And there is no single slot machine strategy that will guarantee 100 percent win for you. Because being unpredictable is one of the most specific characteristic of slot games. And you can only maximize your winnings by minimizing your common mistakes. At first glance it seems online slot machines are a 100% game of chance. And they really are, at least in the terms of a single game round. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t influence your chances by using the right betting strategy and choosing the right game to play. Here is a list of factors that define your slots betting strategy. Simple Slots Strategies that Work. The outcome of a slot machine is impossible to predict. In addition, a number of the suggested ways to win are nothing more than ridiculous myths. When these facts are combined, it might seem as though no successful strategy can be applied to slots. Luckily, that’s only half true.

1. How To Win On Slot Machines
2. Strategy For Playing Dancing Drums Slot Ma…
3. Slot Machines For Sale
4. Best Casino Slot Machine Strategy

The phrase “slot machine strategy” causes the eyes of some
players to light up with visions of untold riches. For others,
it makes about as much sense as “skydiving without a parachute
strategy.”

This polarizing topic has long been the subject of debate
among gamblers. Some insist that employing various strategies
can give the player a long-term advantage, while others dismiss
the notion as nonsense.

No matter which side of the fence you’re on, we hope this
article is able to shed more light on the subject. We’ll be
examining a number of slots strategies, as well as explaining
how modern games work and dispelling some of the more popular
myths.

How a Slot Machine Works

Before you can even begin to think about applying a strategy,
it helps to know how a slot machine works. In this section,
we’ll offer a basic rundown on the inner workings of the games
once known as “one-armed bandits.”

The main element of any modern slot machine is the random
number generator. If we want to be entirely accurate, the random
number generator is actually the function, while the chip
installed in every slot is known as an EPROM (or “erasable
programmable read-only memory”). For the sake of simplicity,
however, most refer to the EPROM as the random number generator,
which is what we’ll be doing for the remainder of this article.

How To Win On Slot Machines

What Is a Random Number Generator?

The RNG is constantly selecting a series of numbers, and the
result can range from miniscule up to several billion. This
function takes place whether or not the machine is being played,
which means every unattended slot machine on the casino floor is
generating a flurry of numbers every millisecond.

It should also be noted that the generated numbers are in no
way determined by the size of a potential jackpot, the number of
credits deposited, or whether or not a slots club card is used.
No matter the circumstances, the computer spits out its numbers
with pure impartiality.

Once a number has been generated, it’s divided up using a
formula that’s been programmed into the heart of the slot
machine. The resulting number corresponds to a “stop” on the
reel of the machine.

What’s a Stop?

As the name would imply, a stop is a stopping point on the
reel. This could be a cherry symbol, a blank space, or the face
of some popular movie character on a licensed game.

Older slots had a smaller number of stop, often around 10 per
reel. That’s changed significantly in the last several decades,
and now anywhere from 25 to 50 stops is commonplace. The reason
for this is because old-school slots had fixed images on their
reels, while video slots can produce virtual icons as needed.

When a game is created at the factory, some symbols are
programmed to show up more often than others. This process is
known as “weighing,” and it’s the main reason why slots aren’t
paying out massive sums of money every few spins. Let’s say, for
example, that you need three “Jackpot” symbols to get a big
payday, but each of these icons only appears (on average) every
100 spins. While the odds of getting one aren’t great, the odds
of getting all three would be one in one-million.

How Do Slots Work?

The actual gameplay of a slot occurs differently than what
most players would imagine. Since the game is constantly
generating numbers, pressing the spin button simply selects the
most recent string of numbers to be randomly produced. Once this
has occurred, the reels spin and eventually stop to display the
icons that correspond with those numbers.

The real outcome of a spin takes place the moment the
customer presses the button, as a randomly generated number is
selected. These numbers correspond to various stops on the
reels, and some icons are weighted to show up more often than
others.

Common Myths (When Slots Strategies Go Wrong)

myth /a widely held but false idea or belief.

While most associate the word myth with tales of ancient gods
and epic heroes, you’d better believe that the world of gambling
has its fair share of myths and legends.

