Slot Myths Players Still Believe

There are so many myths in the gaming space, we aren’t surprised to find that most gamblers believe in at least one. But if you’re someone superstitious, who believes in several myths, then you definitely need to read on.

Slot machines are never “hot” nor do they pay more under certain situations. Still not convinced? Keep scrolling to discover more about the slot myths players still believe.

1. Slot Machines are “Hot”

There is a common saying, that when a player is winning several times in a row, that the machine they are playing is “hot” and that they shouldn’t leave because someone else can pick up where they left off with their hot streak.

This isn’t true at all—slot machines award winnings based on programmed algorithms. There is no such thing as a “hot” machine, and your luck can turn at any moment.

We believe this rumor or myth came from when slot machines were more primitive than they are today, and a machine would physically collect and spit out quarters. As such, a machine that was nearly full would likely feel “hotter” than one that wasn’t full, though we don’t think this affected winning—but maybe. Either way, it isn’t real anymore.

2. A Particular Machine is “Due” to Hit

Many themed slot machines have jackpot numbers above them, and many individuals think that the higher the number climbs, the sooner it will be “due” to hit. The reality is, a machine isn’t a pregnant woman, nor do the algorithms inside utilize a schedule for when they will pay out large numbers—it’s all luck and random number generators.

In our opinion, this rumor is the most popular on the list, with many individuals checking on machines in their local casino to see if they think the machine will be paying out the jackpot soon. Don’t waste your time—this is all myth.

3. Player Loyalty Cards Change Your Chances of Winning

This is the second-most-common slot machine myth. Many individuals will sign up for new player cards with the belief that they will win more frequently with a new card. This is such a widespread wife’s tale that some individuals will even pay people to sign up for a new card so they can try the “new card” luck.

Because this one varies so much from casino to casino, while we are reasonably sure this is a rumor (because most slot machines cannot be adjusted for player newness) there are some casinos which offer free play or bonuses for beginners that do make these player cards worth slightly more. To be clear, they do NOT win more, but there are some undeniable benefits to a new player’s card (such as free play, compensated play, and more), but please, they aren’t worth paying for.

4. The Casino Can Tighten or Un-Tighten Machines At Will

We aren’t sure at all where this particular rumor came from, but some out there believe that slot machines are controlled the same way as a wind-up toy, with the casino having a tool to turn machine payouts “up” or “down” at will. While there may have been some truth to this back in the day, we promise that if you’ve played in the last 30 years, this is not the case.

Remember, all modern slot machines are computers, meaning they are programmed once and then set out on the casino floor. There is no such thing as random adjustments, and any changes would need to be overseen by a programmer—likely on who works for the gaming company, not the casino itself.

5. Playing Slots Are Better At Certain Times

Although modern slot machines likely do have a computer with a clock device, there is no programming that would cause it to pay out more during certain windows. Honestly, this myth doesn’t even have roots in the truth, for as far as we know, there have never been slot machines that are “turned on to win” at certain hours.

That being said, humans do run on a circadian rhythm clock, and may feel more positive during certain hours of play, which can influence how the play, but trust us, it doesn’t influence their luck.

6. Clearing Your Cache Renews Your Luck for Online Slots

In the age of online bitcoin slots, a new myth has risen to prominence—mostly that if you log out, clear your cache, then log back in, you will “reset” your luck and win more.

Unfortunately for these people, while clearing your cache is always good for computer performance, it does little to affect the programs these gaming websites utilize to determine game outcomes. Therefore, don’t bother making a special trip to do it.

We aren’t really sure where this rumor came from, considering online gambling has always been high-level, but then again, gamblers will often believe anything that worked one time.

7. Slot Machines Pay Bigger Bonuses When the Music Is Full Volume

This is another gambling myth that we can’t even begin to explain, other than humans see patterns that aren’t there, and this one has both an audible and visual connection, making it more memorable than other gambling myths.

Anyway, it goes without saying that slot machine volume has nothing to do with how often or how much you win. Sorry if we are bursting your bubble.

Overall, there are so many slot machine myths that we probably didn’t cover them all here, but remember that any machine on a casino floor has to be provably fair, by law. This means there cannot be any way to influence winning using volume, play time, or that a human can affect—as the casino must prove the outcomes are random to make the game legal. So next time you head to a casino, don’t waste your time playing hot machines, spinning at a certain time, or turning the music all the way up. Remember that gaming is random, always. Good luck.