Classic slots are the preferred form of gambling for many people. The simple act of trying to line up three cherries or lemons on a three-reel classic slot machine is as relaxing as it is potentially lucrative. The click of the reels as they spin and the simple pay tables that you can memorize in a short playing session bring back fond memories of a different time when both slot machines and life were simpler.
Of course over time there have been newer, flashier, and supposedly better slot machine games introduced, but you can still play on classic slot machines online and in casinos around the world.
Casino managers are under tremendous pressure to maximize their all-important slot revenue, but they do not want to kill the golden goose by raising the 'price' too much. As a result, Ticket-In, Ticket-Out technology was pulled into casinos. They are now integral to how slot machines work. This automation is the same technology that was beginning to be seen in Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). Once proven out, this slot machine technology was here to stay like so many others.
The definition of a 'classic slot machine' is different depending who you ask. My definition of a classic slot machine is any game that uses mechanical reels or any online slot game designed to imitate the look of mechanical slots. These games also usually have straightforward pay tables with no bonuses or extras.
When video slot machines start offering bonus rounds, stories, dozens or even hundreds of different pay lines and every other kind of bell and whistle you can think of, they're no longer classic slots games.
How do Classic Slots Work?
Classic slots games that are also video slot machines use a random number generator to decide which reels and symbols to display on the screen. This allows the newer classic slots games to offer higher top pay outs than the old ones that actually used reels that turned inside the machine.
The old machines that used actual reels could only have a limited number of combinations because the reels would only hold a certain number of symbols. Many players who enjoyed the old classic slot machines wanted the same game play look and feel but wanted a chance to win higher top prizes.
Using a random number generator program and a video slots platform the casinos started introducing games that these players wanted to play that reminded them of the old machines but were able to offer the higher paying top combinations.
Some of these machines are still in use today. While it's getting harder to find machines that use actual reels, the availability of video based classic slots games is as healthy as ever.
Classic slots games and machines can be found around the world in most casinos and gambling establishments. They can also be found in most online casinos. Many online casinos even have a specific category in their software for classic slots so you can quickly find the machines you want to play.
When you are playing in a local casino or one in Las Vegas or Atlantic City the classic slot machines are mixed in with all of the other slots games. Don't expect to find too many mechanical games, as those are considered antiques. Instead, look for video slots with simple rules and interfaces.
You'll need to walk around the casino to find the classic slots games you want to play. If you make frequent trips, you'll learn where your favorite machines are so you don't have to spend as much time searching on your next trip. Casinos do sometimes move their machines, so if you can't find a machine ask one of the casino personnel if they know where it was moved.
Are All Classic Slot Machines Three-Reel?
While the first thing that pops into most players' minds when they think of a classic slot machine is a three reel machine, there are also five and even seven reel classic slot machines. They can have one, three, or five rows and can either use mechanical old time reels or video screens that display the reels.
Classic slot machines are better than many of the current slots games, but there are plenty of people who feel the other way. You need to play many different varieties of both old and new slots to see which ones are your favorites.
How Casino Slot Machines Work
Even though I like classic slots, I also play newer games. I especially like the story based video slots games that have become popular over the past few years.
Also, many classic slots are now video based machines, so there isn't really a question about which is better. The real question is whether you like the simplicity of classic slots or all of the extras that are included with more modern machines.
Are Classic Slots Being Phased Out?
Casinos track the income created by every inch of the casino floor. They know exactly what slot machines are responsible for the most profit and which ones don't bring in as much money.
If classic slot machines can't keep making the casinos as much money as newer machines, they will eventually replace them. This is a simple business decision and one the casino owners won't hesitate to make.
One place where you'll probably always be able to enjoy classic slots is at online casinos. They don't have the same constraints on floor space as land based casinos, so their overhead for keeping classic slots games available is minimal.
