There are probably few online games that are surrounded by as many myths as slot machines. The legends range from winning millions at the slot 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 does not make it any easier to keep track of things.
Reason enough for our experts to write this guide. In the future, you too can enjoy the slot machine games without any worries and perhaps 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 the slots. 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 you could win a few euros at most in Germany. However, the Internet has changed everything in this area as well.
Because now you can play the games of the largest and most popular software providers from anywhere in the world. This means that now every player has the chance to win a jackpot. Depending on the type of game, you can actually win incredibly large sums.
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 the 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 unbelievable record sum of 19.4 million euros at the Absolootly Mad Mega Moolah Jackpot. This is not a rare exception. This year, too, winnings of more than 3 million euros have already been cracked!
Myth #2: Slots are boring
For a long time, one could not expect much variety when it came to slot machines, including online. Because the different games always followed the same scheme. Three identical symbols had to be placed in a horizontal row on three reels in order to trigger the win. The symbols always consisted of either fruits or space symbols.
However, these machines are now a thing of the past. Because there are now countless new slot machines on the market every month, which allow you to always discover a new adventure. The best thing about it: The games are now more diverse than ever before!
The graphics of the games are now in no way inferior to console games. On the contrary: the slots also allow you to immerse yourself in an exciting world full of action and excitement. In addition, the designs of the games are now increasingly based on famous 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 almost all games, for example, you can now collect not only winnings but also skill points, which then unlock additional features. You can also discover joker, free spins and bonus functions here.
In addition, there is no longer just one payline. No, instead countless different combinations can lead to a grand prize. Some slots have more than 1000 paylines! In summary, the online games are anything but boring and instead 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 allows you 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 these as normal 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. This means that all you have to do is open the provider’s website in your browser and start playing right away. It doesn’t matter whether you use 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 being addicted to them. However, since this is a game of chance, it is important to understand that the machines also have the potential for addiction.
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: Slots are illegal in Germany and playing the machines is a criminal offense. In fact, for a long time it was almost impossible to play slot machines legally in Germany. Because only very few casinos, which were exclusively located 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 games to their players as long as they have a valid real money gambling license from Germany.
Myth #6: You can only pay for slot machines 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 also offer 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 rating platforms one reads that the payout percentages are unreliable, change during the game or are simply not adhered to by the casinos. Of course, there is always a risk of fraud or theft when gaming online.
However, if you choose a casino with a valid license, then you can be sure of 100% payout percentages. After all, these are repeatedly checked by independent organizations. Therefore, in our opinion, you should only play at 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. If you are then sure that you really like the game, you can simply make a deposit and then start your hunt for 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 checked and observed by the online casinos. Because after registering, you first have to verify your own account in an online game library. For this purpose, the presentation of an identity card is always required. 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 in contrast to other games of chance such as 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, which independently and completely decide on winning or losing.
However, there are a few tricks you can use to improve your overall chances. 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 entirely straightforward. For once, many of the myths are actually true. For example, that you can win millions of euros when playing slots, which happens more often than you might think. Of course, that you can only play slot machines from the age of 18 is also true.
Other myths, however, are fundamentally wrong. For example, slot machines are perfectly legal in Germany if they are offered by a licensed casino. In addition, you can now play slots on your mobile phone without any problems and there are now significantly more payment options than just credit cards.
Ultimately, it is therefore 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.