Quote:
Originally Posted by hippo925
after doing a little research and talking to some people, i found out some interesting things about how a slot machine might work. i apologize for the long post, but i find it to be an interesting theory.
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From what I understand, your theory is that slots are programmed to go through a cycle of outcomes in sequential order. You also say: "interruptions to the cycles, re-directions, etc" can occur. Rephrasing, you state that as the cycle grows in length, the appearance of being random can increase as well.
I have programmed a slot machine for an online company, and I can say most definitely this is not how this slot worked.
The basic mathematics of a slot machine is computed via a spread sheet and a simulation of the slot. The analysis of slots via a spread sheet involve computing each outcome possible, and its result. This is how the house-edge is computed for a slot and it is a lot of work. The simulation program verifies the mathematics by playing millions of spins of the slot as a human might play given enough time.
In practice, each spin truly is "random" (the result is computed by requesting a value from a pseudo-random number generator), and no previous event has any effect on a future event's probability of occuring. I would be very interested to see any verified evidence of a slot operating otherwise.
There are most certainly rigged slots in the world, but they are produced by rogue companies, or are the result of incompetent programming. There are also what is known as "class 2" slots which sound a bit more like what you may be talking about. For the difference between class 2 and class 3, see Wikipedia, which I have quoted in part:
Class II game characteristics:
The player is playing against other players and competing for a common prize.
There is certain to be a winner in each game. The game continues until there is a winner.
In a given set there are a certain number of wins and loses. Once a certain combination has happened it cannot happen again until a new batch is initiated. This is most obvious in scratch card games that come in a pack. Once a card has been pulled those winning combinations cannot occur again until a new pack of cards is installed. One game is dependent on previous games.
The player must be an active participant. They must recognize events as they occur and must recognize when they have won and announce their winning. Bingo is an excellent example here.
All players play from the same set of numbers as they are announced.
Class III game characteristics
The player is playing against the house.
There is a very real possibility that the player may lose the game.
Each game is independent of previous games. Any possible outcome can occur in any game.
Wins are announced automatically.
I hope this helps,
--Eliot