Do Casinos Reset Slot Machines?

Have you noticed that whenever a slot has a large payout, an attendant will request that the player step away from the slot machine, so that they can reprogram or reset the machine? Our experts at Casinotopsonline were asked this question recently and decided to share the answer with our loyal readers.

Resetting of New Slot Machines

Every slot machine is equipped with a Random Number Generator (RNG). The RNG controls the outcome of all spins, including the number of payouts. When a casino buys a slot machine from a manufacturer, the casino can choose what they want the slot's payback to be. This is typically determined based on the denomination that the slot can take. 

For example, smaller denominations will have a smaller payback than a larger denomination slot machine. If the casino wants to change the slot machine's payback, they'll have to open it and remove the RNG physically. The RNG will be replaced with another RNG. 

It must be mentioned that doing this is a challenging task. Most licensing authorities require that the RNG replacement can only occur in the presence of a member or a representative of the licensing agency.

Resetting Using Server-Based Gaming Technology

In some instances (and as an exception), some casinos use Server-Based Gaming Software where a central server controls all the slot machines or specific banks of slot machines. Typically, the casino's software engineers or administrators can change the titles of the slot machines from this central hub. 

For example, this may be done if the casino is running a special promotion or if it knows that more poker players visit the venue on a Friday night. Software engineers or administrators can change the entire bank of slot machines to video poker games. All changes on the server and records of access and changes are logged so licensing agencies can audit them.

Why Do Slot Technicians Unlock Slots

The reason slot technicians unlock slots is very simple. After a large payout, the slot machine needs to be reprogrammed. This is completed with a high-security unique key which resets or unlocks the slot machine so that play can continue. The machine's software or memory keeps records of all resets, and the RNG stays intact. The technology can even detect and record how often the machine's door opens when the power is off.

You may have observed that a slot technician has a small book whenever he opens a slot machine. This book is named the MEAL (Machine Entry Access Log) card. This book is required by law, and gaming commissions require that the casino keep these books up to date so they can know precisely about the casino's operations. 

What About Progressive Jackpot Slots

Once the progressive jackpot pays out, the slot game will automatically reset to the predetermined amount, and the game will start accumulating funds towards a new progressive jackpot. Many online and land-based casinos have formed networks of particular progressive jackpot slots. 

These slots are connected in a network and accumulate funds towards a single progressive jackpot. Once the jackpot hits on any of the machines in the network, all the machines will reset to the predefined minimum jackpot amount or starting point.