Video slots are easily the game-changer that cemented the rise of online casinos around the globe. The casino slot established a sharp formula of spinning reels destined for ubiquity. Familiar yet somehow revolutionary, it is fascinating to observe just how many breeds of online slots there are as the gambling industry reinvents itself on the frontier of technology.
While Live Casino games are a staple in the major part of online casinos, modern slot machines are a simple and entertaining way to bet at a casino. Online slots come in a range of colours, themes, volatility levels, and features, and they’re a vital part of the casino game ecosystem.
If you’re interested in learning how to win on slot machines, this is the guide for you! Of course, there is no guaranteed method to beat slot machines, but take a look at the valuable tips below to learn how to minimise the risks and maximise the win potential when playing slots.
HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT SLOT MACHINE
Although we can’t provide a winning formula that guarantees you will win slots, we have a collection of general tips and tricks that can help you prevent regrettable losses. Picking out the right slot machine suited to your taste and style of gameplay will undoubtedly aid in developing a slot machine strategy that works for you.
To make an informed judgment, let’s address some integral points that make up the whimsical world of video slots and what they mean for you.
PROGRESSIVE JACKPOTS
Perhaps one of the more flashy phenomena to take the world of popular slot games by storm, progressive jackpots are a gift that keeps on giving! Jackpot slots take a portion of your wager to feed the ever-growing jackpot until a player lands the right combination of symbols, and the slot pays out its coffers. Usually observed via a jackpot meter somewhere in the game window, the size of progressive jackpots depend on how far and how fast slot machine players flock to its reels. Slot developers are willing to cast the net further and further with increasingly lofty ambitions for online slots.Â
Games like the Mega Moolah network of jackpot slots can grow pots of staggering proportion, reaching into the hundreds of thousands! However, they pose a particular risk of loss, as they often require a larger bet and wins on multiple paylines to potentially trigger. Playing slots with progressive jackpots can be exciting, but it can also be expensive, so consider your budget before spinning progressive slots.
RETURN TO PLAYER (RTP)
If you look through the information section on a slot game or look up slot reviews online, you will encounter a payout percentage indicating the game’s RTP.Â
The RTP, or Return To Player, is the player’s edge against the house. Essentially, it depicts how much a player will earn back over time. Every slot has an assigned RTP, and this little percentage figure greatly influences how likely players are to win money.Â
Slots with a less than 95% RTP are low-range, while medium-range RTPs sit at around 95% to 98%. Higher-range RTPs are above 98%, although a win at slots with a high RTP might be smaller than what some players expect. Nevertheless, it’s recommended to go for a higher RTP when familiarising yourself with playing slots.
LOOSE SLOTS
When a slot machine has an RTP above 96%, they are known as loose slots. However, it must be emphasised that a high RTP on a casino slot game does not mean it guarantees a win right off the bat.Â
Loose slots have a higher chance of paying out, so it’s good practice to pay attention to the RTP to determine if it is a loose slot. Many slot reviews on dedicated online gambling sites will include descriptions that note the volatility, RTP, bonus features like Wild symbols or Scatter symbols and whether the game is loose by general standards.
PENNY SLOTS
A venerable form of a slot machine that can be found in any venue, from a humble local casino to the venues up and down the Las Vegas strip. The name says it all — these are the most inexpensive option for players.Â
The name itself came from real money slots, which literally cost only a penny to play. In the online slot world, slots with a minimum bet value of €0.01 would thus function the same as a land-based penny slot machine.Â
They aren’t to be underestimated, either, as players still occasionally walk away with substantial payouts. If you’re looking to play slots on a smaller budget, penny slots can be a great way to enjoy the thrills of a slot machine without being too heavy on your bankroll.
