The word jackpot is most often used colloquially to describe a large and unexpected financial windfall, such as winning the lottery or backing the right horse in an IPO. However, it’s also possible to hit the jackpot when playing a slot machine. That’s why the term is gaining traction in the gaming world.

As a result, many developers are creating slots that offer a “story.” Branded and licensed slots featuring well-known films, TV shows, books, rock bands, and other cultural phenomena are among the most popular today. They’re also increasingly focusing on the look and feel of the games, aiming to create designs that appeal to players.

While many casino customers may not realize it, slots are powered by random number generators (RNG) that generate a unique series of numbers for each spin. A computer then chooses a combination of symbols from millions of possible combinations each time you press the “Play” button. The result is that the machine can’t be made to “get hot” or “cold.”

In addition to relying on RNGs, developers are leveraging data to help them better understand what features attract and keep players at their games. For example, SG recently launched a new reporting system called SG Connect that provides operators and manufacturers with valuable player behavioral insights. This information will help game designers create superior games that maximize casino profitability. It’s a big change from the days when slot developers merely relied on their own intuition to design games that appeal to players.