Basically, slot machines are devices which spin reels to produce winning combinations. They are used in casinos to generate cash. They are activated by pressing a lever or button. Some slot machines also accept paper tickets with barcodes.
The pay table is usually listed on the face of the machine. It lists the number of credits the player wins when symbols line up on a payline. It also includes the payout for the first win.
The theoretical payout percentage is set at the factory when the software is written. The actual payouts are determined by the Random Number Generator. The payout probabilities are different for each symbol.
The pay tables are typically listed on the machine face or in the help menu. Typical payouts range from one to fifteen coins.
The theoretical payout percentage of a slot machine is based on the probabilities assigned to the symbols. Changing the theoretical payout percentage of a slot machine requires physical swapping of the software. This is a time consuming process.
The design of the original slot machine has undergone major changes since the early days. Electronics have been incorporated into the design of slot machines in the 1980s. Today, slot manufacturers offer interactive elements and advanced bonus rounds. They can also provide more varied video graphics.
Modern slot machines use microprocessors. They may also store their software on CD-ROM or DVD. They are programmed to weight symbols to achieve a higher probability of winning.