Few online games are surrounded by as many myths as slot machines. The legends range from winning millions at the machine to reports that playing at the machine is actually illegal in Germany. The fact that many of these myths are true while others are fundamentally false doesn’t make it any easier to keep track.
Reason enough for our experts to write this guide. In the future you too can enjoy the slot machine games carefree and maybe bag the main prize yourself.
Myth #1: You can win millions playing slots
One of the most common claims made by both casino operators and testers is that there are millions to be won on slot machines. But is that true or is it just a PR gimmick?
In fact, for a long time, really high winnings were only possible in the big casinos such as e.g. B. possible in Las Vegas. This was especially true when there were almost no online slots and almost all players tried their luck on the physical machines. Here in Germany you could win at most a few euros. But the internet has changed everything in this area as well.
Because now you can play the games of the biggest and most popular software providers from anywhere in the world. This means that now every player has a chance to win a jackpot. In fact, depending on the type of game, you can win incredibly large sums of money.
The games with the highest winnings are certainly the progressive jackpots. On these games, any bet made by a player who does not hit the jackpot counts towards winnings. The main prize therefore has no fixed value, but continues to rise as long as the jackpot is not cracked. So it’s no wonder that the prize money here can be extremely high.
In fact, winnings in the millions are not uncommon: just last year, on April 27, 2021, a Belgian player won the incredible record sum of 19.4 million euros at the Absolootly Mad Mega Moolah Jackpot. This is not a rare exception. This year, too, prizes of over 3 million euros have already been cracked!
Myth #2: Slots are boring
For a long time you could not expect much variety in slot machines, even online. Because the different games always followed the same pattern. Three identical symbols had to be landed in a horizontal row on three reels to trigger the win. The symbols always consisted of either fruits or spaces.
However, these machines are a thing of the past. In the meantime, countless new slot machines are coming onto the market every month, with which you can always discover a new adventure. Best of all, the games are now more diverse than ever!
The graphics of the games are now in no way inferior to console games. On the contrary: The slots also let you immerse yourself in an exciting world full of action and excitement. In addition, the designs of the games are now increasingly based on well-known films and series and thus ensure even more fun.
In addition, the games score with many different additional functions and exciting features that are constantly changing. In addition to winnings, skill points can now be collected in almost all games, which then unlock additional features. You can also discover jokers, free spins and bonus functions here.
Also, there is no longer just one payline. No, instead countless different combinations can result in one grand prize. Some slot machines have more than 1000 paylines! In summary, the online games are anything but boring, but offer a lot of action and excitement.
Myth #3: You can’t play slots on your phone
The third myth on our list: Slots can only be played in a land-based casino or on desktop. This myth couldn’t be further from reality. Because every good casino now also has a comprehensive mobile gaming offer that you can use to play on the go.
There are now two different variants: Especially at the beginning of mobile gaming, most casinos offered an app. You could then download them as usual from the Apple or Google Play Store and then enjoy the casino games on your tablet or smartphone.
Playing on the go is much easier these days. Because most providers now have browser-based mobile games. That means all you have to do is open the provider’s website in your browser and start playing right away. Whether Apple or Android – the games always work.
Myth #4: Slots are addictive
This myth is a complicated but incredibly important subject. Every day, millions of players around the world enjoy online slot machines without becoming addicted to them. However, since this is a game of chance, it is important to understand that the machines are also addictive.
If you feel that you or someone close to you is addicted to gambling, you should seek professional help as soon as possible. A good first point of contact is the BZGA – here you will not only find a lot of useful information, but also a help hotline.
Myth #5: Slot machines are illegal in Germany
Fifth Myth is one of the stories you hear most often about slot machines: slot machines are illegal in Germany and playing on the machines is punishable by law. In fact, for a long time it was almost impossible to play slot machines legally in Germany. Because only very few casinos, which were located exclusively in Schleswig-Holstein, have a valid license from Germany.
But that’s different this year. Because the new gambling law has finally regulated the issue at federal level. Now casinos across Germany can legally offer slots to their players as long as they have a valid real money gambling license from Germany.
Myth #6: You can only pay for slots with a credit card
The sixth myth on our list is definitely just that: a myth. Because in the various online casinos you can now pay with an incredibly large selection of secure payment options. This also applies to credit cards – but not only.
Because in the online casino you can, for example, also pay with eWallets such as Skrill or Neteller. You can also make your deposit with Paysafecard or Klarna Sofortüberweisung. More and more casinos are also offering payment with Bitcoin. Here you are spoiled for choice and do not have to limit yourself to the credit card.
Myth #7: Payout percentages are unreliable
In many forums or review platforms one reads that the payout percentages are unreliable, change during the game or are simply not followed by the casinos. Of course, there is always a risk of fraud or theft when gambling online.
However, if you choose a casino with a valid license, you can count on 100% payout percentages. After all, these are repeatedly checked by independent organizations. Therefore, in our opinion, you should only play in casinos that also have a valid license.
Myth #8: Bonuses make it possible to win without making a deposit
Many casinos advertise a welcome bonus that promises bonus money and free spins. However, these are only activated after a deposit. The so-called no-deposit bonus also allows you to initially only play with bonus money. However, in order to receive your winnings, you still have to make a deposit afterwards.
Still, there is a way to actually play for free: demo versions. Because if you use a Razor Shark demo, for example, you can experience the same fun and action without taking any risks. Then, when you are sure that you really like the game, you can simply make a deposit and then go in search of the main prize.
Myth #9: You can’t play slots until you’re 18 years old
As already mentioned, there are also some myths when it comes to slots that are quite true. Myth #9 on our list is certainly one of them. In fact, playing online slot machines in Germany is only allowed from the age of 18. There are no exceptions to this and it doesn’t matter where in Germany you use an online casino.
These regulations are strictly controlled and observed by the online casinos. Because after registering, you first have to verify yourself in an online game library with your own account. This always requires the presentation of an identity card. It is therefore not possible for under-18s to play slot machines in Germany.
Myth #10: There are winning strategies for slots
Unfortunately, the last myth on our list is also just a myth. Because unlike other games of chance like poker, there are absolutely no strategies in online slots that could increase your chances of winning. Because all machines are operated with random number generators that decide independently and completely whether you win or lose.
However, there are a few tricks you can use to improve your overall odds. For example by only playing games that have a high RTP. RTP stands for Return to Player, which is the payout percentage. The higher this is, the better your chances of winning.
Our conclusion: These are the hard facts
So you see, the subject of slot machine myths is not an easy one. For once, many of the myths are actually true. For example, that you can win millions of euros playing slots, which is more common than you might think. Of course, it is also true that you can only play slot machines from the age of 18.
However, other myths are fundamentally wrong. For example, slot machines are perfectly legal in Germany if they are offered by a licensed casino. In addition, slots can now be played easily on mobile phones and there are now significantly more payment options than just credit cards.
Ultimately, it is important not to be unsettled by untested stories – especially in times of online news. Instead, you should always research a topic thoroughly first and only refer to reliable sources such as B. Go to government sites. Then you never have to worry about false myths again.