Do Slot Machines Hit at Certain Times?

Gamblers have been trying to unravel the mysteries of slot machines for years. They come up with all sorts of strategies and ideas in an effort to win more money.

Case in point, some players are convinced that slots deliver jackpots more often at specific times. They then try to play at these exact times in an effort to win big.

The following guide discusses more on the concept of slot machines paying more at certain times. It also explains if this concept is at all factual or just a myth.

What’s the Basis Behind Slots Hitting at Specific Times?

The logic behind slots hitting more frequently at certain times involves several components. You can see the main factors behind this concept below.

The House Supposedly Manipulates Slots Results

Slot machines are electronic games that have lots of inner workings. The players, meanwhile, can’t see everything that goes into slots results.

If casinos can do this, then it’s only logical that they’re able to control exactly when slot machines pay more often.

Casinos Are Busier at Night

Like many entertainment-related businesses, casinos draw the most customers during evenings and on the weekends. Slot machines are especially packed on a Friday or Saturday night.

It stands to reason that casinos would benefit the most if they programmed jackpots to hit (pay jackpots) during these busy points. Other gamblers would then see these huge wins and think that they can replicate the same feats.

Assuming casinos do indeed manipulate slot machines, then they most likely do it at night. This is the time when many gamblers will witness somebody winning serious money.

Jackpots Tend to Be Won at Busier Times

Players who believe that slot machines hit at certain times aren’t entirely off-base. After all, slots do deliver more jackpots during the weekend and on busy evenings.

Most large jackpots occur at some point in the night when casinos are bustling. Therefore, gamblers are validated to a degree in believing that slots hit more at specific points of the day/week.

What’s the Reality Behind This Idea?

Is the concept of slot machines delivering jackpots at specific times entirely valid? The following points explain the reality behind the situation.

It’s Illegal for Casinos to Manipulate Results

Many casino myths are based on the thought that casinos can do whatever they want. The truth, though, is that casinos must adhere to specific regulations and laws.

The same governing bodies put restrictions on when land-based casinos can change payout percentages for slots. Assuming a casino does change the RTP and/or odds, they need to let a machine sit idle for minutes afterward.

Furthermore, they also have to run the changes by the relevant gaming authority. As you can see, there’s lots of red tape surrounding what casinos can do.

They most certainly can’t just manipulate results on a whim. Casinos would be breaking the law and risk losing their licenses just to earn a few extra bucks.

Jackpots Hit at Busy Times Because More People Are Playing

Earlier, I explained how gamblers are somewhat right in thinking that slot machines payout more at specific times. However, they’re only correct due to simple logic.

If the casino is busier and has more people playing slot machines during the evenings, then common sense suggests that more jackpots will also be hit at these times.

Slots don’t pay more at certain times because of anything the casino is doing. They simply deliver huge payouts more at night/on the weekend due to the increased volume of players.

Casinos Still Make Money Regardless

Gaming establishments don’t really care that they’re not allowed to change payout percentages and odds whenever they want to. After all, they hold the house edge with every slot machine regardless.

Casinos are mainly worried about bringing more customers through the doors. Once players are inside, the house advantage will take care of the rest.

A casino’s resources and manpower are better spent on marketing rather than worrying about manipulating results at specific times of the day.

Does the Time of Day or Week Matter at All in Slots?

As you may have gathered from the points above, you aren’t going to win more money with slot machines just because you play at certain times.

However, payout percentages and jackpot odds don’t increase during these times. Only the volume of players goes up.

Therefore, you can play a slot machine at any time and expect the same odds. Assuming you like to gamble during the daytime, then you’ll have just as good of a chance to win as a nighttime player.

What Are Some Real Slots Tips?

Timing doesn’t matter when it comes to slot success. The following tips, however, can help you increase your winnings.

Seek High Payout Percentages

When possible, you should seek slot machines that offer higher payout percentages. Better RTP gives you a stronger chance of winning money in the long run.

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to find payout percentages for land-based slot machines. You’ll just have to guess and hope to find a game that offers around 94% to 95% RTP.

Online slots do give you the ability to perform research on payback. The average mobile slot offers around 96% RTP. If you can get above this figure, then you’ll be doing alright.

Consider Online Slots

Mobile slots and slot machine apps pay more on average than machines found in brick-and-mortar casinos. Therefore, you should consider dedicating more of your play to online casinos.

In some cases, you can even find internet slots that deliver over 99% RTP. In this case, you’ll essentially enjoy the same chances of winning as with the average blackjack or video poker game.

Set a Loss Limit

Slot machines are frustrating games in terms of bankroll management. They encourage you to play quickly and are quite volatile too.

However, you can do a better job of managing your slots bankroll by setting a stop-loss limit. A lost limit refers to a predefined point at which you’ll stop playing based on your losses.

Here’s an example on how to set one of these limits:

Collect Slots Rewards and Bonuses

Almost every land-based and online casino offers some sort of slots rewards. You might as well take advantage of these perks if you’re going to play slot machines anyways.

Mobile casinos offer the added advantage of deposit bonuses. With a deposit bonus, you’ll qualify for a match percentage bonus based on your deposit amount.

Of course, you shouldn’t ever chase slots rewards. You should, however, make sure that you’re picking up these freebies on the side of your play.

Our Conclusion

Yes, slot machines do hit more at certain times of the day and week. The reason why, though, has nothing to do with casinos manipulating results.

Instead, slots hit simply because more people play at the busier points of the week. It’s only natural that more jackpots will also come at these points.

With that said, you don’t really have to worry about the time of day or week when you play slots. You’ll have the same chance of winning big no matter when you spin the reels.