What is the Truth?

Many sites claim to be able to tell you the so-called “truth” about slot machines, but some question who’s idea of the truth they are going by. A recent column by John Robison pays heed to the myth that slot machines are what everyone thinks they are, while at the same time perpetuating it.

One of the foremost experts on slot machines and electronic gaming, John Robison is considered the “go to” guy if you have questions about playing in the casinos. This time is no exception.

One of his readers wrote in wondering why everyone keeps saying that slot machines are random, when he argues that they aren’t. He said that random number generators, or RNGs did not really exist, and that they are predetermined numbers that go in the same cycle over and over. He says that with the idea that RNGs are not random – neither are slot machines.

His argument is that you then do have some power over the winning of a slot machine for if you know when to play it you can win. He also says that with all spins having equal probability of coming up pure randomness would not be able to guarantee that happening.

Robison agreed with him saying that the RNGs are actually Pseudo-Random Number Generators as the algorithms in them use deterministic functions. He says that because the numbers that go through the cycle are in excess of 4.3 billion numbers, it really is tough to be able to judge when you would win – therefore making them random in a sense.

He disagreed with the writer in that all spins have equal probability, as he says that all slot machines have different hit frequencies – therefore they do not have an equal chance. He took issue with several other things the writer had pointed out and told him to look up to support his evidence. All in all, a very interesting and lively read.
 

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