AP Glossary
WhatIsTrigger?
The specific condition that activates a bonus feature or progressive payout. In AP context, the trigger point is the threshold where playing the machine becomes mathematically profitable.
Why It Matters
Why this matters for advantage play
Triggers come in two flavors: the in-game event that fires the bonus and the player-side trigger point that justifies sitting down. Both matter. Confuse them and you'll either walk past +EV or sit at games that haven't earned a play yet.
Cross-Reference
Related terms
Threshold
The specific meter value or counter level at which a machine transitions from -EV to +EV. Run the Slots calculates trigger thresholds for every supported machine based on base game return, meter rates, and bonus values.
Ceiling
The maximum value a must-hit-by progressive can reach before it is guaranteed to pay out. The closer a progressive gets to its ceiling, the higher the expected value of playing that machine.
MHB (Must-Hit-By)
A progressive jackpot guaranteed to trigger before reaching a specified ceiling value. MHB progressives are the most mathematically analyzable form of advantage play because the ceiling creates a known upper bound for expected cost calculations.
EV (Expected Value)
The mathematical average outcome of a bet calculated over infinite repetitions. Positive EV (+EV) means the play is profitable long-term; negative EV (-EV) means the house has the edge. AP players only take +EV plays.
Frequently Asked
Common questions about trigger
On MHB games, yes — triggers are random within the floor-to-ceiling band. On counter games, the trigger is deterministic at a specific counter value.
On most slots, no — trigger probability per spin is fixed. On some progressives, betting max is required to qualify for the top jackpot, which is a different question.
Trigger is the game event (bonus fires). Threshold is the meter or counter value at which the play becomes +EV from your perspective. They're related but not identical.
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