There are probably few online games that are surrounded by as many myths as slot machines. The legends range from winnings in the millions at the slot machine to reports that playing the machine is actually illegal in Australia. The fact that many of these myths are true, but others are fundamentally false, does not exactly make it easier to keep an overview.
Reason enough for our experts to write this guide. In this way, you too can enjoy slot machine games in the future without worries and maybe even win the jackpot yourself.
Myth No. 1: You can win millions with slot machines
One of the most common claims made by both casino operators and testers is that you can win millions with the machines. But is this true or is it just a PR stunt?
In fact, for a long time really high winnings were only possible in the big casinos, such as in Las Vegas. This was especially true when there were almost no online slots and almost all players tried their luck on the physical machines. Here, the highest one could win was a few euros in Australia. However, the internet has changed everything in this area as well.
Because now you can play the games of the biggest and most popular software providers from anywhere in the world. This means that every player now has the chance to win a grand prize. Depending on the type of game, you can actually win incredible amounts of money.
The games with the highest winnings are certainly the progressive jackpots. In these games, every stake of a player who does not hit the jackpot pays into the winnings. The main prize does not have a fixed value, but keeps increasing as long as the jackpot is not hit. No wonder, then, that the prize money here can be extremely high.
In fact, winning millions is not uncommon: only last year, on 27 April 2021, a Belgian player won the incredible record sum of €19.4 million on the Absolootly Mad Mega Moolah jackpot. This is not a rare exception. Winning amounts of more than 3 million euros have already been cracked this year too!
Myth No. 2: Slot machines are boring
For a long time, you could not expect much variety in slot machines, even online. Because the various games always followed the same pattern. Three identical symbols had to be placed in a horizontal row on three reels to trigger a win. The symbols always consisted of either fruits or space symbols.
However, these machines are now a thing of the past. Meanwhile, countless new slot machines hit the market every month, allowing you to discover new adventures over and over again at https://www.staycasino.bet/en-AU/games/slots. The best part is that the games are now more diverse than ever before!
The graphics of the games are no longer inferior to console games. On the contrary, the slots also allow you to dive into an exciting world full of action and excitement. In addition, the designs of the games are increasingly based on famous films and series and thus provide even more fun.
In addition, the games score with many different additional functions and exciting features that change again and again. For example, in almost all games you can now not only collect winnings during the game, but also ability points, which then unlock additional features. You can also discover joker, free spins and bonus features.
In addition, there is no longer just one payline. No, instead countless different combinations can lead to a top prize. Some slots have more than 1000 paylines! In summary, the online games are anything but boring and instead offer lots of action and excitement.
Myth No. 3: You can’t play slot machines on your mobile phone
The third myth on our list: Slots can only be played in a land-based casino or on a desktop. This myth couldn’t be further from reality. Because every good casino now also has a comprehensive mobile gaming offer that allows you to play on the go.
In the meantime, there are two different variants: Especially at the beginning of mobile gaming, most casinos offered an app. You could then download it normally from the Apple or Google Play Store and then enjoy the casino games on your tablet or smartphone.
Nowadays, however, playing on the move is much easier. Because most providers now have browser-based mobile games. This means that you only have to open the provider’s website in your browser and can then start playing immediately. It doesn’t matter whether you use Apple or Android – the games always work.
Myth No. 4: Slot machines are addictive
This myth is a complicated but incredibly important topic. Every day, millions of players around the world enjoy online slot machines without being addicted to them. However, because it is gambling, it is important to understand that slot machines do have the potential to be addictive.
If you feel that you or someone close to you is suffering from gambling addiction, you should seek professional help as soon as possible. A good first point of contact is the BZGA – here you will not only find a lot of useful information, but also a help hotline.
Myth No. 5: Slot machines are illegal in Australia
Fifth myth is one of the stories you hear most often about slot machines: slots are illegal in Australia and if you play the machines you make yourself liable to prosecution. For a long time, it was indeed almost impossible to play slots legally in Australia. However, this has changed since this year. Because the new Gambling Act has finally regulated the issue at the federal level. Now casinos all over Australia can legally offer slot machine games to their players as long as they have a valid licence to play with real money from Australia.
Myth No. 6: You can only pay for slot machines with a credit card
Let’s dispel a misconception that seems to persist in the world of online casinos. The notion that credit cards are the sole method of payment for slot machines is unequivocally a myth. The landscape of online gambling has evolved to offer an extensive array of secure and versatile payment options, far beyond the confines of credit cards.
