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 live plays or sit at games that haven't earned one yet.
Cross-Reference
Related terms
Threshold
The specific counter value at which a machine transitions from house-favored to player-favorable. Run the Slots calculates trigger thresholds for every supported machine based on base game return, counter rates, and bonus values.
Ceiling
The maximum value a must-hit-by progressive can reach before it is forced 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 forced 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 expected value means the play is profitable long-term; negative expected value means the house has the edge. AP players only take plays where the math is in their favor.
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 counter value at which the play tips in your favor. They're related but not identical.
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