First and foremost, it’s important to understand that there are no guaranteed ways to win at slots every time, and predicting the outcome is not possible. However, gaining an understanding of how slot machines operate and knowing which ones to choose (and why) can significantly improve your overall experience.
Tips to Win at Slots
1. Play High RTP Online Slots
Selecting the right slot machine is about more than just hoping for a lucky spin. The best real money online slots combine key factors like volatility, Return to Player (RTP), limits, and casino bonuses to maximize your chances of success.
When playing real money slots, always check the RTP percentage and potential payouts (use this link if you’re outside the US).
What is Return to Player (RTP)?
Return to Player (RTP) represents the percentage of wagered money that a slot machine pays back to players over time. RTP is usually calculated on a scale from 1 to 100, with most slots having an RTP between 92-97%.
It’s important to note that RTP doesn’t directly reflect the amount of money you will get back from a single wager, nor does it indicate your odds of triggering a bonus round.
A common strategy for online slots is to focus on games with an RTP of 96% or higher, as a higher RTP means better long-term chances of a rewarding spin.
8 Highest RTP % Slots
| Slot Game | RTP |
| Mega Joker | 99% |
| Blood Suckers | 98% |
| Starmania | 97.87% |
| White Rabbit Megaways | 97.7% |
| Medusa Megaways | 97.63% |
| Texas Tea | 97.35% |
| Secrets of Atlantis | 97.07% |
| Halloween Fortune | 97.06% |
Experienced players often swear by the secret of choosing the right slot machine to play. While winning at real money slots isn’t guaranteed every time, selecting an online slot game with a solid RTP can help maximize your chances and let the casino do most of the “hard work.”
A common piece of advice in many online casino strategies is to avoid popular slot games, as they are believed to offer the worst payout percentages. However, this isn’t entirely accurate.
After analyzing over 25 different slot machines from the top online casinos featured in our PokerNews Casino Reviews, we discovered that the most popular slots are often the best ones to play. This is because they frequently appear in gambling news and have become favorites among real money slot players.
How to Find the RTP of a Slot Machine
The easiest way to find the RTP (Return to Player) of a slot machine is by searching online. Simply type the following phrase into Google to find gambling sites that mention the RTP of the specific slot game you’re interested in:
“[SLOT GAME] + RTP”
When browsing an online casino, the RTP is often displayed alongside each slot game. In some cases, you may need to click on the game to access more details, including its RTP.
2. Understand Slot Volatility
When choosing a slot machine with better odds, understanding slot volatility is crucial.
Volatility, often referred to as “variance” or “risk level,” measures the potential risk involved in playing a specific slot for real money. A helpful way to think about volatility is as the “risk factor” of the game you’re about to play, as it directly impacts how wins are distributed.
Low Volatility Slots: These slots offer higher chances of winning, and it’s easier to hit winning combinations, but the payouts tend to be smaller.
High Volatility Slots: While the chances of winning are lower, the payouts are much larger. These slots can be more rewarding, but they require more time and money to potentially see significant returns.
Choose the slot machine that aligns with your preferences:
- Low volatility slots are ideal for those who prefer frequent but smaller wins.
- High volatility slots are better for those willing to take bigger risks and invest more time and money for the chance of bigger rewards.
- If you’re playing high volatility slots, patience and sufficient funds for extended gaming sessions are key. If this approach isn’t right for you, low volatility slots might be the better choice. Keep in mind that high volatility slots carry more risk—your investment of time and money may take longer to pay off, but the potential rewards can be worth it.
3. Try Progressive Jackpot Slots
The promise of huge real money prizes makes progressive jackpots enticing, at least initially. However, they tend to have the lowest Return to Player (RTP) rates, meaning the odds of winning are typically lower compared to other slots. Additionally, to be eligible for the top jackpot prizes, you often need to place maximum bets, which can result in spending more than you originally planned.