The other nice thing about playing classic slots on the Internet is you have a wider range of options available without leaving your home. There are hundreds of online casinos, dozens of software and slots developers, and new slot machine games are being developed every day.
If you start having trouble finding great classic slot machines in your local area, here's what you should do:
Check out a few online casinos to see what games they have to offer. Most of them will let you play classic slot machines for free while you are checking them out, and they'll give you a bonus when you start playing for real money.
If you've been playing slots for long at all you've probably figured out that there isn't much strategy involved with playing. You basically put your money in and spin the reels.
Some days you get lucky, but most days you end up losing money. That's because the casino has a built-in advantage. Slot machines are designed to entertain you, but they're also supposed to take your money in exchange for this entertainment.
You can do a few things to make your playing experience better and possibly make it last longer.
If the machine you're playing doesn't offer a lower coin amount you can find a different machine that does.
These can be as simple as dividing your entertainment budget for the week or month by the number of slots sessions you plan on enjoying or setting a standard loss limit. You could stop playing if you lose $100, or $50 or whatever you feel comfortable with.
Some players spend most of their time playing classic slot machines for free. While they never get the rush of hitting a big payout, they also don't lose money while playing either. Of course if you want to play slots for free you have to do it online. Land based casinos won't let you play their machines without putting money into them first.
Classic slot machines have been enjoyed by gamblers around the world for decades. They won't be going away any time soon.
These types of slots games are the easiest to play and understand. From the simple pay charts to the limited number of symbols, classic slot machines are a simple and enjoyable way to pass the time.
le and enjoyable way to pass the time.
Introduction to How Slot Machines Work
In these series of posts, I continue to answer the most common questions about slot machines asked via Google searches. This post explains the simple question of how slot machines work.
In this post, I will discuss the operational components of a slot machine from the point-of-view of a slots player. Meaning, the various interface areas on the front of a slot machine. These player interface areas include:
- Service Light
- Bonus Display (Optional)
- Pay Table
- Players Club
- Results
- Play Console
- Ticket In, Ticket Out (TITO)
Additional relatively minor interface areas are not listed or shown below. These areas are the locations audio speakers, audio volume control (optional), display lights, lever arm, and a hearing aid jack to accommodate those with a hearing disability.
Keep Reading … or Listen Instead!
Subscribe to my Professor Slots podcast at Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Amazon Audible | Gaana | Stitcher | Pandora | iHeart Radio | Tune-In | SoundCloud | RadioPublic | Deezer | RSS and everywhere else you find your podcasts!
Service Light
A slot machine's service light is generally located at the very top of a slot machine to be easily visible to casino employees. Because of this uppermost location, it's also known as the candle within slots terminology.
Slots players can switch on the service light by activating the service button on the player console. Or, it will enable by itself if the player wins a hand pay jackpot or the slot machine develops a service fault. Faults might include lack of paper, a full cash-in condition, mechanical or electronic tampering, or an internal electronic failure such as CPU overheating, etc.
Modern casinos have a slot attendant call/dispatcher communication system using a headset and microphone. This setup is helpful for spotting problems on the casino floor. An activated service light automatically notifies the casino operating system. The casino dispatcher then informs the slot attendant responsible for that section of the casino.
Once the notification is sent out, a lit candle is of little practical use. At best, it guides the responding slot attendant the last few feet to the customer needing attention and, also, provides some reassurance to the waiting customer.
Slots players may activate the candle for a multitude of reasons. In general, they do so to deliberately call a slot attendant to their location, for any of a host of reasons only limited by imagination.
Pro-Tip #1: Service Light
Sometimes slots players need to leave a slot machine briefly but don't want to give it up to someone else. If this break is relatively brief, say 10-15 minutes, use the service button to call over a slot attendant. The slot attendant can temporarily lock up the slot machine at the request of the player.
The slot machine can be unlocked later by the player via insertion of only their service card … or after 10-15 minutes when the temporary lockout automatically expires. For the specific length of lockout times, ask any slot attendant at your casino.
