How to Pick a Winning Slot Machine
Written by: Filip Gromovic Reviewed by: Nashon Khamala
Read time: 15 minutes
We have seen people swear by daylight that they know how to pick a winning slot machine. Knowing that this game uses a random number generator to decide what symbols show up after the reels stop spinning, is it possible to know when these machines will hit? We will take a deep dive into the topic and tell you everything you need to know.
Understand Slot Machine Basics
If you spend time understanding the basics of spinning games, it will become easier for you to know if you should take a punter who says they know how to pick the right slot machine seriously or not. So, let us delve into the basics.
Classic slots have three reels and rows, although there are newer variants that have more reels and rows, the way they work remains the same. While physical versions tend to have fewer symbols, an online slot can have hundreds of symbols, giving it millions of possible combinations.
The machines contain a random number generator that creates thousands of number sets per second. Each of the created number combinations is associated with a different combination of symbols. So, when a player pushes the spin button, the number generated at that moment by this software will determine the symbols that will show up on the reels.
The outcome of one spin is independent of the next spin because the number generator continuously creates a set of random numbers. The main purpose of this system is to ensure fairness and give every gambler an equal chance to win on the machine. This independence is also the reason why it is impossible to predict the outcome of the next spin and can’t influence on how to pick the right slot machine.
There are various types of slot machines. Some allow players to bet on the number of paylines they want to play. The bet size will increase as you activate more paylines. If the winning combination falls on the payline that you have activated, you win. A win is usually a multiplication of your bet by a predetermined amount.
Therefore, when two players land the same winning combination, it would feel like the one playing on max bet has won more compared to the one that maintains the least possible bet. While their wins have been the same, they have been rewarded differently based on their appetite for risk.
Key Factors for Choosing a Winning Slot Machine
There is a popular saying that «You can’t give what you don’t have». You can’t expect great gameplay and potentially huge payouts from a fundamentally flawed machine. Although it is hard to tell what slot machines are most likely to hit, there are factors you should consider when picking a title, especially if you are going to stick with it for a long time. The best slots don’t come wrapped with golden cabinets. They come with numbers that reveal important details about the basics of the game. The most important factors you must always consider are explained below.
High Return to Player (RTP) Percentage
Slot machines come with different RTPs. This information will be disclosed either on the body of the device or somewhere in the game. When you are looking for a machine that is most likely to hit, start by checking its RTP. This number represents the proportion of the total bets placed on the machine that will be returned to players as wins over time. For example, a machine with an RTP of 98% means that if players spend $100 on the machine over a long period, the machine would return $98 to players as wins, while the remaining $2 stays with the house. Therefore, the higher the RTP, the better the chances of winning.
Volatility of the Machine
The first thing that you will likely hear when you ask any professional how to pick the best slot machine is volatility. This is simply the measure of how frequently the game will payout. There are three levels of volatility, namely low, medium and high. The different types of volatility have their strengths and weaknesses. The best choice will depend on a player’s appetite for risk. A high volatility title like Big Bass Splash and Book of Dead will have low payout frequency, but the wins are mostly huge. Low volatility titles like Starburst and Agent Jane Blonde Returns are the exact opposite. Those marked as having medium volatility will be somewhere in the middle.
Betting Limits
It is not a secret that the higher your bet, the bigger the reward when you get lucky and match winning symbols on the reels. Betting limit can impact an individual’s experience depending on their risk level or approach to the game. Punters who just want to kill time or have fun would prefer to play on the lowest possible bet to keep their risk really low. On the other hand, those chasing jackpots or life-changing wins will be better off playing on max bet. Bear in mind that spinning the maximum bet doesn’t increase your odds of winning.
Payout Structure
A reel game’s payout structure will determine how rewards are distributed. The payout structure can be fixed or progressive. In the former, the amount that a player can win is fixed, while in the latter, there is no limit to the maximum amount a player can win. Some titles combine both features to give players a taste of both worlds. Fixed payouts are more frequently won but are usually just a scratch of what’s possible with progressive payouts.
