When I first got interested in and started writing about gambling in 2003, I turned my nose up at slots and slot machines. Could there be an online slots strategy? The strategy wasn’t a factor in those games, and I knew it, and I wanted to play something that offered more intellectual stimulation.
But something happened… I watched some of my new friends in the gambling webmaster community playing the slots, and they sure seemed to be having a lot of fun. And I like to think of myself as being pretty open-minded, so I decided I’d give it a try.
What did I find out? Slot machines are fun. Mindless fun, but fun nonetheless. I remember reading that slots are the cotton candy of casino gambling. They’re devoid of any real nutritional value, but they’re tasty.
Is there a way to gain an edge though?
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Slot Machine Strategy
Slot machines are perhaps the most popular casino game that players enjoy, both online and in land-based play. Slots have no difficult rules to follow, and with just a push of a button, you can become an instant millionaire. Slots are the most uncomplicated game to play at an online or land-based casino and are quite affordable with options to play for just one penny per pay line.
Players find that slots are enjoyable due to many reasons, from the quirky animations to flashing lights and sounds. Slots can pay out big time, but unfortunately, there is no true strategy that will help you earn that big win. However, there are steps you can take to increase your chances of winning. Read on to find out how.
Slots Strategy
One of the best strategies to consider when playing slots online or in land-based casinos is to look at the Return to Player percentage or RTP. This is the theoretical payout percentage that represents a percentage of all money wagered on the game that will be paid back to a player over time. In general, a good RTP on a game will be above 90%. This means you have a better chance of winning during gameplay.
Generally, the higher the denomination played, the better the odds. You will most likely see a better return by playing a 5 cent game on one coin per line, then five coins per line on a 1 cent game. The higher denomination will have better odds. Following this slot machine strategy will only help you see a better return during gameplay.
Online Slots Strategy
When it comes to online slot gaming, there are two strategies that work well for players. First, be sure to check the RTP on slot games you are considering. Slot game reviews will help you to see which games have a higher Return-to-Player percentage. An online slot game with an RTP of 95% or more will help you see a higher return than one with a lower percentage rating.
The second online slots strategy to always follow is to join an online casino loyalty program. Online casinos that offer loyalty programs most often offer free spins or bonus cash for you that can easily be cleared as you play slot games. You can earn free spins for signing up at a quality online casino as well as earn loyalty points for gameplay that can then be used for bonus cash, merchandise or anything else the online casino is offering.
How to Win at Slot Machines
I do have an opinion on how to win at slot machines. It can be summed up pretty quickly, too: Get lucky! Slot machines are completely random. Modern slot machines use a computer chip called a random number generator to constantly generate numbers, over and over again.
When you “spin the reels,” the number that has just been generated determines the outcome of that bet, even before the reels stop spinning. Regardless of what superstitious people will tell you, it’s impossible to spot a pattern.
Slot machines don’t get hot or cold. That’s actually not true. You can look at a series of past events on a slot machine, and you can say that the machine was hot or was cold, but you can’t predict when that’s going to happen in the future. No one can.
Random events and individual trials mean that every spin of the reels has a random result, regardless of what happened before.
This is true of most gambling games, by the way, with the exception of certain card games, where the removal of certain cards from the deck on previous hands changes the composition, and therefore the odds, of the deck.
One way to win at slot machines is to change your definition of winning
Since slots are a negative expectation game, you can’t expect to walk away with big winnings in your pocket. That’s a bonus. If you change your definition of winning at slot machines to having a lot of fun while you play, you can walk away being a winner every time.f
And don’t forget to take advantage of the free drinks the casino offers while you play. If you have a taste for good beer, go ahead and order a Heineken.
Don’t be a chump, though–tip the cocktail waitress a buck or two for bringing you the beer. It’s still dirt cheap, and you’ll get more attention from the staff that way anyhow.
But don’t think that you can bribe the cocktail waitresses to tell you where the loose slot machines are located. They don’t know. If they say they do, they’re either lying to get a bigger tip, or they’re deluded. One is probably as likely as the other, too.
