The Best Strategies for Slot Machines: for High-Rollers, Advanced, Casual, and Novice Players

by Stephen R. Tabone
27 Mar 2023

Stephen is a high roller. However, this was not always the case. First, he was a brick-and-mortar denizen. Then, he shifted to online gambling (and we all know why, don’t we?). With the rise of cryptocurrencies, Stephen realized how much more it could help him get the most out of his gambling experience. By trial and error, through multiple losses and seven-figure winnings, he finally has tremendous sway with high rollers. Learn wisdom by the follies of others as it will save lots of your time and thousands of your money.


Casino slot machines
Slot machines: The ultimate guide

Invented in the 19th century, slot machines remain the most widely sought-after gambling options in land-based and online casinos. The ultimate accessibility, super simple gameplay, and a stunning variety of options make slots the number one choice for many gamblers.

How to choose the most optimal and rewarding slot machine for your gambling needs? How to trick a slot machine into winning a life-changing jackpot? Read on to get answers to these and other questions you might have about slot games. You’ll find useful insights here whether you are a novice gambler or a seasoned casino enthusiast.

Online Slots VS Land-Based Slot Machines

Gambling online
Casino chips, dice, and a payment card on the laptop keyboard

Slot machines are the preferred option for many brick-and-mortar and digital casino players. Whether you’d like to test your luck at land-based slots or their online virtual replacements, both versions have pros and cons to be aware of.

Let’s examine the key differences between traditional one-armed bandits and online slot machines.

01
Availability
Land-based slots are only available on a physical casino floor, so you’ll have travel expenses. In addition, traditional casinos have opening and closing hours that might not fit your schedule. With online slots, you can get into the game from any device connected to the Internet without the travel costs involved. Plus, online casinos are available 24/7, so you can play whenever you want.
02
Atmosphere
When you spin the reels on a land-based slot machine, you’ll feel the vibe that online slot remakes cannot match. The sounds of coins falling and chips riffling and chatting with fellow gamblers around contribute to a unique casino atmosphere. When signing in to an online casino, you are playing alone, without other gamblers. Instead of the typical noise of a casino floor, you’ll hear the background noise of your environment. So, the immersive atmosphere of a real casino will be missing.
03
Payback percentage
Land-based slot machines tend to have greater overhead expenses than their digital counterparts. Traditional gambling venues have to pay their staff and maintain slot machines in working condition. Online gambling sites don’t bear such overhead costs and thus can offer higher payouts to customers.  Payout percentages at land-based slot machines generally range from 90% to 96%. In online slot games, payout rates may reach up to 99%. Note that actual payout percentages may vary across online slots and casino providers. So, it’s essential to research the alternatives and stick with the platform offering the most attractive payouts.
04
Bonuses and rewards
Regarding bonuses, both land-based and online slots have something to offer.  The great thing about brick-and-mortar casinos is the Players Club you can join. With a Players Card, you can accumulate credits with every bet placed. Once you’ve collected enough credits, you can redeem them for free spins, drinks, meals, and other perks.  As for online slots, you can also benefit from casino bonuses and promotions in place. Free spins and matched deposit bonuses are great ways to increase your bankroll and boost your chances of winning.
05
Security
Every land-based casino has a security service in place. Still, theft and fraud happen occasionally at traditional gambling establishments.  Online casino platforms can boast stronger security measures in place. Most of today’s gambling websites rely on enhanced encryption technologies that protect users from malicious attacks and ensure the safety of their data and funds.

Crypto Slots Explained

Gold and silver crypto coins
A person holding gold and silver Bitcoin coins

With widespread cryptocurrency adoption, a range of crypto-gambling sites emerged. In crypto slots, USA and Europe-based players can place their bets using BTC, LTC, ETH, or other supported digital currencies.

What sets crypto slots apart from traditional online slots? Here are the distinctive features of this type of game:

  • Complete anonymity — sharing your personal information to set up and fund your crypto slots casino account is unnecessary. 
  • Speed of transactions — you can expect nearly instant deposits and withdrawals when playing BTC slots.
  • Decentralization — crypto transactions involve no intermediaries interacting with your funds.
  • Provably fair gaming — with all the transactions recorded in a public ledger, players can verify the randomness of the game outcomes.

