Slot Machine Playing Tips

The unfortunate truth is that there is no guaranteed winning slot machine strategy, and there is no way to influence the outcome of any spin of a slot machine. However, there are some basic tips you can follow to help improve your chances of winning.

Tip 1

Make sure you know exactly what game you're playing. There are hundreds of varieties and variations on the basic slot machine, each with it's own set of rules and jackpots. Even if a machine looks familiar, you should still make sure that you carefully read the rules before playing.

Tip 2

Remember that when a machine isn't paying out this doesn't mean it's any more ready for a jackpot. Every spin is random and independent of past spins.

Tip 3

Look for machines with smaller jackpots, they tend to payout more often.

Tip 4

Avoid progressive slots. Basic slot machines usually have a much higher payback in the short run. However, if you do play this type of machine, always play with the maximum number of coins, as otherwise you will forfeit your chance of winning the jackpot.

Tip 5

Try to find a machine with the highest payout percentage possible (known as 'loose' machine). Unfortunately, these percentage figures won't be posted with the machine, but there are ways to find these high payback machines. For example, casinos like people to see winners, so they often position their top payback machines in higher traffic areas such as near aisles, cashiers, and restaurants.

Tip 6

Higher denomination machines often have higher payback percentages than low denomination, so you may be better off playing £1 machines rather than 10p slots. However, you will need to balance this with the fact that playing this higher amount at your normal speed of play may mean greater losses for you. Slow down the pace of your play so that you aren't putting more money through the machine.

Tip 7

Always take note of the pay table for the machine you're playing. If the potential wins increases dramatically between one, two, or three coins being played, it may be in your best interest to play a larger number of coins. For example, a machine may pay out 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.

Tip 8

Before you start, set your limits. Make sure you know how much you are comfortable with losing - and stick to it. When you have spent that amount of money, simply walk away, even if you're convinced that the next coin will hit the jackpot.

Tip 9

You should also set a limit on how long you will be prepared to play a machine without any payout. You need to be playing a machine with the highest payout percentage (see tip 4), and so if a machine isn't paying you there is no reason to waste your money on it. A payoff limit of around three or four spins is around the norm.

Tip 10

Never leave your machine until you have received your total winnings. If the machine has not paid out the total amount, call for an attendant to help. NEVER physically leave the machine or put in any more coins, as this may delete the record of your payout.