Foolproof Slot Machine Strategy that Will Work for Anyone
But one slot machine strategy will work for everyone: Join the slots club.
When you gamble at a casino, you have the opportunity to join the slots club, which is also sometimes called the players club. You get a plastic card that looks and feels like a credit card or drivers license. You insert this card into the slot machine while you play, and it tracks how much money you put through the machine.
Paranoid people might call that an invasion of privacy, and I have little solace to offer the paranoids among my readers. But tracking how much money you gamble during a trip to their casino allows the casino to offer you rebates, rewards, gifts, and incentives to play with them in the future.
Most slots club assign a certain percentage to their rewards program that they plan to give back to the player. It’s often a very small amount, like 0.2%, but over the course of a hot gambling year with several trips, that can add up.
These rebates and incentives can take the form of cash, coupons, tickets to events, certificates for meals, even vacation packages. High rollers who spend thousands of dollars gambling each trip get all kinds of perks from their casino hosts, and that card is one way that the casino determines each player’s eligibility.
Belonging to the slots club has no drawbacks or disadvantages that I’m aware of, at least not for a slots player. Blackjack players who count cards might want to keep a low profile, but otherwise, why not let the casino give you the VIP treatment.
You won’t get an advantage over the casino’s house edge by being a member of the slots club, but you will get more entertainment for your gambling dollar, and that’s worth doing.
Step by Step Guide on How To Play Slots
Below is a step by step guide on how to play slots at a casino. You will find the steps are simple and you will quickly be on your way to earning a payout.
- Step 1: Visit the Cashier – Before you can begin playing a slot game, you will need money. Visit the cashier cage to change in a few twenties for dollar bills or change, depending on the game type you wish to play.
- Step 2: Choose Your Game – The first step is to choose your game. This can be difficult as most slot games are appealing. Have an amount in mind as to what type of machine you wish to play, such as penny or nickel machine. Walk around the game floor to see which machines appeal to you. Once you find the game you wish to play, have a seat!
- Step 3: Insert Money – This can be a coin or paper money, insert it into the machine and press the button to spin the reels! Hopefully, you will hit a winning combination and earn a payout!
These are the basic steps to playing slot machines. Of course, depending on the game type, you will be able to choose how many pay lines you wish to play, how much to wager per line, etc. Learning more about the lingo associated with slot gaming will help you to better understand more options for gameplay.
Casino Slots – Tips & Tricks
Because slots are so readily available online and in land-based casinos, they are usually the first games that a beginner will try. Slots are easy and fun to play, plus they can provide a big payout if you hit a larger than life jackpot. Casino machine tips and tricks will help you to know just what to do to hopefully earn a big win and have fun in the process.
Real money slot machine tips are essential if you want any chance of seeing a nice return during gameplay. To get started, the higher denomination slots will have a higher payback percentage. For example, dollar slots will have a higher payback percentage than the quarter or nickel slots. Consider your gambling budget to determine if you are better off sticking to the lower denomination games or if you can try your luck at the higher denomination slots.
When playing progressive jackpot slot games, you can win a huge jackpot, but you must be eligible to do so. For most progressive jackpot games, you must wager the maximum coins in order to be eligible. Follow the directions listed on the game to ensure you are meeting the requirement to win the jackpot.
Tips for Playing Online Casino Slots
Online casino slots tips are also important, especially if you spend time online enjoying your favorite slot games. You want to make the right decisions to have fun but also hopefully hit a jackpot or two. Gameplay is technically the same online as it would be when playing at a land-based venue.
But instead of sitting down to the game, you are sitting in front of a computer screen or using a mobile phone. To get the most out of online casino slot game play, take advantage of bonuses and promotions. Most online casinos offer bonus cash that can be cleared with online slot game play.
