by Jude Goodwin

If you’ve ever stood in a casino, it’s hard to miss the bright, musical, flashing slot machines that fill much of the space.  And maybe you’ve thought you’d like to play but it all seems so random (which it is) and confusing. I’m going to try to explain the basics of a slot machine, how to play, and I’ll share some tips along the way. 

Slot machines, whether at a street-level casino or at a new online casino,  are gambling devices that create a game of chance for players. Traditionally, they consisted of reels with symbols. The objective was to spin the reels using a mechanical lever and match symbols along a payline. Modern slot machines, of course, operate digitally with video screens instead of physical reels and there are often many paylines and many possible combinations of symbols that will win you coin. But the essence of the machine remains the same.

Understanding Slot Machine Mechanics

It’s good to start with an understanding of how a modern slot machine works.

Random Number Generators (RNGs):

This is probably the most important thing to understand about slot machines. They use RNGs to determine the outcome of each spin. The process is entirely random, with the software RNG continuously generating numbers even when the machine is not being played. This means that each spin is independent, and previous spins have no effect on future outcomes. (See myth #2)

Payout Percentages (RTP):

This is another important bit of information. Casinos set slot machines to return a certain percentage of the money wagered by players, typically between 90% and 96%. This is known as the payout or payback percentage or Return to Player (RTP). This RTP does not guarantee you’ll win at any individual session, but it does reflect the machine's payout over a prolonged period. You can find the RTP stated right on the machine.

Types of Slot Machines

OK now let’s look at the machines themselves.

Traditional Three-Reel Slots:

Basics: These machines are straightforward; you insert cash, which converts into credits. For example, inserting $20 into a $1 slot machine gives you 20 credits.

Play: You select your bet amount, usually starting at one credit, and press the spin button. Wins are determined by symbols aligning on the payline as outlined in the pay table.

Multi-Line Slots:

Features: These offer multiple paylines, which can increase your chances of winning. Each line represents a different pattern, and you can bet on multiple lines per spin.

Betting: Players can choose how many lines to bet on and how many credits to bet per line.

Penny Slots:

Cost-Effective Gaming: As the name suggests, penny slots allow bets as low as one penny per line. However, they often require a minimum bet, such as 50 credits, due to the number of lines.

Gameplay: These slots are ideal for extended play with a smaller bankroll, allowing players to enjoy the game without a significant investment.

Slot Machine Features

These are things you will find on most slot machines.

Pay Table:

Each slot machine has a pay table that shows the winning combinations of symbols and their corresponding payouts. Be sure to check this out before playing.

Bonus Features:

Modern slots include various bonus features like free spins, multipliers, or interactive bonus games. These features are triggered by specific combinations or symbols and can significantly increase the potential winnings.

Service and Cash-Out:

There are buttons on your slot machine marked Service and Cash-Out. You can call for help by pressing the Service button. And if you’re ready to Cash-out, press that button. Your winnings will not pour out into a hat, but will come out in the form of a ticket. This ticket can be redeemed for cash at designated machines or cashier stations in the casino.

OK, now that you have a basic understanding of how slot machines work, we have some tips, with a nod to Ruby Slots (she’s got a fantastic Youtube channel where she shares her slots experiences and play). 

Effective Slot Strategy Tips

Use Higher Denominations:

If it fits within your budget, playing higher denomination slots often results in better odds. These machines typically have higher payback percentages, meaning they return more to players over time compared to lower denomination slots.

Manage Your Bankroll:

Set a budget for each gambling session and stick to it to avoid significant losses. Consider dividing your total budget into smaller session bankrolls to extend your playtime and enjoyment.

Select Low Volatility Slots for Frequent Payouts:

Low volatility slots tend to pay out smaller amounts more frequently, which might be preferable if you enjoy longer play sessions and want to stretch your bankroll.

Tips for Choosing Slot Machines

Avoid High Volatility Slots Without a Sufficient Bankroll

High volatility slots, like progressive machines, offer bigger payouts but less frequent wins. These can deplete your bankroll quickly without a significant win. If you like the excitement of the win, it’s a good idea to choose Low Volatiilty Slots.

