Introduction
Why did casinos install slot machines at all? First of all, they were a diversion for casual gamers. As far as traditional table games are concerned, a player is required to have a gambling knowledge and some experience. Let’s take BLACKJACK or CRAPS for example.
To compare, slot machines don’t require neither the knowledge, nor experience. Moreover, anyone can get in the game with a very small bet.
The slot machines appeared to be a great success for the casinos. In a very short time, they become the most popular game, bringing the greatest income- more than 60 percent of the annual gaming profits in the United States.
With the development of the computer industry, the slot machine has met many changes. The traditional, mechanical designs have been almost completely replaced by computer-controlled machines.
However the game itself didn’t change. A handle is pulled by a player to rotate a series of REELS ( traditionally there are three reels ). The reels have pictures printed on them. Whether you win or lose depends on which pictures line up with the PAY LINE ( a line in the middle of a viewing window ). If the same winning picture is showed by each reel along the pay line, the player wins ( certain single images are sometimes winners as well). Pictures which land along the pay line determine how much you win- the PAY OUT.
The article you are going to read, will give you a knowledge about what sets the reels in motion in modern slot machines as well as in the old mechanical models. You will also find, what the slot machine odds of winning depend on. Finally, we will examine how the traditional game varies to create new, popular games.
Generally, work of the slot machines is based on thoroughly developed and configurated GEARS and LEVERS.
The reels are supported by a metal shaft which is the central element. It is connected to a handle mechanism which gets things moving. Spinning reels stop due to a braking system. Sensors inform the payout system about the position of the reels. A coin detector is responsible for registering the moment of inserting the coin to the machine. Then it unlocks a brake and a handle is ready to be pulled by the player.
All these elements can be arranged and connected in various ways.
The manufacturers have tried many of them. Yet, we will focus on one, representative design. This consists of three reels mounted on a central shaft. The central shaft supports three NOTCHED DISCS, which are connected to three reels. A KICKER ( a piece of metal comprising three paddles ) is supported by a second shaft which is placed below the central one. The kicker paddles are lined up in order to push against the notches on the three discs. The second shaft is also responsible for supporting a series of connected stoppers, teeth that lock into the notches on the discs.
Holding the kicker and the stoppers in a standby position is possible thanks to springs which they are connected to. The kicker is held in place behind the discs, and the stoppers are held up against the discs, locking them into place.These parts of the machine play an important role, especially at the moment of pulling the handle. The next section will give more details about that.
