Slot machines are by far the flashiest part of any casino, luring you in with exciting sights, sounds, and the chance to win incredible jackpots. Slot games are also the easiest casino games to play, requiring no previous knowledge or skills beyond pulling a lever or hitting a button. That means you’ll have to rely mostly on luck when playing slot machines, and you should be wary of anyone who tells you there’s some sort of secret pattern or strategy to winning.
All slot machine games usually include a chance to win the big jackpot – and progressive jackpot games are available for the experienced player. Luck is no longer enough when you play these semi-intelligent machines – so you will need to have some sort of slot strategy. Here are 4 tips on how to choose a winning slot machine. When players say they know how to beat slot machines at a casino, it really means increasing their chances of winning at slots. As usual, you’ll be relying largely on pure chance. Slot machines, roulette balls and decks of cards do not have memories. They don’t keep track of what happened in the past. Every new game is completely, 100% random. Something to keep in mind is that modern slot machines aren’t powered by mechanical pulleys, levers and weights. Today’s slot machines are powered by random number generators.
The truth is that all slot machines are powered by Random Number Generators (RNG)—software inside the machine that uses a mathematical equation to produce a sequence of random numbers after you spin the reels. The software can be designed to be “loose” or “tight,” but it doesn’t remember or record spin history, which means there’s no such thing as a slot machine that will give up a jackpot after so many spins. Still, just because there’s no way to guarantee a win doesn’t mean you can’t increase your odds of winning—the secret is in which casino slot machine you choose. Here are some things to look for when deciding:
Top dollar slots
Penny slots might be a great way to get rid of loose change, but not the best way to walk away a winner. Slot machines with higher minimum bets usually have much better payout odds than those with lower bets—penny slots average a payback percentage of around 85%, while high-denomination slots have a payback percentage of closer to 95%.
Small jackpot slots
Those million-dollar slot jackpots might look alluring, but for most casino slot games, the size of the jackpot is directly related to the difficulty in winning it. Slots with smaller jackpots are typically “looser” and much easier to win.
Location, location, location
The famous real estate mantra works well when choosing a slot machine, as casino floor planners spend a lot of time and energy strategizing where to place the machines. In general, casinos place the tightest machines with the largest payouts front and center, or in other high-traffic areas to catch your attention, like next to the buffet. For the best odds, look for slots in low-traffic areas or in hidden corners.
Seek out the regulars
Casino regulars know which machines are the best, so checking out the slot machines they choose to spend their time and money on can be a great guide. And while casino regulars don’t share a stereotypical “look,” in general they tend to be sober, calm, and decently dressed. They are also usually found in the darkest and least flashy areas of the casino floor. Regulars look focused and committed, and they play each machine for a set amount of time before leaving. These players have already surveyed the machines for you, and some of them might even be willing to offer suggestions on other machines to play.
Choose what appeals to you
Despite how careful you are about choosing a slot machine, it’s always a gamble when you play slots. That’s why you can’t go wrong choosing a game with an appealing theme—such as your favorite movie or TV show—or a game with exciting visuals and special effects (including the latest in 3D games). That way you’re guaranteed to have a great time at the casino, win or lose.
Get your slot on at Golden Acorn Casino
How To Pick A Winning Slot Machine
Ready to scope the slots and up your odds of walking away a winner? If you’re looking for the nearest casino with slot machines to try your luck, check out Golden Acorn Casino. We have hundreds of slot machines and plenty of table games as well, and we’re conveniently located right off the I-8, about an hour away from downtown San Diego.
For more information about slot machines give us a call at (619) 938-6000 or stop by for a visit!
Disclaimer: This text is purely a perspective based on research using the following sources: