When a Slot Machine is Getting Ready to Pay Out Big

Sounds and Lighting Changes

One of the most obvious tells that a slot may be getting ready to pay out is if you notice a change in the sounds or lighting. Here are some key things to listen and watch out for:

• Increasing tempo of slots sounds: The machine may speed up the tempo of the slots spinning sound effect right before a payout. As the reels start spinning faster and faster, it builds anticipation and excitement that a win may be coming.
• Special tune for big wins: Some machines have unique tunes that play when someone wins a big jackpot that are different from the usual spinning sound effects. These special melodies are meant to attract attention and get players excited when someone hits it big. If you suddenly hear this sound, a payout could be coming up soon.
• Flashing lights: Slot machines will often start flashing lights in patterns right before a big win. Certain combinations of flashing and colors may indicate different sizes of jackpots. So if you notice a machine whose lights start going crazy after a long period of normal play, something good may be about to happen.

The idea behind all these sound and lighting changes is to build excitement. The casino wants to draw attention and get players interested when a machine is getting ready to deliver a huge payday. So always be alert to these subtle audio and visual cues that indicate it’s heating up.

Reel Behavior

In addition to lights and sounds, also pay close attention to the actual behavior of the reels themselves. Some things to watch out for:

• Close calls: The reels may start showing more near misses and close calls - where you just miss out on a big win by one symbol or line. This indicates that while the outcome is still random, the machine is due to line things up soon for a big payout.
• Quick stops: The reels suddenly start spinning much faster and stopping quicker after each pull, speeding up play. Again, this builds anticipation that something good might be coming soon. You’re getting more chances faster.
• Cycle hitting bonuses: If you notice the bonus rounds or special games triggering more frequently, that’s a good sign more payouts are coming.

So if it feels like you’re suddenly having more close calls and bonuses than usual, take it as a clue from the slot gods that that machine could be a good one to keep playing at.

Time Since Last Jackpot

Slot machines are programmed to payout a certain percentage of the money put into them over the long run, usually in the range of 90-98%. This means it has to start paying out eventually after taking a lot of money in.

So check when the last big payout was on the machine you’re playing - long dry spells mean it is due to show some generosity soon. The info on days or hours since the last big hit is usually available right on the machine’s display.

If many hours have passed with lots of players putting money in but no big wins landing, consider sticking around because something has to hit soon in order for the game to meet its payout percentage. The casino can’t keep all that money!

Community Bonuses

Some slots are linked across banks or even casinos to offer community bonuses and progressives jackpots that can be in the millions.

On these machines, pay attention to:

• Progressive amount: Obviously, the bigger the current jackpot showing, the more worthwhile it is to keep playing that machine. If you see the amount ticking up quickly into record territory, it means lots of players are feeding it and one lucky spin could take it all home!
• Time since hit: Again, long dry spells mean a progressive is often due to payout soon and reset. So if it’s been many weeks and the amount keeps climbing, someone has to win it before too long.
• Other players: If the machine has been quiet with no wins for a while but one day you notice it suddenly busy with lots of other players all gathered around, word may have gotten out that it’s “ready to pop” so people are rushing over to try their luck. Don’t hesitate to join them!

Other Players Cashing Out or Celebrating

Finally, while playing slots keep an eye on what other players around you are up to. If you see people suddenly cashing out large amounts even though they were quietly losing money for a while, it likely means that machine just had a big payout.

And if one machine in the bank starts paying out, odds are good that another payout is coming soon from one of the other linked games. So be ready to hop on when one player’s good fortune starts spreading to those around them.

Similarly, keep your ears open for celebrations like yelling or excited chatter. If another player hits it big and starts making noise about their jackpot, quickly finish your current spin and switch over to their machine to try to catch some residual luck before the slot reverts to its cold state. Strike while the iron is hot!

So while slots are ultimately games of chance, there are some handy signs to watch out for that can indicate when a machine is getting ready to go hot. Keep an eye and ear out for these clues to help you try to catch that machine right before the next jackpot hits. While not a sure thing, being able to spot patterns like lighting shifts, quick spins after long dry spells and community bonuses winding up can help improve your chances and winnings.