Internet Casinos » Casino Strategy » Slots
Slot Machine Tips
Slots typically have the highest house edge in the casino, making them the worst game to play (at least monetarily). However, slots are also the most popular game in the casino due to their simplicity and the chance of a life changing win.
This article is going to discuss the match behind slot machines and provide a few tips for increasing your chances at the casino. Also, we will dispel a few common myths associated with slot machines.
How Slot Machines Work
The first thing you need to understand is how slot machines actually work. In the old days, slot machines actually had reels inside them that spun and would pay the player when the reels lined up properly. Nowadays however, all slot machines are powered by an electronic chip that randomly determines if the player wins or not.
This electronic chip also controls the house edge on the machine. The casino can tweak the chip to either pay out more or less money, depending on what they would like the payout percentage to be. Typical slot machines pay out between 80-90%, which means that for every dollar you put in the machine, on average you will get $0.80-$0.90 back.
Choosing a Slot Machine
Now that you know how slot machines work, your next task is to pick the best slot machine to play. Unfortunately it is impossible to calculate the exact payout percentage for a slot machine. Unlike in video poker, where you can see the pay tables and calculate how likely you are to hit certain hands, slot machines provide you with very little information.
Although you cannot calculate exact percentages, there are a few tips you can keep in mind for finding a machine with a higher payout percentage:
Play Slots in a Major Casino
This may seem like a no brainer, but if you play slot machines in an airport, restaurant, or bar, you can all but guarantee that the payout percentage is absolutely pitiful. We recommend playing slots at major Las Vegas casinos, as they are known to have the highest payouts.
Only Play Developed Progressives
Another tip you should follow is to only play the progressive slot machines when they have a huge progressive payout. Much of the percentage return for these machines is in the rare chance that you hit the progressive jackpot, so if the jackpot is high your theoretical return will be higher too. When the jackpot is low the theoretical return is much lower.
Use a Player's Card
The only guaranteed way to increase your payout percentage is by using a player's card. Almost every casino will allow you to sign up for their player rewards program, and by doing so you will receive a player's card that you can swipe when you sit down at the slot machine.
Player's rewards typically include 1ish% cash back, which increases your payout percentage by, obviously, 1%. You will also get special rewards, coupons, comps, and more. If you aren't using a player's card you are leaving a lot on the table.
Ready to Play Slots?
If you would like to practice your slot machine strategy online, make sure to check out our list of the best slot machines online. Or, head over to SlotsOasis.com right now to play at our top rated online slot casino.