You can play slots purely for fun — but you’ll find that it’s more enjoyable when you’re playing to win. Slot games are largely based on luck, but as with all things, there are things you can do to improve your chances, especially if you’re new to the game. In this blog, we’ll run through some tried and tested tips that’ll give you a greater chance of winning when you’re playing the one-armed bandit, whether online or at a casino.
Understand the Lingo
You’ll find slots much more enjoyable if you understand what’s going on. While there can be differences between each slot game, there are some standard terms that more or less apply to all slot machines. Below, we’ll outline some of the most common slot-related terms.
- Reels
The reels are the vertical sections of the machine that feature the game’s symbols.
- Paylines
This refers to the horizontal line. You must align symbols on this line to win.
- Wild Symbols
Wild symbols can be anything you like. If you have two of a kind and a wild symbol, you’ve effectively got a winning combination!
- Scatter Symbols
Scatter symbols offer bonuses, such as features or free spins.
- Bonus Features
Most games have their own bonus features. They can be anything at all, but they’re always good!
Play at a Reputable Casino
Not all casinos are created equal. You can give yourself the best chance of victory by choosing a reputable casino that will give you a fair opportunity to win and also provides a wide range of games such as progressive jackpot slots including “Hall of Gods” and “Mega Moolah”. If you’re playing online, look up other players’ reviews before depositing your money. If you’re playing “in real life,” recommendations from friends or family members can help to guide you in the right direction.
Practice for Free
You might be eager to play slots for money, but if it’s your first time playing, it can be a good idea to spend some time playing for free. You won’t win any money this way, but you’ll get to grips with the game. By the time you come to play for real, you’ll have a solid grasp of what you’re trying to get — and what you’re trying to avoid. Most online casinos offer the chance to play for free in order for you to try out the gaming experience, so give it a go before playing for money.
Understand the Specific Game
All slot machines are broadly similar. But there can also be differences. It’s a good idea to have an understanding of the specific type of game that you’re playing before you settle into the game. The first thing to do is to see if it’s a progressive slot or non-progressive slot game. They have different payouts — that’s not to say that one is inherently better than the other, but they do offer different experiences.
You’ll also have a different experience depending on the specific game that you’re playing. The underlying mechanisms and technology can be the same throughout most slot games, but you’ll have a different experience if you’re playing a game based on Indiana Jones versus if you’re playing one based on Celtic culture.
Quit When You’re Ahead
Finally, remember the golden rule for improving your chances of success: quitting while you’re ahead! If you keep on playing, then at some point or another, you’ll lose your money. Indeed, for this reason, one of the best investments you can make in yourself is to develop your self-discipline. That’ll give you the emotional and mental clarity you need to call it quits at the right time. Other than that, it’s all about having fun!