4. Choose the Right Casino for Online Slots
Before you start spinning the reels, it’s essential to do your homework and pick the right online casino if you want to boost your chances of winning at slots.
All online casinos, much like poker sites, are ultimately in business to make money. To attract players, they offer promotions like free spins or deposit bonus codes.
If you’re ready to play for real money, ensure the casino you choose is legitimate and properly regulated.
Trusted regulatory bodies such as the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) work to remove rogue operators from the industry. Be sure to verify that the online casino you select holds a valid license from a recognized authority in your region.
5. Find the Best Free Spins & Casino Bonuses for Online Slots
If you’re ready to dive into the world of online slots, we’ve got you covered! Check out our list of top real money casinos, tailored to your location, to help you find the best places to play.
We also provide in-depth guides on the best free spins and casino bonuses at popular online casinos like FanDuel Casino, PokerStars Casino, and 888Casino.
Taking advantage of free spins and casino bonuses is a smart way to enjoy your favorite slots with less financial risk. However, keep in mind that these bonuses often come with wagering requirements.
Best Free Spins Casino in the US – FanDuel Casino
For US-based slots players, FanDuel Casino is a top choice with its exceptional selection of slots. Available in NJ, PA, MI, and WV, new players can often claim bonus spins on select FanDuel slots.
Additionally, FanDuel operates a ‘1x playthrough’ policy, meaning you only need to play through your bonus spins once, and any winnings from those spins are yours to keep if luck is on your side!
6. Practice Online Slots for Free in Demo Mode
Demo mode is an excellent way to practice and familiarize yourself with slot games before committing any real money. For newcomers who may not be fully confident in understanding how slots work, demo mode offers a risk-free way to learn the ropes.
It also lets you explore a specific game’s features, bonuses, and gameplay to decide if it’s worth playing for real money.
One popular casino offering demo versions of its games is 888casino, available in regions like the UK and Canada.
Additionally, there are other platforms where you can play free slots. If you’re in a location where real-money online slots are restricted, or simply want to play for enjoyment, you can still enjoy a great experience by accessing free slots at social casinos or through various free-play platforms available online.
7. Trust Fellow Slot Players and Explore Casino Reviews
Unlike poker, when you’re playing slots at a live casino, you can trust your fellow players and observe their strategies. It’s helpful to browse forums like Reddit to get insights from Las Vegas and Atlantic City players on their favorite games, or join Facebook groups to stay updated on the most popular slots.
Additionally, you can explore various casino blogs and news sites for the latest updates on games, along with detailed slot content and in-depth casino reviews right here on PokerNews.
8. Master Basic Slot Machine Strategies & Betting Systems
It’s important to note that there’s no surefire way to win at slots every time. However, combining your knowledge of which slots to play with basic strategies can certainly improve your experience.
Familiarize yourself with key aspects like paylines, the minimum and maximum coins per line, and the specifics of bonus features to craft a smarter approach. Always read the rules for each slot machine, as they can vary significantly.
Pair your betting strategy with good bankroll management. Options like level betting, fixed percentage betting, or even the Martingale system (with limits) can enhance your online slots experience. But always keep in mind that slots should be about enjoyment, so never wager more than you’re comfortable losing.
9. Explore Different Types of Slots
Classic Slots: These traditional 3-reel slots are simple and reminiscent of old mechanical machines, often featuring classic symbols like fruits, bars, and lucky 7s.
Video Slots: The most common type of online slot, video slots usually have 5 or more reels and often feature multiple paylines and bonus features like free spins, wild symbols, and bonus games. These slots come in an endless variety of themes and offer engaging gameplay.
Jackpot Slots: These slots offer progressive jackpots that grow with each bet placed. The jackpot continues to increase until a player hits the winning combination. Some of these jackpots are pooled across networks, offering the potential for huge rewards. However, to be eligible for the jackpot, you’ll likely need to bet the maximum amount, so be mindful of the risk and reward.
