Your computer starts hanging or sending you error messages. So, what do you do? You switch it on and off or reboot it completely, and that usually sorts the bugs out. If not, you consult an IT specialist. Understanding slot machines is no different, and sometimes they, too, need a reset. So, what’s the secret of how to reset a slot machine, and how are jackpot slots affected?
How Are Slot Machines Made?
First of all, it helps to understand a little of the workings of slot machines. After the first mechanical slot machine, the Liberty Bell, was created in 1894, subsequent slots were driven by gears and levers. The mechanical “one-armed bandits” of the past had coin detectors to unlock the arm mechanism and three reels with a braking system to stop them from spinning. Later, with the introduction of electronics, slot machines were operated with an electrical motor with circuits that controlled the reels and payouts. At this time, the machines also became as much about looking good with lights and sound, making them more attractive and fun to play. Enter the digital age, and today’s sophisticated machines are computerized and highly calibrated for optimum performance.
What is The Reset Button?
Every slot has a service panel either on the side or bottom of the body of the machine, and this is where the reset button is located. The same as with a computer, and depending on why the slot is being reset, a simple flick of the on and off button may restore the slot if it has been malfunctioning. But a so-called “hard reset” requires a slot machine key and a technician to conduct a proper diagnostic and repair process. Gamers tampering with slots on the casino floor is a definite no-no. If you believe a machine is not performing properly according to its advertised slots bonus specs, you should report to the floor manager immediately and not touch the machine yourself.
Reasons For A Reset
There are a number of reasons why a casino would want or need to reset a slot machine, but none of them are to jig the outcome in any way, as this is preset by an algorithm, and where reels stop is entirely determined by random number generators (RNGs.) A basic reset does not alter the game’s computer settings in any way but is always done for a good reason. So why would a casino do a reset?
Technical Glitch
It may be that the machine simply has a technical glitch that can be fixed with a simple diagnostic check and reset. Reels may be sticking, or an error message may be appearing on the screen — these problems are easily resolved, and a machine may be out of commission for as short a time as 30 minutes.
Routine Maintenance
Popular slots get a lot of usage. In fact, the layout of the machines on the casino floor is not random but part of a casino’s secrets to entice players in. Like anything computer- or mechanical-related, these machines need taking care of, including a spot of routine maintenance from time to time. Specially trained technicians, in this case, will clean and debug a machine’s onboard computer and update it without in any way changing the settings or deleting any data related to payout frequencies or the return to player (RTP) rate. This process may take a little more time and ends with a reset to enable the slot to perform at its best once again.
Changing the Settings
Slots come with a preset RTP figure, set volatility, and built-in bonus features. These are the factors that determine which slots players choose. In addition, the game’s security settings are built into the onboard computer as well as the RNG algorithm. Casinos can legitimately change the RTP settings on a game as well as stake ranges, but they can never change anything that will affect slot machine payouts, as determined by the rules of the game. The odds of winning are built into a chip in the computer, and the odds cannot therefore be changed without a microchip swap.
Ensuring the Integrity of the Game
No casino will allow unauthorized tinkering with any casino games, as their reputations are staked on the random and fair outcomes of their machines and table games. Today’s slot machines require highly qualified technicians to work on them to repair, maintain, or reset any of their data, according to strict legal requirements. The impact on players, payouts, or any other advertised specs relating to a game’s odds, RTP, or other factors, must be advised to players. Similarly, online casinos have to maintain cyber-security settings and functionality of all their games in order to ensure the integrity of the outcomes.
Hit Your Reset Button and Play on BetMGM
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