Since their inception, Slots have been a casino favourite because they require very little from players. You can simply insert cash and then spin the reels – and you win if a row of identical symbols lines up on the pay-line. However, despite the lack of skill, there is some science behind this popular machine. Modern slot machines are powered by random number generators (RNGs), which make a thousand mathematical calculations per second.
Modern RNGs have been designed to make the results of each spin independent of previous ones, ensuring that winning symbols will appear more often than losing ones. This is possible because microprocessors inside the machine assign different probability to each symbol on each of the multiple reels. This allows manufacturers to “weight” the symbols so that, to the player, a losing symbol appears as close to a winning one as possible.
In addition to the RNG, most modern slots are designed with a specific theme. This is to appeal to the emotions of the players – and to create a feeling of anticipation and excitement. Themes can be based on famous movies, TV shows, characters and locations, or more abstract concepts like luck, fortune, adventure and so on. Thematic elements add a lot to the immersive experience of slot gaming.