Getting Started

If you have had the opportunity to visit any land-based casino you have certainly noticed the quantity of slot machines scattered throughout the casino. Slots are the simplest games to play in the casino and can be quite entertaining - if you are winning. How much easier can it be, you insert a coin, pull a handle - or these days push a button, and then go back into your bucket for another coin. Regrettably, that's what usually happens when the house has such a massive advantage. This doesn't however mean you can't increase your odds of winning and have a good time while playing slots.!

There are basically two different types of slot machines found in casinos today - the flat rate and progressives. Flat rate slots have a set pay schedule while progressives continue to grow with each coin that's inserted until the jackpot is hit.

Find the best paying machine

When you pick which game your going to play be sure to search for the slot machines that are advertised to payout between 95% and 99%. Although machines located beside each other may in fact look identical, they could each be programmed to return a completely different percentage rate.

Play on non progressive machines

Slot machines found in casinos today feature random number generators that randomly determine which symbols will appear when you play. They may also determine the symbols based on the amount of the current jackpot payout. This programming allows the casino to stack the odds in their favor.

Because these generators are programmed to produce a higher number of reels and symbols on progressive jackpot machines, slot players are better off playing the flat rate machines found in the best locations. The best locations are often located directly inside the door.

Know when to cash out

If you have the fortune to double your bank roll at any time on one machine - cash out! Never get caught in the ongoing saga of "I have to win my money back" - you will only find yourself losing more!

Placing you Bet

The most important thing to remember when you select which slot machine your going to play is to know the payout rates and percentages. Its ok to play for fun and pick the game that looks the coolest - but have fun winning!

Understanding these payout rates may give you a better opportunity of winning a larger jackpot. Some machines may require that you bet a certain amount of coins to win the jackpot - usually the maximum bet.

Knowing exactly how to play the games will not only increase your odds of winning it will dramatically enhance the level of gratification you get while at the casino.

Placing the Maximum Bet

As previously mentioned betting the maximum amount of coins will increase your odds of winning a larger jackpot. Most casinos will reward you for placing a larger wager. If you were playing just 2 coins for example the jackpot payoff may be 3000 coins while if you were playing the maximum of 4 coins the jackpot would grow to 6000 coins. This strategy will work for most all machines but if you feel uncomfortable placing a maximum bet on a dollar machine you should consider selecting a lower-value machine such as a quarter or even nickel machine.