If you are a fan of slots, then you no doubt have come up with some various tips experts share. Some are good and some aren’t that helpful but the bottom line is that you are dealing with a random game. Everything within a slot machine is dictated by the random number generator. That means that no matter what you do, you are going to come up with a result that is totally detached from your ”strategy”. In fact, in slots gambling there isn’t any strategy really to speak of.

Despite the lack of strategy, you still have some things you can do to increase your chances of a win. First, always be sure to read the payout percentages of games. Make sure that you are playing on the games with the biggest payouts. For example, one game may have a 95% payout percentage and another game may have a 97% payout percentage. Though that seems small—just two percentage points—in reality it isn’t. In slots gambling you want to inch your way up for a win and that inching is going to come about in small increments. You aren’t going to find one sure-fire thing to do that allows you to increase your odds by fifty percent! If that was possible, then gambling wouldn’t be gambling as we know it!

Another thing you can do is play progressive games. With progressives though, remember to always play the maximum coins. If you don’t, you most likely won’t be eligible for the big win. Every game requires players to activate all the lines. Imaging getting a great combination of symbols and then not being eligible for the million-dollar payout because you only played two lines! Overall gambling on slots is a lot of fun, but you have to know what to do to maximize your chances of a win. It isn’t a strategy per se that is going to get you a better track record, but you still can do some things to change your odds. It’s the small changes of odds that are going to change your outcome and give you a better probability of a win.

Slot machines both on and off line are pretty much the same, the difference being, that virtual ones can be played either in your home, at a cafe or anywhere else where there is internet access. Slot machines are one of the easiest if not the easiest casino game to play, however, there are some rules to the slot machines and some things that you as a player should know and be aware of.

Slot rules and variations are simple, but they do exist and to be a savvy player you should be aware and understand the rules and variations. When the original slot machine came about they operated via actual mechanical reels that turned as a player either pulled a reel or hit a button. The symbls lined up on the screen and if there was a match, then the player had a winning combination. If the symbols or numbers matched, then the player won. Simple enough, right! There is not too much of a difference with today’s slot machines other than that the types of themes are in the hundreds, slots offer machines with more than one reel, and players can play one to thirty pay lines depending on the machine, game, and player preference. There are also bonuses and hidden mini games in slot machines today. This is a relatively new addition to the world of gambling. Slot machines have been met with a wide range of special fun due to the inclusion of bonus games. Normally the bonus game is completely different from the actual slots game. It offers a nice gaming session change because of its uniqueness to the entire game.

Today most slot machines are operated digitally and the screen shows you what symbols you get as you spin the virtual reels. Online slot machines also work on a similar RNG, or random number generator that dictates what symbols line up. Perhaps you are not aware of what those variations might be. This is why slots games are so independent. You can’t do anything to increase your chances of a win– unlike a game of, say poker. Poker has a huge element of strategy to it so you can improve on your gaming with practice.

Part two coming next.

Next, you may want to start small when wagering. Sure the big payout games look tantalizing. They are meant to! The casino would love it if you sauntered up to the biggest wager games and play them, then lose and they have your money. No skin off of their back! You have to protect yourself here. Start at the smaller wager games and then work your way up. Remember that the top wager games are always going to be there. They are going to be open. Get your feet wet with the smaller wager games, especially if you are a newcomer to the hobby. The great thing about slots gaming is that the wager requirements are highly varied. You can find slots games that take $50 and games that take 1¢. Any good land-based or online casino will have a wide variety of games to pick from and you are going to find one that fits into your bankroll limits.

Also if you do start winning, play, but don’t go overboard. You have to learn when to stop wagering. Luck doesn’t last forever, so if you do win, take your winnings and move to another machine. The biggest mistake people make is that they take all of their winnings and reinvest them into the game again. Though it stands to reason that you will win more, it isn’t realistic. In reality, once you put your money back into the machine you are going to return to your old luck probabilities. You know the adage “the House always wins”? It’s an adage for a reason.