SLOTS VOLATILITY
Much like the RTP, a slot’s volatility is a key indicator of how much the game is likely to pay out. Sometimes referred to as variance, this is the risk level of a slot machine.Â
Every slot has a risk factor inherent to it, and it is essential to bear it in mind along with the RTP so as to get a better feel for the slot machine odds. Low volatility slots have higher odds of winning, albeit smaller wins. High volatility slots pay out more remarkable wins, but naturally, the risk of not paying out a big win at all is greater too.
FREE SPINS
A major draw for online slot machines worldwide is the advent of free spins! The Free Spins feature of slots is trendy, and considering how slot machines work, there was never a doubt it would be.Â
With providers implementing the possibility to spin the reels for free as one of several bonus features, bonus games connected to free spins are becoming more and more sought out. Many bonus games are triggered either via winning combinations of symbols that lead to Free Spins bonus rounds, or else through a Bonus Buy feature sometimes included in the game.Â
Although not all games include a bonus round, free spins can be claimed in other ways. Online casinos can award players free spins through various promotions, tournaments and bonuses.Â
A Free Spin feature or bonus game offers another way to potentially win at slots without using up your ammunition of funds. It goes without saying that while it’s not the sole factor influencing your chances to win at slots, it’s a pretty good step towards improving potentially sizable cash prizes.
SLOTS WITH THE BEST ODDS
As we’ve mapped out, there are a few different factors affecting slot machine odds. The summation of all these components combines these factors and how they interact with one another. A rule of thumb is always to read reviews when judging the best slot machine odds.Â
The general idea is that low volatility slots with low bet values and a high RTP make up the essential ingredients for a slot with better odds of paying out. However, high volatility slots, with larger bet values, a lower RTP percentage and a progressive jackpot in some cases, have much higher chances of a big win, despite it being less likely for the player to win at slots like these in the first place. Luck, in the end, is the one genuine determining factor.
A few examples of some slot games with notably good stats and relatively good odds, include:
- Starburstâ„¢Â
- Thunderstruck II
- Mermaid’s Millions
- Jumanjiâ„¢Â
- Triple Diamond
- White Rabbit Megaways™ Â
- Twin Spin
- Book of 99
- Energoonz
- Blazing Bull
MOST IMPORTANT THINGS YOU NEED TO CONSIDER WHILE PLAYING ONLINE SLOTS
We’ve covered a few fundamental aspects of a slot machine, including the low volatility slot versus high volatility, RTP and bonus games like the Free Spins feature.Â
These are all useful in your assessment of a potentially winning slot machine. Still, there are a few more things it wouldn’t hurt to keep in mind when identifying online games to spin through:
PAYTABLES
Paytables are a crucial part of every slot machine. The paytable explains the fundamental elements of casino games, including the value of symbols like Wild symbols, the value of some winning combinations, as well as a description of any features and bonus rounds. Every slot machine has its own paytable, and it is crucial to have a good look through it before engaging with the slot machine.
GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY
It bears repeating that gambling online is risky and should always be handled with care and control. There are plenty of ways to ensure that you keep online gambling safe and play slots in a sustainable, responsible manner.Â
Setting limits on your bankroll is one. The information section of a slot game can indicate payout percentages, which help you make informed decisions about whether the slot is right for you or if the risk inhibits sensible spinning. Whenever casino games start to lose their lustre and stop being fun, that’s a sign that it’s wise to take a step back and reset.
STOP-LOSS
As previously described, slots are fun, theatrical casino games that can appeal to people from all walks of life. But, they can also be a potential money pit for the careless player.Â
Stop-losses are one way to protect your bankroll. A stop-loss is an amount a player budgets for when playing at online casinos. Stop-losses need to be strict; otherwise, it can be too easy for the player to break them and continue betting. This requires discipline, but it is a very effective way to nip a losing streak in the bud and form good habits at any online casino.
