Slots are games of chance since they are run by a random number generator. This means each spin is random and not correlated with the previous one. In reality, there is no way to beat a slot machine in the long run. Still, there are some strategies you can apply to boost your odds of winning. This guide will explore some practical tips that, while not foolproof, can help you minimise the house edge and lift your enjoyment!
Simple Slot Techniques for Beginners
There are no tools or techniques you can use to guarantee a win, but you can take these steps to get more favourable odds.
- Choose wisely: Pick your slot machine carefully. They vary in themes, features, and payout rates.
- Play for free: Try demo games before playing with real money to be sure you understand the game.
- Get the best odds with simple games: Simple slot machines often provide the best odds.
- Look for high RTP games: The higher a slot’s RTP rate, the more it will pay out to you, on average. It’s not guaranteed, but a slot with 95% RTP will usually be more generous than one with 85% RTP.
- Consider slot volatility: Low-volatility slots pay out smaller amounts more frequently, making them ideal if you want steady, smaller wins. High-volatility slots, on the other hand, payout less frequently but offer the chance for bigger wins.
- Select the right coin value: Playing with a higher coin value can lead to bigger rewards but also risks your balance dropping faster.
- Maximise paylines: If you’re on a budget, lower your bet per line rather than the number of paylines you play. This way, you keep your chances of hitting a winning combination high.
- Use casino bonuses: Many casinos provide bonus money, free spins, or other perks to loyal players. Always check the casino’s promotions and take advantage of any offers available.
How RTP Affects Your Winnings
The Return to Player (RTP) percentage represents the expected payoff of a slot machine over millions of spins. Slot games are typically categorised into low, medium, and high RTP ones, reflecting the different payout potentials.
The percentages vary, but the rule of thumb is that low-RTP slots have a value below 94%, while average RTP is considered from 94 to 96%. Anything above that is a high RTP value.
Some games have adjustable RTP rates, meaning casinos can set different payout levels for the same game. Additionally, your bet size and selected paylines can also impact the RTP, so always review the game details before playing to make more informed betting decisions.
It’s always recommended to prefer games with a higher RTP, as it increases the chances of winning in the long run.
Slots are also described with denomination. It refers to the value of a single credit on a slot machine. It shows how much one credit is worth.
| Slot Denomination | RTP (%) | Bankroll | Expected Return | Expected Loss |
| 0.01 | 89 | $100 | $89 | -$11 |
| 0.05 | 91 | $100 | $91 | -$9 |
| 0.25 | 96 | $100 | $96 | -$4 |
| 1 | 97 | $100 | $97 | -$3 |
| 5 | 98 | $100 | $98 | -$2 |
| 10 | 99.2 | $100 | $99.2 | -$0.80 |
How to Manage Your Bets Playing Slots
When you choose to play slots, managing your bankroll wisely is important. Use a bet size that allows you to play the game for as long as possible. Usually, you need to be able to cover at least 100 spins to have a solid chance of landing a bonus round.
You only need to select your bet size for some slots, while others require setting a coin value.
Note:For example, if you are playing a 10-payline game and the coin value is 0.05, you are playing 5 cents per payline. So, the total bet for the maximum 10 paylines is 0.50 per spin.
This table lets players visualise how different betting settings will affect their overall gameplay.
| Player’s Bankroll | Number of Paylines | Bet per Line | Total Bet per Spin | Number of Spins | Session Length (Minutes) | Bankroll Usage (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | 10 | $0.01 | $0.10 | 500 | 60 | 100% |
| $100 | 20 | $0.02 | $0.40 | 250 | 60 | 100% |
| $200 | 25 | $0.04 | $1 | 200 | 60 | 100% |
| $500 | 30 | $0.10 | $3 | 150 | 60 | 90% |
| $1,000 | 50 | $0.20 | $10 | 100 | 60 | 80% |
How to Make the Most of Every Bet
Each game offers unique advantages, so it’s important to understand and leverage them to make the most of every bet.
Typically, lower denomination slots have a smaller RTP value. These are mostly penny and nickel slots. On the other hand, the dollar and higher denomination slots come with a higher RTP rate, giving you greater odds of success. This allows you to play for the same amount of time on both, even though you’re betting much more on the dollar slots.
Warning! Note that the RTP value is determined over millions of spins, so it doesn’t have a significant impact on the gameplay in the short run. Slots are random, so it’s impossible to predict which one will pay and when.
Advanced Expert Tips
If you’re an experienced slots player looking to step up your game, consider trying the three most common betting strategies outlined below. These techniques can help you refine your skills and become more effective over time.
Levels Betting
It is also considered to be a progressive betting strategy, similar to the Martingale system. The idea here is to increase your bet after a certain number of losses, so you can recuperate your losses and make a profit.
Here’s how it works: You get 1% of your total bankroll (100%), which is $1 per spin, for the first 5 spins. If you lose, you come up to the next level bet of $5 (5% of your bankroll) for the next 5 spins and $10 per spin for the following 5 spins. Once you hit a victory combo and win back your losses or make a profit, you start again.
Fixed Percentage Betting
With this approach, you bet a fixed percentage of your balance. For instance, if you start with $200 and decide to bet 5%, that’s $10 per spin. After 10 spins, you’ve lost $100, but on the 11th, you win $200, bringing your total to $300. Your new bet is $15 as you adjust your wager based on your updated bankroll.
| Levels Betting | Fixed Percentage Betting |
|---|---|
| Easy to implement and understand | Can grow a bankroll much faster with successful streaks |
| Results are more stable and predictable over time | Stakes adjust to bankroll size |
| Possibly fewer unprofitable outcomes | Possibly higher average profits |
Levels staking is the better choice for beginners–it offers more stability, lower risk of large losses, and simplicity with no complex calculations.
Progressive Jackpot Strategy
The probability of hitting the jackpot is the best if you are playing on higher or the maximum bet. This means you will need a big initial bankroll to have a chance to hit the mega payout. So, if you decide to chase the grand prize, be prepared to sink much in the game.
Note:When it comes to progressive jackpots, there is no betting strategy.
Summary
Slots are games of chance, but they’re exciting to play and can potentially lead to substantial payouts if luck is on your side. By applying the tips and strategies from our guide, you might boost your chances of turning a profit at the casino. However, keep in mind that there’s no guaranteed way to succeed at slots, so always gamble responsibly and only with money you’re prepared to lose.
