Strategy is a key part of success, and when it comes to the slots, there is a lot of truth in that. Strategy helps players focus and plan their approach to casino games.
However, one thing that strategy cannot control is the outcome in slot games because they are random. Random number generators keep slots fair because they generate random number sequences every second, and when someone plays a slot, a random combination is locked in that decides the symbols that appear on the reels.
With that being said, you’re not at a total loss, even if you’re tragically unlucky! There are some key strategies you can apply to your game to make your spins go further, your bankroll last, and to keep your cortisol levels down.
Without further ado, here are the top slot strategies and tips for winning real money!
1: Learn The Paytable
Every slot has different rules, symbols, and structures. Because of this, it is essential to learn about the slot’s paytable. The paytable is the list of prizes and payouts available for the specific slot machine. Paytables are displayed on the face of the machine in land casinos, but online, they are usually in-game or on some kind of hamburger menu. The best slot sites will display their paytables clearly so players can see exactly what they’re in for.
So…why learn the paytable?
Learning the paytable will help players understand the symbols and see which symbols trigger the biggest wins. In addition to learning the symbols, the paytable will mention if there are any bonus features available on the slot, which can help the player see how to trigger them, increasing the chances of a win.
Tip: When reviewing the paytable, focus on the high-value symbols and the bonus round triggers. Memorise them so you can strategise on when the best time to place your bets is!
2: Set A Firm Budget Before You Play
We’ve spoken about the importance of budgeting your bankroll in slot games before, but it is one of the best strategies you can apply to preserve your money. Setting a limit ensures you don’t overspend on bets and blow your money in a few spins, which makes your chances of winning very low.
Instead, set a firm bet limit and split up your money into different sessions. This way, you’re not chasing losses and losing all your money at once. At the very least, you’ll lose it in a few different sessions! Just kidding, but taking the time to set a strict budget and sticking to it keeps you in control of betting and doesn’t encourage you to impulsively bet.
Some players do make big bets when they’re not in the right headspace, risking big sums of money.
Tip: Set a realistic budget to keep your head in the game and split the money up evenly into sessions. If you have £100, do four £25 sessions, for example.
3: Use High RTP Slots Only
It may seem like common sense, but high RTP slots are the only ones you should be using for big wins. Those who are playing for big wins on slot machines should expect to play for a long time, because the big wins come slowly. Therefore, you must get a decent return on your investment, which is where the RTP comes in.
High RTP slots return a high percentage of money to players over time and spins. If you’re looking for these slots, they have return rates between 97 and 99%. So theoretically, if you wager £100 in a slot machine over time, you would receive between £97 and £99 back, depending on the specified percentage.
To find the RTP, you can consult the game details of the slot you’re playing, where it should be located.
Tip: Only go for slots with an RTP between 97 and 99% if you’re seeking big wins. Do not waste your time on low RTP slots, as you will not get much money back, even if you win.
4: Use Game Demos
One of the top and most obvious strategies to mastering a game is learning it, which you can do through playing the demo version. Slots release free demo versions so players can preview the games first. Not only does this attract new players, but it also allows new ones to familiarise themselves with the slot’s symbols, paylines, and features, as well as becoming acquainted with the casino and game provider.
By doing this, players can assess a slot’s bonus features, volatility, and if it has big win potential without wasting much time or money.
Tip: Use as much time on demo versions of a slot as you need. However, remember demo versions do not always include all the features of the slot game, so memorise as much as you can and research before you decide to commit to playing the full game.
5: Use Bonus Features As Much As You Can
We are not saying go overboard, but using bonus features to your advantage advances your game like you wouldn’t believe. Casinos will welcome you with bonuses and on slots, with free spins and opportunities for bonus rounds. Using these as much as possible, particularly with free spins, builds your bankroll without the extra cost.
Study the bonus features available on the slot you’re playing. Does the slot have wilds, multipliers, or free spins? Learn how to unlock them (if necessary) or if you need to place a specific bet to unlock them. If that is the case, set aside money from your budget to meet those betting requirements. Utilising bonus features will allow you access to features that can boost your odds of winning big.
Look out for specific slots that multiply your ways to win – Megaways slots are common, and Megaways itself is a reel modifier that changes the board with each spin, altering the number of paylines and ways to win. Cluster pays also multiply your ways of winning when a group of matching symbols lands adjacent to each other on the reels. This means paylines do not have to stay fixed for you to win.
Tip: Remember that even with the advantage of bonus features, winning jackpots is not guaranteed – outcomes are still random.
6: Use A High Volatility Slot Only For Big Wins
We’ve spoken about high RTP, but it is important to use high volatility slots if you want big wins. Even if you have to play the long game, the payouts from these slots are much larger. Plus, high volatility slots often have jackpots in them, which can be triggered completely randomly.
Depending on the jackpot type, you could be in with the chance of millions if you opt to use a high volatility slot. Playing on a low one will waste your time because, although you’re statistically more likely to win any sum of money, it will not equate to any big wins.
Tip: Choose your slot based on the wins you want. Specifically, search for slots labelled as high volatility.
7: Play With Loyalty Rewards
If you’re looking for big wins, chances are you’re a high roller and you have a loyalty to the casino you’re playing at. If that’s true, take advantage of the loyalty scheme. Play your slot game with any loyalty rewards you have, such as bonus offers and free spins. Doing this will help you keep your bankroll intact while adding value to each spin.
You may even earn more rewards by playing with bonuses, but make sure you clarify this with the casino. Just using a few rewards can stretch your bankroll much further, allowing you to play for longer.
Tip: Check with your casino if there are any terms and conditions of bonus offers, and make sure they’re eligible for the slot you’re planning on playing.
8: Play With Different Game Providers
While it is sometimes best to stick to what you know, this is not the case for big wins on slot games. There are thousands of slot providers, and the best way to win big is to try out different ones. You see, game providers use different software, game mechanics, RTP levels, and it is essential you test those out and compare before deciding on a game to try out for your big wins.
If you stick to one, you limit yourself to games that may have better value for money, or potentially more ways to win. Do some research, and you might hit the metaphorical jackpot!
Tip: Read reviews of any new game providers and titles you are considering playing.
9: Try Out New Release Games
Staying updated on new slot releases will help you to stay ahead of the curve. Playing with new releases will give you access to new promotions, because casinos want players to try out new games. Keep playing new games, and you will have access to a variety of bonuses, although if you try this at the same casino, this won’t always be the case, because welcome bonuses can only be used once.
Tip: Stay updated on new slot releases via the Roadmap sections on the slot providers’ websites. Here you can find release dates for upcoming slots.
10: Track When You Win And Lose
If you’re a serious player, keep track of all your wins and losses. Divide them into sessions and calculate how much you’ve won or lost per session. Keep these in a spreadsheet or a table so you can see a visual record of how your sessions are going. Separate these by game so you can see if specific games are worth continuing with. You can also add any notes and extra details about the slot such as if there are special requirements or bonuses.
Tip: Tracking your wins and losses is good for spotting patterns and identifying winning strategies, as well as weeding out the bad ones.
No matter the strategy you apply, make sure you’re playing safely and responsibly and never over your limits. If you feel like you are, please contact your casino for support, or reach out to your country’s gambling safe charities. In The UK, this is GambleAware.
