How to Play Casino Slot Machines: Comprehensive Guide [2022]
People love to play slot machines in 2022, according to those who run both live and online casinos.
Slot machines are the most popular casino game in some countries, including the United States. Slot machines are outpacing table games in popularity in the rest of the world.
This naturally leads to the big question for players: “How do you win at slot machines?” It also raises the question, “Are there any systems for beating slot machines?” as well as “How have others beaten the machines?”
It’s all down to chance. No strategies like blackjack or video poker can reduce the house’s mathematical edge. The odds on slot machines remain constant. There is nothing you can do legally to change the outcome, though scammers have occasionally succeeded until they are caught, arrested, and imprisoned.
However, there are methods for getting the most out of the games. Whether you’re a seasoned slot machine player or a total newcomer, there’s always something new to discover when it comes to playing online. We wrote this article to introduce you to the slots world, so keep reading!
SLOT TIP 1: IF YOU PLAY PROGRESSIVE SLOTS, BE SURE TO PLAY ENOUGH TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE JACKPOTS
A percentage of each wager on progressive slot machines is added to the jackpot.
Three-reel slot machines typically have a single progressive jackpot on the top payoff, and to be eligible, you must bet the maximum number of coins.
You can’t win the progressive on a three-coin dollar slot machine if you only bet one or two coins. Instead, landing the top jackpot combination on the pay line results in a fixed-amount payoff.
Progressive jackpots on video slots are typically multi-tiered. As a result, there have been anywhere from two to twelve progressive levels available.
A four-tier progressive with levels labeled mini, minor, major, and grand, or bronze, silver, gold, and platinum, is typical.
Regardless of bet size, all players are eligible for the jackpots in some video slots. You must place a separate bet on others to be eligible for the jackpot.
The progressive jackpots are the main events, and aside from those jackpots, the games usually pay less than other games.
Don’t accept a lower-paying game. Make sure you place the required bets to be eligible for the jackpots. Choose a non-progressive game if you can’t afford those bets.
SLOT TIP 2: SELECT GAMES THAT MEET YOUR OBJECTIVES AND PLAYING PERSONALITY
Are you looking for games that offer the most jackpot opportunities, games that allow you to play for longer periods with frequent small wins, or something in between?
Lines can become blurred as game designers experiment with various formats, but there are a few general guidelines to follow.
Three-reel games emphasize their top jackpots more but have a lower hit frequency and more losing spins. They give you the best chance of winning big, but also the best chance of losing quickly.
In video slots with pick ’em bonuses, you touch the screen to pick gift boxes, restaurant dishes, alien creatures, or other game icons to reveal your bonuses.
Pick ’em bonuses on video slots typically have high hit frequencies with many small wins, giving you more time to play but a lower chance of winning a large jackpot.
In terms of volatility and the chance of a big win, video slots with free spins as their main bonus events usually fall somewhere between three-reel games and pick ’em games.
You make no additional bets during free spins and can win anything up to the top jackpot. However, it is also possible to lose all of your free spins.
The possibility of a zero-bonus offsets the possibility of larger wins than seen in pick ’em bonuses.
It’s up to you to determine where you can get the most bang for your buck: jackpot chances, pick ’em bonuses with player participation, or the hit-or-miss nature of free spins.
SLOT TIP 3: ALWAYS PLAY WITHIN YOUR BUDGET AND STOP PLAYING IF YOU REACH A LIMIT
Most slot machine sessions will result in a loss, and there is nothing you can do to change that.
Sometimes you’ll win at slots, and sometimes you’ll win big. Take advantage of the opportunities that come your way.
However, never bet money you can’t afford to lose, and ensure you’re playing appropriate games for your bankroll.
As a general rule, your gambling bankroll should cover 250 bets in order to have a 90% chance of lasting three hours.
SLOT TIP 4: BEGIN SMALL TO WIN BIG, OR “PRIME THE PUMP”
Bettors who prime the pump anticipate that the wins will not come quickly. They begin with small bets and work their way up, hoping to be betting big when the wins come.
Actually, you’re just as likely to win early as you are later, and starting small will cause you to miss out on some winners. The payback percentage will be the same as it would be if you bet the same amount on each spin.