Finally, if you have any problems or concerns feel free to contact customer service. In particular if you are playing at an online gambling casino you should be able to reach customer service quickly. Most good casinos have a toll-free 24-hour phone number where you can get help. In addition, they also have a live chat feature and an email to contact for less important questions. A top-notch casino will provide customers with a wide range of contact avenues that they can use any time of day, any day of the week. Don’t be afraid to approach customer service if you have any issues.

If you are new to the slots, then there are a few of things to remember when gaming. First of all, slots are random. That is the nature of the games and nothing you do will change the outcome. The games are built to rely solely on the RNG, random number generator feature within. There is no real strategy to the game or skill to learn. One of the most important things to understand is that all games are different. Yes- slots are similar but the rules of one game can vary greatly with the rules of another game. That is why you should always at least skim the rules of the game you want to play. Don’t take for granted that one game that looks similar is going to be the same as another game.

Also, be sure you set your bankroll well before you go to the casino. Remember that a casino—whether online or land-based—is built to make you gamble…a lot and for a long time. The more you wager, the more money they make. Unless you hit some big jackpot, the house is going to come out on top. For this reason the most important rule when playing slots is to set a limit on your gaming. Once you reach that limit, walk away. Don’t test fate or think that if you roll “just one more time” you will win. Many players fell to these beliefs and ended up losing way more than they could afford to lose. The bankroll and how much it is going to be is the primary concern a player should have. Set your limit and then portion out how much time you want to spend gaming. For example, if you have $200 and want to gamble for two hours, then you can play $100 an hour, or roughly $25 every fifteen minutes. Knowing this, you can’t play at a game that requires a $20 wager. You want to pick slots games that allow you to keep within your fifteen-minute incremental limits. A good $1-wager machine should do you just fine, or even lower if you aren’t in need of a big payout.

Part two coming next.

If you are a fan of slots gaming, there are some rules you should follow. Here are some tips to follow if you start playing:
• Move from slot machine to slot machine. Don’t tie yourself to just one machine—especially if you are losing. You want to take advantage of various games and never try to “stick it out” if you are on a losing streak. Some people believe that you can overcome bad luck if you keep on trying, but this rarely works. You should move to a new game if you find yourself on a losing streak.
• Sign up to participate in a variety of casinos. Remember that casinos today offer a wide range of payouts, and you want to take advantage of them. The best way to keep up on them is to sign up for a casino’s free newsletter. That way you will get all their specials and bonuses sent directly to you. This is a great way to keep aware of everything happening.
• When you do win, move to a different game. some people make the mistake of channeling all their winnings back into the game. If you are only concerned with playing, this might work for you. On the other hand, if you want to walk away with some money in your pocket, then you are advised to walk away when you win. Again—it is easy to get caught up in a win and want to keep going but this is exactly what the casino wants you to do. Walk away with your earnings and try out another game.
• If you want to win the progressive jackpot then you have to play the maximum bet. If you don’t, remember that you won’t be eligible for the big win if you get the right symbols on your reels. That could be a disheartening letdown if you do get five symbols lined up but because you didn’t play all lines, you are only getting a small portion of the huge progressive payout.
In the end, remember that your gaming fun is dependent on how well you manage the rules. Make sure you know what you want to play and what your limits are before you join in on any casino.

Slots are highly popular games in the world of gambling. It’s due to their ease of play and simplicity. Anyone can walk up to a slot machine and start gaming almost immediately. Unlike other games like poker or blackjack where there is a learning curve, slots offer anyone the relative same chances of winning. Millions of people test their luck at the game and thousands end up winning considerable amount while they do. That’s not to say that there aren’t a few things to know about slots— there are some terms and ideas you should be familiar with when you are gaming. Here are some of the most important:

·         Coin size. The coin size means the amount you have to play per bet on each machine. Remember that machines can vary widely—even those that are close together or look similar. Read each one and make sure you understand what the requirements are for each game and what makes you eligible to win the big payouts.

