Playing online slots can be a lot of fun, but is there a strategy that could help players to improve their odds when they play? The short answer is unfortunately not. While there are tips that players can use to improve their chances of winning in games like blackjack and poker, the same can’t be said for slots. There are no techniques that can realistically improve one’s chances of winning. Unlike other casino games where gamblers can optimize their play, every spin of the reels in an online slot reveals a combination of symbols based entirely on luck.
That said, players can use some general methods to reduce their losses, which in turn can increase their potential wins. Here are some tips to keep in mind when playing online slots for real money.
1. Pick a Slot With a High RTP
Online slot machines all have a value that lets players know the average percentage of bets that are returned to players over a large number of games. This percentage is known as the return to player, or RTP, and although the average RTP for slots is 96%, this number can vary from below 90% to as high as 99%.
Many factors affect the outcome of a game of online slots, but to ensure players are working with the best odds, the first tip is to pick the game with the highest RTP because, in the long run, these games offer the statistically highest average payouts.
2. Pick a Slot With Low Volatility
RTP isn’t the only factor that affects a player’s chances of landing a winning combination. Volatility, also known as variance, refers to the frequency and size of wins. Games typically fall into one of three volatility categories:
- High: Wins occur rarely but offer larger payouts.
- Medium: Wins occur fairly often and come in a mix of small and large payouts.
- Low: Wins occur more frequently but offer relatively small payouts.
While volatility may sound similar to RTP, it’s more representative of what players might experience in the short term. This is why players should pick a slot with low volatility: they’re more likely to land wins over shorter slot sessions than they would with a medium or high volatility slot. This is particularly true when players consider the (statistically) huge number of games they’d have to play to improve their odds of winning with a high volatility slot — so keep this in mind when choosing which slot games to play.
3. Understand How a Particular Slot’s Bets Work
In addition to knowing how online slots work generally, it’s important to check the specific betting rules for each game. This is because certain games offer players the same odds and max payouts regardless of what they wager, while others offer players better odds, better payouts, and even access to specific minigames only when they wager larger amounts. For example, placing a max bet could be a key part of how to win a casino jackpot if the slot only offers jackpot rewards for the largest bets. This is why players must make sure they read the game’s rules before they decide on the size of their bet.
4. Try Slot Demos
While understanding the betting rules, volatility, and RTP is all critical, there’s a way for players to get a feel for what a slot offers before they risk their hard-earned money. Many online casinos and casino game developers provide slot demos that players can try without betting real money. This allows them to get a taste of the gaming experience, whether it’s the game’s volatility, betting systems, or extra rounds, so that they don’t spend money on a slot that might not offer the kind of wins they’re looking for.
5. Take Advantage of Casino Promotions and Offers
Online casinos provide new and existing customers with great ongoing and limited-time promotions that offer extra value. These promotions vary from extra casino credit when they make a deposit, to extra spins and loyalty points that players can redeem for other rewards.
6. Proper Slot Bankroll Management
Players also need to find a slot with the betting options that suit their gambling budget. After all, even if they manage to find a slot with an incredible RTP and a volatility that perfectly suits their gambling style, it won’t matter if they can only afford to play it once or twice a month because its betting range is too high for their bankroll.
In addition to finding a slot that offers gamblers the best value for money, players need to ensure they don’t exceed their gambling budget. If players chase losses thinking a win is just around the corner, they could find themselves in a sticky situation. Responsible gambling is key to limiting losses and increasing a player’s chances of winning in the long run. Players should also consider other slot budget management tips to ensure they correctly manage their online slot bankrolls.
7. Play At a Reputable Online Casino
If players find an online casino that seems too good to be true, it probably is. There are many online casinos that look great on paper but aren’t registered with local gambling authorities. Without oversight from a governing body, gamblers have no protection and no guarantee that these sites are legitimate. This means players could find themselves spinning the reels of jackpot slots with an RTP of 99.99% without ever winning a cent, making their online slot strategy meaningless.
Legitimate casinos undergo regular audits and reviews to ensure players have a fair experience. It also means that the money players spend at a legitimate casino has the best chance of offering them real wins compared to an unregistered online casino where the games are rigged never to pay out.