Video Slots are the most affordable and diverse category of games, ideal for players who enjoy games of chance with low stakes. One of the main advantages of this gaming category is that it enables you to stretch the budget and bet no more than $0.01 per spin or let your hair down, wagering over $200 on a single spin.
If you are put off by their simplicity, rest assure that they have come a long way from the coin-operated, fruit-themed one-liners. Slots nowadays are visually advanced, packed with bonus features, and even available on VR platforms.
Although RNG mechanism ensures the random outcome, there are still some aspects of the game that can be controlled. A few basic rules can significantly improve your gameplay and help you power through the dry spins until you hit the big win. This is particularly true for progressive slots, where time is of the essence and longer sessions will improve your odds of hitting a jackpot.
>>Top Casinos for Playing Slot Machines Online
The dos and don’ts of playing slots
Obviously, there is no specific game-related strategy which will help you predict the next symbol combination that will form on the reels. However, there are certain rules that will maximise the potential of your balance and help you prolong the spinning sessions.
Rule 1 – Start low
You can either go for the minimum coin denomination and the number of coins per line or go a step further and play only slots with relatively low max bet, to avoid the temptation of going overboard with your stakes. This will stretch your budget and give you some extra time to explore the game.
Rule 2 – Learn the lingo
Getting acquainted with the terminology is the key to understanding the nature of the game. For example, if you enter a streak of empty spins that just won’t end, chances are you are playing a high volatility slot without even realizing what you’re doing wrong.
Before randomly selecting a game, take time to get acquainted with the payout table and review the info sheet. This is where the information about the variance and return to the player percentage details is usually provided.
Players who cannot afford long losing streaks should always go for the low or medium volatility variants since these games produce more frequent payouts. High volatility slots, on the other hand, generate payouts that have a lower occurrence rate, but the amount is usually more generous.
RTP or the return to the player percentage (percentage of the stake returned to the player on an average gameplay session) should also be taken into consideration. If a slot has 96% RTP, the average return on a $1 bet is 96 cents, so slots with high RTP are considered more favourable for the players.
Rule 3 – Use demo play
The best way to feel a pulse of a game is to use the practice play option. This will give you a chance to see, first hand, what level of volatility the game truly offers (if the information is not provided). The demo play will also reveal how often the bonus features are triggered and how easy it is to land the high-paying icon, without spending a single penny of your own money.
Rule 4 – Maximise the number of paylines
While you should reduce the coins size, the number of paylines should always be adjusted (where available) to the maximum. This will give you better odds of forming a payable combination.
Rule 5 – Disregard the gamble feature
As tempting as it may be, Gamble Feature (an option to double the payout by playing a card game of flipping a coin) should be avoided in the long run. Doubling the win is definitely alluring, but is it worth the risk?