For decades, slots have been the most popular casino games, and it is hardly surprising that today, you can find thousands of slot games that are not only visually appealing but also quite lucrative. Many online casinos offer high average returns, which attract more players and give them better value for their money. Still, slots are games of chance, and there are no strategies or betting systems that will guarantee winnings, regardless of the appealing claims in numerous gambling-related books and guides released each day.
There are, however, rules that players should follow, as well as certain strategies that may help them minimize their losses. Most experienced slot players know that beating the house is impossible while spinning the reels, so playing slots should be seen purely as entertainment. Certainly, with Lady Luck on your side, you can collect some winnings while having fun. However, no system can improve your chances of winning, so instead of falling for myths and misconceptions about slots, casino players should take the time to properly research these games before they start betting. As with all forms of gambling, a good understanding of the games and proper money management are essential, as is employing simple strategies that may make your bankroll last longer.
Return to Player
Before investing real money in a slot game, or in any virtual casino game for that matter, players need to know which games are good bets and which are best avoided. Understanding the RTP or Return to Player percentage may mean the difference between an entertaining casino experience and losing all your money. This is a term used by casinos, and it refers to the average return players can expect to receive from a particular game in the form of winnings. It is represented as a percentage of the total amount wagered.
For instance, If you wager $100 on a slot with an RTP of 95%, you can expect that, in the long run, the game will return about $95 of that amount. Online slots usually offer returns of about 95% on average, although some pay back only 87%, while others offer up to 97%. Therefore, when choosing a game or a casino, gamblers should look for higher RTP percentages. Over time, a higher RTP can help reduce losses and potentially generate decent winnings. However, the majority of online gambling operators do not disclose this information.
Return to Player Additional TipsAnother key point when discussing RTP is the phrase “in the long term.” It does not refer to ten or twenty plays, nor even to several hundred spins. In fact, it refers to an indefinite number of plays, often tens of thousands or more. This means players cannot expect to start a session with $100 and finish with $95. In reality, they are still likely to lose over the long run, but because the game has relatively good odds, it may pay higher winnings in the short run. Alternatively, playing it may provide you with small but regular wins.
The other term commonly used as a percentage is the house edge, which simply means the average profits made by the casino from a game. A slot with an expected return of 95% has a house advantage, or edge, of 5%; $5 out of the total $100 bet will remain with the gambling operator. When the house edge and RTP percentages are public, as is the case with many NetEnt games, players are able to choose slots with more favorable odds. However, these percentages are averages calculated over a huge number of plays and for all players who wager on that game. This is why RTP alone cannot determine whether a slot is worth playing; other factors must also be considered.
Random Number Generator
One of the most important aspects of slot games, and one that many regular punters still misunderstand, is how these games work. In order to make the right decisions regarding your bets or choice of games, you need to know how winning combinations are determined and how payout systems are formed. Unlike the mechanical slot machines that once appeared on casino floors around the world, modern slots have no moving reels, large levers, or payout cycles; instead, they are powered by Random Number Generators.
The Random Number Generator (RNG) is a sophisticated piece of technology that generates long sequences of numbers. Technically, these numbers are not truly random, but for practical purposes they provide sufficient randomness. Each symbol in a slot game is matched with a number, so when the RNG picks a number, the symbol associated with it lands on the reels. The RNG also determines on which position the symbol will fall.
Watch How Random Number Generator Work in Slots
Random Number Generator Additional TipsIn practice, this means that the outcome of each round or spin is completely random and cannot be predicted. Moreover, every round is an independent event and has no bearing on either the following spin or the one that preceded it. In other words, a player can hit the jackpot twice in a row or never hit it, even after playing for several months.
Still, not all symbols are equally likely to appear on the reels, and as a result some winning combinations are much rarer than others. This is also determined by the RNG and, more importantly, the slot’s PAR sheet, which contains all essential information for that particular game. PAR stands for Probability Accounting Reports, and this document describes the entire configuration of the game, including how many symbols are on each reel, the probabilities of winning combinations, how much of the wagers the game keeps as profit, and so on. While these are complex mathematical calculations that are almost never publicized, they set the specifications of each game.
Another interesting fact about the RNG, unknown to many slot players, is that it constantly generates numbers even when the game is not being played. More importantly, the outcome of a spin is determined the moment the player places a bet for the new round. This means that by the time you press the Spin button, the RNG has already decided whether you will win or lose.
Cold and Hot Slots
Two of the most popular phrases in land-based casinos and even in casino guides are “hot” and “cold” slots. A cold slot is one that has not paid out any substantial winnings for some time, whereas a hot slot is the opposite. The idea is to find a game that is either hot or about to become hot so you can win more. At the same time, cold slots should be avoided because they will only eat up your money.
