We’ve got another one of those ideas that revolve around what someone has observed, and therefore it must be true, right?
I have noticed both playing and watching the longer a game has been out the longer between bonuses. Yes they have the RNGs (random number generators) but they also have a program. As long as the final results of the machine equal the required percentage the machine must have during its lifetime, is it possible the machines are programmed for bonuses more frequently at the beginning? When that piggy game came out, I got piggies or banks frequently…
Irene
Sorry Irene, but machines aren’t programmed to have a honeymoon period, as we’ve shared in the past. Let’s go through your suppositions, and what’s actually happening.
Slots Only Have RNGs, Not a Program
Slots don’t get harder over time because they don’t have a program. They do have a set of outcomes, and the RNG is generating numbers that lead to those outcomes. It doesn’t change over time – once it’s set, it’s set.
Where many of us go wrong is we remember the slots where we had an amazing initial run, and we tend to forget the ones that handed us our behind. And then, because it’s just not realistic for slots to be going gangbusters all the time, we think they got worse or something.
Our observations here at Flip The Switch tend to go the other way – we tend to remember the bad runs on slots, and avoid them for awhile. Eventually we’ll give the games another chance. Brian avoided Coin Combo for the longest time – then he got a Grand jackpot on one in Oklahoma and he’s been much happier with them since.
Slots Reach Their Payouts Over Time with Consistency
Slots don’t adjust what they payout over time to meet their expected payout – they meet their expected payout because how they were designed to begin with.
So slots aren’t programmed (and can’t be programmed by gaming regulations) to be more generous at first and then reduce the payouts.
They also don’t need to do this – new slots tend to make good money because of exactly that – they’re new. Their ability to succeed largely depends on if players find them entertaining, and that’s got to extend beyond the wins because slots will inevitably make money for casinos over time.
Bonuses Do Not Come More Frequently Upfront
So, to your specific question, no, slots are not programmed to bonus more frequently upfront. In fact, regardless of the payback percentage a casino opts for, they’re generally going to bonus just about as often on any setting.
The tweaks will come in terms of the size of the bonuses, the frequency of some of the medium to large line hits, and so forth, because they want the game to feel similar regardless of payout. Bonus frequency may differ slightly, but not massively so, not enough for players to expect it to be completely different anyway.
Takeaway
We often thing older slots have been changed because we tend to think of the new slots where we’re most successful with more fond memories, and are hoping to replicate that. As slots get harder, the chances of that get tougher, and so while we get it seems like things aren’t happening as often anymore, this is where our own luck then and now simply comes into play.
I love this question because I know we all think for the most part that a new machine will pay out and eventually go kaput over time. That myth only is reinforced by players who try the new slot game such as Buffalo when I remember standing room only to get on a Buffalo slot machine. Now I can pretty much get on a Buffalo slot readily without waiting. I still win on Buffalo and I still lose. I much prefer winning. 😊
People don’t consider the fact that most of us like to play the new slots, so whether or not they pay out at first, we tend to drift to the new and shiny. There are some slots that remain constantly busy for years, but they’re usually the exception rather than the rule!
I have not purchased a bonus as of yet.
When Brian buys one I am frequently yelling No No! Stop! It doesnt work though he still does it. 🤔
It certainly forces you to put more money on a bonus at once time, but usually you get at least something back (sometimes not enough haha)