I always wondered how non web computerized programs run…like slot machines. I mean, do they basically use something similar to PHP’s rand() function, plug in a number to supply the odds of winning, at let it run loose?

Heh, so typical though. Gambling addicts really think it’s “luck”

…and I would too if I won the jackpot

Given that a gambling machine has relatively simple logic, the entire machine could be implemented using a small microcontroller-based system. If there is no random function available in the microcontroller assembly, then one can be simulated by manipulating a large integer.

However, given that a lot of modern machines have screens instead turning wheels, it makes sense to build them from cheap computers. These would have tons of nice programming libraries to build off of — pop on a simple unit to handle I/O and you are good to go!

Ok… I just did a search and it confirms my guess. It also looks like they have in-house firmware development that communicates to the main processor over serial I/O. Makes sense. Here is a job posting.

Good guess. I mean really, I guess you could just plug in 1,000 different combinations, and it just keeps plugging off all the combos like bingo until all the lights are out….then once they’re out, they just cycle thru them again.

heh. and the processing power…I think I could get my old TI 82 calculator to do what those gambling machines are doing.

also…that link is bad…says I need cookies enabled? I know they’re enabled.

Don’t forget that all computer generated randomness is artifical. It can be predicted. To have truly real numbers you need an outside source. Check out Random.org site for more details.

Computerised slot machines are kinda dodgy at the best of times. They are programmed to give out only small amounts or large amounts. The small amounts serve as an incentive to keep going and now and then someone wins a large amount. We all think ‘that could happen to me’ when someone in the same room wins a jackpot.

Additionally, one of the slot machine companies was taken to court because their machines decided whether the person would win or lose before the person chose something, rather than the machine chosing “heads or tails” (for example) where the person has a chance of winning.

Tim

I forgot to say - a good friend of mine works as a programmer for a slot machine company.

Tim

Casino Gamblers discrimination, lol.

Some years ago, i remember incident where gambling machine programmers had inserted some of their own code, to make the randomizing algorithm predictable. A petrol station keeper called police, after seeing them empty a (poker) gambling machine withouth looking at the machine. (They had blockaded the screen with coins)