What Are the Odds of Winning on a Slot Machine
Written by: Filip Gromovic Reviewed by: Nashon Khamala
Read time: 16 minutes
It is almost impossible to discuss what are the odds of winning on a slot machine without understanding the basics of how they work. This is particularly important for new gamblers who often get in with the wrong notion. We will tell you everything you need to know about this game variety, especially the odds of winning.
Understanding Slot Machine Basics
Hitting the jackpot is the dream of every player. However, what you don’t see is probably more important than what you see. Whether you are playing fixed or progressive slots, the mechanisms remain fairly the same. However, the odds of winning vary depending on several factors.
What started as a 3×3 reel game has morphed over several decades into the stunner we have today with advanced graphics. What has remained relatively the same is the mechanisms that determine who wins.
On the screen, what you see are sets of reels that roll and stop to reveal basic and special symbols. In classic slots, the way to win is to match two or more symbols on the payline, starting from the first reel on the left – which is pretty straightforward and easy to understand. Today, there are titles with multi paylines where you don’t need to match the symbols starting from the left.
Beneath the surface, slot machines have what is called a random number generator. This software generates hundreds or thousands of random numbers per second. Each random number set is associated with a different symbol combination. The number generated the moment the player pushes the spin button is what will show up as the symbols on the reels. If the symbols match the payline
So, instead of asking what are the odds of winning on slot, your question should be what the odds are that the generator RNG will spit out a winning combination the moment you push the button. Switching the question will immediately force you to change how you think about winning the game.
The answer will depend on several factors, including how the number generator was configured, the number of paylines and the number of combinations the software can create in a second.
Slot Machine Odds and Probability
In layman’s terms, it is the chances of winning that game when you push the spin button. Its unique features affect not just the gaming experience but also your chance to win on it. As you already know, no two titles are identical. They may share a few things in common, but will ultimately be different in several other ways.
The odds of hitting a jackpot become larger as the size of the prize increases. Punters can easily win a few hundred or thousand dollars on a good day. However, life-changing sums in six-figure packages don’t easily come by. So, «What are the odds on a slot machine», know that several factors play key roles in the outcome of every spin, including:
Number of Symbols
A classic slot with three reels and rows can have between 5 and 12 regular symbols on each reel and specials like wild symbols, scatters, mystery, bonus, sticky and multipliers. The number of symbols can run into hundreds for Megaways. The more the number of symbols in the game, the more the possible combinations and the worse your odds would be if some of the symbols don’t payout.
Number of Paylines
You will win when you match two or more symbols on the payline. Traditional three-reel titles can have one to five paylines, while video slots can have 25 or up to 1,024 for Megaways. The higher the number of paylines, the better your chances to win at slots. Software providers make up for these increased odds by making the payout size significantly smaller.
Return to Player (RTP)
Theoretically, this is the size of bets the machine will return to punters as winnings throughout its lifetime. For example, if a title has an RTP of 96%, it means that for every $100 spent, it will return $94 as winnings with a house edge of $6. Titles with higher RTP will have a better probability of hitting than those with lower RTP. This parameter helps to understand what are the odds on slot machines.
Volatility
This term describes a slot machine’s payout frequency. It can be low, medium or high. A title with low volatility will feature frequent small wins, while another with high volatility will feature less frequent, larger wins. A low volatility title may payout every 5 to 10 spins, while a high volatility game may go 40 or more spins without a hit. The classification of the game will affect the configuration of the number generators.
Type of Machine
There are different types of reel games, including video, classic slot, Megaways, fixed jackpot and progressive jackpot. The odds usually grow as the potential win increases. Progressive jackpots tend to have the largest odds because the reward can run into millions.
Number of Reels
The more a title has, the more the possible combinations that can either make it easier or harder to land a winning combination, depending on the game’s design and rules. If you understand how the different features impact the outcome of every spin, it will be easier for you to answer the question, what are the chances of winning a slot machine.
Types of Slot Machines and Their Odds
All the factors listed above are taken into consideration when configuring the random number generators, which serve as the brain of the entire system. The configuration of the RNG will depend on the type of slots you are playing. Regardless of the type of game you are dealing with, the outcome of every spin is completely random. Therefore, you cannot say that because the last ten spins haven’t hit, the next spin must payout. One punter can have a winning streak while another is dealing with a losing streak.
Classic
They have the smallest of odds compared to the various types that are out there. Gamblers have around 1 in 5,000 chances of getting the grand prize on them. For more complex, non-progressive options with more reels and rows, that number can climb up to 1 in one million.
Progressive
The ultimate prize can grow into several million dollars because the pot is fed by a small portion of the bets placed on the machine. In most cases, punters are required to place max bets to qualify to be part of the possible winners. Depending on how large the prize is, the odds can be anywhere from 1 in 1 million to 1 in 34 million. In progressive titles, the more the player count, the bigger the odds.
Megabucks
This title has produced lots of millionaires. In 1998, a retired flight attendant won $27.5 million. The following year, a lucky visitor to Las Vegas won $22.6 million. The stakes went a notch higher in 2003 when a software engineer won $39.7 million on an IGT Megabucks at the Excalibur Hotel and Casino. With an average price of over $20 million, the odds are around 1 in 49.8 million.
| Type | Winning Odds for Players |
| Classic 3-reels | 1 in 5,000 to 1 in 100,000 |
| Non-progressive video slots | 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 1 million |
| Progressive | 1 in 1 million to 1 in 49.8 million |
So, what are the odds on slot machines? The odds will vary from one title to another depending on several factors, starting with the size of the jackpot. The simpler the mechanics, the smaller the odds and vice versa. For example, a title with three reels and rows will have better odds compared to another with 5 reels and 7 rows. This is important information to have before you start playing because it can help you to have the right expectations.
Casinos Where You The best Odds of Winning
Popular Slot Machines and Their Odds
One game can have different odds. This is because some titles like Amazing Link: Apollo, Links of Ra and Leprechaun Links have different levels of jackpots, often given the names mini, minor, major and mega. This name represents their increasing payout potentials – or increasing odds, if you choose to look at it that way. Therefore, for titles like this, their odds can sway widely between 1 in 5,000 for the mini to 1 in maybe 20 million for the grand. The software provider, the casino or both usually determine the exact figures.
Mini: Gamblers spinning on titles with the four levels of jackpots will likely land the mini more frequently. They have the smallest payout and the best odds of the four and can return 10x to 50x the punter’s stake. The odds here should be around 1 in 5,000.
Minor: The payout here can be 50x to 200x your bet and will hit less frequently than mini. Although the prize may not be life-changing, it is certainly a significant upgrade from the mini. You are looking at around 1 in 500,000 odds of winning.
Major: This is where it starts getting interesting because the wins here can significantly impact your life. Some slots offer 500x to 1,000x your bet when you hit the major. Also, you will be looking at odds around 1 in 1 million or higher, depending on the size of the payout.
Mega: This is the rarest of the four and offers the biggest reward. It is usually the prized treasure of fixed jackpots. Punters who are lucky to hit this number can expect to have their bets multiplied between 1,000x and 10,000x or more. The odds can be anywhere from 1 in 1 million to 1 in 20 million.
Micro Gaming’s Mega Moolah is another progressive title with an average jackpot of over $20 million. The odds of this game are similar to those of Megabucks. Winning here can take a lot of time and money because you are looking at 1 in 49.8 million winning odds.
Now that you know what are the odds of winning on a slot machine, another important information you must know is the frequency of payouts. There is evidence to show that Mega Fortune hits every 11 weeks, while Mega Moolah pays out on an average of 61 days.
Strategies to Improve Your Chances of Winning
While it may be impossible to correctly predict the next symbols that will appear on the reels, because it is based on random numbers generated at the push of the button, there are strategies you can use to improve your chances while playing slots, and it all starts with finding the right title. Here are tips to help you choose the right games.
- Find titles with high RTP: One area that experts agree on when it comes to playing online games is that high RTP is always a good thing. Someone may ask, What does that mean? Any title with a number above 97% can be considered to have a high RTP.