Along with undeniable benefits, playing slot machines involves certain risks:

  • The volatility of digital currencies — when the market value of your chosen coin drops, so does the value of your withdrawal 
  • Your sole responsibility for transactions — since crypto transactions are irreversible, you have to be attentive when transferring funds

Strategic Slot Picks

How do you pick the right slot machine for your gambling needs? Here are some key considerations to make when choosing the best option.

Define your goals

For starters, you need to identify your priorities. Are you heading down to a slot machine for fun and entertainment or affordable gambling?

Today, casinos offer nearly endless choices of slot variations to their customers. Slot games differ in reel design, themes, sound effects, and multiplier options. The most entertaining slot variations tend to be more expensive to play and less paying than simpler alternatives. More modest slots, in turn, have lower per-spin costs and enable you to play for a longer period.

So, if your goal is getting the maximum fun out of your gaming sessions, stick with entertaining games like video slots with stunning graphics, soundtracks, and bonus rounds. If getting the best value for every buck spent is your top priority, then opt for simpler slot machines.

Choose denomination

Slot machines differ in their denomination — the cash value each credit or coin has. In penny slots, one credit equals $0.01. Starting from $0.01, possible denominations can reach $100 and more.

Higher denominations may yield a greater payback but come with a higher risk. In dollar slot games, you wager a higher amount per spin than in penny slots, which means you may reach your loss limit faster. Thus, consider your risk tolerance level when choosing a slot denomination.

Identify the payout rates

To ensure the best odds of winning, research payout percentages provided by slot machines. Many casinos publish information about Return-To-Player rates or RTPs in their games. RTP represents the percentage of the total wagered amount the casino will pay back to customers. With a 97% RTP, you can expect an average return of $97 for $100 spent on your bets.

As mentioned, payout rates differ across casinos and games a single casino offers. So, look out for slot machines offering the highest RTP.

Find out the maximum bet in a slot machine

Along with the preferred denomination, you can choose the number of units of that denomination to bet on each spin. The greater your bet amount, the more attractive rewards and bonus rounds you can unlock. Select slots require players to place the maximum bets to qualify for the jackpot draw.

Since it pays off to “bet max” on each spin, defining the maximum wager on this or that slot machine is essential.

General Slot Gambling Rules

A slot machine
A screen of the slot machine 

Slot games are exciting and super easy to play — you don’t need to master any complex rules or apply special skills to succeed. The ultimate simplicity, together with entertaining features, makes slots a go-to option for seasoned gamblers and novice casino players.

If you are only starting to discover the world of slot gambling, check out the guide to playing slots below.

Objective

To win in a slot game, you need a combination of matching symbols to land on one of the paylines. The winning combination you get determines the amount of your payout.

Gameplay

Before you proceed with spinning the reels, you need to decide on your bet size and the number of paylines. Most slot games will offer you to place the maximum supported bet automatically.

Once you’ve configured your wager, hit the “Spin” button and check out the outcome determined by the Random Number Generator or RNG.

Paylines

Paylines are the lines where winning combinations of symbols should land. In modern slot games, paylines aren’t necessarily horizontal or vertical; zigzag and diagonal paylines are also possible.

Today, you can choose between single-line and multi-line slots. Single-line slot machines allow for one payline only. Multi-line slot machines can feature games with fixed as well as editable paylines. 

In games with fixed paylines, you cannot select which paylines to play with — all of them are active by default. Slots with adjustable paylines, in turn, enable you to choose the desired number of paylines.

The more paylines you select, the greater your chances of winning. Note that failure to activate the payline will result in losing your potential payouts if the winning combination of symbols lands on that payline.

Payout tables

Slots’ payout tables contain comprehensive details about the winning combinations of symbols and your potential earning. Paytables also provide information about game-specific features and special symbols you may strike throughout the game.

Select slot machines have information about hit frequency published in payout tables. Also referred to as slot volatility, the hit frequency rate will give you an idea about how often a winning combination lands on a payline.

Special symbols

Along with regular symbols you can hit when spinning the reels of slot machines, there are some special symbols you can strike. These bonus symbols randomly land on the paylines, adding thrill and excitement to the gameplay.

  • A wild symbol can replace any other regular symbol on the payline, boosting your chances of striking a winning combination. If you have only one icon left to hit a winning combo, a wild symbol will be the remaining one to win the spin.
  • Scatter symbols appearing anywhere on the reels unlock bonus features like extra rounds, free spins, and multipliers. The number of scatter symbols needed to activate bonus features varies across slots.

