Improve Your Bottom Line While Playing Online Slots – When it comes to casino games, slot machines are a lot like the online gambling experience we see today. They’re fast-paced, offer a wide range of game options, and often feature those exciting progressive jackpots. Whether you’re playing online or in a brick-and-mortar casino, slots tend to look and feel pretty much the same.
As the most popular game in online casinos, slots attract players from all backgrounds. While slot fans may be a diverse group, they all share one common goal—beating the odds and walking away a winner. Now, I can’t predict your short-term luck, but over time, following the seven tips below will help reduce your losses and increase your chances of having profitable sessions.
1. Stick to Slots with a Higher Return to Player (RTP) Rate
In table games, seasoned players often make their choices based on the house edge for each game. For instance, they know single-zero roulette has a manageable house edge of 2.70%, while the double-zero version is much less favorable at 5.26%. This difference tells them that, on average, the casino will keep $2.70 out of every $100 wagered on single-zero roulette, versus $5.26 on double-zero.
With slot machines, the key number to look at is the Return to Player (RTP) rate. This percentage tells you how much of your money, on average, you can expect to get back in the long run. Essentially, RTP is the opposite of the house edge. If an online slot has an RTP of 96%, for example, it means the casino will, over time, hold on to $4 of every $100 wagered on that game.
Keep in mind that these numbers don’t reflect your short-term experience since they’re based on thousands of spins. Still, comparing the RTP rates of different slots is the best way to gauge how favorable they are. Generally, you should avoid slots with an RTP lower than 95.50%. There are plenty of higher-paying slots available, so there’s no reason to settle for less.
Some top-tier online slots with RTPs above 98% include:
- Ugga Bugga by Playtech (99.07%)
- Mega Joker by NetEnt (99%)
- Ooh Ahh Dracula by Barcrest (99%)
- Monopoly Big Event by Barcrest (99%)
- Jackpot 6000 by NetEnt (98.86%)
- The Catfather by Pragmatic Play (98.10%)
By choosing games with an RTP of 98% or higher, you can improve your chances of keeping your losses to a minimum and enjoying more successful sessions.
2. Check Reviews Before You Play
Before diving into a new slot game, it’s a smart idea to read up on reviews. A quick Google search with the slot’s title followed by “review” will bring up detailed breakdowns of each game’s features, payout structure, and bonuses.
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The best reviews come from writers who’ve spent time thoroughly analyzing every aspect of the game. These reviews will tell you everything you need to know, like the number of reels, pay lines, and the symbols to watch out for. They’ll also highlight bonus features like wilds, scatters, multipliers, and free spins.
Understanding a slot’s layout and features before playing helps you avoid any surprises and ensures you’re getting the most out of your gaming experience.
3. Know the Volatility Before You Play
Another important factor to consider is the slot’s volatility—basically, how often a game pays out and how big those payouts are. Low-volatility slots tend to give out frequent, smaller payouts, while high-volatility games are more likely to have long dry spells but offer larger rewards when you finally hit.
If you’re working with a limited budget, low-volatility games are a safer bet. They might not deliver huge wins, but they’ll let you stretch your bankroll and play longer on a smaller stake. For example, if you’ve got $25 and are playing at a $0.05 coin denomination, you can spin for quite a while without breaking the bank.
On the flip side, if you’ve got some extra cash to play with and are willing to take a risk, high-volatility slots can be more exciting. You might have to weather some losing streaks, but one big win could more than makeup for it.
4. Look at Hit Frequency to Stretch Your Bankroll
In addition to volatility, pay attention to a slot’s hit frequency. This figure tells you how often you’re likely to land a winning combination. For instance, NetEnt’s Rome: The Golden Age has a hit frequency of 17.60%, meaning you’ll win about once every five spins. On the other hand, Chilli Heat Megaways by Pragmatic Play has a hit frequency of 30.21%, so you can expect to win roughly once every three spins.
A higher hit frequency means more consistent wins, which can keep you engaged and help stretch your bankroll.
5. Adjust Your Bet Size When You’re on a Losing Streak
Once you’ve chosen your game and are spinning the reels, managing your bankroll becomes key to staying in the game. One good rule of thumb is to never bet more than 1% of your total bankroll on a single spin. This keeps you from going broke too quickly and allows for more playtime.
If you find yourself on a losing streak, don’t hesitate to lower your bet size. For example, if you’re betting $2 per spin on a machine with 20 pay lines, try dropping the coin denomination to $0.05 to cut your per-spin wager in half. By adjusting your bet based on how the game is going, you can weather downswings and stay in the game longer, giving yourself more chances to hit that big win.