- Seek titles with medium to low volatility: Although the size of the win may be smaller with these machines, you can expect them to be more consistent. That’s better than nothing.
- Embrace the hard work of learning more about the game: Learning about a device can tell you if it is worth an investment. From the themes to the core features, ask yourself if you find them appealing.
- Choose titles with lots of free spins and bonus features: A free spin is a time when you will get to spin the reels without investing your money. It offers gamblers the opportunity to break even, especially those who have been on a losing streak.
- Go for a flexible bet limit: Unless you are a high roller who doesn’t care about the cost of entertainment, one of the first strategies you must learn is how to manage your bankroll and it starts with managing your bets. You can only alternate your bets when you are in a game that allows it.
Now you know what are the odds on slot machines, you have probably realized that the best odds are never associated with the biggest prizes. Therefore, it is a good idea to know what you want to avoid being stuck in a loop of dashed hopes.
Common Myths About Slot Machine Odds
It pays not to believe everything you hear about slots because some of them are hoaxes that have been shared for far too long, and they now look like the truth. Some of these myths gained wide coverage with the expansion of online slots. Here are some of the most commonly propagated myths.
- The game favors punters who play max bets: The odds don’t change, whether you are playing the lowest or highest possible bet. However, it may help you to qualify for the jackpot and make your wins seem like they are larger every time you get lucky.
- The machines will tease a big win: Several players believe that when you start seeing special symbols, it is the game’s way of telling you that a win is around the corner. That is not true because machines use an RNG, which is totally random.
- Investing more time and money will be rewarded: Another common myth is that the devices spot and reward players who have spent a certain amount. The truth is that the game doesn’t run on sympathy. It will only hit when the RNG creates a winning combination.
- Wins are more at a certain time of the day: The RNG doesn’t change its algorithm based on the time of the day, which makes this argument baseless.
Responsible Gambling When Playing Slots
Focusing too much on the question, «What are the chances of winning a slot machine», may be the foundation of your troubles. Punters who pay too much attention to winning will sooner or later lose control of their gambling activities. To ensure spinning the reels is fun at all times, you must prioritize staying in control. Here are some tips that will help.
- Always have a budget for each gaming session and exit once you hit your limit.
- Play with the primary aim of getting entertained, let winning be a bonus.
- Use deposit limit tools, when available, to help keep you in check.
- Don’t chase losses. Even after a long losing streak, the next spin may still not hit.
- Set time limits for a healthy entertainment-life balance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slots Odds
What Are the Actual Odds of Winning on a Slot Machine?
It varies from one title to another depending on several factors, including the number of reels and symbols, the RTP, the maximum payout, the number of players and so on. It can be as small as 1 in 5,000 or as large as 1 in 49 million.
Are Slot Machines Truly Random?
Yes, the outcomes of the best slots are completely random and are controlled by software called the random number generator.
Which Machines Have the Best Odds of Winning?
If you are looking for the best odds, the classic 3-reel and rows game with fewer than fifteen symbols is your best bet. Their odds are usually around 1 in 5,000.
Is There the Best Time to Play Slot Machines?
No, there is no best time to play because the outcome is determined by a random number generator, which is unaffected by the time of day.
Can You Win a Jackpot with Minimum Bets?
Always check the rules of the game. While in most cases you may be required to play on max bets to qualify for jackpots, there are titles that allow players to win on minimum bets.
Filip Gromovic is a senior slots reviewer here at FreeSlots99 with over five years of experience evaluating the latest drops in the world of iGaming.
Being a slot fan himself, Filip approaches slot ratings just the way we like it – professionally, but also from a player’s standpoint.
That enables him to give his unbiased take on the slot’s features, gameplay and design, while only recommending top-tier releases to our readers.
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Having served FreeSlots99 for more than 5 years as a senior content editor and reviewer, Nashon Khamala has extensive knowledge in game slots and iGaming.
His membership in the Editorial Freelancers Association helps him deliver content that reaches both editorial excellence standards and an engaging information level.
By using his expertise in slots games combined with player-focused analysis, Nashon delivers a professional evaluation of slot features and player experiences in his reviews.
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