Are All Classic Slot Machines Three-Reel?
While the first thing that pops into most players' minds when they think of a classic slot machine is a three reel machine, there are also five and even seven reel classic slot machines. They can have one, three, or five rows and can either use mechanical old time reels or video screens that display the reels.
Classic slot machines are better than many of the current slots games, but there are plenty of people who feel the other way. You need to play many different varieties of both old and new slots to see which ones are your favorites.
How Casino Slot Machines Work
Even though I like classic slots, I also play newer games. I especially like the story based video slots games that have become popular over the past few years.
Also, many classic slots are now video based machines, so there isn't really a question about which is better. The real question is whether you like the simplicity of classic slots or all of the extras that are included with more modern machines.
Are Classic Slots Being Phased Out?
Casinos track the income created by every inch of the casino floor. They know exactly what slot machines are responsible for the most profit and which ones don't bring in as much money.
If classic slot machines can't keep making the casinos as much money as newer machines, they will eventually replace them. This is a simple business decision and one the casino owners won't hesitate to make.
One place where you'll probably always be able to enjoy classic slots is at online casinos. They don't have the same constraints on floor space as land based casinos, so their overhead for keeping classic slots games available is minimal.
The other nice thing about playing classic slots on the Internet is you have a wider range of options available without leaving your home. There are hundreds of online casinos, dozens of software and slots developers, and new slot machine games are being developed every day.
If you start having trouble finding great classic slot machines in your local area, here's what you should do:
Check out a few online casinos to see what games they have to offer. Most of them will let you play classic slot machines for free while you are checking them out, and they'll give you a bonus when you start playing for real money.
If you've been playing slots for long at all you've probably figured out that there isn't much strategy involved with playing. You basically put your money in and spin the reels.
Some days you get lucky, but most days you end up losing money. That's because the casino has a built-in advantage. Slot machines are designed to entertain you, but they're also supposed to take your money in exchange for this entertainment.
You can do a few things to make your playing experience better and possibly make it last longer.
If the machine you're playing doesn't offer a lower coin amount you can find a different machine that does.
These can be as simple as dividing your entertainment budget for the week or month by the number of slots sessions you plan on enjoying or setting a standard loss limit. You could stop playing if you lose $100, or $50 or whatever you feel comfortable with.
Some players spend most of their time playing classic slot machines for free. While they never get the rush of hitting a big payout, they also don't lose money while playing either. Of course if you want to play slots for free you have to do it online. Land based casinos won't let you play their machines without putting money into them first.
Classic slot machines have been enjoyed by gamblers around the world for decades. They won't be going away any time soon.
These types of slots games are the easiest to play and understand. From the simple pay charts to the limited number of symbols, classic slot machines are a simple and enjoyable way to pass the time.
le and enjoyable way to pass the time.
Introduction to How Slot Machines Work
In these series of posts, I continue to answer the most common questions about slot machines asked via Google searches. This post explains the simple question of how slot machines work.
In this post, I will discuss the operational components of a slot machine from the point-of-view of a slots player. Meaning, the various interface areas on the front of a slot machine. These player interface areas include:
- Service Light
- Bonus Display (Optional)
- Pay Table
- Players Club
- Results
- Play Console
- Ticket In, Ticket Out (TITO)
Additional relatively minor interface areas are not listed or shown below. These areas are the locations audio speakers, audio volume control (optional), display lights, lever arm, and a hearing aid jack to accommodate those with a hearing disability.
Keep Reading … or Listen Instead!
Subscribe to my Professor Slots podcast at Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Amazon Audible | Gaana | Stitcher | Pandora | iHeart Radio | Tune-In | SoundCloud | RadioPublic | Deezer | RSS and everywhere else you find your podcasts!
Service Light
A slot machine's service light is generally located at the very top of a slot machine to be easily visible to casino employees. Because of this uppermost location, it's also known as the candle within slots terminology.