·         Bonus feature. The bonus feature is why a lot of slots gamers play. The bonus can be in the form of free spins, bonus games or more of a payout. Again, be sure to know what you are playing for before you put in your money.

·         Hit frequency. The term “hit frequency” means how often the spin happens. Often times this is used in the bonus game of a slot machine play round. This is an important number to understand. You want to make sure you pick games that have higher hit frequencies so yu can move through your gaming session quickly and increase your chances of a win.

·         Maximum bet. The maximum bet is just that—the maximum bet you can wager per spin. This is a term that is most important when you are playing a progressive game. Normally with progressive games, you can only win the big payout if you play the maximum wager/bet amount. The last thing you want to do is pay into a game and never give yourself the chance to win the big payout because you aren’t playing the right amount.

Part two coming next.

The rules manufacturers have to follow regarding programming the blank stops have changed dramatically over the years. The blank stops above and below the jackpot symbol used to correspond to more virtual stops than other symbols. This made near jackpot misses would often show up and trick the player into believing they are getting closed to winning the jackpot.  These programs are no longer allowed on the market.

In today’s gambling world the slot machine’s RNG is what ultimately determines the payout percentage.  The RNG is consistently tested by third-party gaming regulators to insure it is paying back a minimum percentage of funds that are deposited into it.  For example, a machine with a payout percentage of 96 would be paying out 96 cents for every dollar put into it by bettors.  With only a 4% profit, it is easy to see why the casino always wins. The odds are always in favor of the house—no matter what game you are playing, what casino you’re playing at or what luck-generating activities you use prior to playing. Nothing really matters but the payout percentage of the machine.

In the more competitive gambling markets like Las Vegas and Atlantic City, the payback percentages are often going to range from 90% to 97%.  Since there is greater competition, not to mention strict regulation laws that require a minimum payback for each machine, players have good chances of finding bad slot machines than normal. The bottom line is that more people go to those popular slots parlors so the casino doesn’t have to create a better payout percentage to bring people in. They have the customer base. Smaller casinos however, have to create more competitive rates. They have to extend the payout percentages to attract new players and keep old ones coming in regularly.

When it comes down to it, slot machines are all about luck. If you have heard of what you can do to overcome Lady Luck, you probably have been had. The RNG cannot be influenced or predicted. Don’t listen to anyone who tells you otherwise. Remember that the games are all random and in the end, that is what makes them so popular with gamblers worldwide.

Computerized or virtual reels with electronic stops are what determine the chances of hitting a winning symbol combination, and hopefully give you a shot at the big jackpot.  Since the virtual stops correspond to a fewer number of actual stops, the odds of each symbol combination are determined by the number of virtual stops per actual stops. It depends on what type of machine you are playing at when it comes to determining what your actual odds of winning are. They will change as you play through various games.

For example, a “regular” slot machine will only have one virtual stop that corresponds to the big jackpot on the actual reels. If a machine uses the value of 32 to process its RNG, random number generator, then the chance that the jackpot image will land on one reel is one in thirty-two. If you want to calculate your odds of hitting the big jackpot, or getting a win from all three reels, then the mathematical calculation would be 32 x 32 x 32 or 32,768.  Your official odds would be 1 in 32,768.

Sure that’s good info, but a lot of people go right after the big jackpot. I mean- that’s why we play, right? We all read about the lucky winner who stopped by a slot machine at random, played a few spins and voila– hit the big jackpot. The win was life changing and now the lucky winner can pay off their house, pay off debt or buy some fantastic new item to add to their lifestyle. The slot machines that have those huge payouts will have a greater number of virtual stops and that’s what makes they harder to win on. Some can have 64, 256 or even 512 of those virtual stops to overcome before the machine hands you a huge payout. The bigger virtual stops just means that the actual odds of hitting a symbol combination are not based on the amount of actual stops on the reels, which is what many slot players falsely believe. It’s important to get to the bottom of false beliefs when it comes to slots– and there are many out there!

