Let's examine a some of the more widespread misconceptions regarding slots. The myth is stated first, and then its debunking is explained.

Common Myths Regarding Slots

Some people think that with thorough and focused study, they can figure out some kind of pattern or sequence on a slot machine. Simply put, this is not feasible. Recall that the results of slot machines are determined by random number generators (RNGs), which produce millions of possible number combinations per minute. Furthermore, the numbers are random, as the name implies. There's no pattern or sequence that a human could follow. 

To be more precise, even if a computer could monitor a sequence, it would likely require years of data to identify a pattern.  It is just impossible to press the button at the precise split second needed to win a jackpot.

Some players think they shouldn't play on a slot machine that just paid out a high jackpot because it won't pay out anything to make up for the massive payoff.  Remember that the goal of slot machines is to average a specific payout percentage across hundreds or millions of spins.  

Because its average is set in the short term, this implies that a machine that recently paid out a jackpot had exactly the same odds before and after the jackpot struck.

When someone takes their position on a machine and goes on to win a huge jackpot, the other players are quite upset.  They think they could have won the jackpot if they had persevered a little bit longer.  Furthermore untrue is this.  If you could have pressed the spin button precisely at the same moment as the other player, it would have been your sole chance to win the jackpot.

Common Myths Regarding Slots

Some believe that if they use a machine consistently for a sufficient amount of time, the machine will eventually break. Slot machines never have to pay off since they have no memory. Keep in mind that payout percentages are based on millions of spins, therefore you would need to play for 2,000 hours to reach a million spins at 500 spins per hour.

Slot machines only accept one coin per spin; they do not pay out more frequently. The number of coins you insert into the machine is unknown to the slot reel mechanism. 

Playing one coin or all of the available coins will result in the same spin. 

Other Myths Regarding Slots

The reason more people win at busy periods is because more people are playing more games more frequently, not because winning chances are higher during busy times at casinos. It is unrelated to anything else. Let's take an example where a machine hits once per thousand spins. When is the machine most likely to be hit if it receives two hundred spins during a quiet casino and eight hundred during a crowded one?