The 5-Spin Method 5️⃣

Five slot machines
Five slot machines on a casino floor

As a gambler, you might wonder how to trick a slot machine into winning. While there is no surefire way to beat a casino, you can still apply certain gambling strategies to increase your odds of winning. The 5-spin method is an example of such strategies.

The idea behind the 5-spin slots method is that after your initial win on a given slot machine (also referred to as “taste”), you will hardly win there again. So, why stay with the same slot and spend your taste? You can switch to another slot machine and try to collect its taste instead! 

Following the 5-spin method, you play up to 5 spins on a given slot. If you happen to win before reaching the 5-spin limit, you collect your taste and switch to another slot. After placing 5 bets, you move on to the next slot machine.

Having tested several slots in the casino, check out how many gave you a taste and what your return looks like. If you’ve managed to break even, it’s a sign that a casino can give a positive return. 

Still, the 5-spin method has certain limitations. In slot games with high volatility, 5 spins can be too few to get an idea about the potential payouts.

High-Roller Slots Strategy

Bitcoins and US dollars
Bitcoin coins and US dollar banknotes 

Are you a high casino roller looking for the best strategies for slot machines? Read on to discover the optimal approach to playing high-limit slots.

If you prefer betting solid amounts, high-limit slot machines can give you the desired thrill and excitement of gambling. Unlike penny or dollar slot machines, you can wager tens and hundreds of dollars per spin in high-limit slot games. Programmed to accept higher wagers, high-roller slots provide higher payouts than slot machines with lower denominations.

Below is the common-sense high-roller slot machine strategy to help you get the 200% out of your play. 

Always bet max
The amount you wager doesn’t affect the probability of winning. It has an impact on the potential payout. Higher bets often bring greater money prizes. Plus, maximum bets placed may unlock bonus rounds that can further boost your odds of winning.
Manage your bankroll
Managing your bankroll is paramount, given the greater cost per spin in high-roller slots. Thus, you need to set a gambling budget and stick to it, no matter what. If your bets are losing consistently, step away from the game and re-think your gambling strategy.
Start with simpler slots
Like slot machines with lower denominations, high-limit slots differ in their entertainment value. Fancy video slots with stunning graphics and sound effects can be captivating but less paying. Thus, starting with simpler high-roller slots that require fewer coins for a maximum bet makes sense.

Advanced Gambler Slots Strategy

Playing slots
A man playing at a slot machine

If you are a regular casino player, you might be searching for the winning strategy for slot machines. Since slots aren’t games of strategy like table games where you can leverage your math skills, there is no way to cut the house edge in your favor. But you can still increase your odds of winning by adjusting your gambling behavior.

  • Adjust your bet size as you win or lose As you keep spinning the reels, your bankroll changes accordingly. To extend your gambling budget to last longer, you need to adjust the amount you wager.  If your bets are losing, decrease the amount of each new wager until you win. After winning a decent amount, consider increasing your bets. While it might be tempting to bet a bit more aggressively sometimes, common practice is not to wager more than 10% of your budget at once.
  • Increase your bet size when losing Another bet adjustment strategy for slot machines is to increase your wagers on a losing streak. This strategy aims to win a greater amount with a higher bet that would cover your previous losses. After you finally win a spin and level back your budget, you must decrease your bet to prevent burning your winnings too quickly.

Casual Gambler Slots Strategy

People playing slot machines
Women and men playing slot machines

Are you a casual gambler who stops at a slot machine from time to time? Then most likely, gambling is a source of entertainment rather than a way of making money to you. You may want your gambling budget to be enough to enjoy spinning the reels longer.

Unlike professional gamblers, casual players often don’t have a sufficient understanding of how the casino operates. The lack of knowledge may result in mismanaged bankrolls and settling for less-paying slots. 

How do you minimize your losses? Let’s see what the casual gambler’s strategy to slot machines may look like.

Study the slot machine stats
Before you start playing a particular slot, explore what it has to offer. Keep an eye on the RTP and the hit frequency or slot volatility. These figures will show you how much you can expect to return in the long run and how often the slot machine produces winning combos. The key is to find a perfect balance between a high RTP and low volatility.
Opt for lower denominations
If you want to stretch your budget for as long as possible, consider slots with lower denominations. While penny slot machines will hardly bring you a fortune, your risk of losses will be way lower compared to playing high-roller slots.
Leverage bonuses and promotions
Casino bonuses may increase your bankroll, so check out what kinds of promotions a gambling platform offers. When playing slots with digital coins, use crypto slots, bonus codes, free spins, and other offers in place.