Strategic Approaches to Slot Selection
There are thousands – if not tens of thousands – of titles out there. Therefore, it is not surprising that a lot of gamblers are asking about how to choose a slot. Trying out every single title out there to build a list of favorites is too much hard work – which most players will likely not want to undertake. Therefore, during selection, you must be strategic, especially if you have your eyes on the jackpot. Here is a checklist of features you should use to decide which games deserve your attention and which you should pass.
Choose Slots with High RTP
The higher the RTP, the more likely it is that the slot machines will pay out. This is because return to player is calculated by checking the difference in the amount the machine has paid out over a long period compared to how much players have spent betting on it. When slots offer 99% RTP, it will theoretically pay more than one with 94% RTP. NetEnt and Playtech are two names that are synonymous with high return to player titles.
Pay Attention to the Developer
Every game developer has their unique approach to game features like free spins and wild symbols. These features don’t just impact the gaming experience but can also potentially impact wins. When picking titles, it is highly recommended that you go for those with bonus rounds and lots of free spins. Free spins and bonus rounds offer the best odds to recover whatever you may have lost. Stick with trustworthy developers that have proven themselves with games that are enjoyable and fair.
Theme and Graphics
While this doesn’t directly on what slot machines are most likely to hit, it has a lot to do with player experience. Every gambler knows that there are good and bad days. When you start playing progressive slots, you will discover that it needs a lot of patience, especially if the spins are not going your way. If you are not drawn in by the theme and graphics, it will be harder for you to keep going when you are on a losing streak.
Medium Volatility
Since classic slots use random number generators, it is hardly possible to predict when the game will hit. Therefore, you need to manage your bankroll while waiting for your lucky spin. Choosing titles with medium volatility ensures that you get infrequent chunks of hits so that your account balance doesn’t get depleted too soon.
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Advanced Slot Machine Selection Tactics
We must reiterate that the moment you push the button to set the reels in motion, the outcome is out of your hands. While there is no proven strategy on how to tell when a slot machine will hit, there are uncommon techniques that will help you make better choices and improve your odds to win at slots. Here are some of the secrets that no one is telling you.
- Pay attention to what others are saying: While it is sometimes good to learn from your mistakes, there are times when such mistakes would be costly. When playing slots, it is often better to learn from others. Do a quick search through online gambling communities on Reddit or Trustpilot to see what other players are saying about a particular title. Oftentimes, the motivation you need to give the title a try or blacklist it is hidden in discussion threads.
- Check trusted third-party review websites: The Internet is overflowing with third-party review websites that test most games and discuss their findings to help players make better choices. If you choose to go this route, ensure the website is an authority in the niche. One way to determine if a website is an authority in any niche is to check its domain authority and age.
- Run from titles that never pay out: Although generator RNG determines the symbols that show up on the reels when you push the spin button, some games are simply defective in configuration and will never hit, no matter how much money or time you sink into it. Titles like Cryptologic’s King Kong and Blueprint Gaming’s Wish Upon a Jackpot are a few of the many titles that have been blacklisted by players for low payout frequencies and percentages.
- Don’t get hypnotized by advanced graphics: While it is important to invest in titles that appeal to your senses, if your primary interest is in how to spot a winning slot, then you should look beyond polished graphics. Instead, pay attention to features that can boost your winning odds, including scatters, wilds and free spins.
Common Myths and Misconceptions
A wise man once said, «Tell a lie over and over, and it becomes true». There are dozens of misconceptions that have been peddled for so long that some players now think they are true. Here are some of the most ridiculous things we’ve heard and why they are not true.
- Playing on max bets increases your chances of winning: While the requirement for participation in some jackpots is that the player cranks up their bet to the max, your winning odds are no different from a punter playing for 10 cents per spin. This is because machines use random number generators and the outcome is completely random.
- It’s a good idea to ask casino employees to help you find loose titles: Some punters believe casinos hide the hottest titles and that their employees can help you find them for the right tip. This is not true because the outcome of all reels is based on random number generators. No casino employee can help you beat that.
