There are probably few online games that are surrounded by as many myths as slot machines. The legends range from millions in winnings on slot machines to reports that playing slot machines is actually illegal in Germany. The fact that many of these myths are true while others are completely false does not make it any easier to keep track of them.
Reason enough for our experts to write this guide. In the future, you too can enjoy the slot games without any worries and maybe even bag the jackpot yourself.
Myth #1: You can win millions on slot machines
One of the most common claims made by both casino operators and testers is that there are millions to be won on slot machines. But is this true or is it just a PR stunt?
In fact, for a long time, really big winnings were only possible in the big casinos like Las Vegas. This was especially true when there were almost no online slots and almost all players tried their luck on the physical machines. In Germany, you could only win a few euros at most. But the Internet has changed everything in this area too.
Because now you can play the games of the biggest and most popular software providers from anywhere in the world. This means that every player now has a chance to win a jackpot. In fact, depending on the type of game, you can win incredibly large sums.
The games with the highest winnings are definitely the progressive jackpots. In these games, every bet made by a player who doesn’t win the jackpot counts towards the winnings. The main prize therefore has no fixed value, but continues to rise as long as the jackpot isn’t won. So it’s no wonder that the prize money here can be extremely high.
In fact, winnings of millions are not uncommon: just last year, on April 27, 2021, a Belgian player won the incredible record sum of 19.4 million euros in the Absolootly Mad Mega Moolah jackpot. This is not a rare exception. Winnings of over 3 million euros have already been hit this year!
Myth No. 2: Slot machines are boring
For a long time, you couldn’t expect much variety in slot machines, even online. The different games always followed the same pattern. Three identical symbols had to be placed in a horizontal row on three reels to trigger a win. The symbols always consisted of either fruit or blank spaces.
However, these machines are a thing of the past. Nowadays, countless new slot machines are launched every month, allowing you to discover a new adventure every time. The best thing about it: the games are now more varied than ever before!
The graphics of the games are now in no way inferior to console games. On the contrary: the slots also let you immerse yourself in an exciting world full of action and excitement. In addition, the designs of the games are now increasingly based on well-known films and series, making the game even more fun.
The games also score points with many different additional functions and exciting features that are constantly changing. In almost all games, you can now collect skill points in addition to winnings, which then unlock additional features. You can also discover jokers, free spins and bonus functions here.
In addition, there is no longer just one winning line. No, instead countless different combinations can lead to a main prize. Some slot machines have more than 1000 winning lines! In summary, the online games are anything but boring, but 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 the desktop. This myth couldn’t be further from the truth. Because every good casino now also has a comprehensive mobile gaming offering that allows you to play on the go.
There are now two different variants: At the beginning of mobile gaming, most casinos offered an app. You could then download this as usual 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. Most providers now have browser-based mobile games. This means that you just have to open the provider’s website in your browser and you can start playing straight away. Whether you’re using Apple or Android, the games always work.
Myth No. 4: Slot machines are addictive
This myth is a complicated but incredibly important topic. Every day, millions of players around the world enjoy online slots without becoming addicted to them. However, since this is a game of chance, it is important to understand that the machines also have addictive potential.
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 port of call is the BZGA – here you will not only find a lot of useful information, but also a helpline.
Myth No. 5: Slot machines are illegal in Germany
The fifth myth is one of the stories you hear most often about slot machines: slot machines are illegal in Germany and playing on them is a criminal offense. In fact, for a long time it was almost impossible to play slot machines legally in Germany. Only very few casinos, which were located exclusively in Schleswig-Holstein, had a valid license from Germany.
But things are different this year. The new gambling law has finally regulated the issue at the federal level. Casinos across Germany can now legally offer slot machines 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. 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.
In the online casino, for example, you can 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 a credit card.
Myth #7: Payout percentages are unreliable
In many forums or review platforms you can read 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 gambling online.
However, if you choose a casino with a valid license, you can rely on 100% payout percentages. After all, these are constantly checked by independent organizations. Therefore, in our opinion, you should only play in casinos that also have a valid license.
Myth No. 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 play with bonus money only. However, you must then make a deposit to receive your winnings.
However, there is one 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. Then, when you are sure that you really like the game, you can simply make a deposit and then go hunting for the jackpot.
Myth #9: You can’t play slot machines until you’re 18
As mentioned above, there are some myths about slots that are actually true. Myth number 9 on our list is certainly one of them. In fact, playing online slots in Germany is only allowed for people aged 18 and over. There are no exceptions to this and it doesn’t matter where in Germany you use an online casino.
These regulations are strictly monitored and adhered to by online casinos. After registering, you must first verify your account in an online games library. You must always present an ID card for this. It is therefore not possible for people under 18 to play slot machines in Germany.
Myth No. 10: There are winning strategies for slot machines
Unfortunately, the last myth on our list is also just a myth. Unlike other games of chance like poker, there are absolutely no strategies for online slots that could increase your chances of winning. All machines are operated with random number generators that decide independently and completely whether you win or lose.
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 it is, the better your chances of winning.
Our conclusion: These are the hard facts
So you see, the topic of slot machine myths is not that simple. For once, many of the myths are actually true. For example, that you can win millions of euros playing slots, which happens more often than you might think. Of course, it is also true that you can only play slot machines from the age of 18.
Other myths, however, are fundamentally wrong. For example, slot machines are completely legal in Germany if they are offered by a licensed casino. In addition, you can now easily play slots on your mobile phone and there are now many more payment options than just credit cards.
Ultimately, it is important not to let yourself be confused by untested stories – especially in times of online news. Instead, you should always research a topic thoroughly first and only go to reliable sources such as government websites. Then you will never have to worry about false myths again.