How to Win at Slots - Online & Live
Learning how to win at slots is no easy task. Online slot machines are renowned for being completely random, so no amount of skill will give you the edge when it comes to these enticing casino games.
However, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of winning at slots. On this page we'll talk you through some of the ways you can improve your slots potential:
- Find out all there is to know about pay tables
- Understand the randomness of online slot games
- Get to know house edge and how it impacts your gameplay
Our Top Tips for Winning
When it comes to making a success of your online slot gaming, knowledge is power. You'll never be able to improve your luck playing games which are completely random and dependent on chance, but you will be able to give yourself the best chance of winning if you follow our experts' top tips.
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Choose Your Slot Machine
No two slot machines are ever the same. Not only do different machines come with all manner of different themes, soundtracks, additional features and symbols, they also all have different Return to Player (RTP) rates. All online casino games display this before you begin, so it pays to go for a game with a high RTP rate.
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Practice with Free Games
Before you begin playing slots for real money, you have the option to try a free version of the game. Not only is this great fun, it also gives you the opportunity to get to know your game and all of its secret quirks. If you're playing a slot with bonus rounds, this is a great way to hone your skills.
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Study the Pay table
Every slot machine comes with its own unique pay table. The pay table shows what each symbol is worth and which ones are the most lucrative. It'll also tell you whether the game has wild symbols and scatters.
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Set a Budget
One of our most important pieces of advice is this: set your budget before you begin. Don't start spinning those reels until you've decided on a maximum sum that you are prepared to spend. If you reach that sum, stop playing. Never bet money you can't afford to lose.
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Aim for Smaller Jackpots
Games with smaller jackpots tend to pay out more frequently, so if you're after a win but you're not concerned about chasing the big bucks, games with smaller jackpots are ideal. We know those huge progressive jackpots are enticing, but your chances of claiming one aren't very favorable!
Just like any other casino game, it really is a case of mind over matter. If at any point you find yourself becoming overwhelmed and you're no longer enjoying the game, this is the time to stop. Take a step back, relax, and come back to the game at a later date.
Getting Acquainted with Slots
Slot machines are amongst the most popular casino games, throughout the world. Not only are they a huge draw at land-based casinos, where you'll find they take up much of the floor, but they're the biggest hitters at online casinos too.
House Edge Explained
House edge is a term used in all casino games to tell the player what advantage the house has over them when it comes to winning the game. Over time, you'll find that the house will always come out on top at any given game, it's just a case of by how much.
The house edge percentage is calculated through the mathematics of gambling. Taking into account the odds of the game, and the payout a player receives if they win, a percentage is worked out, which is the house's overall advantage over the player. This house edge percentage gives the casino a profit percentage which can be expected over time. It also shows players what percentage of their wager they are likely to lose if they continue to play their chosen game for a long period.
In slots, house edge is displayed as the RTP rate (Return to Player Rate). This theoretical percentage is calculated by running the machine many times, and calculating the payouts as a percentage of overall wagers in that period. This allows the developers to tell players what their chances might be when playing any given game. However, with slots the game completely depends on chance, so the short term outcome of the game is entirely random.
With slots, the RTP rate varies according to which game you choose to play. Most software developers choose to publish the RTP rate of their game, however some prefer not to. Make sure you take a look at the stated RTP rate of any given game before you start playing, if the information is available, as some are far tougher than others.
Unlike classic card games like poker, gambling on slot machines relies entirely on chance. This has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Whilst you're not able to ever improve your abilities when playing slots, you also benefit from the exact same odds of winning as every other player. So, whilst your chances of grabbing a progressive jackpot are small, they are no smaller than that of any other player.
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Understanding Paytables
Before you start playing any slot machine, it's a good idea to take a look at the pay table. This is where you'll find a list of all the symbols used in the game, and what they're worth if you're lucky enough to line them up.
The pay table will also tell you whether or not the game uses special features such as multiplier symbols, wild symbols, scatter symbols or bonus symbols. If bonus symbols are noted, you can expect a bonus round in the game, where you might be able to claim added extras like cash prizes and free spins
- See what each symbols is worth
- Find out if the game includes wild symbols or multipliers
- Discover scatter symbols which might be lurking in the game
- Find out how to win the game's biggest jackpots
- See whether or not the game includes bonus rounds or other special features
Getting to Grips with Bonuses
One of the biggest perks of modern online slot gambling is the addition of casino bonuses. There are a wide range of different bonuses which players can take advantage of when playing slots online. Let's take a closer look at some of the most popular ones.
- Most online casinos offer lucrative welcome bonuses to entice new players.
- Often these come with significant playthrough requirements, so you will need to wager this money and win several times before you can withdraw.
- Free spins bonuses are triggered within games, and enable you to spin the reels again for free
- These can appear during bonus games or regular play. It's common to win several free spins at once when playing online slots.
- Most online casinos offer lucrative welcome bonuses to entice new players.
- Often these come with significant playthrough requirements, so you will need to wager this money and win several times before you can withdraw.
Managing Your Bets
Like all casino games, slot machines are available in a wide range of denominations. It's possible to wager pennies or one hundred dollars per spin if you prefer.
While it might be tempting to put all your money into a single spin, we highly recommend exercising what the pros call bankroll management. By placing bets in line with your budget, you'll be able to keep playing longer even when you don't win.
Your exact recommended bet size depends on the size of your bankroll and how fast you play. You can calculate your bet size by seeing how much money you're willing to bet and how much you're not willing to lose. This is a good way to stay on track with bankroll management.
