Is it true that if you press the buttons on a poker machine in a certain sequence you can trigger the jackpot?

Question

I'm not a big gambler but i'm just curious as a round table discussion was recently had at my partners poker night where someone claimed that if you press the buttons on a poker machine in a certain sequence it is like a code and will automatically trigger the jackpot... is this true? if so which machines and what buttons lol.

Answer 1

It's an urban legend.

All modern machines are totally computerised inside. They are programmed by taking them apart and plugging a laptop or PC into a special port, then running special software to calibrate the mechanism and random number generator (RNG).

Slot machines with the reels and lever have them just for historical and entertainment purposes.

Earlier mechanical machines could be disrupted by using electro-magnets and other tricks, but again, the machine adjustment and programming (such as it was for the early ones) was done by taking the machine apart and adjusting the mechanism.

Mechanical machines were fitted with tilt switches, so that they could detect if the machine itself were tipped, or if something was pulling the mechanism out of alignment. When triggered, the tilt switch would cause them to instantly jam.

Modern electronic machines have even more advanced tricks up their sleeve to stop cheating and tricks.

Answer 2

NO

Answer 3

Yes, there is a certain sequence at a specific point in time that the random number generator will give you the jackpot.  Nobody knows when that will be because it is random.

Answer 4

No, of course not.  Do honestly think casinos would keep a machine if anyone could just walk up and trigger a jackpot?  Complete myth.

Edit: Complete myth may be a bit of an overstatement.  I think I remember seeing something like this on the History Channel or the travel Channel once when they did a show on casino security.  If I remember correctly, years ago, there was a guy who worked as a programmer for one of the major slot machine manufacturers.  He had built himself some sort of back door similar to what you described.  Perhaps this is what your friend saw.  Regardless, this was a one time thing, the guy got caught and went to jail and security and regulations got even tighter thanks to this guy's little stunt.

Answer 5

No! That's all I can think to say----BYE!!!

Answer 6

no, it is not true. urban legend only.

video poker machines use an algorithm to determine payouts. nothing the player does, with the exception of inserting money and making wise choices on card discards, has anything to do with the hand being a winning hand or otherwise.

Answer 7

Actually, I saw a documentary on this.  There was once a guy who programmed Vegas slot machines for a living.  He programmed some to do this.  If you followed a betting / credit sequence the machines would pay.  But he got caught of course and the machines were traced and fixed.

Modern machines do not have any special sequence you can use.  And even if they did, you would not be able to find out what that sequence was.  The one in this documentary took a dozen or so moves, there was no way to guess it.