The perception of slots going hot or cold comes from old mechanical fruit machines, which truly had winning cycles that experienced, observant players could notice and exploit. There are no patterns and no winning or losing cycles in modern slots, however. The reason for this is the Random Number Generator, which we have already discussed. After it was introduced and became a standard, slot games, both online and in brick-and-mortar casinos, became games of pure chance.
Cold and Hot Slots Additional TipsToday, players simply cannot predict whether a game will go hot or cold, as spins do not depend on previous outcomes. In fact, you can lose 10 consecutive spins or win two jackpots in a row. Losing and winning streaks are purely based on luck. Many experienced players recommend quitting a particular slot after it has landed a certain number of losing combinations and finding a new one. Such consecutive losing spins are called “naked pulls,” and some players say you should quit a game after 9 naked pulls; others claim the “magic” number is 11 or 13. The logic behind this idea may sound convincing, but it is totally wrong. There are no magic numbers, and slot games are neither hot nor cold.
However, some games are more generous than others, as they are programmed with slightly higher RTP percentages. Such slots are referred to as “loose” slots, while games that seem to pay out less often are considered “tight.” Nowadays, the terms hot and cold slots are associated with how popular a game is. There are even online casinos that advertise hot slots; these are more likely new or popular games, not slots that pay out more or have guaranteed wins.
Adjusting Bet Size
There are many betting systems recommended by different experts and experienced players. However, there is no evidence that any of them will help you win at slots and beat the casino. None of these systems is, in fact, effective in increasing your winning chances. What you can adopt as an effective strategy is to adjust your bet size in accordance with your experience, your bankroll, and of course, with the type of game you are playing.
For instance, many players recommend starting your session with the lowest bets accepted by the game and doubling the bet size once you start winning. Some claim the best strategy is to gradually increase the number and denomination of the coins you play with, while others recommend that you should bet the maximum if you start winning. While there might be some logic behind these strategies, employing them independently of factors such as the type of game or its average RTP is unproductive. If you hit 4 or 5 consecutive wins on a game with a low theoretical return, you cannot expect the next combination to be another win. So, if you bet the maximum amount, you can lose a larger amount of money.
Adjusting Bet Size Additional TipsA better approach is to adjust the bet size according to the type of game you are playing and your own knowledge and experience. It is highly advisable that you start with minimum bets if you are a novice or you are trying a new game. However, you should look at the paytable of the game where all winning combinations are explained. If you are playing a slot with a progressive jackpot, for instance, check the minimum bets that will qualify for the jackpot. Typically, these games have a lower RTP percentage and will, on average, pay out less in smaller winnings. Simply avoid progressives unless you are really going for the big jackpot, in which case you will need to play with maximum coins.
Another strategy used by many players is gradually adjusting the bet size during a winning streak so that the wins can cover any potential losses. For example, if you started your betting session playing with two coins of $0.10 and you seem to be on a lucky streak, you should increase the number of coins you play with instead of choosing a higher denomination. Also, it is always better to bet on as many paylines as possible, as this is how you will have more chances to hit a winning combination. So, a proper strategy when starting to play slots is choosing a lower value coin ($0.01 to $0.10) and playing with one or two coins per line.
Note that the amount you bet per spin will always depend on how many lines you activate. If you play with 5 coins of $0.10 on a 25-line slot, you will, in fact, bet $12.50 per spin. And if you have already won $30 on that slot, for instance, losing $12.50 would be acceptable. The perception of “acceptable loss” will be different for every single player, but in general, you should try to keep your losses to a minimum. According to most players, your losses on any given game should never amount to half of your initial bankroll or more. All this, however, will be part of your money management strategy and will depend on your budget.
Bonuses and Free Spins Advantages
Online casinos offer their customers various bonuses, but many players either overrate or underestimate them. It is essential to understand that with deposit bonuses and free spins, most gambling operators are targeting slot players. Almost all casino promotions share this characteristic; they are specifically designed to maximize the gambling experience of slot fans. Those who prefer blackjack or roulette games, on the other hand, do not receive this kind of advantage.
Most bonuses, either welcome or regular, come with specific wagering requirements that can be fulfilled by betting on slot games. Players are usually required to wager the amount of the bonus they receive a specific number of times (from 10 to 50, depending on the casino). Typically, bets on slots contribute 100% toward this requirement, while games such as roulette or video poker contribute only 50%. For instance, if you receive a $20 bonus with a 25-times wagering requirement, you must place bets totaling $500 or more before you can request a withdrawal. If you bet $500 on roulette, only $250 will contribute to the wagering, and you will need to bet another $500 if you want to meet the casino’s requirements.
