While some forms of casino gambling have been figured out down to the most minute details, slots are not among them. They are simply too diverse and random for anyone to give you exact predictions. However, does that mean there is nothing you can do to improve your experience? Nothing could be further from the truth. While slots are indeed random and diverse, there are plenty of steps you can take to optimize your gameplay and enjoy a great session.
Research the Games
First and foremost, you need to know what you are getting into. Slots come in many shapes and sizes, so much so that you will not find two identical ones. As such, there are many factors you need to take into consideration when choosing a game. These can range from the specific features of a title to its statistical payout ratios in the long term. Below, we will explore several aspects you should keep in mind.
Check the Paytable
The paytable is arguably one of the most important features of a slot game. After all, you need to know what profit you stand to make by forming winning combinations.
There is a great deal of useful information you can gain simply by looking at the paytable. For example, you can see whether the payout ratios are worth your wager. As one would expect, some games are more worthwhile than others in terms of potential profit, and you need to be aware of that. Moreover, the paytable menu also lists all the important rules for the game.
This is where you find out how bonus rounds and free spins are triggered, as well as any other extra features the title offers. Reading the paytable should be your first order of business once you start a game; afterwards, you can decide how to proceed.
Go for more Paylines
When playing slots on the Internet, you want to go with as many paylines as your bankroll will allow. Playing with the maximum number of paylines gives you the best chances of scoring winning combinations, as you will have more leeway as to what patterns are considered winning. In the event that you cannot afford more paylines, we recommend that you lower the coin size and select the maximum number of lines. In effect, each additional payline allows you to place one more bet on the next spin.
Of course, forming more than one winning combination does not limit your winnings. You will receive the standard payout for each winning line, and for this reason we recommend that you do not go below the maximum if the situation allows for it.
Take into Account the Number of Symbols
In terms of gameplay, there is something that not all slots players take into account and that is the number of unique symbols that can appear on the reels. It goes without saying that the more symbols there are, the lower your odds of forming winning combinations become, due to the increased number of possible outcomes each symbol introduces. There is no perfect number of symbols, however, so you should play what you believe gives you the best odds of winning.
Look up the Casino Advantage and RTP Values
Before you even load up a game, you should check out its RTP and house edge values. The rule of thumb is the higher the RTP and the lower the house edge, the more worthwhile the game is.
These statistics are vital for the gambling industry, and they also serve as a measure of how fair a casino game is. Games with higher house edge percentages are less viable in the long run, and you should generally avoid them.
If you are not familiar with these concepts, then you would do well to check out our guides on the RTP and Casino Advantage in slots. Typically, you should gravitate towards slots with RTP values of 95% or over and house edge values of 5% or lower.
We also have an article on the best payout slots in the online gambling industry that will certainly intrigue you.
Maintain a Stable Bankroll
Another crucial aspect of casino gaming is being able to manage your bankroll in both winning and losing scenarios.
While not the most glamorous concept, bankroll management is vital if you wish to keep playing. This involves avoiding bets that are over your head and keeping a clear mind even when things look bad. It requires discipline and dedication to implement, and we recommend that you start immediately.
Bankroll management involves knowing how much to bet, when to change the size of your bet, and when to change the game entirely. Of course, there is much more nuance to it, and you should look into the subject in depth.
Know When to Quit
Bankroll management also ties in with an ability that not all gamblers have mastered, unfortunately. This is the ability to walk away from a game no matter how much you have lost. Many are under the impression that they can win back their losses, and not only is this dangerous, but it is also a sign of problem gambling.
In the event that you lose a significant chunk of your balance, keep a level head and walk away. The reality is that you have already lost that money, and it is probably not worth risking more just for the chance to win it back.
Do Not Fall For Gambling Myths
One of the greatest mistakes new players make is to fall for long-established myths in the gambling world. These can concern any aspect of the industry and offer useless and even harmful advice, especially to those who do not know better.
Gambling myths can be as simple as conspiracy theories claiming the games are rigged, or as harmful as advice on how to place bets incorrectly. In all cases, however, myths do not provide anything of value and are frowned upon by experienced players. You should avoid them at every opportunity and not believe anyone, no matter how passionately they promote them.
The most common gambling misconception is the ‘gambler’s fallacy’ – the idea that chances mature over time. More specifically, it claims that if something has not happened recently, it is bound to happen, or, if it has happened recently, it will not happen again soon. There is no merit to this or any similar tale, and you should rely on hard-proven facts if you wish to have a worthwhile time. If you are interested in learning more about gambling misconceptions, check out our article on the most common slots myths in the industry.
Watch a Video about Slot Myths
Try a Slot For Free
One of the best features of the online gambling industry is that you often have the opportunity to play slots free of cost before you commit real funds to the game. This is the best way to determine firsthand whether you like a game, and most, if not all, online casinos will allow you to do so. Playing slots in free mode also allows you to get a good grasp of the rules before using your actual funds. You can play in free mode for as long as you like.
