Ask The Slot Expert

Dear John,

I hit a big jackpot on a machine in early March, and since then I have not hit big on it again and have not heard of anyone else hitting big on it.

Is it true that it may not pay big again for quite some time? I have a problem now because I think I should win something every time I go on it. Not too greedy, am I?

Thank you,
Dorothy

Dear Dorothy:

Each spin on a slot machine is chosen completely at random and the chances of hitting the jackpot are the same on every spin.

It is true that your machine MAY not pay big again for a long time. It is also true that it MAY pay big many times in a short period. The important word is MAY. Since the outcomes are chosen at random, we don't know what WILL happen.

I don't think you're too greedy to think you should win when you play the machine. Every time we play a machine, we start with the hope of winning something. Does it make sense to play a machine with the opposite goal of losing money? Your attitude is only a problem if you take out your frustrations from losing sessions on the machine, the casino employees, or your friends and family. Unfortunately, I know some people who are poor losers and for them, there is no "game" in gaming when they're behind.

Best of luck in and out of the casinos!
John

Send your slot and video poker questions to John Robison, Slot Expert, at slotexpert@home.com.

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