changing Slots

When you get in a rut on one slot, it’s tempting to start rapidly changing games hoping to find one that’s “hot”.

But beware of falling for this myth too: Jumping between slots won’t improve your odds

All slots have the same long-term expected payout rate. Whether you stick to one slot or rapidly change games, over time the results even out based on the math.

What makes more difference is the slots volatility and hit frequency, not how often you change games while playing. Two slots can have the same return-to-player rate but perform very differently in the short run.

Myth 6: You Can Trigger Bonus Rounds through Skill

Bonus rounds with free spins, prize picks and other neat features are a big attraction of slots. But players often believe they can influence or trigger bonuses through skill in the base game.

That’s just not true: Bonus activation is random

Bonus rounds and their features activate entirely randomly based on results from the RNG. There’s no skill element where you can trigger bonuses more often through better play.

Any perception of skill is just an illusion. The only way to have more bonus opportunities is to extend your playtime or raise your bet size.

Myth 7: Betting Higher Unlocks Better Results

Some slots let you increase your bet size and number of paylines unlocked. This leads to speculation that the bigger your wager, the better results you might see.

But in reality: Bet size does not change the game mathematics

Raising your bet simply increases the amounts you are playing for. The slot’s payout percentage and volatility stay exactly the same.

Bigger bets make no difference to the actual RTP or how often you might hit bonus features and jackpots. Those elements remain constant and random regardless of wager size.

Summary

Many slot machine myths just don’t hold up to scrutiny. In today’s slots, outcomes are powered by RNGs that output results randomly.

Factors like recent payouts, changing games, bet sizes and perceived skill have no bearing on your overall expected results. Over time, the slots math and house edge are what matter most.

Rather than chasing myths, the best approach is to set a gambling budget and stick to slots entertainment you enjoy, regardless of short-term wins or losses. This helps ensure play stays fun and within your means.