Video Slot Strategy
Learning how to win at slot machines is an elusive goal pursued by slots fans around the globe. While the flashing lights and colorful video sequences are enough to whet their appetite, most slots devotees won’t be satisfied until they’ve hit a progressive jackpot or two. In this article, we’ll look at some winning slot machine tactics and tips, as well as exposing some truths about the game that most players prefer to ignore.
The Cold Hard Truth about Slots
Slots are almost entirely down to chance, meaning there is very little strategy involved, and every player has the same odds of winning. You simply spin the reels and hope to match symbols along. For slots, you want to find an online casino that runs the gamut of types of slot machines, from classic three-reel and fruit machines to the latest graphics and themes in video slots. Keep an eye out for all ways pays, spectacular in-game features like free games and hidden features, doubling wilds, a range of betting options, and much more.
There is no magic formula for beating the slots. There’s also a reason why slots comprise the majority of any casino’s revenue: they take in more money than they pay out. If some way to “beat” slots actually existed, don’t think for a minute that casino management wouldn’t find a way to overcome or eliminate it. At the very least, they would just start banning anyone who used such a method.
Video Slots Strategy
At best, playing slots is a fun yet totally uncontrollable experience. Thanks to the random number generator installed in all modern video slots, each spin has the same chance of winning (or losing) as every spin before it.
The best slots strategy is to admit that the game is a crapshoot. Once you’ve broken free of the superstitions that many players cling to, you’ll be able to enjoy the game with a more relaxed attitude.
Since Charles Fey invented the slot machine in the late 19th century, players have been trying to figure out how to gain an advantage over the house. Some have developed elaborate methods of cheating, others have resorted to flawed slot systems, and even more have utilized the slot machine tactics discussed in this article.
Please note that slot machine tactics will not magically allow you to determine where the symbols line up on any given spin; no expert or system can make that guarantee, and if they do they’re lying. However, there are numerous slot machine strategies that will allow you to maximize your fun and get the most out of your bankroll. While you might not win more, there’s a strong possibility that you’ll lose less. For most players, that’s an edge worth pursuing.
Chasing Payout Percentages
The payout percentage on a slot machine is the amount of money it will pay out over its lifetime. For example, a slot with a 95% payout percentage will pay back 95% of the 100% that’s deposited into it; the house will wind up with a 5% profit. These are long-term estimates, however, meaning that anything can happen in the short term.
Slots traditionally offer a payout percentage ranging from 82% to 98%, although the exact number can vary depending on state laws. If a player can find out the exact payout percentage of multiple slots, he can then choose to play the machine with the higher expected return. Unfortunately, there are two major stumbling blocks to this tactic. First, a machine with a higher payout percentage may not pay significantly more in the short term. Second, casinos tend to be secretive when it comes to releasing these figures. However, if you do find a slot with a 98% payout percentage, you’d be a fool not to try it
Tips for Beating Slot Machines
While there’s no way to guarantee a successful slots session, there are other ways to leave the casino a winner. Chief among them is maximizing the amount of fun you have, and this often goes hand-in-hand with making your bankroll last as long as possible. The following tips are designed to help you do just that.
Bankroll Management – It’s difficult to beat a slot machine if you’ve run out of money. That’s why learning how to manage your bankroll is the most important skill that any player can develop. First, calculate how much money you can afford to lose. You need to be honest with yourself during this phase, as you don’t want to spend funds that are needed elsewhere (such as credit card payments, rent, etc.).
Second, make sure that you only take this amount of money with you to the casino. If you’re playing online, only deposit an amount into your account that you can afford to part with.
Don’t Be Afraid of Switching – Some players will spend hours pumping coins into the same machine, even if they’re getting nothing in return. This is often because they’re afraid of walking away from a slot that’s about to get “hot.” Don’t fall into this trap. If you lose continuously at a specific game, don’t be shy about getting up and moving to another machine. Your luck might not improve, but at least you’ll get a change of scenery.
Know the Slots – If you’re going to play a slot machine, it’s important to be familiar with it. How many paylines does it offer? What is the maximum bet? Older machines will have the winning combinations printed on their front, while most video slots will provide you with the same information by pressing a button. You should never let ignorance about a game interfere with your enjoyment.