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In this section, we’ll be looking at some of the most popular
and/or persistent slots myths. To make your life easier, we’ll
also verify or debunk their credibility, although anyone hoping
for the former is likely to come away disappointed.

Myth #1

At land-based casinos, loose slots are always placed
by the doors and heavy traffic areas to attract more customers.

This is inaccurate. A number of third-party studies have been
conducted about the placement of slot machines, and no evidence
has been found to suggest that casinos engage in this sort of
practice. People are already coming to the casino to gamble, so
resorting to such tricks would just be a waste of time.

Myth #2

You’re more likely to win on a slot machine by
pulling the lever instead of pressing the spin button.

Also inaccurate. Most slots no longer have a lever on the
side. Those that do, however, offer no advantage to the player
who chooses it over the spin button. All the winning
combinations are being generated internally by the RNG, so it
doesn’t matter which method you decide to use.

Myth #3

The looseness or tightness of a slot machine varies
by the hour of the day and the day of the week.

Not true! In order to ensure repeat business, casinos must
find a balance between making money and paying out a certain
amount to players. If they were to somehow tighten up their
slots during the busy times of the day or week, they would
likely notice a significant drop-off in their business. In
addition, somehow magically adjusting all the machines on the
casino floor would be a major pain in the rear.

Myth #4

In a land-based casino, employees have the inside
scoop on the loose slots.

False. The average cocktail waitress has no clue about the
payout percentage of the slots. We’ve heard of some customers
offering employees a cut of their winnings if they direct them
to the loose machines, but we would certainly advise against
this. Not only do they not have the answers you’re looking for,
but some might still play along in the hopes that you’ll win and
give them a cut of the profits.

Myth #5

Using a player card reduces the potential payout of
a slot.

Don’t let this garbage trick you into skipping the slots
club. The only purpose of the player card is to keep track of
player spending for the purpose of awarding complimentary items
such as meals and show tickets. If slots actually tightened up
when club cards were used, the casinos would render these items
useless and send comp hunters to the competition.

Myth #6

If a slot machine hasn’t paid out a big win in a
while, then it’s due to hit. Conversely, a slot that just
delivered a winner is going to be cold for a while.

A slot machine’s random number generator ensures that each
spin is independent of the last one. While the odds are stacked
against getting multiple top jackpots on the same machine within
a short span of time, there’s no special internal program
designed to prevent such a thing. Ultimately, blame it on the
math.

Myth #7

The casino can remotely alter the payout percentage
of a slot.

This myth is dangerous because it is based on fact. There are
certain slots that now allow their payout percentage to be
altered remotely, but these are in the vast minority. In most
states, they don’t exist at all. But even in a market like Las
Vegas where such devices are being tested on a limited basis,
the state laws regarding a minimum payout percentage still
apply.

Myth #8

Warm coins increase your chance of winning.

Strategy For Playing Dancing Drums Slot Ma…

False. There’s an old belief that rubbing your fingers
against a coin makes it more likely to produce a winner. This is
one of the more ridiculous slot machine myths out there,
especially since most players no longer even use coins. If you
buy into this one, you’ll just wind up looking like an imbecile.

Myth #9

Slot payoffs are produced on a predictable cycle.

False. While each slot is programmed to pay back a certain
percentage of money over the long haul, this takes place during
millions of spins. There’s also no pattern to predict, as the
RNG ensures that each spin is completely self-contained and
unrelated to what’s come before.

Myth #10

If you use a player card at a land-based casino, it
enables the establishment to report your winnings to the
Internal Revenue Service.

The casino monitors your winnings when you go to the window
to cash out. If your payout is larger than a certain amount
($1,200 in Las Vegas on slots and bingo), then the casino fills
out a W-2G form and sends it along to the IRS, along with the
size of your winnings and personal information. There’s no
escaping the tax man.

There are a significant number of myths surrounding slot
machines. Falling prey to these false beliefs can result in
everything from players looking foolish to losing money. Your
best bet is to pick a machine that looks like fun, insert your
money, and ignore the superstitious ramblings of fellow
gamblers.

