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SLOTS STRATEGY GUIDE: EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES FOR WINNING AT ONLINE SLOTS

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The Best Strategies for Online Slots | HS Casino Blog

The online gambling market is booming. If you enjoy playing slot games, you know why this industry is so popular. Not only are slot games fun, but they let you take risks in a controlled environment for the chance to earn huge cash prizes.

You can exercise your creativity and problem-solving skills while enjoying an immensely popular activity. And if you love to win, then you’re probably wondering if there is a slot machine strategy to help you pull in the big bucks.

This helpful guide walks you through the most effective ways of winning at online slot games, so you can feel like a winner every time you play your favourite real-money slots.

UNDERSTANDING SLOTS’ STRATEGY FUNDAMENTALS

It’s important to consider the different slot strategies available before you play slots. This helps you minimise risk and maximise rewards.

Here are some common considerations to focus on when playing slots online. Apply these fundamentals to ensure the best slot machine strategies are used when you play. 

TYPES OF SLOTS STRATEGIES EXPLORED

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS?

Always consider your goals before playing. Is your goal to have fun, make money, or find entertainment? Your priorities will help determine the best slot machine strategy to use.

If your main goal with a slot machine is to win the maximum amount of money possible, you’ll need to adopt strategies that help make this a reality so you beat slot games time and time again.

HOW MUCH CAN YOU SPEND?

Playing slots should never put you in debt. Always determine your bankroll before spending money on slots and casino games in general, as winning is never guaranteed. If you need to formulate a budget, use one to help you decide what you can reasonably spend when playing slots online.

After you decide on a budget, consider how long you’ll spend playing slot machines. If you want to play for five hours and your budget is €/$200, you can spend €/$40 per hour. In this case, you might want to use a less expensive slot machine to play for longer.

If you’re on a budget, look for online gambling sites that offer slot bonuses, such as free money or free spins.

HANDLING YOUR WINNINGS

If you win a good sum of money, you may not want to lose it all over again when you play more slots. This is why you need to plan on how you’ll handle your winnings.

You might choose to bank any money you win with your online slot machine. Some slot players choose to set limits when they win, like, for example, to cease betting once their bankroll has grown by a certain number.

Another option is to bank half of what you win and continue playing with the other half. When you follow this slot machine strategy, you’ll do better with sticking to your budget and knowing when to quit. Playing responsibly is the number one priority in the online gambling industry.

SLOT MACHINE VOLATILITY AND ITS ROLE IN STRATEGY

You may have heard of volatility when playing slot machines. Volatility measures if a game is high risk and, if it is, determines that risk for prospective players.

Although you always run the risk of losing your money when you play slots, some casino games might be a higher risk than others, especially if they are less predictable. 

HotSlots offers a mix of low-volatility slots and high-volatility slots for you to enjoy. So, before you dive headfirst into our online gaming experience, take a look at how slot volatility plays a crucial role in formulating the best slot machine strategy. 

LOW-VOLATILITY SLOT MACHINES

If you’re interested in a small, regular payout, then low-volatility slot machines might be your best bet. Although you may not get land a big win, you’ll have more opportunities for small rewards. These slot games are usually popular among regular slot players who just want to experience the thrill of winning. 

If you’re looking for more challenges and opportunities to win at slots, then you might be interested in high-volatility slot machines.

HIGH-VOLATILITY SLOT MACHINES

Unlike low-volatility slot machines, high-volatility slot games offer big prizes. Unfortunately, these winnings aren’t as frequent as when you play low-volatility slot machines.

You’ll also have fewer small payouts since you can access greater prizes with these slots. Additionally, these slot games may have several different types of results.

You may have a few smaller wins and no big payout, one large win and no small wins, or even several big wins. Whether waiting for a large payout is worth it is totally up to you and what kind of experience you’re looking for. Remember to always have a good bankroll management strategy in place before you attempt games like these, as you can never know how exactly a slot pays!

