Slots

Game Objective

Slot games consist of inserting coins into the machine and then pulling the lever to set the reels in motion. The object is to line up specific patterns to win money. Your V-Chips are automatically converted into coins ($.05, $.25, $1.00, or $5.00 denominations) and then used in the slot machines. Depending on the machine chosen, you can bet up to three or four coins on each spin. To be eligible for the Progressive Jackpot, you must play the maximum number of coins per spin and be betting with $1 or $5 denominations. You may hit the "bet max" button to play for the maximum amount of coins and the reels will automatically begin to spin. If you prefer, you may deposit one coin at a time and then pull the lever to start the reels spinning. Each game has different payouts which are displayed on the machine. Winning combinations are displayed in the center of the reels as marked by the pay line.

In the United States, gaming regulatory agencies publish what is known as the casino "win" on various slots machines.

This figure is the percentage of money deposited into slot machines retained by the casino as profit (although it is not really profit, since it does not include rent, electric costs, employee salaries, and other costs of doing business). Some agencies identify the individual casinos, while others only name the specific regions. By turning these numbers around, you can identify the "payback percentage" or the percentage of money returned to the player for the money played in slots.

All jurisdictions have a minimum payback percentage that land based casinos must reach.   However, online casinos are (as of right now) unregulated.  Don't let that mislead you, however.  Most Internet Casinos pay back much more than these minimum percentage, since competition forces them to try to retain  customers through higher paybacks.  All in all, playing the slots online could be more profitable than off.

Slots Tips

1. The only true skill to playing slots is machine identification. Example: progressive machines offer the opportunity to compare and shop around for the best value. One 25 cent "slot machine carousel" can have a progressive jackpot of $2,600, and another bank of machines- exactly the same and standing side by side-$1,900. You should always be looking for the best slot opportunities possible.
2. You always want to treat "comps" as a form of profit, but you never want to gamble just to receive them. It's much better to play a 98percent payback machine and increase your winning opportunities than play machines with a poor return that cycle more of your coins. Remember, you're there to stay in action and possibly win, not lose your bankroll for a free buffet.
3. If you can't afford to play the maximum amount of coins, you shouldn't be playing that denomination of machine. If dollar slots are too rich for your blood, drop down to a quarter machine. It's always better value to play five quarters versus one dollar or five nickels instead of one quarter.
4. I recommend not playing back the credits you've accumulated. Cash out and take stock. The problem with playing back credits is that the longer you stay, the machines built-in advantage eats away at them. It doesn't take long to zero out.
5. Can't decide which type of slot machine to play? If you're going to choose between video poker and slots, play video poker. Even poor play on a video poker machine will have a better payback than most slot machines.
6. Before you walk away from a machine, don't forget to press the cash-out button. Millions are lost each year by gamblers forgetting their winnings (stored credits).
7. It is your responsibility, if destiny favors you, that you receive full payment when hitting a jackpot. Even with some relatively small jackpots, if the slot is short coins in the hopper, you'll receive only a partial cash payment in the tray, with the balance to be paid by a slot attendant. If you were to insert more coins and pull the handle, say bye-bye to the remainder of your jackpot.
8. Read all the posted material on a slot machine. It is your responsibility to fully understand all printed information concerning the number of coins to insert, lines needed to be lit, prizes or awards. In most cases, when someone calls a slot attendant over and complains the machine "just ripped me off," that individual generally didn't read the pay schedule correctly.
9. When you insert coins, don't assume all the tokens register before you pull the handle. Played five but only four recorded? Sorry. You'll get a sympathetic pat on the back from the casino, but no money.
10. Avoid machines that use video representations of symbols. With these slots, there is absolutely no way to figure out what the payoff percentage of that machine is.
11. Most casinos will hold a slot for you while you go to the restroom, take a short break or even go on a buffet run. Just ask a slot supervisor to reserve your machine and give a specific time when you'll return.
12. Don't chain yourself to a cold machine, even if it's your favorite. Why? Because the longer you stay on any slot, the more time the machine's built- in mathematical advantage has to work you over.
13. Even though you're only playing slots, you still need to set a loss limit on your bankroll for both your trip and each individual gaming session. Divvy up your wad per playing session, discipline yourself and stick to it.
14. When searching for high payback machines, ask a few employees where the local players find the best slot value. Simply put, locals don't play dog machines.
15. Leave both your credit and bank teller cards at home so you will not be tempted with the easy convenience of getting cash. Only bet what you can afford to lose.