Fruit Machines

[flashpig]

Can you just whack a quid in and figure out how to play them as you go along, or do you really need someone who knows what they're doing?

[QPR]

It'll probably take more than a quid, but it's really the only way to learn. Most machine's work on the same principal, but each type has it's only 'quirks' that can only be learnt by playing them!

[flashpig]

What is the basic principle? I really know nothing, and there are all those buttons and I have no idea which to press when, and what I want to get.

[woofgang]

Actually its quite interesting. fruit machines now have a computer in them. When make your choices, it predicts whether or not it will be a choice that triggers a payout, checks on what percentage it has payed out and then "allows" your choice to win or adjusts the variables so that it doesn't. When i found this out it took all of the fun away....and now i am a lot richer!!

[gmc2002]

You know how it works, it takes your money.

[QPR]

Check out this web page for details of how they actually work: http://money.howstuffworks.com/slot-machine.htm Generally the best way to win money is through the feature which you achieve by either getting 3 symbols or getting numbers totalling 8 (usually). Then this is where each machine differs, some of the features that are obtainable (money belt, step to nearest win, etc.) are common to a lot of machines and this is where knowledge helps. Knowing what feature pays out best on each machine. Also in the Uk machines have to pay out a minimum (about 78%) by law, and generally you can judge whether a machine is likely to pay out. If it keeps taking you in to the features repeatedly, or you've just won a few quid and it takes you straight back in, then these are signs that the machine may be ready to pay out! With the Jackpot prices going up in pubs (and the stakes staying the same), the jackpot pays out less often, making them harder to play/win!