Slots - The Basics

The Object of the Game

Your goal as the player is to try to get a winning line line on your slot machine as stated in the Winnings Diagram. The main attraction of slots is that they have the biggest jackpots on offer - some running into millions of dollars!  You can choose to wager between $0.01 and $100 on each spin. Your winnings depend on the wagered amount.


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How to Play

First, choose the amount you wish to deposit into the slot machine by clicking on the appropriate chip. Then, choose the value of the coin you wish to wager in each spin. Next, choose the number of these coins that you wish to wager in the next spin by clicking on the BET ONE button once, twice, or three times. If you choose to bet the maximum amount of coins (3), it is also possible to push the BET MAX button. If you press the BET MAX button, the slot machine will spin automatically. If you bet one or two coins, you can start the machine by pressing the SPIN button or clicking on the arm.

Whenever you desire, you may cash out, and receive your credit in the machine. Just click on CASH OUT. Money that has been deposited into the slot machine is in no way locked in.


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Example Winnings Diagram

 

* Note that the value of the winnings vary from Casino to Casino. The figures
quoted above are intended as an example and are not exhaustive *

Slots Tips

Slots are the easiest game to play in the casino. Insert a coin, pull the handle, and then reach into your purse for more money. Unfortunately, that's what normally happens when the house has such an enormous built-in edge. But that does not mean you cannot at least close the gap against you and throw in some fun to boot. So, below are some of my favourite slot tips to help you overcome this huge house advantage. These tips will not guarantee that you'll become an instant winner, because it's tough to beat a house edge that generally runs well over 10 percent, but it also doesn't have to be so tough on your bankroll. Let's get started.

1. The only true skill to playing slots is machine identification. Example: progressive machines offer the opportunity to compare and shop around for the best value. One 25 cent "slot machine carousel" can have a progressive jackpot of $2600 and another bank of machines-exactly the same and standing side by side - $1900. You should always be looking for the best slot opportunities possible.

2. Casinos will advertise machines that have a 98.5 percent payback. WOW! A casino game holding just a percent and a half, and on a slot machine no less. But there is a downside. If you look closely at the advertisement, it will probably say, "on select machines." Furthermore, it probably will not be posted on the machine itself, and generally will be limited to a single bank of machines in the casino. Now it becomes your responsibility to find them. Easiest way: Ask a slot employee, and if he or she doesn't know, have one of them ask a direct supervisor.

3. Las Vegas gives away over one-half billion dollars in comps each year, and as a slot player, you deserve your share. Repeat, you deserve your share. How? Casinos now offer you the ability to "comp yourself" by using one of their player's club slot cards. It is generally based on the number of coins you cycle through a machine, so you might as well get credit for all those quarters you're inserting. Shop casinos for comp value and find out what you are worth to them.

4. You always want to treat "comps" as a form of profit, but you never want to gamble just to receive them. It's much better to play a 98 percent payback machine and increase your winning opportunities than play machines with a poor return that cycle more of your coins. Remember that you're there to stay in action and possibly win, not lose your bankroll for a free buffet.

5. If you cannot afford to play the maximum amount of coins, you should not be playing that denomination of machine. If dollar slots are too rich for your blood, drop down to a quarter machine. It is always better value to play five quarters versus one dollar, or five nickels instead of one quarter.

6. I recommend not playing back the credits you have accumulated. Cash out and take stock. The problem with playing back credits is that the longer you stay, the machines built-in advantage eats away at them. It doesn't take long to zero out.

7. Avoid restaurant, bar, supermarket and airport slot machines. Notorious for being tight.

8. Can't decide which type of slot machine to play? If you are going to choose between video poker and slots, play video poker. Even poor play on a video poker machine will have a better payback than most "reel" slot machines.

9. Before you walk away from a machine, don't forget to press the cash-out button. Millions are lost each year by gamblers forgetting their winnings (stored credits).

10. It is your responsibility if destiny favours you that you receive full payment when hitting a jackpot. Even with some relatively small jackpots, if the slot is short of coins in the hopper, you will receive only a partial cash payment in the tray, with the balance to be paid by a slot attendant. If you were to insert more coins and pull the handle, say good-bye to the remainder of your jackpot.

11. Read all the posted material on a slot machine. It is your responsibility to fully understand all printed information concerning the number of coins to insert, lines needed to be lit, prizes or awards. In most cases, when someone calls a slot attendant over and complains the machine "just ripped me off," that individual generally did not read the pay schedule correctly.

12. When you insert coins, don't assume all the tokens register before you pull the handle. Played five but only four recorded? SORRY. You will get a sympathetic pat on the back from the casino, but no money.

13. I recommend avoiding machines that use video representations of symbols. With these slots, there is absolutely no way to figure out what the payoff percentage of that machine is. For all you know, your true chances of hitting a major jackpot could be 2,097,152 to one.

14. Most casinos will hold a slot for you while you go to the restroom, take a short break, or even go on a buffet run. Just ask a slot supervisor to reserve your machine and give a specific time when you will return.

15. Don't chain yourself to a cold machine, even if it is your favourite. Why? Because the longer you stay on any slot, the more time the machine's built-in mathematical advantage has to work you over. This is how casinos build mega-resorts. Time always works on their side, and they have a mathematical edge on every slot.

16. Just because you're only playing slots, you still need to set a loss limit on your bankroll for both your trip and each individual gaming session. Divvy up your wad per playing session, discipline yourself and stick to it.

17. I'll come clean here. I don't play slots. But as a local in a casino town, I know where the locals who do play find the most cluck-for-the-buck. Simply put, locals don't play dog machines. So when searching for high payback machines, ask a few employees where the locals find the best slot value. Even if they are not slot players themselves, they at least know where their friends like to play.

18. Leave both your credit and bank teller cards at home so you will not be tempted with the easy convenience of getting cash. Also, allow me to take the obvious one step further. Only bet what you can afford to lose.

Finally, going to slot heaven-Las Vegas? Your best return in Las Vegas, and the country for that matter, are in the casinos Downtown or N. Las Vegas. Average return on quarter machines: 95.5 percent. That almost makes it a decent wager.