Slot machines’ century-long popularity is still going strong. Their flashing lights and jingling sounds are reminiscent of excitement and thrill all casino gamers feel.
However, many casino gamers have theories that a slot machine could be hot or cold. This means that this theory could uncover whether a slot machine is due for a win or will continue a losing streak. Is this theory true, or is it superstition in the casino gaming space? Let’s find out.
You can try this game page to test virtual slot machines you have never seen. It’s best to read the rules of each machine in which you are interested in playing, then play the free demo version to see how all the features work. This will prepare you for when you are comfortable playing the slot machine while wagering real money.
The Basics of Slot Machine Mechanics
Before we discuss the theory of hot and cold slots, let’s first discover how these modern machines work. They are powered by complex computer programming with features like random number generators (RNGs). These algorithms ensure that every spin is randomized and not dependent on prior ones. Hence, they generate random results on every spin, so it’s unpredictable whether the reels will land on a winning payline or not.
Therefore, slot machines don’t have a memory of spins that happened before. They continue to spin and display randomized combinations of the various symbols it has available within the machinery. Since each spin is unrelated to the ones before it, hot and cold slots do not hold true to science, which means it is a superstition in the casino community.
Origins of the “Hot and Cold” Slots Myth
Many slot gamers believe that a machine could be hot if it is hitting many wins within a specific time frame, or cold due to constant losses. However, this is a myth powered by human psychology.
Slots enthusiasts like to search for patterns in what symbols the slot reels land on out of natural habit. However, these patterns do not exist because of slot machines’ RNGs. Hence, this habit only makes gamers overthink the situation when they keep spinning the reels and wondering why a win hasn’t come up yet.
Despite this, humans are still wired to think that maybe more big wins will come on a slot machine if they have already witnessed such, and vice versa if there’s a losing streak.
This is known as apophenia, which is the tendency to believe that there are connections between unrelated events. Slot machines may sometimes make players think they won, but it’s just the sound effects. It’s best to watch your bankroll to see if it increased to determine whether you won a spin or not.
What Are Random Number Generators (RNGs)?
Understanding more about what RNGs are and how they work can clear up any misconceptions. These algorithms are programmed in slot machines for all spins to be fair.
Casinos must regularly test slot machines for accuracy and fairness. Because of the RNGs, there is no way to predict whether the next spin will result in a win or loss. It’s about the luck of the draw and whether the symbols form a winning payline or not.
Gambling Psychology
The myth of hot and cold slot machines shows a great example of gambling psychology. Gamblers attempt to influence a game’s outcome with their thought process due to the illusion of control. For example, players may press the spin button more forcefully to “influence a win”. However, the RNGs decide the result of the spin without a player’s influence.
