The allure of a big win on an online slot is what draws many people to these games. It’s an all-time casino favourite and there’s no denying that it can be extremely addictive. However, the truth behind how wins are awarded in these games is more complex than it seems. In this article we’re going to look at how online slots work and how you can increase your chances of winning by understanding some of the key mechanics involved.

Unlike a traditional mechanical slot, where the results are determined by moving pieces, all online slot machines use algorithms to determine the result of a spin. This process is known as a Random Number Generator, or RNG for short. The machine is programmed to produce random numbers at the rate of hundreds per second. These are then compared against the paytable to see if the next spin will produce a win. This process is completely independent of the player and all other players playing the same game at that time.

This is what makes online slots so addictive – there’s no strategy, no brain activity, and no way to predict the outcome of a spin. Some people find this appealing and are drawn to games that have a theme or character they can relate to. Others find the process of hitting a spin button and waiting to see what happens as relaxing and engaging. It’s this addictive aspect that makes casinos so successful at creating these games.