Look for Simple Machines for Better Odds

Classic reel slots, often considered low volatility, tend to offer better odds compared to highly thematic video slots with elaborate bonus features. If you’re like me, you’ll enjoy the classic slots experience which can be a bit more peaceful without so many ‘bells and whistles.’

Be Skeptical of Visual Cues

Slot machines that display seemingly ready-to-pay indicators like full coin pots  or treasure chests spilling out, are not any more likely to pay out than any other machine. These visuals, including colours, are designed for entertainment and attraction and do not indicate impending wins.

I hope some of these will make your slots experience even more fun. Before I go, though, I’d like to address a few common myths.

Common Slot Machine Myths

Myth #1: Ladder Betting Increases Winning Chances:

• The belief that changing bet levels can influence winning probabilities is incorrect. Slot machines do not adjust payouts based on bet size. The RNG ensures each spin is random, regardless of the bet amount. 

Myth #2: The Machine is Due for a Payout:

• Players often think a machine is due for a win, especially if it hasn't paid out in a while, or believe they missed a payout when someone else wins shortly after them leaving the machine. Since each spin is random, a machine is never "due" for a hit, and the timing of someone else's win is purely coincidental. Also, since each spin is independent of the last, the machine does not "remember" the symbols from previous spins no matter what you see. Nor does it work towards hitting a payout based on past results. The reels’ positions in one spin do not influence their positions in the next spin.

Myth #3: Stopping Reels Affects the Outcome:

• Some players tap the spin button to stop the reels prematurely, thinking it might result in a win. Some slots actually have a button labeled ‘stop’ ‘skill stop’ or ‘stop reels’ to give the illusion of control over the outcomes. In reality, the outcome is determined at the moment the spin button is initially pressed. Stopping the reels does not change what is already predetermined by the RNG. So don’t be that person!

Use your player’s Card

Casinos offer player’s cards that track your gameplay and betting levels. These cards can earn you "comps" or complimentary items such as free meals, hotel stays, and other perks based on your level of play. Signing up for a player’s card can provide value through these rewards. 

Contrary to the myth, using a player’s card does not affect your odds of winning. Casinos track your play to award comps such as free meals, room stays, and bonuses, which can add value to your gaming experience.

Remember, casinos are regulated and audited by gaming commissions, which ensure that all games, including slot machines, operate fairly and randomly. The Random Number Generators (RNGs) used in slot machines are designed to produce completely random results for each spin, and they cannot be altered by the casino based on whether a player card is used or not.

What about Online SLots?

Casino slots and slots at online casinos share core similarities in their gameplay and underlying mechanics, making the transition from land-based casinos to online platforms relatively seamless for players. After all, both kinds of slot machines are run by computers. Both have Random Number Generators, Return To Player percentages, Progressive jackpots and similar betting options. The main areas where they differ are:

• Convenience and Accessibility: Online slots are available 24/7 from any location with internet access, offering a higher level of convenience compared to visiting a physical casino.

• Game Availability: Online casinos can host a much larger selection of games without the physical space limitations faced by land-based casinos.

• Pace of Play: Online slots typically offer a faster pace of play since there are no physical chips to handle or machines to maintain.

• Bonuses and Promotions: Online casinos often provide a variety of bonuses, such as sign-up bonuses, free spins, and loyalty rewards, which are more extensive and frequent compared to land-based casinos.

What you need to remember

Slot machines are designed primarily for entertainment. By understanding the true nature of how they work and applying sensible playing strategies, you can enjoy your time at the slots while managing your budget effectively. 

There is no surefire strategy to win at slots, but by making informed choices you can improve your odds a wee bit and have a lot more fun while you’re at it.

As Ruby Slots puts it, “I look at it like this: I don't go to a concert and spend money on it and then expect to get anything back but a good time and I look at gambling the same way. I just want to have fun and maybe I'll hit a huge jackpot but if not I want to enjoy myself”