Modern online casinos provide an impressive spectrum of payment choices designed to cater to diverse preferences and needs. While credit cards remain an option, they are by no means the exclusive avenue for funding your gaming pursuits. The digital realm introduces a multitude of alternatives, each carrying its own advantages.
eWallets like Skrill and Neteller stand as efficient and secure payment methods, enabling seamless transactions with minimal hassle. If you seek even more flexibility, options like Paysafecard or Klarna Sofortüberweisung extend their embrace to accommodate your payment preferences. Moreover, the cryptocurrency phenomenon has made its way into the casino arena, with an increasing number of platforms facilitating payments via Bitcoin.
In essence, the online casino landscape provides a wealth of options that empower you to choose the payment method that aligns best with your needs and comfort. The days of relying solely on credit cards are long gone, and the evolution of payment mechanisms is a testament to the industry’s commitment to catering to your convenience and security. Embrace the freedom of choice and explore the plethora of payment avenues available to you when engaging in online gaming.
Myth No. 7: Payout ratios are unreliable
In the world of online gaming, there’s a prevalent misconception that payout ratios are erratic, subject to sudden changes mid-game, or outright disregarded by casinos. It’s true that the online realm carries its share of risks, including the potential for fraud or unauthorized activities. However, it’s important to recognize that this myth doesn’t hold up under scrutiny, particularly when dealing with reputable and licensed casinos.
When you opt for an online casino operating under a valid license, you’re putting your trust in a system that upholds strict standards. Independent organizations continuously audit and assess payout odds to ensure transparency and fairness. This comprehensive oversight is in place precisely to debunk the notion that casinos can whimsically manipulate payout ratios.
For peace of mind and a secure gaming experience, it’s advisable to exclusively engage with casinos holding legitimate licenses. By aligning yourself with establishments that have undergone rigorous regulatory scrutiny, you’re not only safeguarding your interests but also ensuring that the payout odds you encounter are indeed reliable and in line with industry standards. Remember, the key to a satisfying and trustworthy online gaming experience lies in informed choices and responsible engagement.
Myth No. 8: Bonuses allow you to win without making a deposit
Many casinos advertise a welcome bonus that promises bonus money and free spins. However, these are only activated after a deposit. The so-called no-deposit bonus also allows you to play with bonus money at first. However, in order to receive your winnings, you still have to make a deposit afterwards.
Nevertheless, there is a way to actually play for free: Demo versions. For example, if you use a Razor Shark demo, you can experience the same fun and action without taking any risk. Then, when you’re sure you really like the game, you can simply make a deposit and go for the jackpot.
Myth No. 9: You can only play slot machines if you are 18 or older
Certain myths surrounding slot machines are grounded in undeniable truths, and Myth No. 9 is undoubtedly one of them. In Australia, the legal age for engaging in online slot machine play is strictly set at 18 years or older. This rule is steadfast and applies uniformly across the country, regardless of your location within Australia.
Stringent adherence to these regulations is maintained by online casinos, ensuring that underage individuals are not granted access to their platforms. The process of registering at an online casino involves thorough verification procedures. As part of this process, presenting a valid form of identification, such as an identity card, is mandatory. These measures are not mere formalities but essential safeguards to prevent those under the age of 18 from participating in online slot gaming activities.
The regulations governing age restrictions serve as an integral component of the responsible gaming framework. They mirror the industry’s commitment to promoting a safe and secure gaming environment that aligns with legal and ethical standards. So, if you’re below the age of 18 in Australia, the world of online slot machines will remain out of reach until you’ve reached the stipulated legal age.
Myth No. 10: There are winning strategies for slots
The last myth on our list is unfortunately also just a myth. Because unlike other games of chance such as poker, there are absolutely no strategies in online slots that could increase one’s chances of winning. This is because all slot machines are operated with random generators that independently and completely decide whether you win or lose.
Nevertheless, there are some tricks you can use to improve your general chances. For example, you can only play games that have a high RTP. RTP stands for Return to Player, which is the payout ratio. The higher the RTP, the better your chances of winning.
Our conclusion: These are the hard facts
So you can see that the topic of slot machine myths is not entirely straightforward. For once, many of the myths are actually true. For example, that you can win several million euros playing slots, which happens more often than perhaps assumed. Of course, that you can only play slot machines from the age of 18 is also true.
Other myths, however, are fundamentally false. For example, slot machines are perfectly legal in Australia if they are offered by a licensed casino. In addition, slots can now also be played on mobile phones without any problems and there are now significantly more payment options offered than just credit cards.
In the end, it is therefore important not to be unsettled by unverified stories – especially in times of online news. Instead, you should always research a fact thoroughly first and only use reliable sources such as government sites to do so. Then you will never have to worry about false myths again.