Tips for Playing Online Casino Slots

By Cali Cutta
8-11-06

If there is one thing I have learned about playing slots, it is that you must have a clear head and a pre-determined budget. As in any online game, the percentage is with the house. If you are a player, generally the odds will run between 80 - 98%. On a 98% payoff machine, this translates into about 9% going to the house.

A common misconception about slots is that it will return that percentage back to you. What it really means is how much it will pay off throughout the lifetime of the machine. Most of that payback will occur when the “big jackpot” is hit.

Before investing in any online site, do your homework. Check out several sites and read the fine print. There are always match deals. Whatever you put in will be matched or even doubled by the site, but there is a minimum amount you are required to deposit before that match is met.

On any slot there will be instructions to inform you about lines of play. While playing only 1-3 lines will save you coinage in the long run, you reduce your chances to win. Since your odds increase using the maximum amount of lines,opt for playing 5 nickels in a quarter machine or 4 quarters in a dollar machine. Another rule of thumb, machines that have smaller jackpots pay out more often.

Watch the payoff reports. These are usually in the form of banners or may just show a picture and a glowing referral from someone who hit it big. Sometimes sites that report only the high rollers winnings. Check the date of that win and if you are still leery, try to contact the winner. I have often done this and find that the he/she will tell you exactly how much was invested before they won and how long they have been playing in that casino.

Sometimes you can try out an online casino for free, just to get the hang of it. Take full advantage of this. Even though you are playing with bogus bucks, you can familiarize yourself with different features on different machines, i.e. progressive and minimum coin drop. Remember that they will often allow you better odds when you play for free, but you can often keep these earnings once you have become a member. If you are ready to take the plunge and opt for reality, never go beyond what you can possibly spare. No online gaming site is worth giving up your grocery money.

Watch your cash flow. I have often been on sites that will automatically set up the maximum coinage allowance as soon as you begin play. Your deposit may be gone by the time you have realized this.

Any person or site that offers advice on how you can beat the odds should make that light bulb above your head go off. Slot machines are just that, machines, and as such you cannot will it to pay out more than it is programmed to do. Do not keep playing for that jackpot you think is due. Every spin is random and independent of the next.

Finally, know when to quit. Online slots are just like those at casinos. Both are addictive. Here is a general rule of thumb. If you have been playing for a while and you are actually showing a profit, take a break and bask in your good fortune. If you break even, you are having a lucky day. You have not gone over your budget and have spent your afternoon doing something that you enjoy.

Ed Note:  If you are a slot lover, make sure you visit Spin Palace to play all the latest and greatest slot machines.