Gaming machines are categorized based on maximum stake and prize and other factors, with some devices excluded from the category
How gaming machines are categorized varies by country and is subject to acting legislation. The same holds for technical standards that slots machines must comply with as well as the required permits and licenses to make them available.
What Is a Slot Machine?
Before going into more detail about how machines are categorized and what doesn’t count as such, it is a good idea to define what a gaming machine actually is. Basically, it features games of chance on which customers bet real money. Also known as one-armed bandits, slots, fruities, and puggy, they are fitted with currency detectors that detect the type of payment, i.e. tokens, vouchers, banknotes, or coins. With the advent of more advanced technologies, gaming machines have also evolved and now offer more interaction through elements such as video graphics and advanced bonus rounds. They also come with pseudorandom number generators that create groupings or sequences of random numbers. When it comes to payout rates, the percentage can vary widely – from 0 to 99 percent. This is also referred to as return to player or theoretical payout percentage, which is subject to regulation as laid out by law.
How Are Gaming Machines Categorized
They can be categorized based on factors such as permitted location, maximum prize, return to player, maximum stake, and maximum number allowed in large and small casinos. Manufacturers are usually required to use independent test labs as to ensure that their product meets the technical specifications and standards.
In more general terms, slot machines can also be categorized based on the number of pay lines and number of rows and reels. While pay lines vary from 3 to 15, some manufacturers feature 20 and even 30 pay lines. The central line pays, regardless of the number of coins that you use per spin. Machines typically feature 3 or 5 reels, the latter being more common nowadays. The former are also known as regular or classic. The number of rows also varies and can be two or more. Finally, standard slot machines take 3 coins while some varieties also accept maximum bets with two coins. With the advent of game slot platforms, you will also find video slots where you can play up to 10 coins.
What Doesn’t Count as a Gaming Machine?
The most common varieties are jackpot, slot, and fruit while some systems and devices are typically excluded, again based on country or location. Examples include wholly-automated and semi-automated casino games and devices adapted or manufactured to play bingo for which users hold a prize gaming or family entertainment centre permit. The list of devices may also include lottery terminals, machines that are designated to wager on future real events, and devices and telephones used for communication. Other examples are dual-use and domestic computers.