If you enjoy slots, then make a deposit to earn cash back and then play your favorite machines. Be sure the slots you like are eligible for the bonus cash and if so, you will have no trouble meeting the playthrough requirements and cashing out any winnings once completed. Some casinos require a particular game be played when clearing bonus cash so terms and conditions should always be checked beforehand.
These real money slot tips will help you be well on your way to enjoying quality slot games and hopefully earning big jackpot payouts, whether you are visiting a land-based casino or logging online!
Slot Games You Can Play
There are several different kinds of slot games that you can play, including the famous Penny Slots. You can always try your luck out with real money slots or can check out each game by playing the free version. Here are some resources to help you on your way to playing on the online slot machines.
Penny Slots
Penny slots are slot machines that offer games starting at one penny per pay line. With penny slots online, you have the ability to play for very little money. These games are for the more budget conscious player when the focus is more on having fun than spending a ton of money to try and win a big jackpot. Penny slots come in many forms, including simple 3-reel games, five-reel, video slots and more. Learning how to play penny slots and taking into consideration penny slots tips, will help you to enjoy the games but also spend less in the process!
Read more here: Penny Slots
Free Slots
Play for Free, try the game before playing for real money. Free online slot machines are a great way in which players can practice playing slot games or just have fun. Free online casino slots mean that you can play the game without wagering any money. For beginners, free slots online are the best way to find favorite games and then choose which slots to wager on.
Find out more about these games by clicking here: Free Online Slots
Real Money Slots
Play Real Money Slots for the chance to win big jackpots! Online slots real money gaming options provide gamblers with the ability to enjoy slot gaming online and hopefully earn a cash prize in the process.
Real money slot games start with penny slots and increase in stake options so players can wager small amounts or big bucks to try for jackpot prizes. Online slots real money tips can help you learn the best games to play as well as which stakes to try in order to increase your chances of winning.
Best Online Slots
Online slot games are an easy way to enjoy your favorite past time, online slot gaming! With online slot game play, you can choose from hundreds of slot games when visiting a top-rated casino. From traditional slot machines to video slots and progressives, the options are truly endless! By playing online slots, you can take advantage of tournaments, bonuses, and promotions, as well as win major cash prizes.
Below are two examples of popular online slot games that every player should try.
Wizard of Oz
Based on the classic movie The Wizard of Oz, this slot game offers a 5-reel experience with 30 pay lines. Players can earn free spins, take part in a bonus round, access wild symbols and scatters as well as earn large jackpot prizes. Available via desktop and mobile, allows you to enjoy this game wherever you go. Symbols of the game include Dorothy, Toto, Emerald City, Ruby Slippers, the Tin Man, the Lion, and Scarecrow.
Willy Wonka
Transport yourself to the 1971 movie classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory with this 5-reel, 40 line slot game titled Willy Wonka. The unique slot game features songs and scores from the classic movie, totally immersing you in the gameplay experience. This game includes special features such as the Oompa Loompa increment feature, and a ride down the Chocolate River, leading a bonus round.
Other Slot Games
Aside from traditional online slot games, players can access unique slots such as video slots and 3D gaming options. These categories of slot games offer players, even more, when it comes to graphics and animations. Learn more about these slot games below, including examples of favorites among avid gamblers.
Online Video Slots
What is a video slot machine? In general, this type of slot machine will feature more pay lines than traditional slot machines, offering as many as 100 pay lines. Video slot machines feature animated symbols and can include an animated video intro as well as videos featured during gameplay.
Video slot games often are themed after television shows or movies, featuring original content in video form. These games can include a bonus round, multiplier, scatter and wild symbols, free spins and more. below are two examples of popular video slot games, including the stand out features of the games.
Aztec’s Millions
This game created by Real Time Gaming is one of the more popular video slots available online today. The game features 5-reels and 25 pay lines, with a bet range that suits every gambler. Players can wager from $0.25 to $100 during gameplay. Players can win up to 25 free spins with a 3x multiplier plus is connected to a progressive jackpot starting at $1 million.
Aliens
This slot game was created by NetEnt and features 5-reels and 15 fixed pay lines.
This game is based on the popular movie franchise Aliens and provides players with access to a progressive 3 level bonus feature mini-game that provides free spins and multipliers.
Online Casino Slots 3D
3D slot games are perhaps one of the most popular forms of slot gaming available today. Using the latest technology, 3D slots feature improved sound as well as 3D animations for a more immersive experience during gameplay. Players will find this gaming category still includes wilds and scatters along with additional options like generous multipliers and unique theming.
Below are two popular examples of 3D slot games available online.
Alice and the Mad Tea Party
With bright and colorful animations and graphics, Alice and the Mad Tea Party is 3D slot gaming option for players online. The game takes players into Wonderland, offering a 5-reels and 30 active pay lines. Several symbols can be found on the reels including Alice, Bunny, and Queen each of which will launch bonus features. Free spins can also be enjoyed during gameplay.
Panda Party
Another great 3D game to try when playing real money slots online is Panda Party. The Panda symbol is the wild in this game and will replace any symbol to create a winning pay line. Wild multipliers include 3X during normal gameplay, Free Spins Mode offers 5X wild multipliers with the Super round offering 7X multipliers.
Online Slots in the USA
Online slots in the USA are customized to appeal to players located in states. Real money online casino options provide slot gamers with access to quality content, from classic 3-reel slots to progressives, video slot games and more. With Las Vegas slots online, players have access to the best gaming options with affordable stake options, starting in the penny range. Features of the slot games found in the USA include multipliers, free spins and more!
Best Online Slot Casinos for US Players – Play for Real Money
Slot gamers in the US who want to enjoy the best in casino gaming need to sign up for a new player account with a reputable online casino provider. The best online casinos for US players offer real money gaming with top quality customer service, the best banking methods, promotions and more. Below are a few examples of our recommended online casinos for slot fans in the United States.
SlotsLV
One of the best slot gaming options for US players, this online casino offers an exclusive no deposit bonus of $22 plus the fastest payouts in North America. Enjoy more than 400 casino games once registered.
Get an exclusive $22 No Deposit Bonus using code SLOTS22 when you sign up to play at Slots. LV and enjoy some of the fastest payouts in America.
BetOnline
With no download required, players will find BetOnline is an optimal choice for real money game play. More than 150 casino games are on offer including exclusive promotions like the 20% casino rebate.
Play at BetOnline and get a 100% Casino Welcome Bonus – Get your first THREE Casino deposits matched 100% from $25 all the way up to $1,000.
LasVegasUSA
This online casino offers download and instant play real money online casino gaming with the best slot titles on the market. Find Cash Bandits 2, Purrfect Pets and more when choosing slot gaming options.
Sign up at Las Vegas USA Casino and receive a 400% Bonus of up to $10,000 using coupon code 400BONUS.
Casino Slots Around the World
Slot gaming is offered around the world, in areas other than the United States, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and more. Find out more about the real money slot gaming options available in these areas and more below.
UK
In the United Kingdom, online casino gaming has been offered for decades and players will easily find that an online casino will offer hundreds of slot games on offer. Slot games at UK online casinos offer players free spins, free cash to try new games and much more. From 3D slots to progressives, players in the UK have plenty to choose from!
Canada
In Canada, online slot gaming is super easy to enjoy. Slot games are provided by online casinos for real money, with demo modes offered so players can try slots without spending any cash. Easily try out a slot game that catches your eye before making a deposit. Players in Canada also have access to the most popular slot games including Wizard of Oz, Bubble Bubble 2 and more.
Australia
Online slots Australia real money games are often referred to as the pokies and offer players plenty of ways to earn extra cash. Take part in bonuses and promotions exclusively provided by Australian online casinos to create a nice bankroll to enjoy quality slot games. Top games include free spins, major multipliers, bonus rounds and more to help you earn more wins!