Tips for Novice Slots Gamblers

A man at a slot machine
A main in glasses playing at a slot machine

If you are an aspiring slot player, getting the basics may seem overwhelming. Fortunately, there is a lot of information from more experienced players who used to be newbies just like you. By following the recommendations from seasoned gamblers, you can avoid many costly mistakes. To help you make your slot journey safe and fun, we’ve compiled a list of proven tips for beginners. 

Familiarize yourself with slot rules

Like with any other game, check out slot rules before spinning the reels. Make sure you understand how paylines work and what it takes to strike a winning combination. We’ve covered the slot rules at the beginning of this article, so you may want to get back to that section. 

Select a reliable gambling platform

With so many casino platforms out there, choosing a trustworthy one is essential. When comparing crypto gambling sites, consider the following factors:

  • A valid license from reputable authorities
  • Strong privacy and security measures in place 
  • Fair gaming practices
  • Generous bonuses and promotions (such as crypto slots free spins, and other offers)
  • Positive reviews from fellow gamblers

Pick the slot machine wisely

To select the right slot games for your gambling needs:

  • Consider your priorities. If you aim for better odds and higher payouts, stick with simpler slot machines rather than eye-catching video slots.
  • If you want to minimize the risks, opt for slots with lower denominations.
  • For more details on strategic slot picks, go back to the respective section of this article.

Test games before wagering real money

Today, many online casinos offer their games in demo mode. Try free crypto slots to understand the game mechanics better before you start wagering your hard-earned cash.

Identify your time and budget limits

Bankroll management is essential for all casino players — novice, casual, advanced, and high-rollers. Since gambling can be captivating, you need to identify your budget constraints and never exceed them. Otherwise, you may find yourself in financial trouble.

Start betting small

To get the “feel” of slot games, it makes sense to start small. Wagering low amounts saves you from risks of significant losses and enables you to stretch your budget for more hours of entertainment.

Avoid chasing losses

When you are on a losing streak, it might be tempting to bet more, hoping to win your money back. While such a slot machine strategy can work for advanced gamblers, aspiring slot players should refrain from using it. As a newbie, you may lack the skills and experience to make an informed decision about raising bets after a series of losses.

Get advantage of bonuses and promotions

Designed to motivate customers to spend more time on a gambling site, casinos have numerous bonuses and promotions in place. From deposit matches to no-deposit crypto slots and free chip offers, these bonuses offer a fast way to give you more cash and boost your odds of winning. 

Keep reading to learn how to get the most out of casino bonuses and promotions. 

All You Wanted To Know About Slots Bonuses

Golden Bitcoins
Golden Bitcoin coins on the laptop keyboard

Bonuses are a proven way to encourage new players to register on a gambling platform and to motivate regular customers to play more. 

01
Deposit bonuses
Deposit bonuses assume you top up your casino account, and the platform matches your deposit to a certain percentage. Online casinos can offer deposit bonuses as a part of the welcome package for new players and as a regular reward for loyal customers on certain days or hours.
02
No deposit bonuses
No-deposit bonuses are probably the most attractive casino rewards as they require no investment from your side. With the crypto slots free chip offers, you can try out the games you like without wagering your funds.
03
Free spins
Free spins are a very good alternative to bonus cash. By using free spins on slot machines, you can win real money. Free spins can be part of the welcome casino package, an independent bonus, or a reward for replenishing your account.

Bonus Terms And Conditions

Before using any bonus the casino offers, it is important to read through the terms and conditions. Since bonuses may come with strings attached, you must understand what you are getting into. 

01
Wagering requirements
Most bonus offers involve wagering requirements — a multiplier that tells you how many times you need to wager the bonus amount before you can cash out your winnings. A wagering requirement of 45X assumes that you must bet your bonus amount 45 times over before requesting a withdrawal.
02
Additional limitations
Bonus offers may involve limits on the allowed bet amount. In addition, there might be restrictions on playing games from the list specified in the bonus terms and conditions. Exceeding the maximum bet amount allowed or placing bets in games from the restricted list may result in the casino refusing to cash out your bonus and associated winnings.