3D Slots: Known for their advanced graphics, animations, and immersive storytelling, 3D slots bring a visually enhanced experience to the game, creating a more captivating atmosphere.
Other popular types include:
Megaways Slots: Featuring dynamic reels that change with each spin, Megaways slots provide varying numbers of symbols per reel, creating a constantly evolving experience.
Branded Slots: These slots are based on popular movies, TV shows, video games, or other franchises. Players can enjoy familiar characters, themes, and soundtracks, making them especially appealing to fans of the original content.
Cluster Pays Slots: Instead of paylines, Cluster Pays require players to form clusters of matching symbols, usually next to each other, to win.
Multi-Payline Slots: These slots feature multiple paylines (anywhere from 10 to hundreds), allowing players to create winning combinations in different directions.
All-Ways Slots: Also known as 243-ways or 1024-ways slots, these allow players to win whenever matching symbols appear on adjacent reels.
With so many options, it’s essential to try a variety of slot types to find the ones you enjoy the most. Keep in mind that it’s a good idea to play with demo modes or free spins before wagering real money. This gives you a chance to understand the mechanics and themes of the games you enjoy.
10. Play Slots Responsibly
Responsible online slot gaming is essential for ensuring a fun and safe experience. Before you start playing, it’s important to set a budget that you can comfortably afford to lose without affecting your financial stability. This amount should be money you’re willing to part with, as there are no guarantees in slot games. Once your budget is set, stick to it, and avoid chasing losses.
It’s also crucial to set a time limit for your gaming sessions. This helps prevent excessive gambling and allows you to balance your leisure time with other activities. Taking regular breaks can help clear your mind and improve decision-making. Establish both win and loss limits for each session, and if you hit either, it may be a good time to stop playing.
Many online casinos provide tools like deposit limits, session time limits, and self-exclusion options to help you manage your gambling. If you feel you may have a gambling problem, seek support from organizations such as Gamblers Anonymous or a local counseling service. The PokerNews Safer Gambling page lists various organizations that offer assistance.
FAQ
Can you guarantee a win in online slots?
No, there is no guaranteed way to win at online slots. These games use Random Number Generators (RNGs), which ensure that each spin’s outcome is random and unpredictable.
Are there any strategies to win at online slots?
While there are strategies for managing your bankroll and certain betting techniques, no strategy can consistently beat the odds in the long run. Slots are games of chance, and outcomes are entirely random.
How can I increase my chances of winning at slots?
To boost your chances, look for slots with higher Return to Player (RTP) percentages, consider games with low volatility if you prefer more frequent wins, and take advantage of casino bonuses and promotions to extend your gameplay.
Should I play max bet to increase my odds of winning?
Playing max bet may be required for some progressive jackpot slots to qualify for the jackpot. However, it does not increase your chances of winning on standard slots and could result in higher losses.
Can I predict the outcome of a slot spin?
No, each spin is independent, and there is no way to predict or influence its result. Online slots are designed to be completely random.
Is there a best time to play online slots?
Online slots are available around the clock, and there is no specific time that guarantees better odds of winning. The timing of your play does not affect the outcome of the game.
Can I cheat or trick a slot machine to win?
No, attempting to cheat or manipulate a slot machine is illegal and can result in serious legal consequences, including criminal charges. Modern slot machines are equipped with advanced technology and security measures to prevent cheating.
Is there a trick to slot machines?
The best “trick” is to select slots with the highest Return to Player (RTP) percentage. This offers the best theoretical chance for success over time.
Are slot machines rigged?
No, slot machines are not rigged. All the games listed on licensed platforms are certified by independent third-party authorities to ensure fairness and transparency.
How do you pick a winning slot machine?
There is no way to guarantee a win on any slot machine, but you can increase your chances by choosing games with a high RTP percentage and following other smart tips.
How can you tell when a slot machine is ready to hit?
There is no method to predict when a slot machine will “hit.” Slot machines are governed by Random Number Generators (RNGs), which ensure the outcome is entirely random each time you spin.