Chuck Flick, a slot player who tested numerous systems, attempted to prime the pump by increasing his bets in a consistent pattern. He had four losing sessions and one winning session in five trials, which is a normal outcome even if you don’t start small.
SLOT TIP 5: MAKE THE MOST OF BONUSES AND PROMOTIONS
Many online casinos provide bonuses simply for signing up to play. There may be restrictions, but you may occasionally see a small bonus without depositing funds and larger bonuses if you do.
Before you can cash out, you must first use the bonus to play. A casino would be foolish to give you free money without requiring you to try the product.
However, you can use the bonus money to play games you already enjoy or try out new ones before spending your money.
Signing up for an account at most online casinos automatically enrolls you in a player rewards program. Once you’ve become an active player, keep an eye on your inbox for special offers like free spins or bonus credits.
Apply the same caution to online programs as physical player reward cards. Don’t bet more just to get more rewards or bet more than your normal bankroll. Instead, play at your usual level of comfort, but then reap the benefits.
Sign-up bonuses are available to online players, and they help boost your overall return. Unfortunately, not every casino provides the same bonuses, so search around for the best deals.
SLOT TIP 6: SEARCH FOR GAME DEMOS TO CHECK OUT HOW A GAME WORKS.
Imagine that you come across a new game for the first time. While the game is not in use, the theme appears appealing, and the big bonus shown on the “attract” screen appears enjoyable.
What are you going to do? In a live casino, you’ll almost certainly decide whether to try the game and risk your money and time. It’s rare for players who will pull out their phones to see what they can learn about the game.
However, whether they’re playing on their computer, phone, or tablet, online players have access to a wealth of information.
You will usually get numerous results if you type the game’s name and “slot machine” into your search engine. When you click “videos,” you’ll usually be able to see the game in action.
Some videos are manufacturer demos that show the reels, symbols, themes, and how various bonus rounds work. Some are videos created by players who used their phones to record game sessions.
The player videos can show you the game’s peaks and valleys, losing streaks, and lucrative bonuses.
Aside from video results, some sites specialize in reviewing new games. Some include the payback percentages that game designers hope to achieve. Returns on slot games are higher online than in live casinos, but keep in mind that it’s common for operators to offer a range of paybacks, so the percentages you see in reviews may not match what’s available in your area.
Regardless, there’s no rush when you play online in the privacy of your own home. Before you decide to play for real money, you can take your time and try a game demo.
Questions and Answers
What are online slots games?
Online slots are computerized versions of the traditional fruit machines found in all good casinos. With online versions of these games, there are additional features such as wild symbols and scatter symbols, as well as interactive bonus rounds and much more.
How do online slots work?
When a player lines up three or more winning symbols, he or she wins. Depending on the game, there will be a set number of pay lines (usually 25 or 50) and certain symbol combinations that will result in a payout. Higher valued symbols result in a higher return on your bet, whereas other symbols, such as scatters, may result in a monetary prize.
What are slot machine pay lines?
To receive a payout on an online slot machine, you must line up winning symbols on a pay line. Each slot machine has a different number of pay lines, which typically run from left to right across the screen. Payline information is usually found in the game’s menu.
How do I win at online slots?
It is impossible to significantly increase your chances of winning at online slots games. They are essentially a game of chance. However, by following our simple tips, you can increase your potential winning power. Everything from learning how to choose the best slot machines to understand wilds and scatters helps when it comes to winning online slot games.
Is it true that online slots are completely random?
All regulated online slot machines are, indeed, completely random. However, you can be assured of a completely fair and random chance of winning if you use sites that audit games for fairness and stick to vetted and approved online casinos.
What is the best way to tell if a slot machine is loose?
A loose slot machine has a higher RTP (return to player) rate than other similar casino games. Before you play, you should be able to check this on the machine; it will be displayed as a percentage figure. Regarding how to win jackpots on slot machines like this, look for high percentages and avoid multi-pay line machines.
How do slot machines operate?
The concept is the same whether you play online slots or in a Vegas casino. The reels spin and players hope to match the symbols and win. Every slot game outcome is completely random. Online, a random number generator (RNG) is used. Mechanisms in a casino can spin, or digital RNGs within the machine determine the outcome.