Simple Slots Strategies that Work

The outcome of a slot machine is impossible to predict. In
addition, a number of the suggested ways to win are nothing more
than ridiculous myths. When these facts are combined, it might
seem as though no successful strategy can be applied to slots.
Luckily, that’s only half true.

There’s no magical way to “beat” a slot machine. Casinos and
game developers have spent a considerable amount of time and
money making sure that these games can’t be overcome on a
consistent basis. There are, however, steps that can be taken to
give yourself the best possible chance of winning.

If you prefer real-world practicality to pipe dreams, we
suggest committing the following slots strategies to memory and
utilizing them each time you set foot in the casino or log into
a virtual establishment. Even though your win/loss ratio may not
increase immediately, you’re bound to be better off in the long
term.

Watch for High Advertised Payback Percentages

In an effort to attract business, some casinos may advertise
slots with a specific payback percentage such as 98% or 97.5%.
These are always a wise decision, as the casino has just
revealed the long-term expected payout (such information is
usually closely guarded). Always watch for deceptive practices,
though, as “up to 99% return” is not the same as a guaranteed
99% return.

Manage Your Bankroll

Before you start playing at a casino, take careful stock of
your finances and determine how much money you can afford to
lose. If you can’t afford to lose any, then you shouldn’t be
playing in the first place. If you have a certain amount of
disposable income, set a number and never play beyond that
figure. This can mean the difference between a losing session
and a session that forces you to borrow money or miss a car
payment.

Always Take the Game’s Advice

An increasing number of slots are beginning to include skill
features, and it’s commonplace for these machines to offer some
basic advice on how to succeed at such in-game elements. Unless
you designed the game and know some special trick, it’s always a
good idea to follow such advice.

Play a Table Game Instead

While slots can be a lot of fun, they’re also one of the
biggest bankroll killers in the casino. They rely almost
exclusively on the element of chance, and a machine can
sometimes go years without delivering its top jackpot.
Meanwhile, table games offer better odds and interaction with
other players.

Remember Your Ticket

After you’ve hit a jackpot, the machine prints a ticket that
can be redeemed at the cashout window. While it’s natural to get
excited after a big win, don’t walk away and forget to grab your
ticket. If you do, then someone else may wind up snatching the
ticket and walking out of the casino with your winnings.

Get a Player Card and Use It

Player cards are used by the casino to keep track of how much
you’re betting at their establishment. If you’re a frequent
player, you can expect to be rewarded for your patronage in the
form of comps, which often include free meals, rooms, or tickets
to a show. Since you’re not paying for these items, comps can
turn an otherwise losing session at the casino into a profitable
gaming excursion.

Play Physical Reels

Games with actual reels are quickly becoming a thing of the
past. If you can find one, though, you’d be smart to play it.
That’s because these games almost always offer a higher payout
percentage than their virtual counterparts. That’s because fancy
video slots take longer to play, which means the casino has to
make up for this lost time by siphoning off more of your money.

Slow and Steady

By adopting a slow rate of play, you can satisfy your craving
for gambling while also limiting the amount of your losses. This
might not seem like much of a strategy, but we’ve seen people
blow their whole bankroll at a slot within five minutes of
sitting down. Don’t be that person.

Simple Games Have Better Odds

While massive games with spinning wheels and impressive video
displays are popular, they’re often not the most profitable
machines. That’s because casinos know that these games are going
to attract customers regardless, so they can get away with
setting the payback percentage lower. The more basic machines,
meanwhile, offer better odds to make up for their more
straightforward presentation.

Avoid Statewide Progressives

Sure, it would be nice to hit the Megabucks statewide
progressive in Nevada and become a multi-millionaire. The odds
are against it, however, and you’re likely to receive far fewer
payout while fishing for that top jackpot. That’s because
twenty-one cents of every dollar wagered goes toward either the
jackpot or the casino’s profits. That doesn’t leave a lot of
money to return to the player on smaller wins.