Part two coming next.

 5.       Read the rules and regulations. Not all websites are built alike. There are so many variations on slots and on slot rules that you can get lost in the small detailed differences. Be sure to read the terms and conditions and know what the rules are before you put in your money. You can always either call the casino’s toll-free number, email or live chat with them for answers. That’s what they are there for.

6.       For big wins, try progressives. Progressive games are the ones whose pot is networked together. This means that every time a player on that type of machine wagers, part of it goes to the pot. If you watch the ticker you’ll see progressive slots that are growing by the second. This means that more people are wagering. For example a casino may network their progressive machine together and apportion 30% of all wagers to go directly to the pot. Remember though that to be eligible you have to play the maximum coins. If you don’t you can get the winning combination but you won’t walk away with the progressive payout.

7.       Don’t believe in “good” and “bad” slots.  In terms of payout some people believe that there are “good” machines, or the ones that payout, and “bad” machines, the ones that don’t. Remember that the machine is run by a random number generator. This means where the reels fall is completely out of anyone’s control. You can’t predict it…ever.

8.       Remember the payout percentage. Slots have a payout percentage and every machine will note it somewhere on the screen when you first pull it up. The payout percentage is how much the machine pays out over a long period of time. For example if a machine has a payout percentage of 95% and another one has a payout percentage of 96%, always pick the 96% machine. It may seem innocuous, but that 1 extra percent is notable in the world of probability.

9.       Report faulty machines. If you are at a land-based casino and have problems, report them immediately. Whether it’s a skipped or stuck reel or a payout you think you should have gotten, report it. Machines are machines and things can go wrong. Be sure you tell the manager of the casino what happened and they write a report for a check-up.

10.       Never believe resources that promise wins. There are tons of books and instructional videos out there that promise a sure-fire win if you just follow their rules. Remember that good old “random number generator”? Well not only does it completely dictate how the reels fall, but as a result it completely dictates whether or not you win. There is no book or video or speech that can change your luck or change the RNG. If some one tells you their product can help you win slots, they are trying to sell you something.

Slot machines have remained popular since their beginning in the late 1800s. Now they are even more diverse and you can find any one you want. Remember to enjoy the games. Be smart. Read the fine print, but then just have fun.

If you are new to the game of slots don’t be afraid to experiment. There are tons of slot machines out there and they are exciting. Land-based casinos recently announced that over 60% of their total revenues come from their slots parlors. This is proof that slots are huge money makers and wildly popular. If you are planning on playing online, here are a few helpful hints for you. 

1.       Set a Strict Bankroll.  This is the most important rule. Make sure you set your limits before you log in and play. Remember that websites are put together by graphics designers and programmers who know how your psyche works. They know what to put where, what colors to use and what wording to attract you. It’s easy to get drawn in so make sure you are ready to set limits well before you start playing.

2.       Start with your smaller coins. Don’t come out of the gate swinging just yet. This isn’t like a boxing match! You want to give yourself time to get used to the game you pick. The only drawback is that you may not be eligible for the bigger payouts if you play small, but you can increase your coins as you get more familiar with the gaming process.

3.       Read the fine print of welcome bonuses. Not all welcome bonuses are what they seem! Some truly are “free” match bonuses, but some require you to wager a certain amount before you can get them. Others may advertise “Get a 100% match bonus up to $1,200!” but when your read the terms you’ll see that you get the $1,200 in increments of $100 over the course of a year. Not that this is completely bad, but what if you don’t like the website? What if you find one with a better deal in three months?  Still other casinos will give you a bonus, but not allow you to withdraw it until after you have gambled the money a certain number of times.

4.       Use the “free play” option. If you are brand new to slots test a few out with the “free play” option. Not all casinos have these, but if you do a simple Google search you will find a number of them to try. They are just like slot machines but there is no money requirement to play. They are a great way to get used to the game and understand the rules. In particular they help out when you are eyeing the more intricate games and want a few practice runs before putting in “real” money.

Part two coming next.