This is the one million dollar question really, and while there are many things you can do to improve your slots ability you must remember that a lot of your success (or otherwise) will be down to pure luck and chance. That’s just the nature of these games.
So while we can’t necessarily help you to beat the slot machines in the long run, what we can say is that there are some simple steps to follow that will give you a better chance to win at slots.
The first, and most important tip when playing slots is solid bankroll management.
This, quite simply, is managing your money effectively so that you can enjoy your slots experience all the more. Losing your bankroll instantly – and then having to deposit again – is an absolute no-no, and while we must accept that we will lose from time to time we must also learn to be responsible with our money.
There are, generally speaking, two types of slots players: those who play for enjoyment, and those who play for the chance to win big jackpot prizes. Which of these two camps you fall in will ultimately dictate your bankroll strategy.
For example, if you simply play for fun then think about setting a monthly limit for your play and then dividing this up into weekly and daily amounts to play with. That way, even if you don’t win any money at least you know you will be able to enjoy a full month’s worth of action.
If you play for the chance to win jackpot payouts then your bankroll management will be dictated by the eligibility requirements of the game, e.g. wagering a certain amount to qualify for the jackpot. In this case, it is essential that you see your bankroll as a number of opportunities to win the prize, and so set yourself a number of attempts per month to win.
Play at a safe and secure online casino
Why play at a shabby casino when there are so many great options out there? The best casinos have fast withdrawals, good game selection, have good promotions and treat you well as a player. We recommend you to only play casinos with a good reputation.
Make sure you get good comps when playing slots
One of the best ways to improve your game is to have more money to play with, and one way you can achieve that is by signing up with casinos that offer the best comps. By doing so, you will access free spins, cash bonuses and other promotions to help you enjoy more slots time.
Understanding the wagering requirements when playing with a bonus
The link between decent wagering requirements and skill level is clear: if your comps and bonuses have more agreeable wagering requirements then you will have a better chance of ‘turning them over’, which means you’ll have more slots time to enjoy. If the wagering requirements are difficult then you will eat into your budget and thus have less game time.
Choosing the best slots to play
We all have different reasons for favouring certain slot games over others, but we must remember the bottom line that should help us to choose the ‘right’ games to play, and that’s the ‘Return to Player’ ratio.
Quite simply, this number dictates – in an infinite number of spins – how many times you will win. So the higher the RTP, the more chance you have of a winning spin. Picking slots with the highest RTP (relevant to the amount you want to wager per spin of course) is crucial for maximising your winnings.
Understanding the rules of the slots you play
Generally speaking, the rules for each slot game are pretty much the same. However, many of the more contemporary titles contain bonus rounds and special features that have skill elements attached to them. So if you don’t know the rules, how can you expect to win the best prizes?
Responsible gaming
Linked to bankroll management, staying in control at all times is crucial in bettering yourself as a slots player. There are two things to note here that are ‘emotional’ responses: chasing your losses and taking risks. The temptation when you go on a bit of a losing streak is to keep spinning the reels and hoping your luck changes. But this can eat into your bankroll more and more; and leave you without any funds to use when your luck changes the next day or week.
Similarly, taking risks to help cover losing streaks, e.g. when you get the chance to play the card gamble in some slot games, can also be a bit problem. Trying to double or quadruple your winnings by taking on the gamble feature of a slot machine is a big mistake; you only have a 50% or even 25% chance of winning.
Set your goals
You must have a cashout figure in mind when playing slots. This is an upper limit which you are happy to play towards before withdrawing your winnings and starting again with your normal bankroll. Without this figure, you could end up losing a lot of money that you have taken the time to build up.
On a similar note, having a ‘loss limit’ in mind is essential as well. Wiping out your entire bankroll in one session is the ultimate in gaming idiocy, so always set a specific loss limit – whether that’s a specific amount or a percentage of your bankroll, e.g. 10 or 20%. That way you are able to work towards your goals without having to break the bank.