MAXIMISING YOUR CHANCES: ONLINE SLOTS STRATEGY TIPS

Now that you’re ready to begin playing slots, you’ll need to know how to maximise your chances of a big win.

If you need more strategies and slot tips. Otherwise, take a look at the following ways you can increase your odds while playing slot games.

BET THE MAXIMUM YOU’RE COMFORTABLE WITH

You’ll earn greater rewards with the more you bet per spin; however, this doesn’t mean you should bet more than you can afford. Always stick to your budget, as previously discussed. 

That said, you can still win at slots with small bets. You may even find that you win big after placing small bets, especially if you hit a bonus round. It’s just more likely to have increased payouts with larger bet values.

Those slots might even increase how many paylines you have as you bet more money.

CONSIDER RETURN TO PLAYER PERCENTAGES

No matter what online casino slot you play, there is a Return to Player (RTP) percentage. You might think that slot machine odds can be disregarded since slots are games of chance, but this percentage represents how much you’re supposed to lose in a single game and, as a result, how much you’re expected to win back over a long period of time. For example, an RTP of 95% means that if you spend €/$100 on wagers for a game, you’ll get back €/$95.

Naturally, you’ll have a better chance of earning a profit if you play high-RTP slots. Low-RTP slots typically have larger jackpots or top prizes, so keep this in mind if you’re looking to win at slots.

A good strategy is to play games with a high RTP, but only for a short while. Quit while you’re ahead, then play low-RTP slots for longer sessions. 

UNDERSTAND HOW SLOT MACHINES WORK

One of the key aspects of a slot machine strategy is understanding how slots work. There are many different slots available online, from branded slots to penny slots, fixed-jackpot slots, progressive slots, and loose slot games, among many others. 

Instead of jumping into the first exciting-looking slot you see, take time to learn what bonus features different slots offer or how your chosen slot machine functions. 

You can do this by studying the game’s paytable and rules. There you will find an explanation of what each symbol does and what they’re worth. You’ll also learn how the special symbols work.

If there are bonus rounds, this is the time to learn about them, along with a list of instructions.

You can also look for slot machine reviews before committing to play a game. This way, you can see what other players have to say so you understand the risk before investing your money.

Some casino operators offer Free Spins bonuses to use on your favourite games. Utilise free spins to extend how long you play and increase your odds and help you win at slots.

DON’T CHASE JACKPOTS

Jackpot games can help maximise your winnings. Jackpot slots essentially offer an additional prize on top of all the bonus features available. But you won’t know exactly when the jackpot will drop. This doesn’t mean you should avoid jackpot slots, as they can still be fun to play; just be realistic about what your money can get you.

If, for example, you play a game with regular payouts and you can play for a longer time, hitting the jackpot is an added perk.

USE CASINO BONUSES

When you play on platforms such as HotSlots, you’ll find plenty of regular bonuses available to you. These include Welcome bonus offers, Deposit Bonuses, Free Spins promotions, and Reload offers. These sweet deals would be available on most slots, unless otherwise specified by the Terms and Conditions. That said, you may also find offers available on live dealer games too.

Casino bonuses offer a range of rewards like free spins, bonus funds and even actual cash; just remember to read the Terms and Conditions before you claim anything.

PLAY RESPONSIBLY

This strategy is often overlooked. Know how to play responsibly and know when to quit as it can be easy to form a gambling addiction.

For example, if you’re up on a slot machine, you need to learn when to walk away with your profits instead of putting them back into the game.

You should also learn to play for entertainment. Never play with money you can’t afford to bet (and lose). Good online gaming sites and reputable brick-and-mortar casinos will always have Responsible Gaming tools for you to take advantage of.

BANKROLL MANAGEMENT IN SLOT STRATEGY

Bankroll management is an excellent slot strategy. It comes down to winning and losing. It would help if you also managed your winnings for several days and exercised discipline so your bankroll lasts longer. 

Consider the following slot strategy scenarios.

