We’ve previously shared that defining slots as hot and cold isn’t really valuable, because it’s a look back at what happened vs. what will happen, and slots do not take previous spins into account when determining the next one.
But people still like to talk about it, so here’s a couple of recent questions from players around the topic.
If a machine seems to be “hot” and giving you several jackpots on a $6 bet, for example, does that mean the same machine will be just as “hot” if you change your bet from $6 to $10 or $20 for example? In other words, does it stay hot no matter what bet?
Laurie S.
Machines don’t stay hot because the definition of hot is what’s happened, and what will happen isn’t determined until you start spinning. Slots of course don’t stay hot no matter what, because they’re designed to make money for the casino – over time, they’re designed to take more than they pay.
So there’s no helpful answer as to sticking to your bet vs. betting up, other than to note when you bet up you’re offering more money wagered over time to the house edge that’s designed to make money for the casino. Some players like to bet up to play on the momentum when they’re ahead, but one outcome when doing that is you lose money faster than you would have had you kept your bets steady.
Don’t attempt to make bets based on “strategy” or hunches of a hot/cold machine. Bet based on what you can afford, and what’s fun to play. If you want to raise your bet because you’re doing really well, that’s your choice, but perhaps set a stop point so you don’t spend it all back.
When you’re playing slots, how do you know when it’s time to get up and switch machines? What are the signs that a machine is “cold”?
Cameron
A cold machine is one that hasn’t paid – it doesn’t mean it can’t or won’t pay. Every spin is an independent outcome, so that means the next spin could be a jackpot or a big win, but it is no more likely to be so because the last 100 spins are losers, nor if the last spin was itself a jackpot or big win.
So then how do you know when it’s time to switch? We encourage players to set a stop point when they sit down. Set a limit of how much you’re willing to spend – that’s a stop point. If you get a bonus, or maybe double up what you put in – maybe that’s a stop point. You can always change your mind if you want to play a bit more, but it shouldn’t be solely based on what the slot has done, because the randomness is sufficient that what comes next isn’t determined until you hit that spin button and make a wager.
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