Can you hack online slots?
MANY of us dream about winning the jackpot when playing slot machines. However, given the house edge, this will remain a dream for most. So, are there any ways in which you can trick a slot game in order to win?
On this page, we will take a closer look at some of the common methods that players have tried to use in the past. While we do not recommend trying them for yourself, it is certainly interesting to learn about the lengths that some will go to make a profit.
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Most infamous casino cheats and casino hacks
With slot machines being around for a century, players have long been thinking of new ways to trick the system. While slots are getting smarter, they are still software-operated, meaning that there is a minuscule margin for error. So, what are some of the infamous hacks and tricks that players have used in an attempt to cheat the system?
Software glitch
Arguably the most common trick is to manipulate software glitches. This has been going on for decades, with this method involving playing a specific number of games in a bid to ultimately confuse the machine. In some cases, a software glitch can result in the jackpot being paid out. Many have benefited from this in the past.
However, it is also the case that many have been denied access to their winnings because of such glitches. For example, Pauline McKee, a 90-year-old, won $41 million from a slot at the Isle Casino Hotel in Waterloo in 2015, only to never receive any of the money.
Light wand
Tommy Glenn Carmichael is the brains behind the light wand. The tool was used to effectively trigger jackpots by magic. The light blinds the optical sensor that is found on slot machines. As such, the machine would be unable to compute how many coins had been entered. In turn, the slot machine would not understand how much it needed to pay out. Small wins could lead to huge payouts because of this.
Top-bottom joint
This method was used by players during the 1970’s and 1980’s. A specific tool was used, made up of two parts, a metal rod and a long wire. The bottom part of the tool was placed into the coin chute, which jammed the machine, thus leading to all of the coins inside being released!
Fake coins
While it may seem simple, players have used fake coins to trick slot machines throughout history. Louis “The Coin” Colavecchio was the most famous player to do so, until his arrest in 1998.
Cheat codes for slot machines
It has been known for engineers to rig codes for their own benefit. While gambling authorities work hard to ensure that this does not occur, it is difficult to ensure that all slot machines are 100% fair. Ronald Dale Harris is a prime example. The former Nevada Gaming Commission engineer cheated numerous machines by having the source codes at his fingertips. However, he was caught out in 1995 after his partner won $100,000 in a keno game.
How to cheat a slot machine with a magnet
You may have heard about cheating slot machines using a magnet. However, this is not something that will work with modern-day slots, given that they are no longer magnetic. Instead, they are programmed using computer software.
This has not always been the case though. On old-fashioned metal slot machines, players would use a magnet in order to stop the reels from spinning when a winning combination appeared. Upon removing the magnet, a payout would be awarded.
How to hack slot machines with a phone
Some have also been known to hack slot machines using their mobile phone. This is a method that requires players to predict the outcomes of a PRNG system. Such programs look at every outcome from spins, before searching for some sort of pattern. At this point, players are notified that a favourable seed has been located. Murat Bliev was one individual who had success with this system before he was imprisoned in the US for two years.
📝 Slot machine cheats, tricks and tips
While the hacks discussed above are to be avoided, due to them being illegal, there are some tips that players can follow in order to get the most out of slot machines. We have outlined our top tricks below:
1. Focus on slots with the highest RTP
RTP stands for return to player. This refers to the amount that you can expect to make when playing a slot. For example, when placing £100 worth of bets on a slot with an RTP of 97%, you will make £97, on average.
As such, it is worth targeting slot machines that have a higher RTP where possible. Understanding that slots have RTP will allow you to understand that slots are not rigged.
2. Take advantage of bonuses
Online casinos that offer slots today feature a variety of bonuses and promotions. So, when the terms and conditions are favourable, be sure to take full advantage. Free spins, deposit bonuses and VIP rewards are among the most common.
Read more about wagering requirements to understand how to make the most of your casino bonuses.
3. Choose the right volatility
Slot machines come with low, medium, or high volatility. This refers to how much and how regularly players can expect to win. If you are a beginner, low volatility will appeal.
This is because the payouts are smaller and more regular. However, if you are a high roller, high volatility will suit you, given the greater, albeit less frequent, payouts from slots.
4. Gamble responsibly with a gambling budget
It is important to only ever bet what you can afford to lose. This will help to ensure that you remain responsible and do not go beyond your budget. Remember that entertainment is the main purpose of slot machines and find a reputable online casino for your gaming.
Identifying loose slot machines
A loose slot machine can simply be defined as one that pays out more than others. However, how can you identify a loose slot? The first thing to do is to check the payout percentage of the game.
At land-based casinos, you can target machines in high-traffic areas, while also avoiding slots that come with multiple paylines. Ultimately, how loose a slot is is determined by players.
How do you pick a winning slot machine?
Unfortunately, there is no way that you can guarantee wins when playing slots. However, there are some steps that you can take to find a successful game. Look at slot reviews and feedback from players. You can also play the demo versions of slots in order to see how you fare.
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💰 What are the biggest jackpots ever won on a slot machine?
Plenty of players have won millions from jackpot slot machines. The record at a land-based casino was set in 2003, when one lucky player won $39.7 million, having invested just $100. Meanwhile, the Mega Moolah slot holds the record for the highest online payout. This was set in 2017 and came in at over £13 million.
Can you hack online slots?
Hacking online slots is almost impossible. It is also illegal. However, some attempt to do so by using software that impacts the slot’s random number generator (RNG).
It is important to note that developers regularly test software, in order to ensure that there are no bugs.
Is it possible to trick a slot machine to win?
On this page, we have discussed some of the ways in which players have attempted to trick slot machines in the past. Of course, given that this is illegal, we do not recommend trying any of them for yourself. Some have had success when using magnets, light wands and fake coins. However, most have come unstuck along the way.
🔎 Read more from James Fuller
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About the author
James Fuller
James is an experienced copywriter with over a decade’s worth of experience in the casino industry. He is an avid sports fan, following football, tennis, Formula 1 and golf in particular.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
- Gamcare –
- Gamble Aware –
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
