My Top 10 Slot Machine Tips Articles | Casino

By: Richard Bleuze

Slot machines contain a "random number generator" (RNG) micro-computer that constantly (even while the machine is not being used) spits out numbers. These random numbers correspond to positions on each of the reels in the machine.

Given the random number generation, luck is as involved with slot play as it is with table play. However, the key point with slot machines is that they are set up with different payback percentages and hit frequencies. (The odds at table games are pretty much the same wherever you play because the rules are consistent from one casino to the next.) Machines that pay off frequently are said to be "loose". But loose isn't always a good thing if you're looking for a hefty jackpot. If a machine is has a high payback percentage (98%), but also has a high hit frequency, you'll end up with a lot of little payouts. You may come out ahead, but you'll be less likely to hit a sizable payoff. The best machines are those with a high payback percentage and a lower hit frequency.

Everyone has their own rules for which slot machines to pick, but I thought I would list some factors to pay attention to when playing online slot machines. Slot machines are the most popular forms of gaming when playing online casinos.

Tips

Tip #1 - Only play the best paying machines - Look for machines that payout between 95 and 99 percent and only play those. Theses are mostly $1 and higher machines. Statistical research data indicate that $5 or higher machines have the highest percentage payout range. The range starts at 93.7% and goes up to 98.5%. Remember - these are ranges and averages, not absolute values. The next highest payouts come from $1 machines followed by 50-cent machines, 25-cent machines, and 5-cent machines.

Tip #2 - Play non progressive machines - Because the random number generators are programmed to produce a higher number of reels and symbols on progressive jackpot machines, slot players, both online and offline, are better off playing the flat rate machines.

Tip #3 - Play the maximum number of coins - The only way you can hit the jackpot is by playing the maximum coins. When you look at the payout table on the slot machine, most of the time there are three columns; the first column is the payout for playing one coin, the second for playing two coins, and the third for playing three coins (maximum).

Tip #4 - Don't play multiple-payline slots - Although it seems like you have better chances playing multiple-payline slot machine, you're increasing the odds against you drastically. The fact that you have to pay more to play these kinds of slots and that the payout rates aren't as good as single-payline slots makes it a bad deal.

Tip #5 - Know when to stop - Discipline is necessary when gambling, regardless of what casino game it is. It's very easy to just keep playing because you think you are minutes away from the jackpot, but that can be dangerous. Decide how to handle your winnings. Pocket 25% or 50% or 75% and add the remainder to your bankroll for more playing, or keep it all.

Tip #6 - Play the highest denomination machines that fits into your bankroll - The higher the denomination the higher the percentage of payout on slot machines. Therefore, if you can afford it, play the five dollar slots. If that's too much then play the $1 machines. Typically, dollar machines return on average 95% with quarter machines returning 93% and nickel machines 90%.

TIP#7 - All reel-type slot machines contain variant programming. This programming allows the machine to pay out several percentage points both above and below its baseline payout percentage. For example, if a machine is programmed with a pay out percentage of 96%, there will be times when it pays at 93% and other times it pays at 98%. This may help you understand why a machine that treated you very well once, might totally destroyed your bankroll on your next visit to the online casino.

Tip #8 - Test every machine you play. Play a certain number spins and gauge how the machine is responding. After you have played for a while, stop and tally what the machine has paid out. If you are, at least, breaking even - then stay and repeat the excercise. If you are not at least breaking even, move on.

Tip #9 - Develop a 6th sense when it comes to slot machines. - You need to ascertain how the machines are playing before you decide which to play. And whatever you do, DO NOT fall into the "my machine" syndrome based upon your good fortune in time past. Approach every machine like you are seeing it for the first time.

Tip #10 - Take full advantage of slot bonuses available from online casinos!  Take full advantage of the bonus money offered by online casinos. But do read their "terms and conditions". If you find the rules too restrictive -go elsewhere, there are lots of casinos on the Net.

As you can see, online slot machines are close cousins to slots in brick-and-mortar casinos. They operate exactly the same, in appearance they are very similar and the payout tables are comparable. All slot games are driven by a random number generator which determines what symbols will appear on the payline. So, instead of flying to Las Vegas, you can play using these tips for online slots in your pajamas, in the comfort of your home.

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