Unlike the personal interaction of table games, slot machines are easy to learn and offer the biggest, life-changing jackpots in casinos. However, many players can get caught up in the flash and glitz of towering video screens, bright lights, and quirky themes, which distract from the important strategy and money management aspects of this form of gambling. The following tips will help you play smarter and walk away with more than you came in with.
Choose a specific amount that you are willing (and able) to spend on slots. Set this aside before you start playing, and don’t dip into other funds, including rent or food money. This will prevent you from chasing losses, which is a common mistake that can lead to irresponsible gambling habits and serious financial problems.
Stick to a budget and stop once you reach your goal. Trying to make back lost money by placing larger bets is an expensive, often unsuccessful strategy that can drain your bank account and cause you to lose more money in the future. Besides, it’s no fun being up and then losing it all.
If you want to win more than you came in with, learn the game inside and out. This will give you a better idea of how much you can expect to win and how frequently. Then, decide how much you are comfortable with risking and how long you can play each session. This will help you avoid getting discouraged and abandoning the game altogether.
Know the payback percentages of each machine you play. Different slot games have varying payback percentages, and some even have different minimum bets. Typically, higher payback percentages mean more frequent payouts, but they also carry greater risks. It is up to you to weigh these risks and decide which type of game suits your preferences and financial capacity.
Identify which symbols correspond with each other and which are wild. Some slot machines offer a bonus when you collect enough of certain symbols, like gold balls. These can be easy to spot if you look for machines that have been abandoned with nine gold balls or more. However, other experienced players will quickly swoop in and take over those machines before you can get to them.
When a slot machine is not paying out, you can try to diagnose the problem by reading its paytable. Usually, these are printed on the face of the machine or in a help menu. Some of these documents include details on the different ways that a player can earn credits, such as by matching certain symbols or by activating bonus features. Some even contain the game designer’s target payback percentage, which can give you a general idea of what to expect from each machine. You can also find this information online, although it may not always apply to your particular casino or machine. Nevertheless, these documents can be helpful in determining which machines are the best fit for you.