Malaysia
Hundreds of slot games can be found at online casinos that cater to Malaysian players. Try games in demo mode to find your favorite, taking advantage of sign up bonuses or promotions to earn even more during gameplay. It’s easy to begin enjoying the best slot games available, with slot games offers progressive jackpots, quality animations, and sounds, plus free spins!
Best Online Slot Casinos for Global Players — Play for Real Money
Global players have no trouble finding top online casinos in which to enjoy the best slot games. Top software providers such as Microgaming, Net Entertainment, and Playtech are just a few of the many options global players will find when searching for a real money online casino. Below are a few examples of where you can enjoy top slot gaming.
888Casino
888Casino has over 20 years experience, you don’t need to make a download to play their games, and they offer a quick and easy registration process. There are free spin features at almost all of their online slot games like Jack’s Pot, Twin Spin, and Big Lebowski.
Sign up to play at 888Casino and instantly double your first deposit with a 100% immediate Welcome Bonus up to $200.
Betway
Betway Casino has over 400 five-reel and three-reel online slots, including some of the most famous online slot games like Mega Moolah, Lost Vegas, Game of Thrones, Jurassic Park, and Mermaid Millions. You could also check out its mobile slots app for real money mobile slots.
Receive a 100% match bonus based on the first deposit of $20+ and receive additional bonuses for up to $1000.
Slots Bonuses
When playing slot games, players will find there are a plethora of bonus options available. For slot bonuses, players can access free spins and playing credit as well as bonus cash. Learning what options are open to you and what they provide will allow you to take advantage of quality incentives when enjoying your favorite slot games. Some suggestions include:
Online Slots Bonuses
As you play slots online, you will find there are several options for bonuses. Some casinos offer free spins on slots just for signing up or to try the site without an account. On the home page or promotion page, you will see a Free Spins heading. This is a great way to try a slot game for free. Always read the terms and conditions as you may be limited to what can be cashed out.
Online Slots Bonus Codes
When visiting an online casino, you will find the site offers bonus codes as an incentive to create an account or standard bonus codes as incentives. Using the bonus codes in the cashier and following the directions can result in free spins, free casino chip or bonus cash based on your deposit. An example of this would be the $22 Free Chip offered at Slots.LV.
Use the bonus code SLOTS22 to earn the free chip to use at the online casino.
Online Slots with Free Spins
Online slot games with free spins can usually be found at casinos that offer a deposit bonus with free spins. An example of this can be found at Sloto Cash. This online casino currently provides a 200% bonus plus 100 free spins on Aladdin Wishes. Once the promotion has been redeemed, players automatically earn free spins.
This is a great deal as winnings are automatically added to your account balance without an additional playthrough required. The bonus cash must still be paid through but any winnings from the free spins are yours to keep!
Online Slots Deposit Bonus
This is a bonus provided for players who make a specific deposit using a bonus code. An online casino will offer a bonus code with a deposit match such as a 100% match up to $200. This means you deposit as much as $200 and you will get $200 in bonus cash. When considered a slot bonus, you will be limited to playing a certain slot game in order to be able to claim any winnings from the bonus cash. Playthrough requirements will vary depending on the site you choose to play at.
Both BetOnline (US players) and Betway Casino (international players) offer 100% match bonuses.
Online Slots No Deposit
With a no deposit bonus, players will be able to earn bonus cash that can be used for gameplay without having to make a deposit. Most casinos will offer a small amount such as $25 to $50 for non-registered members to use to try out games and check out the site without having to make a deposit of their own funds. These offers are a great way to try a casino, but be sure to read terms and conditions, including playthrough requirements to see what you need to do in order to cash out any winnings.
Online Slots – Deposit Methods
There are different ways in which you can fund your online casino account. Just find the one that best suits your need for playing slots.
Debit/Credit Cards — Visa/Amex/MasterCard
To fund your online slots account, debit or credit cards can easily be used. The online casino will require that you enter card information so that transactions can be processed. You will need to enter the card number, expiration date, name on the card and security code on the back in order to use the card at an online casino.
