Slot machines (slots): how to play, tips and tricks
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Slots

Slot guide: slot machines from A to Z

Slots are the most popular type of online game. It may come as a surprise, but the rules of this game have not changed since 1899, when the first slot machine was assembled. The rules are simple: the player makes a bet and spins a set of reels with different symbols.Nowadays mechanical randomness of results is replaced by a random number generator. Basically, it is a computer that works on the principle of randomness. Nevertheless, randomization in slots has a couple of very interesting nuances, and it is important for every advanced player to know about them.

How do slot machines work?

The general concept of slots has not changed in any way. Same reels with a set of different symbols are still used to display the results. Despite the fact that the result of a spin is generated by the computer, the reels of the slot (there can be from 3 to 5 reels) stop in a completely random position. Indeed, if it is not broken there is no need to fix it.

Let’s try to figure out how the random number generator works. All slots from famous gaming providers have a random number generator (RNG). Therefore, results of the game depend only on the RNG which does not add up to logic of slots. There is actually no logic to be found in slots. Winning is not based on anything, except luck. Moreover, the result of the game does not depend on previous games, whether you won or lost. This is gambling at its finest. The only thing you can believe is luck.

Of course, RNG generates thousands of random numbers every second and you can influence the result of the next round by pressing the button a second earlier or later. However, you need to understand that chances are just as tiny. This way casinos maintain randomness of results despite previous round.

Are there any myths about slots?

Slots are as popular as they are covered with different myths and rumors. They are usually distributed by those who either have never played slots or have lost a lot of games. We have talked about the principle of the slots, it’s time to dispel the most common myths about them.

Slots have a cycle of winning combinations. Therefore, this cycle can be tracked and you can join the game at the right moment

The general concept of slots has not changed in any way. Same reels with a set of different symbols are still used to display the results. Despite the fact that the result of a spin is generated by the computer, the reels of the slot (there can be from 3 to 5 reels) stop in a completely random position. Indeed, if it is not broken there is no need to fix it.

If there is not enough money in the slot, the player cannot get a big win

This is the silliest statement. First of all, it can only be related to traditional slot machines that can be physically touched. This statement was made when players took their winnings in the physical slot machine, not an online one. But think it  still was just a myth. Even if you manage to win a large amount in a slot, which we doubt, you have to withdraw it or receive it in any other way, which we also doubt.

Physical impact on the game-machines lever gives more chances of winning than press of a button

Those who played in real slot machines at least once probably know that these manipulations make no sense to say the least. The reason remains the same. The result of the game depends only on the random number generator. Math, strategies will not help.

Is it possible to win in slots?

Of course, it is. But you have be aware of all possible risks and be prepared for the fact that you might end up with empty pockets. Getting into debt is not worth it, but even debt does not frighten some individuals. We recommend to start the game with planning your budget. Determine the amount of money that you are willing to spend and do not exceed this limit. Pay attention to variance of the game-machine. The higher the variance, the greater the chance of winning. There are a couple of tricks to help increase the variance of a slot.

First of all, use the opportunity to double your winnings. Secondly, limit the number of winning lines to one and increase the bet amount. But in any case, do not hope for a big win.

How do online casino earn money?

Online casinos still exist only because players lose. Fair randomness of the game has no long run benefit. There are also a lot of cases of payment refusals. There can be any reasons for that: violation of conditions, self-exclusion from subsidiary casinos, problems with identity verification. Therefore, before you start gaming in any casino, we recommend reading player reviews.

Tips and trick for slot

Just remember that the chances of winning in slots are very little. If you are lucky you win, if you are not you will lose. Nevertheless, there are ways to minimize risks.

01. Do not place bets that reduce the payout percentage

Most slots have the same payout percentage or return to player (RTP) for all types of bets. However, there are some that significantly decrease performance of certain bets. Usually these are the predecessors of traditional slot-machines. In this case, choose a different type of bet.


For example: A bet on all 3 winning lines costs 2 cents, and a bet on 1 winning line costs 1 cent. It is obvious that in the first case the bet is not so profitable, and its RTP will be extremely low. Therefore, it is better to choose a 2 cent bet.

03. Decrease the number of winning lines

If you set only one winning line instead of ten, you can increase the variance of the slot by 5-10 times. Did you know about that? When you bet $ 2 on one line, you can get a much bigger win as opposed to betting on all 10 lines. There is one nuance though: this technique is not suitable for high rollers (those who play big), since the maximum bet is usually limited.

02. Use the doubling feature to increase variance

We have already talked about this feature before. It gives the player the opportunity to double their winnings up to 50%. In some slots (for example, from Novomatic), you can double your winnings several times. Since the feature increases the variance of the game, you get an opportunity to get a few small wins or even fewer big wins.


For example: you can win 1 dollar per game 40 times. However, if you use this feature three times, you can win 8 dollars per game 5 times. The expected winnings are the same in both cases, but sometimes the winnings can be much larger.

04. Do not waste your time studying strategies

There are a lot of strategies that promise you that you will succeed and will be able to predict the result of the game. It sounds great, but unfortunately it is not true. The fact is that slots do not work according to some consistent patterns. As we mentioned earlier, everything is decided by a random number generator, which is not controlled by anyone and is obviously programmed to work in favor of online casinos. So, there are no strategy that can help you increase the chances of winning, let alone deceive the casino. All you can hope for is luck!

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