How Slot RNGs Work, on the Example of Red White & Blue by IGT

In previous articles on Casinoz, we considered various matters of slot machine construction and operation, trying to dispel the most popular myths and misconceptions. We gave recommendations on choosing slots, described betting strategies, explained bankroll management basics, etc. However, we still do not think that all readers fully understand how modern slots work, how winning combinations are formed, and why you can trust games from famous software providers.

In this piece, we will define step by step the essential aspects. To clarify, we will take IGT's Red White & Blue slot as an example.

This slot is available in most land-based casinos in the United States. Also, we will show the calculations by Michael Shackleford, the author of the reputable website Wizard of Odds. We hope this information will fill some gaps in your knowledge about slot machines.

How Casino Slots Work

We will start by reminding you that the basis of any modern slot machine is a random number generator (RNG), which determines the outcome of each spin. No pattern or algorithm is used in its work.

So, each round is unpredictable and independent of other spins. If you play on machines from reliable manufacturers and independent auditors monitor the slots, you can be sure that no one knows what combination will land on the reels in the next spin.

After a player makes a bet and starts a new gaming round, the RTG produces a number for each real, which defines the display of various characters on it. In other words, the result is known only at the moment after the player presses the spin button.

Red, White & Blue Slot by IGT

We now turn to Red, White & Blue to clarify some details from its example. The paytable of this slot machine is as follows.

In the Red, White & Blue gaming machine, the RNG can create 64 possible outcomes. Each of them means the display of a particular character on a separate reel. Here is the table illustrating the procedure:

Red White & Blue Slot Gaming Process

After the customer clicks on the spin button, the RNG determines three numbers, and corresponding characters appear on the reels.

• For example, if you have numbers 1, 2, and 3, you will see a combination of three bars.
• If the generator gives you 5, 10, and 15, a combination of "blank," "white 7", and "white 7" lands on the reels.

As you can see from the table, some of the generated numbers produce the same symbols on the same or even different reels. Also, look at the number 45. It is the only number that allows you to get the red seven on the first reel, starting the two highest combinations in the Red White & Blue slot.

The same goes for 10 on the second reel (white 7) and twenty-eight for the third reel (blue 7). As you can see, the most valuable combination (red, white, and blue sevens) can be formed only if the RNG gives out 45, 10, and 28 in this precise order.

On some slot machines in some countries, there is a plate with data on the so-called "stop numbers" for all symbols on each reel. You can count them yourself, but we did it for you.

Weights for the Red White and Blue IGT Slot

Look at the table:

Red White and Blue Slot Return Rates

Here is one more helpful table:

The lower right cell shows the return of the Red White & Blue. In percentage terms, it is 86.58%. In the long run, the machine pays $86 out of every $100 total bet amount.

1. Calculations were made for one coin.
2. If you put two coins, you will get the same results.
3. But three coin wagers increase the payback to 87.47% because the two highest combinations feature increased payouts.

Summary

You should also know that the term "random number generator" is somewhat incorrect. RNGs used in slots are pseudo-random as they are based on complex algorithms. 

If you are interested in this subject matter, read more about RNGs in the gambling industry

The following articles on Casinoz will describe other aspects of slot machine mechanics and mathematics.