- Games with levers give better odds than those with buttons: The earlier iterations of this gaming device made use of levers, which were later phased out and replaced with buttons. This is just a design change that doesn’t affect their basic operating principles.
Tips for Experienced Slot Players
On the topic of how to pick the best slot machine, expert players will likely not fall for the same problems that new punters face. New punters will likely spend their time and money on the shiny features. Experts, on the other hand, will likely focus more on features around gameplay that can impact potential wins. That is not to say that experts don’t have their own challenges. Here are tips that can help experts excel in their gambling careers.
- Resist the FOMO effect: After years of rolling the reels, it is natural for experts to have a handful of titles they are committed to. However, every often, a new title emerges with a buzz. You have to resist the urge to listen to every buzz and stick to the titles that have served you over the years.
- Stick to your budget: Both new and seasoned punters struggle with staying true to their budget, because there is always that urge that the next spin might be the big jackpot. However, chasing losses is the fastest route to depleting your bankroll. Always have a budget for every session and cultivate the discipline to leave once you have exhausted that budget.
- Maximize promotions and bonuses: When it comes to payline slots, the best winning strategy is sometimes to keep playing. Long-time gamblers know that promotions and bonuses offer a great opportunity to extend their game time. Frequently check the promo page of your preferred casino and feel free to switch to another casino that offers better bonuses, especially if you are playing online. There are really no permanent allies online, just permanent interests.
- Know when to take a break: Even when you haven’t exhausted your budget, there are times when it doesn’t just make sense to keep playing. For example, when you have work to do or have other pressing emergencies to take care of. Gambling should be a leisure time activity – and with the shrinking economy and rising bills, we tend to get less leisure time.
Responsible Slot Machine Gaming
The obsession with discovering how to pick a winning slot machine can push any player to the brink of excessive gambling. You may find yourself spending unhealthy hours either in brick-and-mortar gambling houses or in front of your screen sifting through thousands of options. When you play slots, you can’t afford to lose your head. Strive to be in control all the time. Ensure that you are pushing the buttons for fun and not because you are compelled to.
Whenever you feel like you are losing control, don’t hesitate to seek help. Never feel like you are alone. Reputable casinos always have a Responsible Gambling page filled with resources that can assist people like you in regaining control of their betting activities – another reason you should properly vet online casinos before signing up.
In addition to resources, reputable casinos also have tools that assist their members to prevent them from running on autopilot. One of such tools allows you to set your deposit limits so that you don’t find yourself spending more than your weekly or monthly budget allows. Players can also contact customer support at any time and request self-exclusion.
Create Your Personal Slot Selection Strategy
Now that you know there is no logical way of how to tell when a slot machine will hit, you need to create a strategy. While it is OK to borrow ideas from third-party reviewers and other players, you must create a strategy that is unique to you and not just a copy-paste. Here are interesting questions that serve as a guide when creating your personal selection strategy.
- Is the gameplay entertaining?
- What is the game’s bet size?
- What is the return to player percentage?
- What is the volatility of the game?
- Do you prefer fixed or progressive titles?
- Do you prefer titles from a particular provider?
The answer to these questions and the main one, how to tell when a slot machine will hit, will help you to create a strategy that will help you to sieve down the thousands of games out there to a manageable handful. Remember, always play for fun, and winning will be a bonus that makes it sweeter.
Filip Gromovic is a senior slots reviewer here at FreeSlots99 with over five years of experience evaluating the latest drops in the world of iGaming.
Being a slot fan himself, Filip approaches slot ratings just the way we like it – professionally, but also from a player’s standpoint.
That enables him to give his unbiased take on the slot’s features, gameplay and design, while only recommending top-tier releases to our readers.
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Having served FreeSlots99 for more than 5 years as a senior content editor and reviewer, Nashon Khamala has extensive knowledge in game slots and iGaming.
His membership in the Editorial Freelancers Association helps him deliver content that reaches both editorial excellence standards and an engaging information level.
By using his expertise in slots games combined with player-focused analysis, Nashon delivers a professional evaluation of slot features and player experiences in his reviews.
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