Higher Denominations Have Better Odds

Since a game with a higher denomination is ultimately making
more money from players, it can afford to offer higher payouts.
Use this to your advantage by sticking to games with a larger
minimum bet. For example, playing one coin per line on a nickel
game offers you better odds than playing five coins per line on
a penny slot (even though you’re spending the same amount of
money on both).

Summary

Anyone seeking a foolproof way to beat slot machines is going
to be disappointed, as these games are consistently the biggest
revenue generators for any casino. However, by utilizing tactics
such as playing slowly and signing up for a free player card,
you can increase your chances of winning. Considering how much
the odds are stacked against you, this is about the best you can
hope for over the life of your gaming career.

In the not-too-distant past, slot-machine players were the second-class citizens of casino customers. Jackpots were small, payout percentages were horrendous, and slot players just weren't eligible for the kind of complimentary bonuses -- free rooms, shows, meals -- commonly given to table players. But in the last few decades the face of the casino industry has changed. Nowadays more than 70 percent of casino revenues comes from slot machines, and in many jurisdictions, that figure tops 80 percent.

About 80 percent of first-time visitors to casinos head for the slots. It's easy -- just drop coins into the slot and push the button or pull the handle. Newcomers can find the personal interaction with dealers or other players at the tables intimidating -- slot players avoid that. And besides, the biggest, most lifestyle-changing jackpots in the casino are offered on the slots.

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The following article will tell you everything you need to know about slots, from the basics to various strategies. We'll start at square one, with a primer on how playing slot machines works.

How to Play

The most popular slots are penny and nickel video games along with quarter and dollar reel-spinning games, though there are video games in 2-cent, 10-cent, quarter, and dollar denominations and reel spinners up to $100. Most reel spinners take up to two or three coins at a time while video slots can take 45, 90, and even 500 credits at a time.

Nearly all slot machines are fitted with currency acceptors -- slide a bill into the slot, and the equivalent amount of credits is displayed on a meter. On reel-spinning slots, push a button marked 'play one credit' until you've reached the number of coins you wish to play. Then hit the 'spin reels' button, or pull the handle on those few slots that still have handles, or hit a button marked 'play max credits,' which will play the maximum coins allowed on that machine.

On video slots, push one button for the number of paylines you want to activate, and a second button for the number of credits wagered per line. One common configuration has nine paylines on which you can bet 1 to 5 credits. Video slots are also available with 5, 15, 20, 25, even 50 paylines, accepting up to 25 coins per line.

Many reel-spinning machines have a single payout line painted across the center of the glass in front of the reels. Others have three payout lines, even five payout lines, each corresponding to a coin played. The symbols that stop on a payout line determine whether a player wins. A common set of symbols might be cherries, bars, double bars (two bars stacked atop one another), triple bars, and sevens.

A single cherry on the payout line, for example, might pay back two coins; the player might get 10 coins for three of any bars (a mixture of bars, double bars, and triple bars), 30 for three single bars, 60 for three double bars, 120 for three triple bars, and the jackpot for three sevens. However, many of the stops on each reel will be blanks, and a combination that includes blanks pays nothing. Likewise, a seven is not any bar, so a combination such as bar-seven-double bar pays nothing.

Slot Machines For Sale

Video slots typically have representations of five reels spinning on a video screen. Paylines not only run straight across the reels but also run in V's, upside down V's, and zigs and zags across the screen. Nearly all have at least five paylines, and most have more -- up to 50 lines by the mid-2000s.

In addition, video slots usually feature bonus rounds and 'scatter pays.' Designated symbols trigger a scatter pay if two, three, or more of them appear on the screen, even if they're not on the same payline.

Similarly, special symbols will trigger a bonus event. The bonus may take the form of a number of free spins, or the player may be presented with a 'second screen' bonus. An example of a second screen bonus comes in the long-popular WMS Gaming Slot 'Jackpot Party.' If three Party noisemakers appear on the video reels, the reels are replaced on the screen with a grid of packages in gift wrapping. The player touches the screen to open a package and collects a bonus payout. He or she may keep touching packages for more bonuses until one package finally reveals a 'pooper,' which ends the round. The popularity of such bonus rounds is why video slots have become the fastest growing casino game of the last decade.