Should You Play Jackpot Slots?

A slot machine screen
3 seven numbers landed on a payline

Winning a life-changing jackpot is probably what every gambler dreams about. Can progressive jackpot slots make that dream come true? Let’s figure it out!

What is the difference between progressive and non-progressive jackpots? 

With non-progressive jackpots, the prize pool stays the same throughout the game. Progressive jackpots work differently: each time you spin the reels, a small percentage of your bet is added to the final jackpot. If someone hits the jackpot in a progressive game, the jackpot prize is reset to its default value.

Are progressive jackpot slots worth playing? The answer will depend on your risk tolerance level and budget constraints.

Many progressive slots require you to bet at least a certain amount. Otherwise, you won’t receive a progressive jackpot prize when you hit a winning combination. In addition, certain progressive jackpot slots require players to bet max to qualify. 

When playing progressive slots, you must understand that pursuing a big win can last for a long time. During this time, you risk spending your entire bankroll and being left with an empty pocket.

Top 5 Online Slots to Play in 2024

Already excited to test your luck in slot games? Here are the 5 titles from top-rated developers worth playing in 2024.

Cleoсatra by Pragmatic Play

“Cleocatra” is an online video slot inspired by ancient Egypt, where the main characters are cats. The slot has a 5×4 reel set and 40 fixed lines, with 3 to 5 matching symbols needed to win. The RTP in the “Cleocatra” game is 96.2%. The biggest historic win in this game was 5,000 times the original bet. 

Big Bamboo by PUSH GAMING

“Big Bamboo” is a video slot with a wildlife theme. The game features a 5×6 reel layout with 50 paylines. “Big Bamboo” also supports the bonus buy-in option. The RTP declared by the provider is 96.13%. 

Rise Of Olympus 100 by Play’n Go

“Rise of Olympus” is a Greek mythology-themed slot with a medium volatility level. The game offers a 5×5 grid and 20 betting lines. You need to strike at least 3 identical symbols in a row to receive a payout. “Rise of Olympus” features an RTP of 96.5%.

Treasures Of Aztec by PG Soft

Treasures of Aztec game
A screenshot of the Treasures of Aztec game page

“Treasures of Aztec” is an exciting video slot with 6 reels and up to 32,400 paylines. It’s a cascading reel slot game where winning symbols explode while new symbols are dropped in their place to fill the empty spaces. As a result, you can get multiple wins on a single spin. The RTP in “Treasures of Aztec” is 96.71%.

Wanted Dead Or A Wild by Hacksaw

Wanted Dead or a Wild game
A screenshot of the Wanted Dead or a Wild game page

“Wanted Dead or a Wild” is a wild west-themed slot with a 5×5 reel set with 15 paylines. The volatility in this slot game is around average, and the RTP is 96%. You can greatly maximize your potential earnings with a range of multiplier options. The greatest win in the game was 12,518 times the original bet.

Bottom Line

Gamblers across the globe are wondering how to trick a slot machine into winning. As illustrated in this article, there is no guaranteed way to beat the casino — in the long run, the house always wins.

Despite the inherent advantage of the casino over the players, you can increase your odds by applying successful gambling practices. Whether you’re a novice gambler or a high-roller, there’s always something to learn about the amazing world of slots. We hope our guide has given you some insight into making your gambling experience more rewarding. 

Further Reading

➡️ What is Volatility in Slots?

➡️ Does Commerce Casino Have Slots?

➡️ 10 Tips To Find The Loosest Slots At San Manuel

➡️ The Biggest Casino Wins in History

➡️ Crypto Casino Software: Overview, Analysis, and the Best Providers 

FAQ ❓

Are Online Slot Machines Fair?

Slots rely on Random Number Generators (abbreviated: RNGs) to determine game outcomes. Reputable gambling platforms hire independent testing labs to ensure the fairness of their slot machines. 

Where To Play Free Crypto Slots?

On most crypto slots casino platforms, you can play games in demo mode for free. In addition, you can use crypto slots free spins offered by a casino as a part of a welcome package or a standalone bonus.

Can I Play Crypto Slots On My Smartphone?

Most BTC gambling sites ensure a smooth cryptoslots mobile experience. These platforms are mobile-friendly websites and work perfectly on smartphones and tablets. Plus, select casinos have iOS and Android apps available.

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