You're in the middle of a hot streak on an IGT slot like Cleopatra or DaVinci Diamonds when the screen freezes. It's frustrating, but there's a little-known feature that might help: the reset button. For players in the USA, understanding this tiny button can be the difference between saving your bonus round and having to call over a casino attendant. It's not a magic fix-all, but it's a crucial piece of slot machine knowledge that most players overlook. I'll break down exactly what it does, when you should (and definitely shouldn't) use it, and how it works on both the physical casino floor and at online casinos like BetMGM and Caesars Palace.
What That Little Button Actually Does
Contrary to some wild casino myths, the IGT slot machine reset button isn't a 'soft touch' to influence the RNG. It's a hardware reboot. Think of it like holding the power button on your frozen laptop. When pressed, it triggers a complete restart of the slot's operating system. The machine will go dark, you'll hear the internal fans spin down, and after 30-60 seconds, it'll boot back up to its attract screen. This process clears the machine's temporary memory (RAM) but does NOT affect the game's permanent programming or the random number generator. Your previous spin's outcome was determined the millisecond you hit 'spin,' and the reset can't change a payout that's already been decided.
When a Reset Can Actually Help (And When It Won't)
Use the reset only for specific technical glitches. If the touchscreen becomes unresponsive, the credit meter displays an error, or the game freezes between spins, a reset might clear the hiccup. However, if the machine displays a clear error code like 'Call Attendant' or 'Jackpot,' or if you've just won a handpay, do NOT touch it. In those cases, the machine has already logged the event in its secure memory, and a reset could complicate the payout process. For issues like a game saying 'Bonus Awarded' but not loading, it's always safer to get a floorperson first—they can verify your win on their system before any reboot.
Resetting in Online vs. Land-Based Casinos
The experience is totally different online. At USA online casinos like DraftKings Casino or FanDuel Casino, there's no physical button. If your IGT digital slot (like the online version of Wheel of Fortune) freezes, your options are to refresh the browser, close and reopen the app, or clear your cache. The game server maintains your session and credit balance. Your 'reset' is instant, but the principle is similar: you're re-establishing a connection to the game software, not altering the game outcome. Back on the casino floor, the reset button is usually a small, recessed pinhole button located on the main cabinet door or behind a service panel. You'll need a car key or paperclip to press it. Casinos don't love players doing this themselves, as it can sometimes create more work for the tech team if done incorrectly.
What Happens to Your Credits and Bonuses?
This is the million-dollar question. On modern IGT slots with ticket-in/ticket-out (TITO) systems, your credits are stored on the ticket itself or in the machine's secure, non-volatile memory. A proper reset shouldn't wipe your credits if the machine was functioning correctly before the freeze. The machine will typically return to the 'insert ticket' or 'insert money' screen. Your ticket is still valid. However, if you were in the middle of a multi-level bonus feature, that progress is usually lost unless the game had already committed the award. That's why, for complex bonuses, it's critical to get an attendant to document the issue. They can often verify the win on their handheld device and manually credit you if the reset corrupts the bonus round.
The Attendant's Role and Casino Protocol
Casino attendants are trained to handle resets. When you flag a problem, they'll first check their handheld unit for the machine's status. They might perform a 'soft reset' through their system before ever touching the physical button. If they do use the reset button, they'll stand by to ensure the machine reboots correctly and that your ticket is validated. In disputes, the casino's surveillance system is the final arbitrator. The cameras record every screen, and the slot system's audit log tracks every transaction. So while the reset button is a handy tool, it's not a substitute for involving staff when real money is on the line.
FAQ
If I hit the reset button right after I spin, can I change the outcome?
Absolutely not. The result of a spin is determined by the Random Number Generator (RNG) at the precise moment you initiate the spin. That result is immediately locked in the machine's secure memory. Hitting reset while the reels are spinning just interrupts the animation; the outcome is already decided and will be displayed when the machine reboots or will be logged for the attendant.
Will I get in trouble with the casino for pressing the reset button myself?
Most casinos prefer you don't, as an improper reset can sometimes cause additional errors. However, it's not illegal. If you do it for a minor freeze, it's usually fine. But if the machine has a major malfunction or a jackpot error, always get an attendant. They need to create a log for the tech team and surveillance. Repeatedly resetting a machine might draw attention from floor supervisors.
My IGT slot at Borgata Online froze during a free spins bonus. Is it like hitting reset if I close the app?
Yes, but it's safer online. When you reload the Borgata Online app or website, the game server will reconnect and typically place you right back where you left off in the bonus round, as your game state is saved on their servers. If it doesn't, their customer support can review your game history and restore any lost credits or bonuses, which is a much cleaner process than on a physical floor.
Where exactly is the reset button on a typical IGT slot machine?
It varies by model, but it's often a small, recessed button you need a pointed object to press. Common locations are on the lower front service door (near the coin tray area), on the side of the main cabinet behind a small removable panel, or near the power supply at the very bottom of the machine. It's usually labeled 'Reset' or 'Reboot' in tiny print.