In the past, several fraudsters used various techniques to cheat slot machines. However, in the era of online slots, there’s no need to even attempt this—it’s impossible.
In the past, several fraudsters used various techniques to cheat slot machines. However, in the era of online slots, there’s no need to even attempt this—it’s impossible.
Along with the general popularity of slot machines, the number of attempts to outsmart these machines and guarantee a win is also increasing. The system of slot machines is based on pure chance and luck, which some players try to change and beat the machine. So, what scams have people committed in the past and what tricks do we advise?
First of all, let’s mention that trying to circumvent the system and rules of slot machines is not wise at all. Ultimately, it will result in far more problems than the chance of potential winnings. Although it may not happen immediately, slot machine frauds are almost always detected and the perpetrators are subsequently pursued by the police. The basic pillar of casino games is the principle of chance and luck. Compared to the casino itself, whether land-based or online, the player will always be at a disadvantage. However, this fact is compensated by various bonuses, giving players a chance to win some money and most importantly have fun with their chosen games – legally. When a player decides to “outsmart” this setup, it becomes an illegal matter. In the past, the following fraud attempts were detected and revealed:
One of the oldest and most frequently used tricks in the past was trying to deceive the behavior of the machine with the help of a magnet. The magic lay in the fact that the thin plates of old machines could be moved using a magnet to move the reels. Then, you just had to wait for the winning combination. From the very nature of things, it is of course a completely illegal act, and even such a simple step is prosecuted as an attempted fraud and theft. It should also be noted that any percentage success rate is very low with today’s machines and detection happens almost immediately.
This type of fraud is indeed one of the older ones. Before a coin recognition mechanism was added to the machines, various fraudsters tried to deceive the machine by inserting different pieces of metal resembling real coins. However, this was not the only coin trick that resourceful fraudsters came up with. This was followed by, for example, coins on a string or filed-down coins, which the machine was able to recognize and load credit, but due to the narrower profile, it then let the coin fall out again. Perpetrators exploiting these earlier machine shortcomings (which were eventually eliminated and none of these tricks would work today) were often very conspicuous and thus detected.
Due to the mechanical and technological advancement that enabled fake coin recognition, a new type of fraud emerged. An optical sensor was added to the machines, which could recognize the value of inserted coins and the total number of coins inserted in the gaming machine. This progress was exploited by slightly more creative fraudsters, who created special “laser wands” to destroy the sensor. The machine then could not recognize how many coins were inserted and how many it had to pay out. The fraudsters were thus able to play for free and, when paid out, receive much higher winnings.
A somewhat newer method involves literally “shocking” slot machines. Perpetrators, often using a piezoelectric lighter, disable the machine and force its entire system to restart. After this “violent restart,” the screen shows the program number in which this specific machine operates, revealing the order of the winnings. The fraudster then knows exactly when and how to bet to make the most profit.
Fraudsters in Spain came up with an interesting trick. They deceived the machine without even playing on it. Using a cut and re-glued banknote with a 3-millimeter difference, they managed to convince the machine that the banknote they inserted had a tenfold value compared to the real one. They then requested a payout of the credited amount. Another recorded fraud of this kind involved inserting fake watermarks into one-dollar bills. Thanks to the watermark, the machine evaluated the bill as a hundred-dollar bill.
A relatively well-known, although not so frequent, case is when players collude with the employees of a specific casino. Thanks to this cooperation, many managed to steal large sums from the gaming halls. As with all other frauds, we appeal to you to avoid such situations.
Although some tricks and strategies certainly exist today, we definitely do not recommend trying them. Not only do you risk forfeiture of winnings, but also criminal prosecution, a lawsuit, and subsequent penalties. The only legal way to maximize the benefits from slot machines is to use all the bonuses and additional perks offered by the machine, while still playing by the rules. However, we have prepared a few tips that may be useful to you:
Your primary intention should always be enjoying the game. Look at winning as a symbolic cherry on top and a sweet reward that is not guaranteed. There are no magic tricks or 100% tips to win. The prospect of financial gain should never be your only motivation, as in that case you are very likely to end up disappointed and without money.
Whether you plan to play online or physically in a land-based gaming hall, make sure it is a legal casino. Such casinos provide a guarantee that your personal information will not be misused and that your winnings will actually be paid out. In the case of an illegal gaming hall, no one guarantees this. Officially licensed casinos also undergo regular checks, both by the state and by the owner, who naturally wants to keep the license.
Before you even start playing, it is good to determine exactly how much you can afford to put into the machine. A strictly defined limit, or budget, can save you a lot of worries and problems. Never bet money that you cannot afford to lose. If the money left in your wallet is just enough for rent and food until the end of the month, it’s time to go home. Knowing when to stop is a must in this case and a skill you will 100% appreciate. From each win, put a small part aside and never put the entire amount into the next spin. With this strategy, you will never leave empty-handed.
In standard, land-based gaming halls, this option is not available. However, many games exist both physically and online – the advantage of online slot machines is that some specific games offer a so-called demo game mode. This allows you to try the game for free and play only for virtual credits. You do not risk losing money and have the opportunity to explore the game before diving in “for real”. When you want to play for money, you will know exactly what you are getting into.
RTP, or Return To Player, is a figure that tells us what percentage of the inserted money the machine pays back to players. The higher the RTP of the machine, the better for the player. Therefore, we recommend playing machines with the highest possible return. However, it is important to mention that we must look at this information in the long term and it does not mean that the money will be returned to the same player. Therefore, some win and some lose.
The fact that players are at a disadvantage compared to casinos is a well-known fact. However, casinos compensate for this disproportion by offering a number of interesting bonuses on their machines, making the game much more exciting and attractive. In the vast majority, these are so-called free spins (bonus free spins), welcome and registration bonuses, the chance to win a jackpot and many others. When the player is well informed about all the bonuses offered and manages to combine the best ones, they increase their chances of winning as well as having a quality gaming experience.
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