YOU’RE LOSING

It doesn’t matter if you’re gambling for one day or several — you always need to pace your bankroll. Don’t under or over-bet and always consider how much money you have and how long you want to play for.

You may find yourself in the position of lowering your bet. Although this means you’ll have reduced odds of winning big, your bankroll will last longer, especially if you’re struggling to win.

Consider how much entertainment you’re looking for and pace yourself, ensuring you have part of your bankroll when you’re done playing casino slots for the day.

YOU’RE WINNING

If you’re on a winning streak, it’s best to evaluate your current gambling position with your slot machine and make the decision to keep certain money untouchable. This way you don’t lose what you started with. 

STRATEGIES FOR WINNING BIG IN PROGRESSIVE JACKPOTS

Just like you can follow strategies to help you win with online slots, there are ways you may increase your odds when playing jackpot slots. Let’s take a look.

PLAY AT REPUTABLE CASINOS

Although this may seem obvious, you should only play at reputable online casinos. HotSlots is the best choice for online slots as our games come from licensed developers with excellent reputations. All games are fair, so you have equal odds of winning a progressive jackpot on a casino slot.

When you gamble at questionable online casinos, you may not receive your jackpot amount. Usually, they’ll provide you with a list of false claims or hidden terms after you’ve bet money.

When you play at fair, reputable online casinos such as HotSlots, you’ll receive all the money you’re owed. If there’s any slot strategy to use it is this one.

MAXIMUM BET

You may need to bet the maximum amount to qualify for the chance of hitting a progressive jackpot. Even if you don’t have to bet the max, you may want to since it increases your odds of hitting a winning combination in some slots. That said, this is not always the case.

Only place bets you can comfortably lose. If the maximum bet is more than you can afford to lose, check ahead of time before selecting that game to play. There are plenty of reasonably priced games, so consider your budget and bankroll before playing. And, if you’re not lucky enough to hit the prize pot, jackpot slots often come with several game features that can help you win jackpot-worthy payouts!

PICK THE BEST ONLINE SLOT MACHINES

Some slot machines have better chances of winning than others. Always research slot machines before investing your time and money. Look for progressive jackpots or Hot-Drop progressive jackpots.

When playing these slots, the grand prize usually drops at a certain time. The closer you are at that moment, the higher your odds of hitting the jackpot. You can work on timing your sessions, so you have greater odds of hitting these jackpots.

ALWAYS HAVE FUN

It’s easy to become so consumed with winning that the most important factor becomes overlooked — having fun! Play reasonably, and keep in mind that the odds of hitting jackpots are slim.

Many of your fellow slot players never achieve huge jackpots, so go into each game expecting to have fun. Casino games aren’t meant to make you rich, so keep this in mind and use them as an opportunity to relax and unwind. 

SECRETS OF WINNING AT SLOT MACHINES

If you’re looking to beat slot machines, there are several slot tips and tricks to follow:

  • If you play higher denomination slots, you’re likely to have a higher payback percentage. 
  • You should also bet enough to qualify for any jackpots, provided it’s within your price range.
  • Look for online slot machines that fit your playing goals and work best with your personality. 
  • Look for slot machines that offer big payouts through bonus games. If you’re unsure how a game works, you can look for game demos to sample them ahead of time.
  • Play at casinos that offer promotions and bonuses.

STRATEGIC APPROACHES FOR DIFFERENT SLOT MACHINE TYPES

There are different approaches you can take for a variety of slot machines. Each strategic approach works to increase your odds of a winning combination.

Popular slot machines include:

  • Classic Slots/Penny Slots
  • Progressive Slots
  • Multi-Payline Slots

Here’s how you can take the best strategic approach to these popular slot machines.

CLASSIC SLOTS

Classic slots are perfect if you prefer a simple slot machine. These online slots are close to the first slot machines to originally be played in land-based casinos.

These slots have three reels and usually feature just one horizontal payline. The payline stretches across all the reels. You may find some slots with three reels and feature multiple paylines, which we’ll discuss in a moment.