PayPal
This is a top option chosen by online gamers since PayPal is considered a safe and secure method of receiving and sending funds. If you have an established PayPal account, you will need to provide your PayPal information to the online casino in order to use it for depositing or withdrawing funds. The email address used will ensure payments are processed accordingly.
Bitcoin
First, you will need to buy bitcoins, then create a Blockchain account. You will then transfer your bitcoins to the blockchain account. At the casino, you will visit the cashier and select Bitcoin for the deposit section. Choose the amount you wish to deposit and then copy the Bitcoin address from the cashier window and enter it into the Blockchain send money section. Be sure you do not close the Blockchain window until you see the transaction has been confirmed.
Online Slots – Payouts & Withdrawals
Slot machine payout patterns cannot be dictated so you never know how much money you will be able to win when enjoying your favorite online slot games. Depending on the online casino that you use, the options for deposit and withdrawal will vary.
The most popular withdrawal methods among players include:
- Skrill
- Neteller
- Credit Card
- Bitcoin
- EcoPayz
Each method on offer will provide you with a minimum and maximum deposit and withdrawal amount. Be sure you know the constraints of the method you choose before moving forward with making a deposit or withdrawal.
Online Slots — Legal Aspects
The legality of online slot gaming will be different depending on where you live. It is important to get to know any federal or state-specific laws in your area before beginning to enjoy slots online. The best option is to choose a regulated online casino available to you so that you know your account is protected. Legal online slots real money action is the only way to go when you want to have a good time and know your personal information is secure.
Mobile Online Slots
Playing slots online via mobile device only continues to grow in popularity. Online gamblers love being able to take their gaming on the go. Online casinos are starting to become more mobile friendly, creating easy to download applications of their online gaming content or offering in browser gaming.
Players can easily log in to their existing account at an online casino via Android, iPhone or tablet to access their favorite games. While some online casinos offer limited mobile gaming, most are starting to realize that more content is needed on a mobile basis to ensure that players have access to their content when on the go.
Real Money Mobile Slots
Some of the best casino slot games found online via desktop can now be played on mobile devices as well. Such games as Aztec’s Millions, Cleopatra’s Gold, and Aladdin’s Wishes can all be played via mobile for real money. Operators have found that the most popular games need to be made mobile as players have a strong desire to log online to play the most popular slot game titles.
FAQ
How do you spot a winning slot machine?
You don’t. There is no such thing as a hot or cold slot machine, nor is there a loose machine.
What are the best slots to win on?
The best slots to earn a win on are the slot games with the highest Return-to-Player percentage. Look for slot games with a high RTP percentage to see the best chance to win.
What are the penny slot machines with the best odds?
Visit our Penny Slots page for all the details.
How to know when to walk away from a slot machine
Anytime is a good time to walk away from a slot machine. You never know when a win will occur. When you find that you have spent all your budget or haven’t eaten in a few hours, it’s time for a break!
How do you play the penny slot machines?
Most penny slot machines encourage players to bet on multiple pay lines or to bet more than one penny per line. It’s relatively easy when playing a 5 reel slot machine with 25 pay lines to wager $1.25 per spin without even realizing it.
What is a video slot machine?
In short answer, a video slot machine is a slot game that includes video content. These games are quite interesting as they add another level to gameplay.
How do you win at slots?
Get lucky! Slot machines are completely random. Modern slot machines use a computer chip called a random number generator to constantly generate numbers, over and over again.
How do slot machines work?
There is a primary element to modern slot machines: the random number generator. As soon as a slot becomes active, this function starts generating random numbers at an incredibly high rate (usually hundreds per second).
How do you know when a slot machine will hit?
Unfortunately, you don’t. Slot machine gaming is random so any slot can hit at any time. To have the best chance of winning a jackpot, stick to one game for an extended period of time, choosing a slot machine that has a high RTP percentage.
How to beat slot machines at the casino?
Having a good strategy is the best way to try and win a jackpot at the casino, essentially beating the machine. Learn more about strategy here.