Bonuses and Free Spins Advantages TipsAnother bonus that gives slot players an advantage is the free spins bonus offered by many online casinos. Free spins are often given as a no-deposit bonus where the player simply needs to register a real-money account in order to receive 10 or 20 spins on a particular slot. Welcome packages for new players may also include free spins alongside match bonuses on the first deposit. They are often distributed over several days, and the only requirement is to make a deposit into the casino and log into your account daily to claim your free spins.
Free spins also have wagering requirements attached to them, but it is the winnings generated that must be wagered 20 or 30 times. Of course, if you do not manage to win anything from the free spins, you will not be required to bet any further money. So, you are not actually losing anything. Some casinos, on the other hand, offer wager-free spins where you get to keep all of your winnings. Usually, you will be given only 10 or 20 spins on a particular game, and there will be a cash-out limit attached to the promotion. Typically, you are allowed to cash out no more than $100 from free spins.
Despite the different requirements and limitations bonuses always come with, they can be a great advantage for slot players because they provide more chances to win. Still, it is recommended to read the terms and conditions of the bonus before claiming it, or you may end up spending hundreds of your own dollars to meet the wagering requirements determined by the casino you play at.
Choosing Games with Many Bonus Features
Another good strategy you can employ is choosing slot games with bonus features. Unlike most casino games, slots often come packed with plenty of extra features such as free spins, multipliers, bonus rounds, and special symbols. Free spins are exactly what they sound like: free rounds that may be triggered in many different ways, such as by hitting three scatter symbols. Some slot games even allow for free spins to be re-triggered, which means that you may win a new set of spins during a free spin. Often, winnings during such free play are doubled or tripled. Multipliers also appear in bonus rounds or when you hit a specific combination of symbols.
Traditional-style slots, known as classic slots, usually have several different symbols such as fruits, liberty bells, lucky sevens, and so on. They also have 3 reels and a single pay line. More advanced slots, on the other hand, have 5 reels (sometimes even 6 or 7) and multiple pay lines, which significantly increase the chances of winning. Another exciting feature is the presence of special symbols such as Wilds and Scatters. Wild symbols make forming winning combinations much easier, as they act like wild cards and substitute for any other symbol on the reels. They need to be lined up, whereas scatter symbols can earn you free spins or bonus rounds regardless of where they appear on the reels.
Games with Many Bonus Features TipsMany modern video slots also feature bonus rounds, essentially games within the game. These often come in the form of card guessing, Wheel of Fortune, or Pick Me-style rounds where you pick a box with a prize. Some game developers add more interactive bonus rounds such as a shooting practice or other arcade-style games which have several levels and may activate the big jackpot.
Choosing games with more bonus features is always a good strategy, even if you are a novice player. Before betting real money, however, you should take a look at the paytable and the rules of the game you wish to play. Many online casinos also offer games in practice mode, where you bet demo credits and cannot lose any real funds. At the same time, you will test the game and see whether the bonus features are good enough.
Pay Lines and Two-Way Payout Games
Pay lines are one of the basic features of slots and one of the first aspects every player should consider before starting to play any given slot game. Pay lines are those lines where matching symbols fall in order to form a winning combination. Older slot machines used to have a single pay line which ran right across the middle of the reels, and players had to hit three cherries, for instance, in order to win. Modern slots have not just 5 or sometimes more virtual reels, but they also feature multiple lines in a variety of shapes, including straight, V or upside-down V shapes, zigzags, and many others.
Most of the popular video slots you will find at online casinos come with 10, 25, or even 50 pay lines, but there are also games with 100 lines. The number of lines essentially equals the number of chances the player has to hit a winning combination. Thus, you should look for games with higher average returns and more bonus features, but also for games that offer more chances to land three or more matching symbols.
Pay Lines and Two-Way Payout Games TipsTraditionally, combinations pay out when they run left to right. However, in recent years some developers have introduced the so-called two-way or two-sided payout system in slot games where winning combinations appear in both directions. These slots are also known as “pay both ways” or “win both ways” slots and are being developed by some of the largest gaming studios, such as Microgaming. An increasing number of games include this feature, which is quite popular among players. Obviously, the chances to score a winning combo are increased, while the gameplay remains almost the same and there is nothing complex about playing such games.
However, the odds in pay-both-ways slots are adjusted to compensate for the higher chances of winning. In many of these games, the winnings are smaller, or it is generally harder to form matching combinations. Once again, reviewing the paytable of the game is recommended. A similar feature in some slots is the “all ways” payout system. It allows you to win when getting any right-to-left combination of matching symbols. The idea of traditional pay lines in these games is removed completely, and they are becoming very popular among players looking for something different.