When you play a classic slot machine, you can expect to see classic fruit symbols, such as lemons, cherries, and oranges. You may also see other classic symbols, including bells, lucky sevens, and bars. Although less common, some classic slot games feature bonus rounds or Scatter and Wild symbols.

You may also get free spins when playing, though you’re more likely to find bonuses in more complex games like branded slots.

PROGRESSIVE SLOT MACHINES

If you’ve heard of jackpot slot machines, they’re the same thing as progressive slot machines. When you play one of these online slot machines, you’re adding to a collective jackpot. Every time you play, you’re participating in the chance to win that jackpot while also contributing to the pot.

You can check out the jackpot record for any game you’re interested in playing. If you see a standalone progressive slot game, you might find that the jackpot is lower. This usually means someone wins it more frequently. 

MULTI-PAYLINE SLOTS

Every so often, you’ll find slot machines with paylines that exceed three reels. These games are often more fun but they’re also more complicated. This can make them confusing if you’re new to online slots.

On average, you can expect to find between nine and 100 paylines. You may find horizontal, zigzagging, V-shaped, and vertical paylines. When you play with multiple paylines, you might have multiple winning combinations appear at once. You’ll also find more symbols that accompany that slot’s story or theme.

There are also more betting options since players can usually choose the number of paylines they want to play with.

ENHANCING YOUR SLOT STRATEGY: BONUS ROUNDS AND FEATURES

Depending on the slot machine you play, you may be able to bet more for specific bonuses. Larger bets are usually just a line multiplier placed over a smaller bet. Slots are all created differently, meaning you may find certain slots where you can contribute and increase your chances of earning more frequent bonuses.

Some online slots offer better wagers, leading to better bonuses and features. With each spin, you wager more. The goal is to hit a stronger bonus that pays out more than your base wager.

If bonuses are what you enjoy the most about slots, and you like learning about different strategies and tricks, then these may be the best casino slot machines for you. 

EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES FOR MAXIMISING WINNINGS AT ONLINE CASINOS

There are a few different ways you can maximise your rewards. But, it is crucial that you play at safe casinos — somewhere reputable and trustworthy. You want your online casino to protect you and your information, so check out what security measures your online casino has in place before signing up, especially if you’re involved in an incident of identity theft or fraud.

Once you’ve deduced that your chosen casino site is reliable, explore the casino’s ‘Promotions’ page to see what bonuses it offers. You can even check if the site offers a VIP Club or other types of loyalty programmes. 

WELCOME BONUSES

If there are Welcome Bonuses or other promotions, consider taking advantage of them. Bonuses are great if you’re looking for a little extra fun, and they can help you win money as you spin the reels. That said, always familiarise yourself with the rules and regulations for these bonuses.

Welcome Bonuses are among the most common type of casino bonuses. These deals are promotional and work to get you to register at a certain online casino. It’s common for these types of offers to multiply the first deposit you make up to a certain amount. 

These offers are intriguing, as they give you more available cash in your bankroll. You’ll have more money to play with but are also subject to some strict rules and regulations. For example, your rewards may be subject to wagering requirements and minimum bets and only be available on selected games. This is usually the case for Deposit Bonuses and Deposit bonus codes.

Online casinos may also expect you to deposit more money and place a wager to use your benefits. This is usually the case for free spins or bonus money. There may also be a maximum amount of money you can win. You’ll usually encounter this with free bonus money.

If you’re looking to play online casino games for as long as possible, then definitely take advantage of these Welcome Bonuses or any other promos the casino offers.

LOYALTY PROGRAMMES

Are you looking to find and stick with an online casino for the long run? If so, consider an online casino that offers a loyalty programme or some other type of VIP benefit.

The way loyalty programmes work is simple: the longer you play at an online casino, the more benefits you’ll receive. This includes different offers and promotions. You might even be entered into a sweepstakes programme or win different gifts, including free spins.

