A "loose" slot machine or fruit machine is supposed to be a machine that pays out regularly and more generously than other machines. Believing in the existence of loose slot machines is a bit like believing in flying saucers. Nobody has been able to prove that they exist, but hey, that doesn't stop people from looking!
Just what makes a loose slot machine "loose"? It can be one or several factors. A high payback percentage may be considered a "loose" trait. But bear in mind that the payback percentage happens over the course of gazillions of spins. (That's like waiting for Dracula to wake up after centuries of slumber.)
Another way to figure out which slots are loose is by computing the jackpot odds. First, you have to know many stops are on each reel of a machine, and then multiply that by the number of reels. If there are 12 stops per reel, you multiply it thus: 12 x 12 x 12 = 1,728 possible combinations. If the jackpot symbol appears only once per reel, then you have a 1/1,728 chance of hitting the jackpot. And that is per spin.
Then there is the time when a loose machine will supposedly pay out big. Some believe that if you wait on a loose machine in busy times, the chances of a big payout are bigger. There are "fruit machine cheat codes" that have been published about that. Fruit machine hunters look for the loosest machines and play them at the best times, say on weekend nights.
Where Can I Find Loose Machines?
According to legend, loose slot machines are placed strategically in casinos where they are needed most. The logic behind these choices is obvious when you think about it.
Anyway, as for where to start looking for loose slots, try these:
Snack Bars. Casinos don't want you to eat. They want you to play and lose your money. If they can get you to stop munching so you can play more, why not? Loose slots may be placed in these areas so that those who are eating will see the winners. With luck, these hungry folks will forget their stomachs and play instead.
High Visibility Areas. When you see a slot machine clearly from any location, you can bet it is a loose machine. Casino slots don't pay out often, but when they do, they want everyone to see it. So the lucky slots are displayed prominently so more people can see them.
Change Booths. If you see people winning jackpots around you and there is a change booth nearby, what are you going to do?
If you still cannot find the legendary loose slots, you can turn to casino staff for words of wisdom (read: hints). Don't count on them giving a reliable answer though. Casino folks won't hurt their own business. They would rather play the slots themselves if they knew anyway. They may give you a sincere answer, or they may just be playing with you!