Slots Myths
There are many myths surrounding casinos, and slots in particular. Although these myths have been debunked many times, many players still believe them. Some people visit casinos only on a specific day of the week or on their “lucky” date of the month. Others would rub their fingers against a coin, believing they have a greater chance of winning. There are also plenty of misconceptions related to online slots, and although they are strange to the point of being ridiculous, some players still regard them as true.
Cold and Hot Slots
The perception of slots having hot and cold streaks is widespread in both land-based and online casinos. In some gambling sites, you may even see slots described as “Hot.” All virtual or automated casino games, however, whether they are slots, roulette, blackjack, or video poker games, are programmed in such a way that they are truly random. The RNG technology guarantees the games are fair and that for each individual spin, the chances of winning are exactly the same. This means that there are no hot or cold slots, but rather the player who is experiencing a winning or losing streak.
Slot Payouts Are Based on Predictable Cycles
Several other myths are related to the idea of a slot being cold or hot. For instance, one of the most popular ones is that after paying out a huge jackpot, the game will not pay out a large win. The reason for this belief is the idea that slots are programmed in cycles. RNG-powered games do not have such cycles, and the outcome cannot be predicted. Older slot machines, on the other hand, were really based on cycles, and after a big win, players had to shift to another game.
Online Casinos Manipulate Slots to Make Sure the House Always Wins
This is one of the strangest myths surrounding online and brick-and-mortar casinos. In fact, the house always wins; this is one of the golden rules of gambling every player should understand before playing for real money. Casinos do not need to “fix” or manipulate games because they already have the advantage. This is valid for all games and all casinos, and the odds are always against you.
There are a few small exceptions, however. Players who have the knowledge and employ the right strategy can increase their chances of winning particular games such as poker, blackjack, or video poker. Essentially, all games that involve skill will allow you to change the odds and turn them in your favor. But when it comes to slots, the odds are quite clear and they are definitely against you. No casino with the proper licenses and certificates would even think of manipulating the games, so as long as you are playing at a good, reliable online (or land-based) casino, you should not worry about slots being rigged.
You Are Less Likely to Win at Slots if You Play with Bonus Funds
Many casinos attract new players and reward regular ones with different bonuses, but many customers hesitate to use such bonuses. Some believe that the likelihood of winning declines when you play with any bonus or free money. This is simply not true. In fact, the odds of winning are the same whether you are playing with your own money or with the bonus funds you receive. The same applies to any free spins you may play with. The RNG simply cannot distinguish real money from bonus money or free spins.
Using the Autoplay Feature Decreases Your Chances of Winning
This is another widespread myth surrounding playing slots in online casinos. It is not based on any actual facts or reasonable logic. On the contrary, it shows how confusing online casinos still are for some players. The truth is that the Autoplay feature found in most slot games has nothing to do with the odds. For evidence or explanation, review the RNG section again.
Money Management
One of the most effective slots strategies, if not the most effective, is properly managing your finances when playing online. Before you start playing, you need to determine how much you are willing to lose. If losing is unacceptable, you should not start gambling in the first place. Remember that slots are mostly for entertainment, and if you are planning to generate regular income, you should find a new hobby. However, you should know exactly how much you can lose. Most experienced slot players recommend ending your session after losing 50% of the initial amount you started with.
You may find many other tips in slots and gambling guides, but if you are a new player, you should try playing only familiar games and betting small sums. Those with many years of experience under their belts know never (or almost never) to gamble all of their winnings. This is a good strategy everyone could stick to. If you win $50, set aside $25 and do not use it for betting. This is how you guarantee you will never lose all of your funds. Another golden rule of gambling is to never chase losses, or in other words, stop playing if you lose a larger amount of money. Even with the highest payback game, there is no guaranteed win, and sadly, the next spin is highly unlikely to hit the jackpot and return your losses.
Money Management Additional TipsMany players tend to quit while they are still winning, but this principle is not always the most reasonable one. In fact, it is a good idea to keep playing while you are on a winning streak. If you won 10 times in a row, a single losing spin after that can be considered an acceptable loss. You can easily create win and loss limits. Never allow losses to exceed 50% or 60% of your bankroll, and consider stopping a particular game if your winnings reach about 60% of that same amount. If you keep playing that slot, you are very likely to start losing, as all slots have a certain house edge. Eventually, you will lose even though you may be winning in the short term. You can also decide to quit when you increase your bankroll by 25%. The important thing is to know when to cash out. You can lose a spin or two, or even five spins, but never play until your bankroll is depleted. This will certainly lead to losing. These are only some of the money management tips you should try to follow when playing online slots, whether you are a novice player or you consider yourself an experienced gambler.