Myths and Facts

Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs)

Myth: There are “hot machines.”
Fact: VLTs don’t keep track of play results. Each play result is drawn from all possible combinations and is totally independent from previous plays. In other words, VLT spins are random from one another just like all LOTTO 6/49 draws are random from one another. This means that there is no such thing as a “hot machine.”

Myth: Some VLTs are “due” to pay.
Fact: VLTs are designed to pay out randomly. They follow no set pattern and there is no way to predict the outcome of a game.

Myth: Players can control the outcome of a game.
Fact: It is impossible for players to control the outcome of a game. Hitting the stop button will not impact the outcome of play in any way. In fact, the outcome of each spin is determined as soon as players hit the play button.

Myth: VLT payouts are adjusted by ALC.
Fact: While VLTs and ALC’s central computer system communicate daily by telephone for daily polls, ALC’s central computer can’t make changes to the way specific VLT games play, nor can it make any changes to payout rates. A computer chip located within each VLT controls all information specific to the games, including their payout rates and their randomness. The computer chips run independently from the central computer system.

Myth: It is possible for me to "chase" and recoup my losses.
Fact: VLTs are programmed to pay out less than they take in over time, and the longer you play a VLT, the more likely you are to lose money. Gaming should be considered as a form of entertainment, not as a way to invest or make money.

Source: Atlantic Lotto Corporation