Any player that bets large sums of money should consider casinos with benefits for VIP players. VIP players might benefit from online slots with higher maximum bets, special invitations and gifts, and access to exclusive tournaments. 

FIND THE MOST PROFITABLE ONLINE CASINO GAMES

It’s no secret that all casino games come with a house edge. This figure represents how much of an advantage the house has over you, which means you can’t stop the house from profiting altogether, but you can chase casino games that offer a lower advantage to the house. You can also learn how to minimise your banking advantage when playing online slot machines.

PLAY FOR FREE

Although spending money the first time you play online slots may be tempting, you may want to learn the ropes by playing for free via online game demos. This lets you get a feel for the game without breaking the bank. You can use this time to practise different kinds of betting strategies and to see what kinds of results you get.

After you feel comfortable betting, you can look for the best online slot machines to bet real money. Most online casinos let you demo different games, so you can see if you enjoy them before spending any money. You may even get free spins while demoing these games!

THE ROLE OF LUCK IN SLOTS STRATEGY

Although it may not seem like it, online slot machines are more than just casino games of chance. Yes, luck and chance both play a role in whether you’ll win (and how much you’ll win), but there is a mathematical algorithm that also affects if you’ll win when playing at real-money online casinos.

In essence, this algorithm is based on a Random Number Generator. It also takes into consideration the Return-to-Player factor, as previously mentioned. This determines the percentage payout a player receives if they win.

All slots have random number generators. This has been the case since slots were first invented in 1895 or when the first penny slot machine became popular.

However, modern-day online slot machines rely on computer RNGs to determine the outcome of these numbers. Although every online slot machine is different, the concept is the same. There’s no way to detect patterns or truly form strategies that will help you win every time, so it all comes down to luck at the end of the day.

FAQ

As discussed, slots are mostly the result of chance, which implies that there isn't much strategy involved. However, this doesn't mean you can't use different strategy methods to increase your odds of winning.

Keep in mind that every player essentially has the same odds of winning due to the presence of Random Number Generators. When playing online slots, you spin the reel and hope that your symbols match up among the different paylines.

You should still utilise the strategies outlined in this guide. This is especially true for bonuses and progressive jackpots.

Slot machines essentially come down to a matter of chance, although strategies can help to increase the odds of you winning.

Unfortunately, slot machines usually offer the same odds to everyone who plays, so you won't necessarily have a huge competitive advantage. What you can do is look for slots that have more frequent payouts or bonuses, which can increase your likeliness of winning while playing casino games.

If you're playing a slot tournament, you'll need to focus on several factors. For instance, speed is something to pay close attention to. You can't control what reels your slot machine produces, but you can control the number of chances you have to win each round.

It would be best if you also focused on minimising distractions when you play. You might need to go to a quiet area, ensuring distracting devices are off.

It's important to always arrive early when participating in a slot tournament. You should also let your slot machine multi-task and push it to its maximum.

You may have heard about the Five-Spin Method. This method is thought to increase your individual chances of winning when playing online slot machines.

What you need to do for this method is to pick one slot machine and spin the reels five times. If none of these spins win, move on to the next slot machine and spin the reels another five times. You would want to repeat this process until you hopefully win, keeping your budget and your bankroll in mind while playing casino games.

In general, the Ugga Bugga slot machine is known to have the highest payout percentage. It's recorded at 99.07%. Next is the Mega Joker by NetEnt. This slot game has a 99% RTP.

If you play Uncharted Seas by Thunderkick, you can expect an RTP of 98.8% and 98.6%. This is a great option, but just remember there are thousands of slots out there, from branded slot games to gem slots, Megaways™ titles, etc. If you're looking to play slot machines that pay out better than others, do not limit yourself to just one slot!

Don’t forget that there are also Live Casino games that offer pretty good odds too! If you’d like to switch your gaming experience up a little, take a break from slots and explore the Live Casino catalogue of your chosen casino site.

If you’re playing at a reputable and licensed casino, you can expect your gaming experience to be fair and trustworthy.