Are Slot Machines Connected To Each Other Or The Internet?

The digitisation and migration of slots online may leave some players with a lot of questions. One of these questions is whether slot machines are connected to each other or the internet. 

If you are one of the people wondering just how far the clutches of the internet can reach when it comes to slot machines, you are not alone. And unfortunately, the answer is not a simple yes or no.

So, continue reading this King Casino blog post to learn more as we explore the truth behind the internet and slot machines.

Are Slot Machines Connected To Each Other?

Slot machines are among some of the most popular casino games. They contribute to over half of the casino gaming industry’s revenue. Their success is mainly attributed to their ease of play and the lack of skill required to play them.

Additionally, as years go by and technology continues to improve, slot machines advance too. This may lead to the question of whether or not slot machines are connected to each other via the internet.

The answer to this question is both yes and no. If you are talking about progressive slot machines, then yes. However, no, if you mean regular online slots.

Progressive slot machines need to be connected to each other to be able to communicate with one another should the jackpot be won. This is because they are usually in the same network, offering the same jackpot prize, which can be pooled from various online or land-based casinos offering the same game.

So, if someone eventually wins the jackpot, the system needs to be able to communicate so the maximum win can be reset back to the seed value and start all over again.

But, regular slot machines with traditional slot games are not connected as they do not need to be. So, they generally work independently of each other. 

Are Slot Machines Connected To The Internet?

Again, the answer to this question is both yes and no. Mechanical slot machines, also fondly known as one-armed bandits, are usually not connected to the internet. This is because they typically lack any electrical component save for the Random Number Generator (RNG) chip. On the other hand, online slot machines need the internet to function, so they are, in a way, connected to the internet.

While you do not need an internet connection to access a mechanical slot machine at a land-based casino, you cannot play an online slot without a stable internet connection.

Be that as it may, we urge you not to mistake the need for internet connection access to mean online slots can be controlled remotely. They cannot. They also use a RNG chip, which is regularly assessed by third-party regulators to ensure fairness and total randomness of the results.

Do Casinos Control Who Wins On Slots?

No, casinos do not control who wins on slots. Instead, the RNG chip is responsible for which numbers or symbols line up on a slot machine on any given spin. Additionally, this RNG programme is constantly running, so the results are never predetermined or just waiting for the right moment to be displayed. Instead, each spin has newly generated and random numbers.

The whole point of any form of gambling is to take a chance hoping to receive favourable results. Therefore, controlling who wins would defeat the purpose. Not to mention it may result in the closure of the casino.

Each slot machine game has its own odds of potentially winning, as well as a house edge. This means that the casino has the potential to make an average amount of money over time, regardless of whether you win or lose. 

You may notice slot machines being advertised with Return to Player (RTP) rates. They refer to an estimated theoretical percentage a slot machine may give back to its players over time. For example, a slot machine with a 96% RTP rate theoretically means you may get back £96 for every £100 wagered. 

However, slots are chance-based games, so any potential winnings can never be guaranteed. 

Should You Leave A Slot Machine After Winning?

What you do after hitting a win on a slot machine is entirely up to you. So, if you wish to leave a slot machine after winning, you are free to do so. In fact, you may find it better to take your winnings and leave. This way, you don’t spend any of the money playing other casino games.

However, you may decide to keep playing if you enjoy a certain game and don’t mind taking any potential losses.

Conclusion

Overall, slot machines may or may not be connected to the internet, depending on the type of slot they are. If they are a mechanical one-armed bandit game, they most likely are not connected to the internet. 

However, online slots need the internet to work. They cannot be manipulated to choose who may win or when a win may hit.