Slot machines are one of the most popular games at casinos in Canada. It’s key to fully understand more about them before playing though, as I have seen too many gamblers get frustrated by not doing this.
One thing I think is crucial to know is that any slot is a game of chance. This means there’s never any guarantee of winning when spinning the reels. But are slot machines rigged? The simple answer is no.
Having done a lot of research into this, I can confirm they’re not. Read on to find out how I came to this conclusion, how slots work, how they vary in terms of volatility and how robust regulation protects players.
How slot machines work
The best place for me to start when answering the question “are online slots rigged?” is how slot machines actually work. For me, the most important thing to get onboard with is how RNG (random number generation technology) works in any slot.
RNG tech is the foundation of all slots and uses complex algorithms to ensure total fairness on every spin. I found that slots use this technology to make sure each outcome when I spin the reels is totally random, and cannot be interfered with by the casino. To make playing these games even fairer, RNG means that the probabilities in the slots I play remain the same on every spin.
One thing you might be thinking about in terms of how slots work is house edge. In my opinion, this is something players should also understand because all slots come with a house edge.
Understanding the house edge
If RNG is used by casinos to make the top slot games I play fair, house edge is used to help them make money. It simply refers to the edge which the casino has when I spin the latest slot machines.
This house edge is usually shown as a percentage and guarantees the casino makes a profit in the long-run from people gambling on slots – but without needing to rig games. I find it tends to be around the 2% mark in general. This means that for every $100 spent on a slot, the casino makes $2.
One thing I always do with house edge in mind is to play smart to reduce its impact. One of the most obvious things I recommend is looking at the edge a casino has on slots before playing and sticking to the lowest. Getting out when I’m ahead works well because this avoids the house edge working against me in the long-term.
Debunking common slot machine myths
Slots are one of Canada’s most popular casino games but “Are slot machines rigged?” is not the only question I hear. Lots of players I talk to seem to believe a bunch of common myths around slots which are not true. Being able to dismiss these myths is key, and helps me get a much better understanding of how any slot game really works.
The biggest myth I need to talk about is the idea of hot and cold streaks. I hear this all the time, and I raise an eyebrow when friends discuss how a slot they’re playing is due to payout. This is not true because of the RNG tech slots use. As this technology makes every spin random and keeps the probability of winning the same, I know the idea of a slot being due to pay out is rubbish.
Another major slot myth I need to debunk is the notion that casinos set their own rules with them. This is not true because of the strict regulation casinos and the slots they carry work under. Many bodies who license casinos for example will set minimum RTPs or payback amounts in their jurisdictions which casinos must adhere to.
How RTP and volatility impact payouts
When I was needing to find out more about slot payouts, the impact of both RTP and volatility stood out.
RTP stands for Return to Player and slot machine RTP gives a rough idea, in percentage terms, how often a slot pays out on average over a long period of time.
For this reason, I think they’re super important when thinking about how slot machines pay out. Starburst is one of my all-time favorite slots and has an RTP of 96.1% which shows that in theory the game returns $96.10 for each $100 bet.
I always pay attention to volatility in slots because this gives an idea of how often I might land winning payouts. Best slot sites have a wide range of slots with different volatility levels to suit everyone’s needs and playstyle. Low volatility slots are something I play a lot and they pay more regular wins but for smaller amounts. High volatility slots work in the opposite way and pay out less often but for bigger amounts.
Online Slots: Random, NOT rigged
Finding out more about slot machine odds and how these games work is something I think all players need to do. By doing this, it becomes clear that slot games are random but certainly not rigged.
FAQs
Are the outcomes in online slot games always random?
RNG tech in slot games I play makes them random each time I spin the reels. This works in tandem with volatility in my favorite slots, which governs how often I’m likely to win. Understanding both terms is something which helps me understand that slots are totally random.
How can I increase my chances of winning in online slots?
In my experience, choosing slots with a high RTP is one of the best ways to do this. I focus on the volatility any game has as well and stick to low volatility slots that tend to deliver more frequent wins. I like to sign up with the best free spins casinos in Canada, as they give me free spins on top slots to win with.
Can the house edge be calculated?
I find that the house edge can be calculated on any slot I try. I start by looking at the games RTP and working it out from there. If a slot has a 95% RTP for example, I know that the house edge is 5% (100-95=5). I sometimes make it even simpler by using online house edge calculators.
What represents a good RTP for slot games?
The RTP figures of slots I play all differ. I know how key it is to find ones that give the best chance of coming out on top in the long run though. For me, any RTP figure over 95% is good and makes for slots I want to play.
About the author
Daniel Smyth
Daniel Smyth has seen the online poker, casino, and betting industry from every angle. He previously played poker semi-professionally before working at WPT Magazine as a writer and editor. From there, he transitioned to online gaming where he’s been producing expert content for over 10 years.
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Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Responsible Gambling Council – https://www.responsiblegambling.org/
Gamblers Anonymous – Discover resources and support for individuals facing gambling addiction. This dedicated support group offers valuable advice and a safe space to share personal experiences. – 
Contact: +1 (855) 222-5542
Gam-Anon – A 12-step self-help fellowship designed for those impacted by a loved one’s gambling struggles. Non-religious and open to all across Canada, Gam-Anon provides a welcoming community for voluntary members seeking support. – Contact: 718-352-167
For help with a gambling problem, call the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health on 1 800 463-2338.
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