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Slots 101: How To Play Slot Machines |
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Lesson 1: Maximize Your Chances
Lesson 2: Slot Machine Myths |
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Lesson 1: Maximize Your Chances |
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There is at least one slot machine for every eight people living in Las Vegas. They tend to take up the majority of the floor space in your average casino. So what's all the hype about? Well, in 2004 a lucky software engineer from Los Angeles won $38.7 million on a single spin of the reels. How's that for incentive? |
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There are many different kinds of slot machines, single-line slots, multi-line slots, progressive slots, video slots, and online slots to name a few. They all work on the same principle. Each slot machine is governed by a "random number generator" which determines the combination of symbols that you see when you spin. This combination of symbols is based solely on the random number generator. It has nothing to do with when you spin, how often you spin, if it's your birthday, or any other condition you can control. So, how do you play slot machines and win? |
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There's no way to guarantee consistent winning when playing slots. However, there are some things you can do to improve your chances of winning. Each slot machine has a predetermined payback percentage. The average payback is around 90%. What does this mean? A machine that has a 90% payback rate will return 90% of players' money throughout the life of the machine. If 10 million dollars are played on this slot machine over several years, you could expect it to payback 9 million dollars over this period. This does not mean that every time you sit down at the machine it will return 90% of your money. If you've ever played slots before you'll know this isn't what happens. Most of the payback occurs when the big jackpot combinations are spun. |
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The payback rates typically vary anywhere between 80% and 98%. The higher the payback percentage the better chance of return you have. Unfortunately casinos don't post the payback for each machine. The good news is that there are ways to find these high payback machines, known as "loose" slot machines. Casinos like people to see winners. For this reason the higher payback machines tend to be located in higher traffic areas such as near aisles, cashiers, and restaurants. Higher denomination machines also tend to have higher payback percentages then low denomination machines. If you're looking for a higher payback you'll have better luck trying dollar machines than nickel machines. You should also avoid progressive slots. It's true that you aren't going to win millions on one spin at non-progressive slots but these machines have a much higher payback in the short run. In general, machines with smaller jackpots payout more often. |
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All right, so now we know where the looser slot machines are located, but don't just down and start spinning those reels. Make sure you read the slot machine instructions before you start to play. Even machines that look the same may have different play rules. Many machines pay special bonus jackpots when you play the maximum coins. Standard slot machines will often allow you to play 1 to 3 coins at a time. A machine may pay different level jackpots for a good combination like "777". For example it may pay 100 coins for a 1-coin bet, 200 coins for a 2-coin bet, and 500 coins for a 3-coin bet. If you were playing this slot you would always want to play the maximum 3-coin bet. When in doubt always play the maximum bet. |
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After your machine stops, your earned credit scored will be recorded by an official. Most tournaments have several rounds, so even if you have the top for your round you still may not take home a prize. The highest earned credits for all rounds win the tournament. Most slots tournaments have prizes for several of the top positions. It's not uncommon to see a prize structure of $25,000 for 1st place, $10,000 for 2nd, and $5,000 for 3rd place finishers. With such high payouts it's not hard to see why slots tournaments can be so exciting and rewarding. |
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Remember, just because you're playing slots doesn't mean you're not entitled to get free stuff. Comps are complimentary (free!) items given to players as an incentive to stay in the casino. You can earn tons of comp points while playing slots, regardless of whether you're winning or losing. Before you start playing slots, make sure you sign up for a comp card with the casino and always use it when you're playing. |
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Next >> Lesson 2: Slot Machine Myths |
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