Slots Quiz: General -Part 1

By Gayle Mitchell

OK, Class, it's test time.I've created this test for novice and veteran slot players. I find that slot players possess different levels of expertise and education.

There’s the group that believes that all you have to know is how to push a spin button or pull that handle. Some think all slots are alike and pay the same.

Others got educated once with no continuing education and are bewildered by the newest slot versions arriving frequently to the casino floor.

We all need to upgrade our slots education to stay current, myself included.

I visit casinos at least once a week to get educated and work very hard researching any new versions or strategies. Tough work that must be done! I offer up this quiz in the expectation that all slot players will forever hear the sound of ‘raining coins’.

Let’s get started...

1)         What is an RNG?

A         Really Nice Gambling?
B          Random Number Generator?
C         Right Number Gaming?

            B. Random Number Generator: a computer chip placed inside each slot that is programmed to generate multiple combinations of symbols and payouts. A selection is picked randomly, thus determining the final outcome. A busy little drone.

2)         What are the three types of slots?

A         Basic, Progressive and Bonus slots?
B          Red White & Blue 7’s?
C         Flat Tops, Megabucks and Double Diamonds?

           A. The three types of slots are basic, (aka straight slots or ‘flat-tops’) that have a constant jackpot. Progressives with an ever-changing jackpot and the latest gaming trend, bonus video slots that offer a bonus round for extra winnings.Although the RNG runs all three types, there are different playing strategies for each type.

3)         Are the higher denomination slot payouts better?

A         YES?
B          NO?
C         All the Same?

            A. Yes, higher denominations ($5+) have a higher hit frequency, however, it is all relative when you are investing more of your gambling bankroll.

Start off with quarter machines that account for 25% of total slot revenue and are the most popular slots.  Streeetch those gambling bucks.

4)         What are loose and tight machines?

A         One has more graphic symbols, tight have fewer?
B          Loose machines have better payouts, tight machines less?
C         Loose machines offer more slot versions, tight machines fewer choices?       

            B. Loose machines are a slot players’ dream. They are programmed with more paying symbols and combinations resulting in better payouts. Tight machines are the opposite. Yikes, they’re stingy.

5)         What is a slot-mix?

A          Slots are placed back to back on either side of aisle?
B          All the high denomination slots are in one area of the casino?
C         Casino Management’s placement of loose/tight slots?

            C. Also known as slot-placement. Casino Management places different slot versions that are loose and tight on the casino floor. Loose slots are to be found in high traffic areas that can be seen by ‘wannabe slot winners’ from many angles in the casino.

6)         What is a hold percentage?

A         Monies held by winning slot players?
B          % of coins held by casino?
C         % of coins through the slots?

            B. Percentage of coins played that the casinos keep in their hot little hands. The looser 98% slots hold two dollars while returning 98 dollars to the player.

But, hold on, that percentage is over the long term--perhaps months, while short-term play return percentages can bounce around more than a roulette ball.

7)         Do some slots have a higher ‘hit’ frequency?

A         YES?
B          NO?
C         All the same?

            A. With the introduction of the new bonus video slots, hit frequencies have been increased to a high of every 2-3 spins.While you don’t always get your original bet back, these graphic-rich slots provide the most entertainment for your money. Wager management is the key here. It’s not always wise to bet maximum coins every time and a higher hit frequency doth not necessarily a winning slot make.

8)         What is a multiplier slot?

A         Slot that has multiple graphics and symbols?
B          Pays more for more coins played on certain winning combinations?
C         Multiplies your win no matter how many coins played?

            B. Stated simply, the more coins played, the better the winning payouts. Particular symbol payouts, as per slot schedule, are multiplied by number of coins played. This can mean the difference between a 2-coin payout and a 10-coin payout for max. coin in play.So, 1 bar, 2 bars, 3 bars--oh yeah!

9)         What is a nudge slot?

A         Wild Symbol combination pays?
B          A certain combination nudges you to the Bonus round?
C         Paying Symbol dropping up or down on center payline for win?

            C. Come on baby, drop that paying symbol down and give mama a big win.

It could be a basketball, diamond, cherry or wild symbol. You just need a little nudge up or down to that center payline and you are in the money.

10)       What’s a ‘hit and run’ winner?

A         Slot Player who plays new Baseball Bonus Slot?
B          Slot Player who uses a token slug, and grabs the payout?
C         Slot Player who plays 3-5 max. coin spins testing for payouts?

            C. Slot players who ‘test’ a slot before continued play by spinning the reels 3-5 times with maximum coins in play each time. If there are no payouts during that period, you are outta there.

By the way, suggest you not try B--the casinos don’t like it.

Until next we meet, remember: 'Not only do you have good luck with a gambling education, but you are making your luck.

Gayle Mitchell is author of Casino Gambling Made Easier books, E-Books, booklets & Slots Trilogy. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcasted, rewritten, or redistributed