When you hit a winning combination, winnings will be added to the credit meter. If you wish to collect the coins showing on the meter, hit the button marked 'Cash Out,' and on most machines, a bar-coded ticket will be printed out that can be redeemed for cash. In a few older machines, coins still drop into a tray.

Etiquette

Many slot players pump money into two or more adjacent machines at a time, but if the casino is crowded and others are having difficulty finding places to play, limit yourself to one machine. As a practical matter, even in a light crowd, it's wise not to play more machines than you can watch over easily. Play too many and you could find yourself in the situation faced by the woman who was working up and down a row of six slots. She was dropping coins into machine number six while number one, on the aisle, was paying a jackpot. There was nothing she could do as a passerby scooped a handful of coins out of the first tray.

Sometimes players taking a break for the rest room will tip a chair against the machine, leave a coat on the chair, or leave some other sign that they'll be back. Take heed of these signs. A nasty confrontation could follow if you play a machine that has already been thus staked out.

Payouts

Payout percentages have risen since the casinos figured out it's more profitable to hold 5 percent of a dollar than 8 percent of a quarter or 10 percent of a nickel. In most of the country, slot players can figure on about a 93 percent payout percentage, though payouts in Nevada run higher. Las Vegas casinos usually offer the highest average payouts of all -- better than 95 percent. Keep in mind that these are long-term averages that will hold up over a sample of 100,000 to 300,000 pulls.

In the short term, anything can happen. It's not unusual to go 20 or 50 or more pulls without a single payout on a reel-spinning slot, though payouts are more frequent on video slots. Nor is it unusual for a machine to pay back 150 percent or more for several dozen pulls. But in the long run, the programmed percentages will hold up.

The change in slots has come in the computer age, with the development of the microprocessor. Earlier slot machines were mechanical, and if you knew the number of stops -- symbols or blank spaces that could stop on the payout line--on each reel, you could calculate the odds on hitting the top jackpot. If a machine had three reels, each with ten stops, and one symbol on each reel was for the jackpot, then three jackpot symbols would line up, on the average, once every 10310310 pulls, or 1,000 pulls.

On those machines, the big payoffs were $50 or $100--nothing like the big numbers slot players expect today. On systems that electronically link machines in several casinos, progressive jackpots reach millions of dollars.

The microprocessors driving today's machines are programmed with random-number generators that govern winning combinations. It no longer matters how many stops are on each reel. If we fitted that old three-reel, ten-stop machine with a microprocessor, we could put ten jackpot symbols on the first reel, ten on the second, and nine on the third, and still program the random-number generator so that three jackpot symbols lined up only once every 1,000 times, or 10,000 times. And on video slots, reel strips can be programmed to be as long as needed to make the odds of the game hit at a desired percentage. They are not constrained by a physical reel.

Each possible combination is assigned a number, or numbers. When the random-number generator receives a signal -- anything from a coin being dropped in to the handle being pulled -- it sets a number, and the reels stop on the corresponding combination.

Best Casino Slot Machine Strategy

Between signals, the random-number generator operates continuously, running through dozens of numbers per second. This has two practical effects for slot players. First, if you leave a machine, then see someone else hit a jackpot shortly thereafter, don't fret. To hit the same jackpot, you would have needed the same split-second timing as the winner. The odds are overwhelming that if you had stayed at the machine, you would not have hit the same combination.

Second, because the combinations are random, or as close to random as is possible to set the program, the odds of hitting any particular combination are the same on every pull. If a machine is programmed to pay out its top jackpot, on the average, once every 10,000 pulls, your chances of hitting it are one in 10,000 on any given pull. If you've been standing there for days and have played 10,000 times, the odds on the next pull will still be one in 10,000. Those odds are long-term averages. In the short term, the machine could go 100,000 pulls without letting loose of the big one, or it could pay it out twice in a row.

So, is there a way to ensure that you hit it big on a slot machine? Not really, but despite the overriding elements of chance, there are some strategies you can employ. We'll cover these in the next section.