What mechanism is behind physical and online slot machines?

Slots are one of the most popular casino games due to their affordability. Indeed, fans have a choice between physical models and online games on various devices and platforms. Previously, slot machines were not controlled by a computer; the mechanism was purely physical.

But since the invention of the first IGT slot machine in the 90s, the online gaming market has evolved. Computer programs now control everything, although the players' goal remains the same: hoping to land the same symbol on the paylines.

RANDOM NUMBER GENERATOR

The old slot machines generated random results using a basic physical mechanism consisting of levers, springs, and latches to position the teeth. A coin or token had to be inserted to activate the lever. Modern slot machines run on lines of computer code, the most important of which is RNG or random number generator software.

This is a program that uses an algorithm to determine which combination appears on the paylines. Indeed, the RNG generates thousands of numbers randomly, and each number corresponds to a different outcome on the slot machine. This is done without external intervention, making every outcome random, with no loops or repeating sequences.

When the player starts the game, the algorithm of the online slot machine generates random numbers every minute to form the combination that is displayed on the screen. The system then quickly calculates the amount received or lost. The same principle applies during bonus rounds and free spins.

It should be noted that the random number generator currently used in slot machines is the result of a project by a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It uses the 128-bit md5 algorithm. Read about the top 3 slot machines that offer the most free spins in this post - https://castprod.com/top-3-des-jeux-de-machines-a-sous-proposant-le-plus-de-free-spins/.

FROM ADOBE FLASH TO HTML 5

To create the first gaming machines controlled by computer programs, Adobe Flash was mainly used. Flash was developed only for PCs, as mobile games were not yet common at the time. Until the early 2000s, Adobe Flash was the technology of choice for slot machines.

However, many problems have arisen over time, especially regarding security. Flash was flawed and required a weekly update. In addition, its graphical capabilities were becoming limited compared to the evolution of computers, which affected the performance of the game.

With HTML 5, this was all solved. The 5th generation HTML coding language is capable of running multiple applications in any browser. The latter establishes a connection to the remote server that hosts the game code, and then executes it without installing or downloading. HTML 5 applications work regardless of operating systems (Android, iOS or Windows), the type of hardware and its power, as well as the graphics of the game, making it the ideal programming language for online games.

RNG and HTML are the key technologies of modern slot machines. They ensure its proper functioning, as well as fairness and transparency. You should know that it is impossible to predict the results of slot machines using RNG, even for its developers. In addition, independent regulatory bodies usually ensure compliance with the RNG of a casino before issuing a license to operate.
Read also: The best free slot machines