The question every single gambler has asked themselves at one point in their lives is how to win on slot machines. If only there were some miracle strategy we could share with you all, right? Unfortunately, there is no surefire way on how to win at slots.
However, we do have the next best thing. So, sit back, relax, and grab yourself a cuppa because today, we will show you some online casino tips and tricks that may increase your winning chances.
1. Choose Online Slots with the Highest Payout Percentage (RTP)
As we said, we can't tell you how to win at fruit machines, but we can tell you which online slots have a higher payout rate than others. So, when you are wondering how to win at slots, this is our first tip. All casino games, slots included, have a return-to-player (RTP), which is the number of times a specific game is expected to spurt out wins. In theory, at least. Let's say you fire up a game with 97.5% RTP; this means that the game will pay out 97.5 out of 100 times you press the spin button.
The only catch is that this number doesn't concern a single playing session but a much, much longer period of time.
As far as slots go, anything higher than 97% will do; that's why we singled out slots of 97% RTP and higher for our two cents on the so-called loose slot machines. Remember, however, that a high RTP doesn't guarantee you will win, either, but the theoretical chances will, indeed, be greater.
The best way to go is to mix it up a little, try out games with different RTPs, and discover the best way to win at slots based on your personal gaming style and preferences.
2. Read Online Reviews and Player Forums
Reading up on the things that interest you can never hurt. The same goes for when you are trying to riddle how to pick a slot machine.
Slot review sites and forums are the perfect place to start. Online slot reviews will give an insight into the gameplay, bonus features, max win potential, etc., and they will also feature a demo link that lets you play with virtual money.
Apart from reading reviews and playing free slots, joining online communities such as AskGamblers forum can be invaluable. Players offer an entirely different perspective; no matter how unbiased third-party review sites may be, players will notice small details, the fine print software providers may try to conceal or not reveal right away.
So take a moment to look up the slot you chose online and read about it so you are equipped with as much information as possible.
3. Study the Slot Paylines
Once you've settled on your preferred RTP, the next step is to determine the number and type of slot paylines. This is also the next part of the answer to how to pick a slot machine.
Let's start with the basics: What are paylines in a slot machine? Paylines in slots, whether physical cabinets or video slots online, are the most basic way to determine when and how the wins will be awarded.
Regardless of the number of slot paylines, they are always activated only when a particular symbol or combination of slot machine symbols lands precisely where it's supposed to and in a predetermined direction, commonly left to right. Although modern video slots tend to payout in both directions, left to right and right to left, this isn't always the case. Therefore, checking the paytable beforehand to familiarise yourself with available paylines is always a good idea.
Vertical, diagonal, horizontal, zig-zagging, or any other pattern imaginable, paylines are a varied bunch, so we suggest you explore how slot paylines work in-depth before choosing a slot.
4. Pay Attention to Slot Volatility
RTP? Check! Slot paylines? Check! Now, let's get ourselves familiar with the role of slot volatility because picking the right volatility level could prove vital in your quest for an answer on how to win at slots online.
In the simplest of terms, slot volatility tells you how often a game will pay you out. Therefore, slot games come in several volatility levels:
- Low volatility
- Medium volatility
- High volatility
We won't get into the mathematics of it; you can dissect this topic in our separate piece detailing volatility in slot machines. For the purposes of this guide, we will use a rougher explanation. Essentially, low volatility often means you'll get smaller wins more frequently, while higher volatility should, in theory, reward you with more substantial wins, albeit more seldomly.
Remember: if you settle on a high-volatility game, you should arm yourself with patience and a solid bankroll, too.
5. Set Your Budget and Stick to It
Speaking of bankrolls, you should always set a budget you can afford to lose before hitting the spin button.
If you tend to exceed your own limits, there are several tools that can help you control the time and money you spend. These tools vary: you can set a limit on how long you want to play or how much money you wish to spend over a certain period of time.
Either way, you should always stick to your budget; this will keep gambling within the confines of entertainment and help you avoid harmful behaviours.
6. Benefit From the Max Bet Rule
Understanding the rules guiding the maximum bet limit is crucial as it helps you use it to your advantage.
So what is the max bet rule, and how does it relate to picking a winning slot machine? It's the maximum single bet you can make when playing with an active bonus. In other words, betting anything over the maximum cap won't count towards wagering your bonus.
Exceeding this amount will mean you're in breach of the casinos rules, risking forfeiting any winnings along with your bonus. So, every time you trigger a bonus, check the maximum bet; given that every casino has different rules in place, you must check this info with every fresh bonus. Take a few minutes to find this information because not being aware of it could take away your winnings in an instant.
Once you've played your bonus money through, you can increase your wagers if you wish. With the wagering requirement cleared, you don't need to worry about breaking the max bet rule.
7. Take Advantage of Casino Bonuses and Special Offers
We all know how competitive the casino industry is, with new casinos propping up every day, offering ever more sweet deals. If the casino is not running a scheme, they are simply competing for loyal customers, so why not take advantage of the deals they offer?
Our guide to online casino bonuses will tell you what to pay attention to when choosing, but in a nutshell, you should stick to bonuses that don't ask for a deposit or bonuses with the lowest possible wagering requirement.
With no-deposit bonuses, you are keeping your money while still getting to try a game or two. Likewise, with a no-wagering bonus, the casino won't ask you to roll over the money you invested.
8. Choose a Casino Bonus with No Wagering Requirement
Speaking of no-wagering bonuses, these fellas may just take the cake as the best bonus deals!
If you've found a casino with a no-wager bonus, you will be allowed to take any winnings derived from your spins as hard cash, yours to keep with no strings attached. How to pick a winning slot machine may be a science in itself, but taking a no-wagering bonus is really a no-brainer.
Of course, not having wagering requirements is no guarantee you will win, but if you strike a lucky spin, you can proceed to withdraw your winnings without having to worry about those pesky playthrough requirements.
How to Pick a Winning Slot Machine in a Land-Based Casino
If you're wondering how to pick a slot machine, then you must be wondering because you'd like to win some dough, right?
Unfortunately - and we want to make this clear right away - there is no fail-safe way to pick a winning slot machine. Slot machines are games of chance, so coincidence plays a pivotal role in whether you will win any money.
The best way to choose a slot game is to follow the advice listed above: look for RTP percentages, check player reviews and forums, research paylines and volatility, and you will be good to go.
Also, you could try taking part in slot tournaments. Many brick-and-mortar and online casinos host these, and players love them because of the element of competition they introduce. Also, it's way more interesting to share the fun with others. Slot tournament mechanics vary and can be based on the single biggest multiplier or the wins you accumulate over the tournament period.
And one more thing: the myth about 'hot' and 'cold' slots has been debunked time and again, so don't go rushing for the cabinet that hasn't paid out in a long time.
How to Win at Slot Machines: Final Thoughts
No, we can't give you a definitive answer on how to pick a winning slot machine because there isn't one; slot games are luck-based, and the only thing governing them are random number generators (which you cannot influence).
We hope that we've given you some valuable tips that will help you pick the right slot title for you and have fun! Start your next gaming session using these tips, and hopefully, with a bit of luck, your next withdrawal request will come sooner than you think. Don't worry, you can thank us later!
