Everyone knows them, many have tried them and only a few fully understand what the different symbols mean that the slot machines throw out after each spin. Slot machines come in all possible shapes, colors and game variants – the more conspicuous, the better.
Casino trivia: where does the name “one-armed bandit” come from?
The naming of the one-armed bandit, probably the most famous slot machine, is easy to understand. Even with the first slot machine of this type, a coin had to be inserted in order to start the game. As soon as you operated the lever, the coin was withdrawn by the one-armed bandit. If the desired profit was not made afterwards, it seemed as if the machine was literally pulling the money out of the players’ pockets.
Another fun fact: One-armed bandits have different legal guidelines in Germany than the more common slot machines. While normal slot machines may be set up in restaurants or pubs in addition to casinos, the one-armed bandit may only be set up in casinos – someone should understand that.
Casino Trivia: Which Country Are Slot Machines Most Popular In?
If you are wondering where to go on your next vacation in order to spend as much time as possible at the machines, you should look out for the country with the highest density of slot machines. Most probably think of the USA, with the gambling stronghold Las Vegas and many other casino centers. But if you look at the total number of slot machines in the US, you just get around 800,000. In contrast, it looks different in Japan. With a population of just under a third of the USA, the Japanese are clearly ahead with around 5 million slot machines. That means in plain language that there is one slot machine for every 25 Japanese.
Casino Trivia: How Do I Know Winnings Are Purely Random?
For every player it is of course of enormous importance that the machines cannot be manipulated by the casinos and that they always produce a fair, random result. To guarantee this, there is a random number generator inside the slot machines. This random number generator is based on algorithms that are responsible for selecting certain numbers. Each number that the random number generator generates is associated with a symbol on the reel. This principle of the random number generator applies to both mechanical and virtual machines in online casinos. It is therefore important to find a trustworthy casino that you know to be fair and lawful.
Casino trivia: what are the largest slot machine manufacturers in Germany?
In Germany there are a handful of manufacturers who divide up the entire gaming market among themselves. First of all, the Novomatic Group should be mentioned here, which has made a name for itself through the Novoline games. The Novomatic Group took over NSM Löwen in 2003 and was thus able to further advance its market position in the gaming machine sector.
A German company that is also at the forefront internationally is Bally Wulff. The manufacturer from Germany creates high-quality slot machines that not only deliver competitions, but also offer players the greatest possible comfort and an exciting storyline through sophisticated HD graphics, high-quality games and touchscreen machines.
Finally, the classic should be mentioned. Probably the best-known company in Germany is Merkur, which is now represented by game libraries in many German cities. Merkur has also started to expand its presence online and is currently in the process of consolidating and expanding its position in the industry.
Casino trivia: The man who beat the Megabucks slot machine twice
Winning the jackpot once is actually the highlight of any playing career. Many dream of winning millions and for some it will come true. For one man, this dream came true twice – on the same slot machine 16 years apart. The war veteran first won a whopping $ 4.6 million in profit at Cannery Casino in 1989. 16 years later, he cleared $ 21 million in the same game.
Casino trivia: where do the fruit symbols on the machines come from?
Ever wondered why so many slot machines have fruit symbols on the reels? The answer is to be found in the pioneering days of the first slot machines. Herbert Mills, one of the first slot machine developers, released his machines with different symbols, including fruits. These became so popular that the slot machines are even known under the name “fruit machines” in Great Britain and other countries.
Casino Trivia: The Biggest Jackpot Ever
The largest slot machine jackpot ever in a casino was recorded in Las Vegas at the Hotel Excalibur. There a 25-year-old software engineer had defeated the machine and was able to leave the casino with a whopping profit of no less than 39.7 million US dollars. Someone else said that gambling is not worthwhile.