The opinions on slot strategy vary widely, for the simple fact that every spin on a slot machine is an independent random event, and mathematics can not be used to make the correct decisions. However, by understanding how the machines work and by employing a good money management strategy strategic players do have an edge.
First off, it is important to know that not every slot machine has the same payout percentage. It is important to play the machines that offer the highest payout percentages, which are always displayed on the machine or on the game screen. Many players make the mistake of playing the machines with the most appealing themes, and not the machines that pay the most. It is also important to understand that casino slots are programmed to payout and jackpot after a certain number of plays, or after a certain level of player activity has been reached. Therefore the more a player spins, the more likely he or she is to hit a jackpot. It is also important to understand that casino slot machines only pay the maximum jackpot if the player makes the maximum bet.
As mentioned above, slot machines payout after a certain number of plays or a certain level of player activity has been reached, therefor the player’s chances of winning are increased every time the player deposits a coin and spin the reels. For example, if the odds of winning a slot are 1 in 1000, a player that only spins once has a 1 in 1000 chance of winning, however, if a player plays the same machine 100 times the player’s odds of winning increase to 1 in 10. This is why a money management strategy is so important, a player that wants to win needs to distribute their bankroll over a maximum number of spins.
To determine how much to bet a player must first decide on how much money they want to wager, and how much time they have to play before deciding upon any particular machine. So for example, let’s assume that a player has decided to wager $400 and has two hours to play, according to the chart above it would be suggested to play on the $1 machines.
By playing on a $1 machine this player is sure to spin the maximum number of times for a set period of time. By playing on the nickel and quarter machines a player will spin just as many times, however being that the jackpot and winnings usually increase in correlation with the bet amount the player will fail to maximize potential winnings. By betting less than the amount which the player’s bankroll permits, a player will win just as often but will win less. But by betting more than the amount which the player’s bankroll permits a player reduces their chances of winning. By betting the correct amount, a player has the best odds of winning a maximum payout prize.
After determining the correct betting amount a player then must select a machine with a maximum deposit equal to the betting amount. This is very important because many slots only make the maximum payout if the player makes the maximum deposit. Therefore, only betting quarters on a one-dollar maximum deposit machine will normally eliminate a chance at the maximum jackpot. Getting the edge on an average slot player is not that difficult, by simply determining the correct betting amount and finding the machines with the highest payout ratios players can beat the casino.