Slot Machine Reset Button – What Happens When A Slot Is Reset?

Slot machines can be reset for a number of reasons, including maintenance, updating the Return to Player (RTP) rate or resetting the machine after an error or a jackpot has been won. 

But what happens when a slot is reset?

Continue reading this King Casino blog post to unveil the mystery of resetting slot machines and other questions you may have about it.

What Does A Slot Machine Reset Button Do?

A slot machine’s reset button may be used to reset a slot machine after a simple error or malfunction. Then, the technician can simply push the button to turn the machine off. That may fix the problem, but sometimes tuning the slot machine off and on may not be enough.

For example, a slot may end up needing a key to completely reset the machine. This is something that can be referred to as a hard reset. 

It is important to note that slot machines have critical data, such as their Return to Player (RTP) rate, stake ranges etc. Resetting the machine using the reset button will not affect this kind of data. It generally only clears out simple and easily solvable errors. 

But, if technicians use a reset key instead of a reset button, this information may be lost, but may depend on which key they are using. For example, the generic 2341 slot machine reset key may not affect this information. However, the key exclusive to the casino and made explicitly for the slot machine may.

What Happens When A Slot Machine Is Reset?

When a slot machine is reset, operators perform a type of calibration, ensuring that the slot machine is functioning optimally. Additionally, a slot machine reset can only be done by trained personnel or technicians.

When a slot machine is reset, one of three things may happen:

1. Error code may be cleared: If the reason to reset the slot machine was to fix a malfunction, including certain error codes, the reset should fix whatever error code the machine displayed. The person setting it would either press a few buttons or use the key and wait for the machine to finish running its diagnostic.
2. Calibration: If the machine underwent a hard reset, it may go through a calibration method to ensure everything functions as it should. That includes the RTP rate, the hit frequency, or the coin or bill receptors. Please note that this kind of reset can only be done by trained and licensed personnel and takes more than just a push of a button.
3. The machine may reboot: Once all the calibration has been done or the reset button pushed, the slot machine may reboot. After the reboot is complete, the machine may be ready to be used again.

Sometimes, slot machines are reset to ensure that the Random Number Generator (RNG) chip is functioning optimally. The RNG ensures that the slot continually produces random results on every spin and that each spin’s result is independent of the previous spins.

So, the RNGs undergo routine checks, and in some cases, the machines may need to be reset after the routine checks are complete. 

Needless to say, you do not need to worry about unauthorised people tinkering with slot machines as long as you play your slot games at reputable casinos.

Do Casinos Reset Slot Machines?

Yes, casinos can reset slot machines to maintain the slot’s integrity and for repair purposes. Like any machine, slot games need to be maintained and updated routinely. This ensures that they function optimally and produce random results as intended.

They also need to be checked to ensure they are true to their RTP rates and payout frequencies. All of that may require a reset.

However, these resets are not done by just anyone. They are conducted strictly by trained officials to ensure that the fairness and randomness of the slot are maintained and, of course, to ensure that it is done correctly. 

In addition, these officials are often third-party personnel, not affiliated with the casino and regulated by the UKGC (United Kingdom Gambling Commission), so you do not have to worry about the machines being manipulated.