What Would Happen If You Played a Slot Machine for 24 Hours Straight?

The idea that anyone would play a slot machine for 24 hours straight is a little… far-fetched. Yet, it is possible that somewhere out in the world, a few gamblers have tried to do just this.

We definitely do not condone playing any casino game for an extended period of time, let alone for 24 hours. But if you’re as curious about what would happen as we were, read on to discover the odds of winning – and some of the possible pitfalls you might encounter along the way.

What Could Happen If You Played a Slot Machine for 24 Hours

So what could happen if you played a slot machine for 24 hours straight? Let’s look at some of the most common scenarios.

You’d Probably Lose More Than Win

Slot machine wins and losses are determined by two factors, including return-to-player percentage (RTP) and random-number generators (RNGs).

RTP is the amount of money the slot machine pays out over time. A slot machine with a 97% RTP pays out $0.97 on every $1 over time. In essence, the odds of winning are not in any player’s favor, as the house always wins on slot machines.

RNGs are the algorithms that determine which spins result in wins or losses. Both wins and losses are totally random; despite what a lot of players believe, no machine or player is ever “due for a big win”.

Yes, you could win big on a spin because the slot machine needs to pay out a certain amount of money for every dollar played, but you’re not guaranteed even to win the RTP – even if you were to play for 24 hours straight.

The highest slot machine RTPs are around 98% (some reach even 99%). That still means that the house will win $0.01 for every $1 played over time. The odds you’ll win big after playing a slot machine for 24 hours straight are very slim.

Yet, you could win big on one of your spins. Gambling experts always advise stopping after a big win – not continuing to play for 24 hours straight.

You Wouldn’t Be Able to Function

If you’re playing a slot machine in a casino for 24 hours straight, you won’t be able to go to the bathroom, eat, or sleep. Yes, you could order drinks from the casino waitstaff (though you probably would want to opt for water instead of alcoholic beverages if you want better odds of playing longer).

All the basic necessities your body needs to function properly and for your brain to make good decisions won’t be available to you if you’re playing a slot machine nonstop.

The worst-case scenario? You’ll be too exhausted to realize how much money you’ve spent.

Even playing a slot machine at an online casino with the autospin function can lead to big losses. Online casinos often offer this feature on many slot machines; however, casinos recommend keeping a close eye on your gameplay to avoid betting more than your budget allows.

You Might Win Big

There’s still a chance you might win big. Players have won large amounts of money playing slot machines for far less time than 24 hours straight.

Yet, the reason these gamblers were able to cash out their winnings was that they knew when to stop playing. Again, experts suggest gamblers stop playing after a big win. This means that playing a slot machine for 24 hours straight (regardless of whether you win or lose) isn’t a good strategy.

You Could Have a Gambling Addiction

Playing any casino game for 24 straight hours is a sign of a gambling addiction. If you’ve played a slot machine (or any casino game) for longer than you intended or exceeded your budget, there are resources available to help.

You can self-exclude at sweepstakes casinos (or at the very least request your account be deactivated). In some states, you can directly self-exclude at real-money online casinos; in other states, you may need to self-exclude through the state gambling control board.

You can also call 1-800-GAMBLER for resources about problem gambling.