Slot machines, whether online or in a venue, often raise the same question: Is there any way to predict outcomes or beat the system?
This blog post explains how the mechanism that drives every spin operates, clears up ideas about “hot” or “due” machines, and outlines how fairness is checked. It also explains how a figure called RTP fits into this process.
If you are interested in how slots work or want clear information before you decide to play, this guide sets out the key facts.
Every slot outcome begins with a process known as the Random Number Generator (RNG). It produces sequences of numbers at high speed, and when you press spin, one number is used to decide where the reels stop.
Each spin is separate and does not rely on any previous result. A series of wins or losses does not influence what might appear next.
In the United Kingdom, all licensed games are required to meet strict standards set by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Independent testing laboratories check that the RNG performs correctly and that the results remain unpredictable. These checks help ensure that, if you choose to play, each outcome is impartial and based entirely on random generation.
The RNG is designed so that no one is able to influence or predict it. Each number is produced independently and without connection to external factors. Selecting a specific machine or changing the amount staked does not alter how results are determined.
Once a spin is activated, the number produced at that exact moment decides the symbols that appear. That outcome cannot be repeated or changed.
Timing, pattern-spotting, or so-called “strategies” do not alter results, because the independence of the RNG removes that possibility. This principle applies across both land-based and online slots.
Whether you play at a physical venue or online, the principle remains the same. The RNG might run on hardware inside a machine or on a server that hosts an online game, but its function does not change: it continually generates numbers, and one is used each time you press spin.
The important factor is how this system is maintained and tested. UKGC rules require that the software producing results remains random and that it is regularly examined. Independent testing agencies confirm that these standards are met before a game is approved.
Ongoing verification helps ensure that the mechanism continues to operate as intended after release.
Some players believe that a slot might be “hot” after several wins or “due” a payout after a losing run. This idea assumes results follow a pattern or cycle. However, because each spin is independent, there is no memory or sequence connecting them.
There is no internal counter recording how long it has been since the last big win. The sequence of results remains unpredictable regardless of how many spins have taken place.
If you choose to play, it’s important not to chase a supposed pattern or “due” outcome, as that belief is not supported by how slots actually function.
In the UK, fairness is tied directly to licensing and oversight. Licensed operators display their UKGC details, often at the bottom of their websites. Their games are checked by recognised testing organisations such as eCOGRA or iTech Labs, which verify that the RNG functions correctly and that the rules of the game are followed.
You may find this information in the game’s help or information section, where the RTP and testing body are often listed. Transparency and certification show that proper checks are in place. If a site does not display this information, it is advisable to leave and choose a licensed operator instead.
Playing only on licensed platforms helps protect the integrity of play and your personal information.
The RNG decides each outcome randomly and independently. RTP, however, is a statistical measure describing the average proportion of stakes a game returns to players over a very large number of spins—such as 96% of total stakes returned over time. Individual play sessions might differ widely from that figure.
The RNG does not attempt to move results towards the RTP; it simply produces random outcomes, from which that average may eventually emerge. RTP reflects the game’s overall design, while the RNG governs each individual spin.
You may also see the term volatility, which refers to how payouts are distributed. A higher-volatility slot might produce fewer but larger prizes, while a lower-volatility one might produce smaller prizes more frequently. These characteristics affect how gameplay feels from session to session, without changing the underlying randomness.
If you decide to play, always set limits, take regular breaks, and remember that gambling should only be for entertainment—not as a way to earn money.
If you enjoy exploring slot games, you’ll find a wide range at Dream Jackpot—from classic reels to Megaways, progressive jackpots, and Drops & Wins titles. Each game includes clear information to help you make informed choices about what to play.
Dream Jackpot is licensed and regulated by the UKGC, and all our games come from providers whose software is independently tested to ensure fairness. Your personal details are protected through security measures that meet recognised industry standards.
We also offer tools such as deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion to support safer play. If you choose to take part, set limits that suit you and take regular breaks.
If this sounds interesting to you, feel free to make an account, deposit some funds and explore our slots at Dream Jackpot to see what we have to offer in a clear and responsible environment.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.