Slots are the easiest game to play in the casino. Insert
a coin, pull the handle, and then reach into your purse for
more money. Unfortunately, that's what normally happens when
the house has such an enormous built-in edge. But that does
not mean you cannot at least close the gap against you and
throw in some fun to boot. So, below are some of my favorite
slot tips to help you overcome this huge house advantage.
These tips will not guarantee that you'll become an instant
winner, because it's tough to beat a house edge that generally
runs well over 10 percent, but it also doesn't have to be
so tough on your bankroll. Let's get started.
1. The only true skill to playing slots is machine identification.
Example: progressive machines offer the opportunity to compare
and shop around for the best value. One 25 cent "slot
machine carousel" can have a progressive jackpot of
$2600 and another bank of machines-exactly the same and
standing side by side-$1900. You should always be looking
for the best slot opportunities possible.
2. Casinos will advertise machines that have a 98.5 percent
payback. WOW! A casino game holding just a percent and a
half, and on a slot machine no less. But there is a downside.
If you look closely at the advertisement, it will probably
say, "on select machines." Furthermore, it probably
will not be posted on the machine itself, and generally
will be limited to a single bank of machines in the casino.
Now it becomes your responsibility to find them. Easiest
way: Ask a slot employee, and if he or she doesn't know,
have one of them ask a direct supervisor.
3. Las Vegas gives away over one-half billion dollars in
comps each year, and as a slot player, you deserve your
share. Repeat, you deserve your share. How? Casinos now
offer you the ability to "comp yourself" by using
one of their player's club slot cards. It is generally based
on the number of coins you cycle through a machine, so you
might as well get credit for all those quarters you're inserting.
Shop casinos for comp value and find out what you are worth
to them.
4. You always want to treat "comps" as a form
of profit, but you never want to gamble just to receive
them. It's much better to play a 98 percent payback machine
and increase your winning opportunities than play machines
with a poor return that cycle more of your coins. Remember
that you're there to stay in action and possibly win, not
lose your bankroll for a free buffet.
5. If you cannot afford to play the maximum amount of coins,
you should not be playing that denomination of machine.
If dollar slots are too rich for your blood, drop down to
a quarter machine. It is always better value to play five
quarters versus one dollar, or five nickels instead of one
quarter.
6. I recommend not playing back the credits you have accumulated.
Cash out and take stock. The problem with playing back credits
is that the longer you stay, the machines built-in advantage
eats away at them. It doesn't take long to zero out.
7. Avoid restaurant, bar, supermarket and airport slot
machines. Notorious for being tight.
8. Can't decide which type of slot machine to play? If
you are going to choose between video poker and slots, play
video poker. Even poor play on a video poker machine will
have a better payback than most "reel" slot machines.
9. Before you walk away from a machine, don't forget to
press the cash-out button. Millions are lost each year by
gamblers forgetting their winnings (stored credits).
10. It is your responsibility if destiny favors you that
you receive full payment when hitting a jackpot. Even with
some relatively small jackpots, if the slot is short coins
in the hopper, you will receive only a partial cash payment
in the tray, with the balance to be paid by a slot attendant.
If you were to insert more coins and pull the handle, say
good-bye to the remainder of your jackpot.
11. Read all the posted material on a slot machine. It
is your responsibility to fully understand all printed information
concerning the number of coins to insert, lines needed to
be lit, prizes or awards. In most cases, when someone calls
a slot attendant over and complains the machine "just
ripped me off," that individual generally did not read
the pay schedule correctly.
12. When you insert coins, don't assume all the tokens
register before you pull the handle. Played five but only
four recorded? SORRY. You will get a sympathetic pat on
the back from the casino, but no money.
13. I recommend avoiding machines that use video representations
of symbols. With these slots, there is absolutely no way
to figure out what the payoff percentage of that machine
is. For all you know, your true chances of hitting a major
jackpot could be 2,097,152 to one.
14. Most casinos will hold a slot for you while you go
to the restroom, take a short break, or even go on a buffet
run. Just ask a slot supervisor to reserve your machine
and give a specific time when you will return.
15. Don't chain yourself to a cold machine, even if it
is your favorite. Why? Because the longer you stay on any
slot, the more time the machine's built-in mathematical
advantage has to work you over. This is how casinos build
mega-resorts. Time always works on their side, and they
have a mathematical edge on every slot.
16. Just because you're only playing slots, you still need
to set a loss limit on your bankroll for both your trip
and each individual gaming session. Divvy up your wad per
playing session, discipline yourself and stick to it.
17. I'll come clean here. I don't play slots. But as a
local in a casino town, I know where the locals who do play
find the most cluck-for-the-buck. Simply put, locals don't
play dog machines. So when searching for high payback machines,
ask a few employees where the locals find the best slot
value. Even if they are not slot players themselves, they
at least know where their friends like to play.
18. Leave both your credit and bank teller cards at home
so you will not be tempted with the easy convenience of
getting cash. Also, allow me to take the obvious one step
further. Only bet what you can afford to lose.
Finally, going to slot heaven-Las Vegas? Your best return
in Las Vegas, and the country for that matter, are in the
casinos Downtown or N. Las Vegas. Average return on quarter
machines: 95.5 percent. That almost makes it a decent wager.
