Slots Strategy Guide

Despite its reputation as "the one-armed bandit," the slot machine remains the most popular casino game in the world. Thousands can be found at major live casinos and there are hundreds of game variants available at many online casinos. It's a simple game and offers plenty of excitement but it is also one of the games with the greatest house edge.

Most slot machines return an average of 98% of the money wagered but they still take in more money than just about any other casino game. The thing about slot machines is that they achieve a high "churn." That is, the players may win small amounts of money on a frequent basis but the players continue to wager this money so rapidly that they quickly burn through everything they bring to the casino.

Now I'm not saying this to bash on slot machines, because even I enjoy slot machines, but I just wanted to let you know the facts right up front. Slot machine strategy cannot turn you into a guaranteed winner but it can reduce the house edge and help you have the greatest chances of winning.

Don't waste your time with slot machine myths

There are tons of myths concerning slot machines but you really shouldn't heed them because they are based on speculation, not fact. The myths that you should warm up your quarters before wagering, that there are certain times of day in which slot machines pay better and that you can time your spins are all false.

The best thing you can do with slot machine myths is ignore them. They might be entertaining to hear about but they really don't have any connection to reality. If you concern yourself with the myths that surround slot machines, you'll be more likely to miss out on real opportunities.

Do your research

Jot down the names of a few slot machines at your favorite casino and then research the names of those slot machines on Google. If you're lucky, you'll find out which slot machines pay the best and which machines have the best reputation among gamblers. You might also find little tidbits of machine-specific advice.

It doesn't take much effort to do a little research but the payoff can be significant. A small difference in house advantage between two different slot machines can make a world of difference in your chances of ending the day a winner.

End the day on a high note

If you catch a decent win, consider calling it a day instead of playing on. Casinos make so much money because people don't stop playing every time they catch a nice win. The old saying "quit while ahead" applies perfectly to slot machines.

One thing - you want to be careful when following this piece of advice. If it's time to go home or if you've lost the money you planned on spending, don't stick around and try to play catch up just so you can end the day on a high note. Catch-up is a dangerous game.

Have a good time

The best piece of advice I can give you regarding slot machines is to have a good time. You already know the casino has the advantage so don't take them so seriously. Just have a good time and consider any money you lose the cost of a night's worth of entertainment. Any free drinks, meals or wins you earn during that time are just extra icing on the cake.

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