Top 10 Slot Machine Secrets You Need to Know Today

Slot machines have been around for decades, even before the internet. No surprise then that they have had an aura of mystery around them. They are incredibly popular for the very same reason, with casinos having more slot machines than any other games. 

Add to that the fact that they are everywhere, be it casinos, bars, or even online and it makes sense why they remain the most popular game among rookie and seasoned gamblers alike. 

For decades now slot games and slot machine secrets have captivated all kinds of gamblers. From superstitions to strategies, lucky escapades to fully fledged mental breakdowns, these machines have seen it all. Popular as they are, many still don’t know where to start. 

Let’s take a look at the top 10 slot machine secrets you need to know today. 

10. Slots are random

Starting off on a rather simple note, slots are always going to be random. Although a long established fact, many in the gambling community still continue to debate over it. Slot hosts cannot predict which machine will have a high rate of payout either, although many still believe that myth.

Random Number Generation (RNG) has been implemented in any and all slot machines. This makes sure that every spin is random regardless of the previous spin.

9. Video slots pay less than classic ones

Beginners often don’t consider payout percentage or volatility when it comes to slots. Video slots take advantage of this fact. Sure, they might seem more glamorous and feel more entertaining to play but they almost always pay less than good ol’ classic slots do. 

Video slots attract more people and are simultaneously more costly to maintain when compared to classic ones. Add to that the space they take up, they are chunkier and take up often twice the space as a regular slot machine does. All these factors mean fewer profits for the casinos which is why they reduce the payout rates on these machines. 

We are not saying video slots are completely useless, they can be both immersive and much more entertaining. However, keep in mind that your winning chances will be slightly reduced when playing. In general the more entertaining the slot, the lower the return to the player (RTP).

8. Avoid high traffic areas

Each and every tile inside a casino is carefully designed to maximize profits. Casinos arrange games in such a manner that makes sure the house is always making money. Thus, slot machines are also segregated based on player interaction, profitability and various other metrics. 

As curious as you might be, avoiding the high traffic areas where everybody is playing is a good idea. As the most profitable games for the casino are always kept at the limelight, a good RTP slot machine with low volatility will need some time and research to be discovered. 

This also applies to online slots. The slots at the forefront of the library that are well advertised and flashy make the most money for the casino. Take some time to walk around and find a game you like.

7. Progressive slots are covered by multiple casinos

Coming to a well-hidden secret of the industry, this surprises many when they get to know about it for the first time. In general, the multi-million dollar progressive jackpots aren’t going to be based on a single machine or even in a single casino. These payouts will be spread nationwide if not worldwide. 

This means that every single player playing that slot will be wagering against you for the same progressive jackpot and have the same chances of triggering it. Here’s a suggestion, when playing progressive jackpots, always place the amount of money required to win the said jackpot. This gives you the maximum chance of winning. 

Although some casinos have local progressive jackpots based around a single machine or a row of machines, they are few and far between. Players do win big but the chances of that happening are staggeringly low at times. 

6. Slot games are designed to be fast

Casinos have long wanted players to play their games as fast as possible. This is best reflected by slot games as they have been shortening the time taken for decades now. This helps casinos increase yields on their machines making them more profitable. 

Why do you think they took away the classic slot levers? Having buttons on machines cuts down the time taken to roll drastically. Shortening the time to spin means more spins, and more spins in their favor. 

Make sure to take your time when playing slots, enjoy the environment and immerse yourself as you do it. The entertainment factor is what makes slots fun, so take full advantage of that. 

5. Play the maximum bet if you can

Experienced players have long advised playing the maximum bet if you can afford it. We know, it sounds counter-intuitive at first sight but these players also have their reasons. Casinos are hardly transparent with their rules and policies, especially when it comes to their games and that’s where experienced players come in. 

Turns out that betting the maximum amount allowed by the slot gets you the highest RTP. Playing the max bet activates all the in-game bonuses that create a slightly higher chance of finally winning that jackpot. Although a larger bankroll is required to get this slight boost in odds, a lower denomination slot machine should be your preference for this tactic. 

4. “Micro-Wins” won’t get you much

Crisp animations and exciting sounds are what make video slot games engaging. As discussed previously they take up considerable space and function as the main attraction of many casinos. The advent of micro-wins has also made them more accessible and in turn, explode in popularity. 

The animations and music are there to hype you up for these micro-wins and sometimes, for no reason whatsoever. The small amount you win is often much lower than the amount you wagered, making you feel like you won but the win wasn’t significant at all. 

This trick often consumes players who aren’t paying attention and are overpowered by the constant dopamine hits to their brains. Next time at the casino, be mindful of your winning amount and check every time to ensure you’re making a profit.

3. Payout tickets are there for a reason

We know what you’re thinking, tickets are a much more convenient and safe way to collect your winnings. However, just like everything else in a casino, they are also there for a reason. All you get is a small piece of paper promising you the money instead of cash.  

Back in the day, this wasn’t an issue as real cash would be given to you, something tangible for all the time you spent playing. Ever since the TITO System was introduced, the cash was swapped out for a piece of paper. It doesn’t even register in our minds as a win because we don’t see the prize immediately.

This makes sure when you win, you don’t feel the same rush of emotions making you more susceptible to spinning once again right after you won. 

2. You are being tracked

From the moment you set foot in the casino, all your movements are tracked rigorously. Take being part of the casino’s slots club for instance. It isn’t a way for casinos to give back to returning players. You might be getting free credits for games, chances of a promotion, and more but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.

What many people don’t realize is that casinos are providing these offers to gain insight into your data. This helps the casino by keeping you on the hook and keeping you coming back for more. The casino will analyze your likes and dislikes when it comes to slots so as to best market themselves. 

Although a casino’s slots club is a nifty addition if you plan on coming back, remember it’s not there to help you. It's there to keep you coming back and spending more. Only go when you feel like having a good time, not because of a sudden offer given to you. 

1. You can’t make it big on slots alone

Finally, we come to one of the most well-known secrets that players choose to ignore when playing. The house always wins. Slot machines, be they classic slots or video slots are all designed to make the casino money. 

Whereas Poker and Blackjack have a house edge of around 2%, slot machines bump it up to anywhere between 5-10%. Games that are based on skill tend to have lower house edges than games like slots which rely purely on luck. Coming to RTP, most real-life slot machines have an RTP anywhere between 70-90% which again, isn’t great. Online, the odds are slightly higher from anywhere between 95-97%. 

All this isn’t here to discourage you from playing slots altogether, it’s just a reminder to set realistic expectations and budget accordingly so you can enjoy the game no matter the outcome. Slots can be addicting and insanely fun, but it’s also important to know your odds especially if you’re only playing for money and not entertainment. 

That concludes our list of the 10 slot machine secrets that you need to know before you get in the casino again. Armed with this knowledge, we would hope you make more informed choices and have a much more fun time when out gambling.

Let’s face it, even though slots aren’t the best way to make money, they are fun and require very little thinking to play. Relaxing with some fun slot games after a long day isn’t a secret only known to you. Now that you are prepared for everything and have the inside scoop, which slot games would you choose?