Find the Perfect Slot – One of the best ways to beat a slot is to find a game that suits your needs. Do you want to play for a long time without spending a lot of money? If so, then you may want to stick with penny slots. Do you want to risk more money for the chance to hit a major payday? If this is the case, then you’ll want to check out the progressive jackpots at the casino. Just remember that online casinos and brick-and-mortar establishments have slot machines that are perfect for every player (unless your definition of “perfect” is a machine that pays out with every spin).
Play Max Coins on Progressives – Some gamblers will tell you to always play the maximum number of coins, but this isn’t always necessary. Many of the lower-end slots will provide decent paydays even if you’re making smaller wagers. The major exception is with progressive slots, where you do have to make the maximum wager in order to be eligible for the top prize. If your bankroll can afford it, this is a chance to become a millionaire within a matter of seconds.
Facing the truth about the randomness of slot machines can be deflating at first, but it will set you free in the long term. By managing your bankroll, picking the right machine, and using a little common sense, you can win at slot machines even if you leave the casino with empty pockets.
First and foremost it is important to mention that there is NO unbeatable slots system. While there are thousands for sale on the Internet and many directories have a section for them they are all scams. There is no way to change the outcome of the spins or tell if a game is going to hit. Don't waste your money on slots systems.
There is one thing that you can control when playing slots, that being yourself. You can also make an informed choice of what to play.
Quick Winning Tips
- Bet at a level you can afford
- Never chase your losses
- Go for high level mid range payoffs
- Don't buy slot systems
- Play progressives with winnings
- Set win and loss limits
- Play for entertainment only
- Always play max bet when needed
- Read the pay table before playing
- Stick to your gambling budget
- Don't increase bet when losing
- Make use of casino comps
- Walk away a winner
Choosing Which Slot Machine to Play
Casinos often offer hundreds if not thousands of different video slots to play. Not all of them are equal. A good general rule is the bigger the jackpot the lower the chance of winning it. For this reason look for slots with good pay outs below the top prize. Mid level jackpots are hit more frequently and can give you more entertainment time for your gambling cash.
In land-based casinos the higher denomination machines, for instance the $1, $2, or $5 games will have higher payout percentages when compared to the penny or nickel slots. This is because the casinos need to hold much less of a dollar to make a profit compared to a penny.
The worst pay out percentages are found on progressive video slots. Unless you are lucky enough to hit the top jackpot you will find that these games are very hard to get ahead on. This is due to the fact that a percentage of every bet is added to the jackpot. This can make a 95% machine drop down to for instance a 90% machine or lower. If you do play progressive then we suggest only doing so with winnings from other games.
We highly recommend that before you sit down and play any slot machine in a casino that you take a quick walk around the slot banks and compare the games on offer. If you like free spins look for the game with the best free spin feature, if you like bonus screen games find the games with the best bonuses. This way you can be sure that you will get good entertainment value for your money.
Managing Your Money
Bearing in mind the FACT that you cannot alter what happens on the reels you can alter the way you play to increase your chances of winning or more importantly limit your losses. Money management is a key factor in keeping your gambling budget on track.
Before you make a trip to your local casino or to any casino for that matter decide on what your video slots budget per day will be. Then when you arrive you know how much you have to play with each day. You can even split this up further into several gambling sessions per day. Stick to this limit whether you are winning or losing and you should have a great time.
If you are winning you will go home a winner and if you are losing you will still get to play everyday of your trip. Too many gamblers lose the majority of their bankroll early in their gambling vacations or even worse go way over budget in the hopes of winning losses back.
Never under any circumstances try to win back previous losses. Each video slots playing session should be played with no thoughts on the previous session. This means that you will not go overboard if you are winning and you will not try to chase your losses.
Video Slot Machine Tips And Strategy
Comps and VIP Programs
One of the modern day slot players best friends is the comp or casino VIP programs. Be sure to join when you arrive at a casino to make the most of your play. Slot players get some of the best comps at casinos so it is in your best interest to collect them.
Most casinos offer a 'Slot Card' which you insert into the machine before playing. Comps vary from casino to casino but you can get things ranging from free hotel stays, suite upgrades, free food, tournament entries and more.