Most games will give you a certain amount of free credits to experiment with, and if you run out, you can always reload the title to start again. Once again, there is no downside to loading games in free mode, and you should use it whenever you are considering trying a new title. Moreover, you can also play for free if you run out of real money or if you simply enjoy watching the reels spin.
Consider Taking Part in a Slots Tournament
If you want to increase your potential rewards from playing slots and normal gameplay is not cutting it for you, consider taking part in a slot tournament. Slot tournaments are run regularly at some online casinos. They are special events organized by the operator where the site’s user base comes together and tries to outdo one another in how much they can win from playing slots.
Slot tournaments are either free, with low rewards, or require a buy-in that gives you the chance to win a lot. Regardless of the entry cost, tournaments are organized in basically the same way. Once you are in, the tournament will start at a pre-set time. At that time, you will be granted a set amount of credits for the purposes of the tournament, and then you can start spinning the reels. The slot selected for the tournament is entirely up to the casino, and it can be any game the operator chooses. When the time runs out, the casino will determine which user scored the most credits, and that player will receive the prize. Overall, slot tournaments are easy to grasp and fun to join. Casinos that offer them usually do so on a weekly basis, and you can easily set aside half an hour to participate.
Watch Out for Special Slots Promotions
Another thing to look for is when your online casino of choice runs slot promotions. These can come in several different packages. One of the most common ones is a gift of free spins on a given title. The number of free spins depends entirely on the promotion, though, as a general rule, Welcome Bonuses that include free spins are the most generous. Free spins are not exactly free. There are rules you have to follow to make the most of them. For example, winnings from these spins usually come with a wagering requirement, meaning you must place a certain amount in bets before you can cash out those winnings.
Alternatively, some gambling websites run promotions that offer bonus funds by matching a deposit by a certain percentage. Some of these bonuses are specifically tailored to slots, and the bonus funds can only be used on such games. These offers are perfect if you are a fan of the genre, and we recommend that you take advantage of them whenever you have the opportunity. Much like free spins promotions, deposit bonuses also come with rules and conditions, so make sure to read them carefully before proceeding.
Consider Implementing a Betting Strategy
Betting strategies are mostly hit or miss with the general gambling community, but they certainly have their uses. Granted, they are better suited to games that pay even money, such as roulette or blackjack, but you can implement one in your gameplay if you think it will give you an edge.
If you do so, we advise using a positive progression system, where you increase the size of the bet every time you score a win. Again, we have to stress that betting systems are not designed for slots, so use them carefully. Moreover, they require discipline and a cool head to pull off properly, so try to minimize the chance of impulsive betting.
Stay Away From Any Third-Party Software
If you have been in the online gambling industry for long enough, then you may come across offers for programs that promise to make your gambling sessions more profitable. This software is advertised to give you an advantage and earn you more money, with only a small fee to pay to get you started.
Not only is this deceptive, but it is also potentially dangerous. This type of software does nothing to improve your chances of winning, and any ‘advanced strategies’ are nothing but a blatant lie. The ramifications of using such programs could be huge. To begin with, they are expressly forbidden by all online casinos everywhere. Using them will likely result in you getting banned from your gambling website.
Moreover, their function can be summed up as the Auto-Play feature, which all slots offer anyway. This software will not make you a better gambler or provide you with a larger bankroll. At best, it is a scam to cheat you out of your hard-earned money, and at worst, it is malware designed to steal your personal information. It goes without saying that you should avoid such offers like the plague.
Remind Yourself That Gambling Is Always Risky
When playing any gambling game, slots included, you always need to keep in mind that the activity is inherently risky. You always stand to lose money no matter how careful you are or what precautions you take. Though seemingly obvious, it is something often ignored by a substantial percentage of the gambling community. Casino gaming is supposed to be a pastime, for you to relax and enjoy your favorite games. It should never be a means to earn money, and that is one of the most important tips you can take away from this article.
Do Not Hesitate to Check Out Other Gambling Websites
The online gambling industry is reaching ever greater heights, and this growth is projected to continue for years to come. What this means is that as the online gambling scene grows, so does the pool of slots that you can find on the Internet. However, it is not realistically feasible for a single online casino to offer all available titles. Due to this, we recommend that you always be on the lookout for other gambling websites. There are simply too many options at your disposal for you to limit yourself to one particular casino.
If a given gambling website does not fully satisfy your gaming needs, there are hundreds more out there that would gladly accept you. There is no penalty for playing at other casinos, and you can even do so simultaneously if you please.
Feel free to take a look at our review section, where we have more than two dozen online casinos ready for you to explore.