Slots players can switch on the service light by activating the service button on the player console. Or, it will enable by itself if the player wins a hand pay jackpot or the slot machine develops a service fault. Faults might include lack of paper, a full cash-in condition, mechanical or electronic tampering, or an internal electronic failure such as CPU overheating, etc.
Modern casinos have a slot attendant call/dispatcher communication system using a headset and microphone. This setup is helpful for spotting problems on the casino floor. An activated service light automatically notifies the casino operating system. The casino dispatcher then informs the slot attendant responsible for that section of the casino.
Once the notification is sent out, a lit candle is of little practical use. At best, it guides the responding slot attendant the last few feet to the customer needing attention and, also, provides some reassurance to the waiting customer.
Slots players may activate the candle for a multitude of reasons. In general, they do so to deliberately call a slot attendant to their location, for any of a host of reasons only limited by imagination.
Pro-Tip #1: Service Light
Sometimes slots players need to leave a slot machine briefly but don't want to give it up to someone else. If this break is relatively brief, say 10-15 minutes, use the service button to call over a slot attendant. The slot attendant can temporarily lock up the slot machine at the request of the player.
The slot machine can be unlocked later by the player via insertion of only their service card … or after 10-15 minutes when the temporary lockout automatically expires. For the specific length of lockout times, ask any slot attendant at your casino.
Bonus Display Area
If a specific slot machine has a bonus round available, then it will often have a second display area. Video slots may use the same primary display screen but abruptly display the bonus round game theme instead. However, video slots most often have a secondary display screen available for bonus rounds.
Best Slot Machines At Casinos
The Bonus Display area is optional and dependent upon the specific slot machine model. The location of this bonus display varies. More often than not, it is high up on the slot machine to be viewable by other players from a distance.
Casinos offset their losses by offering slot machines with bonus round display visible from a distance. Frankly, wins on these highly visible and usually loud bonus displays are seen by many. This obvious win encourages other casino patrons to play slot machines.
Pro-Tip #2: Bonus Round
Bonus rounds generally cannot be activated unless that slot machine's maximum credits are bet. By not betting maximum credits, the player automatically lowers their odds of winning.
If betting maximum credits on a specific denomination slot machine is not affordable, pick another affordable slot machine. I discuss this approach in detail at Choosing Slot Machines.
Pay Table Area
The Pay Table area lists information on the jackpot amounts for specific reel combinations. It can also display some or all of the game theme rules. This area may be permanently displayed on the slot machine, or possibly only available through an interactive series of images available by touchscreen.
In either case, all possible wins may or may not be displayed. Sometimes the list is highly abbreviated, and displays only the highest jackpots, due to space limitations. Other times, mainly with touchscreen displays, a series of images can be switched between to view every possible winning combination.
However, pay tables typically provide the highest value jackpot. Slot machine game themes with multipliers or 'wild' reel symbols have their most top value jackpots being the result of these reel symbols. Alternatively, it may not show all multipliers or 'wild' symbols in the tabulated list of win-reel combinations. Instead, they may be in writing along the edge of the paytable interface area.
But, with large touchscreens has come the capability to provide full paytable information along with game theme rules. Some slot machines now have this feature and, perhaps, more will have it in the future.
Many paytables show the number of credits that would be won for a specific combination of reel symbols. Or, they may show a monetary amount. In either case, these tables have separate columns for winning combinations dependent upon how many credits are bet. The far–right column typically shows the winning jackpots available when betting maximum credits.
Some examples of credit and denomination combinations are:
- 1-credit slot machines having a $100 denomination
- 3-credit slot machines having a $5 denomination
- 5-credit 'quarter slots' having a $0.25 denomination
- 300-credit 'penny slots' have a $0.01 denomination
Pro-Tip #3: Pay Tables
Frankly, learning the paytable of any slot machines played is a relatively easy way to improve the odds of winning at slots. Many typical slots players believe there is no skill involved in winning at slot machines. Casinos gently foster this misunderstanding, as it is to their benefit. Don't fall for it.
