How Do Online Pokies Work – The Ultimate Guide
| 🕒 5 minutes read Online slot machines, also known as online pokies, are the digital version of the traditional slot machines found in classic casinos. The main difference between the two is that online pokies are powered by computer software named ‘RNG’ instead of mechanical components.
The basic principle of how do online pokies work is the same as traditional slot machines. The objective is to spin the reels and land matching symbols on a pay line to win a prize.
Obviously, everyone wants to know how to win on pokies, but it’s better for you to know how do online pokies work first.
The Key to Slot Machines – The RNG
Online pokies use a random number generator (RNG) to determine the outcome of each spin. The RNG is a computer algorithm that generates a sequence of numbers that are used to determine the position of the symbols on the reels. This ensures that the outcome of each spin is random and fair.
Random number generators have two variations:
- Hardware Random Number Generator (HRNG): Hardware Random Number Generators generate true random numbers. They don’t use computed values, removing the possibility of the algorithms being manipulated or copied. Hence their alternative name, true random number generators.
- Pseudo Random Number Generator (PRNG): From the name of Pseudo Random Number Generators it’s clear to tell their difference. They are not true randomly generated numbers like their counterparts, they only generate numbers that look random. Meaning they can be calculated by knowing the state of the generators.
How RNG Actually Work
Random Number Generators work by using software to generate the start of the sequence, or the ‘seed’. This is important as even completely random sequences need a place to start executing their repeated functions.
The seed is generated from a number of different repetitive processes functioning on the device. Varying from mouse clicks to the computer’s clock.
How this affects the slots: A specific value is assigned to each symbol that appears on the slots reels. When the reels are spun, the chosen seed by the software is the starting place for the RNG sequence.
This then runs unique numbers across the screen at the speed of hundreds per second. These will run until the RNG stops each reel, and the number it lands on the corresponding symbol is then chosen. This is in combination with each symbol being uniquely weighted.
Symbols are typically weighted differently based on value, meaning you’re more likely to land on them. This is how the RNGs ensure that certain symbols are more frequent than others, adding another layer of randomness to the slot machine system.
This factor is where slot machines can seem unfair, and why every legitimate casino will have 3rd party audit completed on their RNG systems.
What’s a Fairness Quotient
The Fairness Quotient simply put is your chances of winning on every spin, and should, be as close to 1:1 as possible. This looks at both the frequency of wins and the size of the payouts. A fairness Quotient that is too high, or low could indicate an unfair game.
As every percentage off of 100 means the player is losing money. For example, if a fairness Quotient of 95 is achieved on a slot machine. That means that the house has an edge of 5%, as the player has a 95% chance of winning back their stake. Meaning for every $100 spent, the player will lose $5. This is why it’s important to use regulated casinos.
Online casinos will often have their RNG systems checked by expert independent auditors to ensure they are working as they should be. All legitimate online casinos will display a certificate from a third party company, confirming their RNG system is fair and secure.
Quality casinos display their certificates openly, like NZ Online Pokies for example.
The Psychological science
Slot machines are often priced very cheaply to entice the player to feel as if they’re not losing too much money. This is a subconscious trick that allows the player to keep playing for longer, and this is where casinos make their money.
As slot machines are completely random, the psychology behind them works to keep the player engaged and playing. If they have a win, they are encouraged to keep playing as the reward is seen larger than the risk.
Casinos will also often offer free spins and bonuses to entice the player to keep playing.
The symbols on the reels of an online pokie are usually related to the theme of the game. For example, a pokie with an Egyptian theme might have symbols like pyramids, scarab beetles, and pharaohs. The goal is to match the symbols on the reels to win a prize.
In addition to the standard symbols, many online pokies also have special symbols like wilds and scatters.
Wild symbols can substitute for any other symbol to create a winning combination, while scatter symbols can trigger bonus rounds and free spins.
Bonus rounds are a key feature of many online pokies. These are usually triggered by landing a certain combination of symbols on the reels. Bonus rounds can offer players additional prizes or free spins, increasing the chances of winning big.
Numerous psychological studies have been completed by the academic community to see how slot machines can influence players and their behaviour.
They have been designed to make the optimal conditions in the players environment to keep them playing.
Based on decades of science, almost every aspect of the machines features has been purpose build.
Conditions such as: screen type, sound, button usage, low bets, near misses and location have been crafted to keep the player completely enthralled.
The Psychology of Success
Ultimately slot machines are an honest way for players to find casual fun. As legitimate casinos use certified RNG systems and display ‘Fairness Quotients’ to ensure a completely level playing field. This is the crucial part of how do online pokies work – as everyone enjoys winning.
