Slot games are often the most dominant feature in every casino and, perhaps unsurprisingly, their biggest moneymaker. That’s because a lot of players are attracted to the chance aspect of these games. But that doesn’t mean that all slots are just about pure luck. While there aren’t any guarantees you’ll hit the jackpot, preparation and determination can tilt the odds in your favor.
Set Spending Limits
We’ll begin with one of the more obvious recommendations but one that many players tend to ignore. Setting a budget and sticking to it is of the utmost importance when doing any sort of gambling. In addition to an overall spending limit, you should also decide on the maximum sum you plan to sink in per game.
Slots are fast - plays take mere seconds to complete, and there is often no pause between games. By setting spending limits, you’ll give yourself more time to actually enjoy the games.
RTP Is King
Now we’re getting into the nitty-gritty of forming a successful strategy for slot games. To find the perfect slot game, follow the RTP trail.
An RTP, or Return To Player, is a percentage that a slot pays back to players out of the entire wagered amount. This is the expected percentage win rate. An RTP of 97.63% tells you that for every wagered $10, you’ll make $9.76.
Most slots have an RTP rate between 92% and 97%. For a steady stream of cash rewards, focus on playing games with an RTP above 96%, also known as “loose” slots. Try to find slot games that get as close to a 100% RTP as possible.
As for finding RTP information, most casino sites display these details either in the games section or the Terms of Condition page. Alternatively, you can find the RTP percentage in the options menu once you enter the game. You can also Google the name of the slot game and add RTP. For example, typing in “Starburst RTP” will show you that this game’s RTP is 96.01%, which is one of the reasons for its popularity.
Try Out Demo Games
Once you find the game with the best RTP, you should test it out. The best way to do that is to play a demo version or a free portion of the game. Demo mode is excellent to see all the gameplay quirks and available bonuses. If a game is available in demo mode, you’ll find it once you click on the game icon, and you’ll be given the option to select Demo/Play for Fun.
Learn About Pay Tables
Every game has a pay table that serves as a datasheet with information about things like the number of paylines, the betting requirements, and the symbols on the reels. It’ll also list the prizes and payouts and offer specifics about how to play bonus rounds.
Find Out the Slot’s Volatility
Aside from looking at the RTP percentage, you’ll need to determine the volatility of the slot game to get better odds. Volatility represents the monetary risk you take by playing a specific slot game. Hence, low volatility slots have better odds of paying out, but the winnings are smaller. On the other hand, high volatility slots offer more lucrative payouts with reduced odds of actually hitting a win.
Both types of slots are attractive options, but you have to manage your expectations depending on what you choose. With high volatility slots, you have to be prepared to take on greater risks and invest more money into hitting a lucky spin. Moreover, it’s important to conduct comprehensive research online about the games. Also, these types of slots typically don’t have many bonuses or additional features.
On the other hand, low volatility slots offer more frequent bonuses, but the winning combinations won’t be worth as much. In most cases, you won’t find the volatility for a slot game that easily. It’s not in the operator’s interest to share such info with players. The best way to find it is to Google the name of the slot game and add the word variance. For example: “Starburst variance.”
Bet Higher
There is nothing wrong with playing it safe with minimum bets. But to get access to game-changing bonuses, you’ll need to bet more. This applies to both penny slots and slot games with progressive jackpots. However, remember that progressive jackpots require maximum wagers to be eligible for the jackpot amount.
No License, No Game
Playing casino games is an inherently risky proposition, which is why there’s no need to increase risks by playing on unregulated sites. Always stick to licensed online casino sites that are regulated to provide fair game randomness and a safe payment experience. Licensed sites regulated by a gambling commission also have solid customer support. Hence, if anything goes wrong or you just want to know more about slots, RTPs, and other features, you can turn to customer support agents. You can find out whether a casino site is licensed by checking the bottom of the home page or contacting support.