Many players believe that if you forcefully stop a slot machine, you change the spin’s outcome. We’ve all had those moments while playing a slot game. You know those times when a jackpot combination spins across the reels, and you vigorously try to stop the reels on that combination?
Slot games nowadays have an instant stop function which allows players to see the result of their spin immediately. This should be an indication that the time at which the slot machine is stopped does not impact the outcome right?
All of this has had us pondering some questions: is it better to stop a slot machine? Does it really affect the outcome of a spin?
If you’re looking for answers to these questions, we’ve got them for you here.
Should You Stop the Reels on a Slot Machine?
If you see a winning combination whilst the reels are still spinning, it might tempt you to stop a slot machine and win on that combination. In fact, some slot machine players are practising this act, hoping it will impact the outcomes.
There are players who claim that they did manage to stop spinning slot machines and win. Other players say that they have mistakenly hit the bet button whilst trying to stop a slot machine.
Although we cannot rule out these claims, it is necessary to mention that stopping slot machines will not affect the game’s outcomes – at least not anymore.
If you have tried this before, you probably know it just doesn’t work. Stopping a slot machine promptly will not change the game’s outcome.
We in fact advise you against that playing approach for the following reasons:
- Slot machine outcomes are predetermined by the machine before you can hit that stop button.
- You should play the game both for fun and to win. Since rushing the outcome won’t change anything, it is best not to stop the machine. That removes the fun of it.
- You will most likely bet more unintentionally if you attempt this act.
How Slot Machines Work
The outcome of a slot spin is determined pretty much right after you hit the “play” or “spin” button. Whatever you do in between spinning reels and getting the outcomes does not affect the predetermined out.
A random number generator determines the results of a spin, so the game isn’t rigged. The reels take some time to spin and reveal the results for theatrical effects. Understandably, if you play a game for longer than half an hour, some of these effects can become rather tiresome. So, casino game designers inserted a way to speed up the process by hitting that spin button again.
The only real way a player can impact results is through playing more paylines/bets per spin. By playing all the paylines on the game, you increase your odds of potentially hitting a winning combination as there are more ways in which symbols can be matched. Outside of this, it is really difficult to have any effect on the outcome of a slot game.
Games of Skill Allow You to Impact Results
Only games of skill allow you to impact results and we wouldn’t label a slot machine as a game of skill. Rather, slots are games of chance as the only strategies that players are capable of approaching them with are those that are directly related to gameplay. Examples of such tips and strategies include:
- Don’t bet more than 10% of your bankroll on a spin
- Choose games with higher RTP percentages
- Make sure you understand how to play games
With slots, it is important to accept that you can’t really impact results. All you can do is hope that your lucky number comes up, like with the lottery.
Slot Machines FAQ
Once you have lost more than you had to, gambling, like anything else, should have a limit. Once you go beyond the limit, you should know it is time to stop playing.
No. The slot machine outcome will already be established. Stopping a slot machine early will not change that outcome.
Yes. You can actually stop the slot machine by touching the screen if you are playing your slot game on a touchscreen device. The outcomes will, however, never be determined by that.
Changing a slot machine might not necessarily help you win or make you lose. Slot machines use random number generators that do not have a pattern, so the outcomes wherever you play will be determined by the slot machine’s RNG. Moving to a better-paying slot machine might be a good idea if you’re playing to win big.
Not really. You can play whatever amount you want. The only difference will simply be the payout, and this will be based on your personal preference and your bankroll.
John Ford has been writing online gambling content for over 18 years. Born and raised in the heart of the Short Pump, Virginia, John’s journey through the casino industry began on the casino floor itself. He started as a dealer in various games, including blackjack, poker, and baccarat, cultivating an understanding that only hands-on experience can provide. John’s passion for writing casino guides stems from his casino experience and his passion for helping fellow punters. His articles are more than reviews; they are narratives that guide both novices and seasoned players through the labyrinth of online casinos.