Traditionally, slots players find it acceptable to play slot machines with visual succinct paytables. Frankly, casinos would instead have their customers spend their time playing a game they don't understand.
The casino isn't making money if a player spends time studying or reading until they do understand rather than playing the machine.
One easy-to-learn skill to improve the odds of winning at slots is choosing which slots to play based on their paytables. I discuss this in detail at Choosing Slot Machines.
Players Club Area
The Players Club area contains a card reader, numbered keypad, and a small display. A security feature of players club cards is for players to choose a PIN to enter when they wish to access their player account.
Newer-style slot machines have a touchscreen display, which removes the need for a physical keypad. Meaning, it's part of the touchscreen display.
Bets can be made on a slot machine without a players' club card. At most casinos, it typically is not required. Neither is the PIN needed to play the device or view basic information. For example, a running total of reward points earned during the current play session is generally on display.
The PIN is required, however, to:
- access certain portions of player's casino account
- transfer banked funds
- activate 'free play' provided by the casino as a complimentary gift
Results Area
The Results interface area is where the reel combinations are seen after making a bet. Whether a video slot machine or a slot machine with physical reel, this is where the results of a bet are provided.
Interpreting whether a reel combination is a winner requires an understanding of the paytable. This result is fundamental to how slot machines work.
Of course, the slot machine will immediately display the results. A small display beneath the reels shows:
- the total amount of money or credits available in the machine
- how many credits most recently bet
- the jackpot amount won if any
Jackpots are usually in credits, where each credit equals the denomination of the machine rather than the amount bet, as well as a monetary amount.
Player Console
The Play Console typically has physical buttons, a cash/ticket reader, and a ticket printer. The buttons include:
- Cash Out for requesting the removal of any player funds in the machine
- Service to request a casino attendant
- A Series of Buttons for selecting the number of credits to bet, or placing the maximum possible bet
- Cash Out for removing any remaining bankroll
- Repeat to making another bet for the same credit(s)
- Denomination to select a specific bet denomination (optional)
The player console may have several possible button configurations, dependent upon the model of the slot machine. Given how often game themes are switched to maintain the interest of players over time, it is common for player consoles to be standardized over many machines within a casino.
Also, it is becoming common for consoles to have embedded displays visible through their semi-transparent button covers. This array of small screens are linked together to show visually stunning composite images displayed across the entire array of buttons.
Ticket In, Ticket Out (TITO)
By the beginning of the 21st Century, the use of coins was removed from casinos. This removal was for the sake of convenience of both the casino and customers. Both had issues with handling so many coins. Customers because of the difficulties inherent with carrying so much weight, but also gambling delays due to full (or empty) slot machine coin hoppers.
Casinos had issues with coins as well, including customer complaints due to delays caused by a full (or empty) slot machine coin hopper. This inconvenience was a coin logistics issue, which also included higher costs of maintaining a larger vault space and coin processing equipment and services. As casinos became more popular, coins became more difficult for everyone.
As a result, Ticket-In, Ticket-Out technology was pulled into casinos. They are now integral to how slot machines work. This automation is the same technology that was beginning to be seen in Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). Once proven out, this slot machine technology was here to stay like so many others.
Summary of How Slot Machines Work
I've discussed the operational components of a slot machine from the point-of-view of a slots player. This explanation of how slot machines work included the various player interface areas on the front of a typical slot machine.
There are additional relatively minor interface areas. These areas include audio speakers, audio volume control (optional), display lights, lever arm, and a hearing aid jack to accommodate those with a hearing disability.
Can Casinos Adjust Slot Machines
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Slot Machines How They Work
Have fun, be safe, and make good choices!
By Jon H. Friedl, Jr. Ph.D., President
Jon Friedl, LLC