REASONABLE BETS
We’ve mentioned progressive and penny slots and one of the intriguing parallels between the two casino games is their betting limits. A penny slot will come with a much safer level of risk, and that will be reflected in the size of your win. On the other hand, you can go for gold and try your luck at a progressive jackpot, but you’ll find the minimum bet limit to be eligible for the jackpot can be steep.Â
It’s tempting to bet your money on a single spin, but the odds of winning massive cash prizes might only be appealing in the moment. This can quickly become a costly cycle to maintain, so aim to calculate your bet size by how much you’re willing to bet and how much you’re not willing to lose. Stick to your betting limits to enjoy casino games to their fullest.
FREE GAMES (DEMO MODES)
One of the great things about playing online slots compared to any other casino game is that most online casinos include a demo version of a slot. The demo functions the same as a regular slot, except you won’t bet any real money. Demo versions of slots are a convenient way of getting acquainted with a slot machine without committing to betting.Â
You can discover reels with new features, get to grips with the gameplay and safely explore the world of slot machines as you play online. No cash bets mean no real winnings to withdraw, of course!
CASINO BONUSES
As the world keeps spinning, so has the casino gaming world adapted to the seismic technological shifts and mass communication to create increasingly attractive incentives for players (laying the groundwork for thriving market competition between casino operators).Â
Bonuses are a prime example of where this has flourished. Every online casino usually has some form of bonus offer, and your choice of casino bonus is now as varied as your selection of slot games. You can enjoy anything from a one-time Welcome Bonus upon signing up, to a No Deposit Bonus which doesn’t require depositing any funds, and a Cashback Bonus which hands you back a portion of your bet! Casino bonuses can also be in the form of Free Spins Bonuses, which award bonus spins instead of funds. Certain bonuses apply for specific games, and often have a wagering requirement to be fulfilled to enjoy the bonus.
MANAGE YOUR BANKROLL
We’ve mentioned a few methods to keep your bankroll in check, but there’s more to consider regarding bankroll management. Some self-reflection and basic preparation may help you discern between having a good time and making mistakes with your money.
DON’T BET ALL YOUR MONEY ON JUST ONE SPIN
This can be tempting with certain games, and there are plenty of stories of players whose lives were changed with a lone spin on a set of reels. These stories are few and far between, however, especially when taking into consideration the millions more who spin slots every day. Self-restraint, in conjunction with casino or in-game bonuses, and favourable RTPs and volatilities, can help you place smarter bets.
SET A BUDGET
Budgeting is key to a clean bill of financial health before interacting with a slot game. A budget will act as a skeleton in which you can flesh out your strategy for bankroll management. Every player should make a budget and stick to it unwaveringly, as being lenient with a budget rapidly starts to eat away at your funds insidiously.
PICK SLOT MACHINES WITH THE LONGEST GAMEPLAY
Slot games are a form of entertainment, first and foremost. There are lots of ways to bet money, and slot games are a fun alternative to Live Casino games due to their vibrant nature and charming unpredictability. In this sense, the gameplay is an overlooked but critical factor in determining your experience. Slots with impeccable gameplay will assure you will still have a good time, even if you don’t form a winning combination. If it’s not fun, it’s not the one.
KNOW WHEN TO SAY NO
As we’ve just mentioned, slot machines are designed to keep players entertained. Everything from the colour scheme to the music, flashy themes and graphics plays a part in making the experience enjoyable… until it’s not. It’s up to the player to know when enough is enough and take a break. Once players learn to stop, the odds of falling into a pattern of losses are effectively reduced.
USE THESE TRICKS TO WIN ON SLOT MACHINES AT HOTSLOTS ONLINE CASINO!
That might be a lot of information to process, but the best way to understand slots and how they spin is to interact with them. And, HotSlots has got you covered! The vast library of slot games at our online casino is truly astounding; from niche-oriented slots to some of the biggest progressive slots on the web — there is something for everyone!
With demo modes available, you can put each of these tips and tricks you’ve read into practice. And that’s not accounting for the fabulous range of bonuses at your disposal. From No Deposit Bonuses, to Cashback Bonuses and Free Spins Bonuses on a multitude of titles, plus fantastic weekly promotions, tournaments and offers!