Online Pokies emerged in the gambling world in the 1980s and immediately dominated the industry. Every day, thousands of enthusiasts go to bars, online pokies, bookmakers or, more recently, to virtual portals specialised in online gambling to use these slot machines and earn extra money through winning combinations.
However, few gamblers are familiar with the actual workings of slot machines, which are based on a series of algorithms and random systems that determine the combinations of symbols that appear on the screen, and therefore the player’s fate. These systems of automatic combination generation have always existed, but have been greatly developed in recent years to thwart the many attempts to deceive players through so-called «trick» slot machines.
Unlike other games of chance such as poker or roulette, playing slot machines does not require an in-depth knowledge of their workings and mechanics, as there is no safe and proven winning technique and players have no realistic chance of influencing the outcome of their bet. However, a general knowledge of how slot machines are constructed and an understanding of the algorithms that drive them can help to approach gaming in a more conscious and responsible manner.
Slot machines popular in licensed online pokies venues today use a random number generation system called RNG, which determines, in part at random, when the machine should release a payout and what the payout should be.
These microprocessors (which can be real or virtual, depending on the type of slot machine) assign different probabilities and frequencies to each symbol; the microchip then processes the exact order of the symbols that appear on the reels within a fraction of a second, compares them to the winning line, and pays out the appropriate prize according to the combination displayed on the screen.
In general, the payout ratio of virtual machines is significantly higher than that of physical machines, as the Customs and Monopolies Administration stipulates that the payout ratio of online machines must be between 90% and 99% of the amount collected, whereas the payout ratio of physical machines must be between 90% and 99%. Based on this version, the payback ratio for players of physical bars and online pokies is around 70%.
Gambling regulators are obliged to carry out regular inspections to detect any defects and irregularities in the slot machine mechanics in order to ensure continued transparency and regularity of play on all physical machines and virtual platforms.