Ask Zeus: Volume 2
"Does an Operator Adjust Games on the Fly So You Lose?"
No, they do not. To adjust the payback percentage on a slot they need to follow a regulated process and it isn't something regularly done. On a similar note, consequently there is not a "better" time of day to play: your chances are the same regardless.
"What's a Handpay?"
In the United States, if you win $1200 or more on a machine, regardless of your bet level, the machine will lock and an attendant will visit you, get your information and social security number, and return with your winnings minus applicable taxes: you hold out your hand and then they pay you, hence, "Handpay"! Depending on which state you won the Jackpot in will determine if they'll take state & local taxes and whether or not you would like federal taxes removed. One thing to remember: after you've been paid, remember to cash out any remaining credits from your slot and not just walk away!
"What's a Jackpot?"
A Jackpot is a win of $1200 or more from a single bet, regardless of bet size.
"Why Don’t You “Stop the Reels” When You Play?"
You've seen people banging on the screens and buttons to “stop the reels” at a particular point in order to win, and maybe you're one of them, but IT DOES NOT CHANGE YOUR OUTCOME! Stopping the reels has no effect on the game: exactly the same set of reels would have landed regardless. Don't believe me? Consider two points: check the instructions on most slots and they'll state it plainly and secondly, if this were true, wouldn't “skillful stoppers” just play slots and get rich? Here's a final point to consider: I'll actually take the opposite point of view that stopping the reels may in fact increase your losses if you play more spins through the slot then you would have otherwise! Generally speaking, the slower you play, the less you lose, and stopping the reels increases your speed: so don't do it unless it really makes you happy to do so.