Slots are one of the easiest casino games to learn and play, making them a popular choice for those looking for a simple way to make bets. Still, there’s a few factors to consider when betting on slots, such as choosing a machine with a high RTP and making sure you bet an amount you are comfortable with.
Let’s take a look at the nuances of betting on slots.
Choosing your slot machine
Before placing your bets, your first decision is which slot machine to play. This is often a matter of personal preference. In a land-based casino, you’ll have less choice. However, when getting started with online slots real money, there will usually be hundreds of titles to pick from – whether it’s three- or five-reel games, crypto slots, or hot-drop jackpot titles.
Here’s what you need to be aware of when choosing a slot game:
Return to player (RTP) – Return to player is a percentage that the player can expect to get in return when they bet. For example, if the theoretical RTP is 95 percent, the player can expect to see $95 returned for every $100 they bet. It doesn’t always work out like this, but the RTP is a guide to which slots have the most generous odds. Pick the higher RTP slots for the best chance to win.
Volatility – This gives you an idea of the frequency and size of the payouts. A slot with high volatility tends to payout bigger prizes but doesn’t drop very often. A low volatility slot, on the other hand, tends to payout lots of smaller prizes. Decide on what your goals and preferences are and choose a slot with the right volatility level for you.
Personal preference – Slots, especially online slots, come with a variety of themes, paylines, bonus games and more. Pick one that you find visually appealing and decide whether you want a simple 3-reel slot, a more complex 5-reel video slot with lots of bonus games, or something in between.
Once you have selected a few slots machines, you can try them out for free in demo mode to see if you like the gameplay and to get used to the payouts and features.
Placing your bets
Once you have chosen a slot, it’s time to place your bets. If you’re playing slots online, the first step is to sign up and make a deposit on the online platform so that you have funds to play with. If you’re in a casino, you can get chips or change from the cash desk.
- Choose the size of your bet per payline. Betting on slots starts very small, such as penny slots, and goes up to very high stakes.
- Look at the paytable for the game you have chosen. Each slot game has a paytable that is easy to view and shows the prizes and payouts for matching symbols. Familiarize yourself with these payouts before making your bet, so that you know what to look for when it comes to wins.
- Choose your number of paylines. If a slot has multiple paylines, you’ll often be able to select how many are in play. More paylines gives you a higher chance of winning per spin, but will cost more as you’ll have to pay the bet amount per payline.
- With your paylines selected and your bet size chosen, all that’s left is to spin the reels. Once you press spin, your bet will be made. If you match symbols, you will be paid according to the payout table.
- You can spin again after every spin is complete. You don’t have to stick to the same bets and paylines. These can be changed after every spin.
Casino bonuses
Online casinos usually offer generous bonuses to new and returning players to keep them coming back to the platform rather than going to a different site. You can take advantage of these bonuses to increase your bankroll or odds of winning on slots.
Welcome bonuses are one of the main types of bonuses. These bonuses are usually given when the player makes their first deposit. The deposit will be matched by a certain percentage, and/or the player could be given free spins or bonus funds.
Free spins are a great way to test out slots for real money without risking any of your own funds. Just be aware that casino bonuses come with terms and conditions that you should read to know how to get any bonus winnings released.
Play slots responsibly
Now that you know how to choose your slot machine and place your bets, the final consideration is to always play responsibly. The idea is to have a good time, so only play with money you are more than comfortable losing.
Set aside an allowance and make bets that are very small compared to your overall bankroll to give yourself the best chance of winning and being able to play for longer amounts of time.
