Fruit machines, or slots, have been part of UK arcades and casinos for decades. Over the years, rumours have spread about “secret button codes” that could make a machine pay out. These stories may sound intriguing, but they often raise more questions than answers.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at these claims, where they come from, and how modern slot machines actually work. By the end, you’ll better understand why these supposed shortcuts don’t hold up, what really decides the outcome of a spin, and what happens if someone tries to cheat.
What Are Fruit Machine Cheat Codes?
A fruit machine is a gambling machine with reels that spin and stop on symbols, such as cherries, BARs or bells. You pay real money to play, select a stake, and press a button. If the reels line up in a winning way, you may receive a payout.
The phrase “cheat code” comes from the idea that pressing buttons in a special sequence could influence the outcomes. In older mechanical or electronic machines, decades ago, faults sometimes existed that a small number of people tried to exploit. More often, the stories were exaggerated claims, rather than reliable methods.
Modern machines no longer operate on mechanical parts. They rely on software and hardware regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).
Each spin is determined by a Random Number Generator (RNG). This is a programme that constantly produces numbers. When you spin, the RNG picks a number that corresponds to a reel outcome. Because the process is random, button sequences have no bearing on the result.
Do Secret Button Sequences Actually Work?
Modern fruit machines are built to stop this very idea. Before a slot game reaches a casino, arcade or pub, it must be tested by an independent lab. These tests confirm that the software cannot be influenced by hidden codes or sequences.
The RNG means that once you press spin, the outcome is set instantly. It is not altered by how many buttons you press before or after. Manufacturers also design machines so that even complex combinations of inputs cannot override the programme.
Casinos and other venues monitor their machines for any unusual play. If staff believe someone is attempting to tamper with a machine, they can remove it from service and investigate.
Why Do People Believe in Fruit Machine Cheats?
The idea of “beating the machine” has been around since the earliest fruit machines, and it still circulates today. Rumours often grow when someone claims to know a hidden method and others pass it on.
These beliefs usually come from three places:
- Older machines: Decades ago, some models had faults that a few people tried to exploit. Those machines are no longer in use.
- Misinterpreted experiences: After a run of losses, it can feel as though a special trick must exist to change the outcome.
- Online discussions: Many so-called codes shared online refer to outdated machines or are simply invented.
Because modern machines are built with secure software and tested before being used, these old tales do not apply to the technology you see today.
How Do Modern Fruit Machines Really Work?
Modern fruit machines use RNGs to decide the outcome of each spin. This ensures results are unpredictable and cannot be influenced by button sequences or timing.
In the UK, machines must meet technical standards set by the Gambling Commission and are independently tested before they are made available to the public.
You will often see a Return to Player (RTP) percentage displayed. This figure is a theoretical calculation made over millions of simulated spins. It is not a guarantee of winnings in individual sessions, as outcomes remain random each time you play.
Machines are also divided into categories. For instance, casino machines can allow higher stakes and potential prizes than those found in pubs. Each game includes a paytable explaining symbol combinations and features, which is the most reliable guide to how that specific game works.
Are There Any Legal Risks With Using Cheat Codes?
Trying to interfere with a fruit machine is against the law. The Gambling Act 2005 makes it a criminal offence to manipulate or tamper with gambling equipment.
Casinos, pubs and arcades take this seriously. Staff may use CCTV and machine monitoring to identify any unusual behaviour. If someone is caught trying to use supposed codes or attempting physical interference, consequences can include:
- Removal from the premises or a venue ban.
- Confiscation of any disputed winnings.
- Potential fines or prosecution, which can lead to a criminal record.
Any form of tampering carries personal and legal consequences. Since modern machines are designed to produce random results, cheat codes are not relevant. The only safe approach is to view fruit machines as games of chance where outcomes cannot be predicted.
Playing fruit machines means spending money on outcomes that are random, so no code or strategy can make a payout certain. If you decide to play, it can help to set a clear spending limit, take breaks to keep track of both time and money, and remember that the RTP shown on a machine is only a long-term calculation, not a promise of returns.
These games are designed for entertainment rather than profit, so the safest approach is to play only with money you are comfortable parting with and step away if it stops being enjoyable.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these slot games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.