Slot gaming is one of the first things most people turn to when they first start playing at the online casino. As this post shows, there are plenty of options for the slots player who wants to make the most of bonuses and new player extras – but what we all want to know is if there is a strategy for winning on slot machines.
The short answer is no – there isn’t. Of course, many ‘professional’ slot gamers want to sell you courses, programs, books, and apps that contain the secret to their success. Modern slot games, both online and in physical casinos, are designed to not only be tamper-proof, but also to be random games.
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The Science of Slot Games
Without going too deep into coding, the gameplay of slot machines is governed by Random Number Generation (RNG). This is an algorithm that starts with a seed (usually the time and date you press the button), and the numbers that come out at random dictate where the reels land. This RNG is different every time, and in regulated and licensed casinos it is assessed regularly to make sure it is fair.
Armed with this knowledge, you will be able to see through all these people who claim they have a winning strategy for slots – but that doesn’t mean you can’t boost your chances of a win.
How to Win at Slot Games
Choose the Right Place to Play
Online casinos want you to play their games – and that means as a new player you can take advantage of some rather good bonuses like deposit matching and free spins. Look for casinos that are licensed and regulated for the area you live in so that you know you are protected.
Make sure the online casino you choose has a good variety of slot games – choice is important, and it is even more satisfying for the player if there are different types of games available. The best online casinos offer a wide range of slot games, but also other casino games like poker, blackjack, and even bingo.
It’s always a good idea to read independent reviews. You want to look for things like good customer service, as well as ease of deposit and withdrawal. Ignore the complaints about losing money, however.
Choose the Right Slot Game
Slots tend to be similar in gameplay and in construction, so choosing one is more about what themes or designs attract you. However, slot games are not all the same – and there are some decisions to make.
- How much risk are you willing to take? Slots are usually described by their volatility. A high volatility slot will pay out less often but you have an opportunity for higher jackpots, whereas a lower volatility slot might not give you the big wins but will usually pay out more often. Are you a high risk, high reward type of person?
- Do you understand the symbols and what you need to find for a win? There can be special icons on the reels that might spark free spins, a bonus game, or even instant wins. Read the paytable so that you know what you’re looking for.
- Practice. Most slot games have a demo mode or an opportunity for you to try the games without risking your bankroll. This will give you a taste of what to expect.
The other thing to consider is the RTP rate. Displayed as a percentage, the Return to Player rate lets you know how much the game plays out (rather than how often). For example, a game that has an RTP rate of 94% will return 94 units out of every 100 deposited. If you want to win more, you need to choose a slot game that has a higher RTP rate.
Play to Your Bankroll
Spinning the reels is exciting – and that is why players choose slot games. However, you need to keep an eye on what you are spending because it can be easy to get carried away and spend more than you want to – even without considering the winning and losing aspect.
Set a budget for every playing session and make sure that you stick to it.
Whether you are winning or losing, stop when you reach your set limit. Don’t be tempted to chase your losses and gamble on one last spin, and don’t think that you are on a winning streak when you start matching some symbols.
Have Fun
No matter what you do, whether you think you have a strong strategy or not, the main thing to remember is that playing slot games is meant to be fun – so if you are having a good time and you are feeling entertained then you are already winning, whether or not the reels land right for you.