Is There A Way to Cheat The Algorithm of Online Pokies?
Online slot machines, or pokies as they’re known, are undeniably exciting. The suspense, spinning reels, and the thrill of hitting the jackpot are hard to resist. This leads many to question if there’s a way to outsmart the system – to cheat the algorithm and guarantee a win. This is a question that will have a different answer from anyone you ask. Myths, hidden tips and tricks and veterans’ advice will lead you down many rabbit holes chasing that elusive jackpot.
In this article, we’ll dive into these claims, exploring the design of online pokies and the maths that governs their operation and understanding if they are legit, or hoaxes.
Understanding the Algorithm Behind Online Pokies
As you may already know, the algorithm behind online pokies is primarily based on something known as a Random Number Generator (RNG).
This RNG is a mathematical algorithm that produces a random sequence of numbers with no discernible pattern, well that’s what they say at least. They’re meant to generate a completely random set of symbols on the reels every spin – this is what some question, and what we’re investigating in this article.
The selling point of RNGs is their unpredictability and complete randomness, this is meant to guarantee that each spin is autonomous, and its outcome is not influenced by previous or future spins. Even the time spent on a machine or the size of the bet is not meant to affect the results, which funnily enough, some swear has a direct impact.
Another important part of the pokies algorithm that you need to know is the return to player rate or RTP, each pokie has a specific RTP percentage.
This theoretical figure indicates what percentage of money put into the machine is returned to players over the long run. A good way to explain this concept is if a pokie has an RTP of 95%, this suggests that for every $100 wagered, the machine would return an average of $95.
However, it’s crucial to understand that the RTP is calculated over millions of spins, not individual gaming sessions.
The algorithms are simply one part of how online pokies operate, the maths of probability is essential to understand when trying to understand if there is a way to cheat the algorithm – which we will go over next.
The Math of Probability in Slot Machines
Our next step to understanding if there is a way to cheat online pokies algorithms is maths.
The maths of probability in slot machines revolves around the concept of ‘odds’. These odds are a debated topic if there is anything that actually affects them or if it truly is random. What we can deduce from the maths is that winning a pokie is determined by several factors, including the number of reels, the number of symbols on each reel, and the RNG algorithm.
Let’s use this example: Consider a simple 3-reel slot machine, each reel with 10 symbols. The total number of possible combinations here would be 10 x 10 x 10 = 1000. This means, if only one combination results in a jackpot, your odds of hitting the jackpot are 1 in 1000.
It becomes significantly more complex with modern-day online pokies involving multiple reels, hundreds of symbols per reel, and numerous winning combinations. This complexity is compounded by additional features like wild symbols, scatter symbols, and bonus games, each of which alters the odds in its way, and this is where the secret ‘tips’ come from that we’re discussing next.
Common Myths and Misconceptions About Slot Machines
Slot machines are surrounded by a sea of myths and misconceptions, usually propagated by players looking for patterns in the random outcomes or individuals trying to sell “foolproof” strategies. Here are some of the most common misconceptions:
1. The Machine is ‘Due’ For a Win: As highlighted earlier, each spin is an independent event. Believing that a machine that hasn’t hit a jackpot in a while is ‘due’ for a win is a classic gambler’s fallacy.
2. Casinos Manipulate Slots to Pay Out More at Certain Times: The Random Number Generator (RNG) built into the machine ensures the outcomes are purely random and cannot be manipulated, not by the time of day, not by the casino, not by the player.
3. Using a Casino Card Reduces Your Chances of Winning: Casino cards track your play and allow you to earn comps, like free meals or rooms, but they have no impact on the outcome of your spins.
4. Slots Pay More When They’re New to Attract Players: The payout of a slot machine is determined by the RNG and pay table, nothing else. A new machine has the same odds as an old one.
Understanding these facts can help players enjoy their gaming experiences without falling prey to common misconceptions. Let’s dissect these myths to ensure there’s no evidence for them.
Why Cheating Online Pokies is Not Possible
Cheating the pokies or slot machines that are accredited by independent, validated organisations ensures that they are working as intended and that these 3 features are in place:
- Built-in Random Number Generator (RNG): The RNG ensures the unpredictability of each spin. Regardless of past outcomes, each spin is a separate event with its odds. No amount of strategizing can predict or change this.
- Regulatory Oversight: Online casinos are subjected to stringent regulations and regular audits. This includes the software used in their slot machines. Any attempt to cheat or manipulate the machines is practically impossible without getting caught.
- Sophisticated Anti-Cheat Technology: Modern slot machines come equipped with state-of-the-art anti-cheat technology. This includes tamper-proof seals and high-security locks. These make it incredibly difficult for anyone to tamper with the machines.
So, why do we feel like there are certain ways where we win more? It revolves around the role of luck, let’s dive in.
The Role of Chance and Luck in Casino Games
Chance and luck play a significant role in not just online pokies, but all casino games. It is part of the magic and thrill that makes online gaming so much fun.
But how does luck and chance play into it if we’ve just learnt that it’s all controlled by an algorithm?
Well, the same algorithm that ensures each spin is completely random, also allows for any combination to appear, any spin. Making it completely possible to jackpot 3 times in a row! This is where the sense of luck is founded.
Chance, on the other hand, allows some games to have higher odds of winning smaller payouts, while others may have lower chances but larger potential payouts. This variability provides an opportunity for the feeling of luck to come into play.
This randomness of the rolls leads to some players thinking that luck can be ‘created’ by employing certain strategies, leading to our pokie myths and tricks we discussed earlier.
Strategies may give a sense of control, but ultimately, they can’t alter the game’s coded randomness.
Conclusion:
To end our investigation into whether there is a way to cheat a Pokie’s algorithm, unfortunately ends in a no. It does not appear possible to cheat their systems, only to ride the wave of change and hopefully come out on top – a secret strategy or not.
Our dive into how Pokies work has led to one result to increase your chances of winning, play a machine with a higher return to player rate. If you follow this, you’re on your way to more wins, guaranteed.
