In economics, mention is often made of the ‘velocity of money flow’ as a gauge of the health of the economy. The faster the flow the better. Casinos are microcosms of the greater economy. Supply and demand determine which games rock, and which games roll. Slots routinely rank among the most popular online casino games, thanks largely to their instant play functionality, with no strategy needed.

 

Introduction to the Velocity of Slots 

Atlantic City casinos are no strangers to the velocity of money flow. The quicker the casino can get players to gamble on rapid-play casino games, the better. This allows for growth, expansion, and dividends for shareholders. For many years, slots were considered a staple of high velocity money flow games for casinos. Players would take their seat at their favorite slots, depositing coins and pulling the one-armed bandits for hours on end.  


These classic slots, although hugely popular, were not very lucrative for casinos. The profit potential was there, but the velocity of money flow was too slow. Several innovative solutions were introduced to try and speed up the process of getting players to spend more per unit time on slot machine games. When casino games are hosted by dealers, the dealers have a direct hand in speeding up or slowing down the game at will. With slots, it's the in-game mechanics, wagering denominations, and reel spins that determine how fast the game plays out.


The velocity of casino games is beneficial to everyone who works for the casino, including the dealers who get more tips per hour when they speed up the games. The absence of card shuffling machines is a case in point. Before these machines were introduced to casinos, the velocity of money flow with Blackjack, Baccarat, Texas Hold'em Poker, Caribbean Stud Poker, and other card games was 20 to 25 hands per hour. Today, with card shuffling machines, croupiers can deal 35 – 40+ hands per hour depending on their skills and abilities.

Why Are Some Slot Machine Games Faster Than Others?

A mechanical slot machine game is a relic from the past, but these slots still exist. The reels (the spinning components of a slot) are the most eye-catching feature of the slot, since they house all the winning symbols. Around and around they go, where they stop nobody knows. Slot machine reel speed describes the speed of a slot machine game. Whether the reels spin fast or slow, this has absolutely no effect on the outcome of the spin. Reel speed is simply a visual feature of the slot machine game designed to introduce frenzied levels of activity, or subdued levels of activity.
Regardless of the speed of the spinning reels, a.k.a. slot velocity, all slot machine game outcomes are governed by RNGs (Random Number Generators). These algorithmic computer programs generate random outcomes for every slot spin. The spinning reels – whether you are playing online slots or land-based slots – are simply there for aesthetics. The moment the spin button is pressed, the RNG automatically generates a result and the reels simply stop on cue to reflect that result. 

A noted slot expert, John Robison of Casino City Times was asked the question: ‘Does the RNG keep spinning while the machine is not being played?’ His answer was quite stunning: ‘The RNG constantly generates new numbers. It doesn't take a break when the machine is not being played. Here in Nevada, the RNG must generate an average of 100 numbers per second. When you press the spin button, the program running the slot machine gets numbers from the RNG in a process called polling the RNG. These numbers, one for each reel, tell the program where the reel should stop on that spin.’ Therefore, the actual speed of online slots functionality – the slot velocity – is extremely fast. What we see playing out with the reels coming to a stop is merely done for entertainment purposes.
If a casino is looking to maximize profits on popular slots, they could certainly speed up the process of reel spin outcomes to allow for more spins per minute. The quicker the reel speed, the faster the casino generates profits from players. It's a fine line for an online casino to walk, since players actually enjoy the anticipation of reel after reel coming to a stop. There are many rapid-play slot machine games (often denominated by a lightning symbol on the slot) which generate reel spin results much quicker than a traditional spin. This increased slot velocity is great for players who want to burn through a bankroll quickly, or get more slots spin results per unit time.
Many of today's online slot aficionados understand that it's unnecessary to wait for one reel after another to stop spinning in order to generate results. Thanks to RNGs and digital gaming, we all know that the moment you click the spin button, a result is ready. Why not simply display that result without waiting for the reels to stop? Again, slot velocity needs to factor in the enjoyment element and the attendant buildup to a result. Velocity needs to be timed just right in order for the game to captivate players’ attention, and mimic the real deal appeal of Atlantic City casinos. There is something inherently attractive about a slightly slower slot velocity, compared to a rapid-play results generated outcome.
On the topic of slots velocity, players are naturally curious about classic slots games, penny slots games, video slots games, and jackpot slots. Which slots games are faster? Which slots games are slower? We can safely say that the older slot machine games such as the classic slots and penny slots games are likely to be the slowest games. This is especially true at land-based casinos where one armed bandits used to rule the roost. Notice that each reel stops one at a time. The video slots and jackpot slots can be categorized together because they both use video slots technology and are similar in gameplay. These games are quick-play slots, thanks to either ‘Fast Play’ or ‘Quick Spin’ or ‘Rapid Play’ functionality.
Cool Fact: Would you believe that there are still a handful of classic slots at casinos where players can pick the velocity of slots games? If you're looking to slow down the action and hog a slot machine, you can choose a really slow slot velocity and feed the machine less per unit time. If you're in a hurry, you can fast-track the spins and try to generate more winning outcomes during your gaming session.
 

Does Slot Velocity Make a Difference?

