Counting Spins to Understand Coin-In
Let’s talk about how counting your spins can help you calculate your actual coin-in on a slot machine. This is a handy trick to understand how much you have really wagered over time, especially when you're reinvesting those smaller wins as you play. By counting your spins, you are keeping track of your total investment (as the casino sees it), which can be vastly different from what you invested out of pocket.
First off, we will have to admit, without some sort of digital “clicker” that allows you to tally spins along the way, it may become a bit challenging! But if you do have one, or if you are good at keeping a count in your head, think of counting spins this way. Every time you spin the reels, you are technically putting money into the machine, even if it's just the winnings from your last spin. Every spin contributes to “coin-in”.
Running the Numbers
Let’s say you start with $20 and bet $5 per spin. On the first spin you win $5. Now, you still have $20 in the machine. Perhaps you continue to spin and lose all your money, which would equate to five spins. Your total coin-in is $25.00 and the casino sees your loss as $25.00 in total, even though your out-of-pocket loss was only $20.00.
The above example is pretty simple math, right? But when you’re playing a slot machine that pays out odd amounts, like an 88 Fortunes machine, you can quickly lose track of what winnings you have reinvested when betting something like $5.28 per spin. Calculating your total spins to get your total coin-in quickly becomes an exercise for brain cells you may have burned up a long time ago…like Mr. TC Gamble.
Why does it matter?
Understanding your coin-in can for a couple of reasons.
First, it helps you track your overall “real” spending. It's easy to lose track of how much you are actually putting into the machine when your mind is caught up in the excitement of the game and having fun. But if you are a semi-serious player, counting (or loosely keeping track of) your spins and keeping a tally of your overall coin-in can help you stay mindful of your win/loss in the moment.
Second, and maybe more importantly, when you are tracking your spins during a stand-alone slot session, it can give you a clear idea of where you stand on a short-term “return to player” or RTP for that machine. Now we know RTP is calculated over millions of simulated spins by the game manufacturers, not just a small subset of spins like we are about to do now. So please don’t light us up with nasty comments on the socials! Think of this as a fun slot math exercise to keep you grounded while gambling.
If you have been getting a lot of consistent wins that have kept you playing a specific slot, it could be that the slot machine is in a positive RTP cycle. Not to say it cannot stay in a positive range for a while, as slot machines are truly random and can pay out more than 100% of their overall coin-in at any time. But eventually, the scales will tip back to the casino’s favor. The algorithms of the slot machine are designed to do just that.
Doing the Fun Math
Let’s run through an example of this short-term RTP reality check. Following Our Simple Slot Machine Strategy, let’s say you started with an initial $100 and are betting $1 per spin. On your first 5 spins, you average a win of 10x your line bet on each spin. You are now up $45.
5 spins at $1 ea. = $5.00
$10.00 average win per spin = $50.00
$50.00 win - $5.00 wagered = $45.00 net profit
Total credits in machine: $145.00.
Total spins taken: 5.
However, you are having fun, right? So, you decide to play on, reinvesting a portion of your winnings. You spin the slot machine another 50 spins. Over the next 50 spins though you only average a 0.5x return per spin.
50 spins at $1.00 ea. = $50.00
$0.50 average win per spin = $25.00
$25.00 win - $50.00 wagered = ($25.00 net loss)
Total credits in machine: $120.00.
Total spins taken: 55.
While you are up $20 at this very moment over your initial out of pocket investment of $100, you have technically won $75 ($50 + $25 = $75). At this moment, your coin-in equals $55, which is technically your loss. Your casino win/loss statement will be the running totals of these two gross amounts over time, so do not have a heart attack when you see them!
RTP = Total amount won / total amount wagered (coin-in)
$75 / $55 = 1.36 (136% RTP)
At 136% RTP, you are currently beating the odds. Can you continue to beat the odds? We do not know. Only more spins of those reels can say. But that’s the rub! Are you willing to give up your profit to find out? Are you willing to spend more out of pocket to find out? That’s the very definition of gambling!
Just Keep Things in Perspective
Having an accurate picture of your win/loss is important to comps, as well as Uncle Sam at the end of the year (for you U.S. based peeps). If you only consider your initial out of pocket investment into a slot machine when you play, you might think you're breaking even, or even winning. The reality might be the opposite. By calculating your actual coin-in, you can get a more realistic sense of where you stand.
Now that doesn’t mean run out and buy a tally counter tomorrow (if you find us in a casino at some point, we might give you one though). We are in no way saying it is a requirement. You can always get your annual win/loss statement at the end of the year from the casino if you have an active player’s card (and have been using it). If you do not have one, or you haven’t been using yours, you should be getting one and using it too!
Remember, counting your spins and calculating your actual coin-in won't guarantee you a win, but it can help you manage your bankroll and help you make more informed decisions. And that's always a good thing, right? If you want to see how we do it, watch our YouTube channel and find out!
Remember, everything in life is a gamble! Live life smart and the risk is much less.
Thanks for reading and watching!