For entertainment purposes, the velocity of online slots games definitely has an effect on the action. Realism, immersion, and engagement are enhanced by a natural spinning of the reels. Some players prefer reels stopping one at a time, others prefer them to stop at the same time after they've been spinning for a while. Most every online slots player would agree that it just wouldn't feel right if you pressed the spin button and an outcome was generated instantly. A little lag with slots is ideal.
From an outcomes point-of-view, we know that the velocity of slots games does not affect the end result. Whether the reels spin slowly or quickly, you are assured of exactly the same RNG-generated results. There are slot aficionados who firmly believe that your outcomes will be more favorable if you adjust the slot velocity to the minimum level (each spin takes the longest possible time to generate a result) in order to reduce your exposure to loss per unit time. It makes sense. If you are spinning less per hour, you are also losing less per hour given the house edge and RTPs.
Cool Fact: Slot velocity can be dramatically enhanced by playing rapid-fire slot machine games. This powerful feature allows you to spin the slots reels up to 20 times + per minute. If you're betting $10 on each spin, and you don't win anything in a minute, you're down $200. In an hour, you could technically lose $12,000 at $10 per spin, or $1200 at $1 per spin. If you're betting just $0.25 per spin, that's $5 per minute, and $300 per hour. Naturally, with all that spinning, there is going to be plenty of winning too. There is no real upside limit with such high-frequency slots play.

How Important is Play Rate with Online Casino Games?

Your play rate with online casino games like Blackjack, Baccarat, Video Poker, Texas Hold'em, online Slots, and Instant Win games affects your bankroll, and your enjoyment. In strategy-based games like Blackjack and Poker variants, rapid-play action can also be detrimental to your outcomes because you need time to make the right decisions. For the most part, when you play online casino with real money, you want to maximize your winning chances. It's certainly not advisable to rush through your gaming sessions, simply to increase your play rate.

Play Rates with Different Casino Games:


•    Blackjack: Experts strongly advise that you play Blackjack at a pace conducive to making the best possible strategic decisions. Your play rate will differ from the next blackjack player, but always take your time for optimal outcomes.

•    Baccarat: There is limited strategy in baccarat, save for an understanding of the house edge on the player hand, the banker hand, tie bets, and optional bets. You can play Baccarat at an increased play rate, without adversely affecting outcomes.

•    Roulette: While Roulette is a game of chance, bankroll management is sacrosanct. You can play Roulette at a moderate play rate to ensure that you don't over bet on selections and deplete your bankroll unnecessarily.

•    Slots: Slots are games of chance. However, every slot machine game has a different house edge/RTP. Slots also feature different payout combinations. Do your homework before you play slot games online. Play free slots and test the RTPs, and the velocity of slots. When you're ready, switch to an online casino with real money games
When you play real money casino games, all of your gaming sessions contribute towards points accumulation at the VIP program at 888. Expect generous rewards, exclusive offers, personalized gifts, and a tiered loyalty program fit for royalty.


The Pros and Cons of Increasing Slot Velocity


Now that you've read our detailed guide regarding the velocity of slots games, you’ve got a pretty good idea of this concept. This take a quick look at the pros and cons of increasing slot velocity:
The Pros
•    Free up time to play other online casino games
•    Boost your winnings when you're on a hot streak
•    Play more slots online during your gaming sessions
The Cons
•    Rapid bankroll depletion
•    Reduced slots gaming sessions
•    Accelerated losses if you're on a losing streak

Slots Bonuses, Banking Options, and Security 


When you register at 888casino New Jersey, you are privy to a generous welcome bonus. Claim your $20 Free Bonus No Deposit Needed, and play your choice of slots at your leisure. Slots bonuses and promotional offers are great in that you don't need to worry about the slot velocity too much. Players can also play at 888casino on mobile on Android and iOS devices – with the same slot features and functions. 
When you’re using a no deposit bonus, it’s not your personal capital at stake; it's the casino's money. So yes, you can definitely play real money slots online with rapid play functionality enabled. Test quick spin functionality on top-notch games like Divine Fortune MegaWays, 88 Fortunes, Millionaire Genie, Golden Twins, Endless Treasure, and Safari Riches. Each of these engaging games features varying numbers of slots reels, bonus rounds, and slot symbols.
If you need a refresher on playing slots, check out our guide on ‘How do Slot Machines Work and Can They Be Trusted’ Our in-house slots experts have detailed the in-game features, functions, and bonus rounds you can expect with top notch slots games. All it takes is a carefully managed budget, selection of the right slot machine game, and optimized bets and paylines to get things going. When you use slots bonuses, you can definitely slow the velocity flow of your bankroll, since you don't need to make a deposit to get started. No deposit bonuses are a big boost for slots players, so be sure to use them. 
Once you've claimed your no deposit bonus, you can safely deposit using any of our reputable banking options. At 888casino New Jersey, we offer the following deposit options: Bank Transfer, PayPal, Play +, Visa credit cards and Visa debit cards, MasterCard, Discover Card, online banking transfer and, PayNearMe. All transactions are guaranteed safe and secure, with SSL encryption, firewall protection, and username/password protected logins. 
 

About the Author
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With digital marketing strategies in his blood, Louis Wheeler has traveled around the world, exploring gambling cultures and gaining experience in casino games from 2003. If you are in a casino anywhere around the planet, you may find him right next to you, playing blackjack, roulette or texas hold'em.