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Slots are the easiest game to
play in the casino. Insert a coin, pull the handle, and then
reach into your purse for more money. Unfortunately, that's
what normally happens when the house has such an enormous
built-in edge. But that does not mean you cannot at least
close the gap against you and throw in some fun to boot. So,
below are some of my favorite slot tips to help you overcome
this huge house advantage. These tips will not guarantee
that you'll become an instant winner, because it's tough to
beat a house edge that generally runs well over 10 percent,
but it also doesn't have to be so tough on your bankroll.
Let's get started.
- 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 $2600 and
another bank of machines-exactly the same and standing side
by side-$1900. You should always be looking for the best
slot opportunities possible.
- Casinos will advertise
machines that have a 98.5 percent payback. WOW! A casino
game holding just a percent and a half, and on a slot
machine no less. But there is a downside. If you look
closely at the advertisement, it will probably say, "on
select machines." Furthermore, it probably will not be
posted on the machine itself, and generally will be limited
to a single bank of machines in the casino. Now it becomes
your responsibility to find them. Easiest way: Ask a slot
employee, and if he or she doesn't know, have one of them
ask a direct supervisor.
- Las Vegas gives away over
one-half billion dollars in comps each year, and as a slot
player, you deserve your share. Repeat, you deserve your
share. How? Casinos now offer you the ability to "comp
yourself" by using one of their player's club slot cards. It
is generally based on the number of coins you cycle through
a machine, so you might as well get credit for all those
quarters you're inserting. Shop casinos for comp value and
find out what you are worth to them.
- 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 98 percent
payback machine and increase your winning opportunities than
play machines with a poor return that cycle more of your
coins. Remember that you're there to stay in action and
possibly win, not lose your bankroll for a free buffet.
- If you cannot afford to
play the maximum amount of coins, you should not be playing
that denomination of machine. If dollar slots are too rich
for your blood, drop down to a quarter machine. It is always
better value to play five quarters versus one dollar, or
five nickels instead of one quarter.
- I recommend not playing
back the credits you have 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.
- Avoid restaurant, bar,
supermarket and airport slot machines. Notorious for being
tight.
- Can't decide which type of
slot machine to play? If you are 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
"reel" slot machines.
- 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).
- 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 will 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 good-bye to the remainder of
your jackpot.
- 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 did not read the pay schedule
correctly.
- When you insert coins,
don't assume all the tokens register before you pull the
handle. Played five but only four recorded? SORRY. You will
get a sympathetic pat on the back from the casino, but no
money.
- I recommend avoiding
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. For all you know,
your true chances of hitting a major jackpot could be
2,097,152 to one.
- 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 will return.
- Don't chain yourself to a
cold machine, even if it is 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. This
is how casinos build mega-resorts. Time always works on
their side, and they have a mathematical edge on every slot.
- Just because 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.
- I'll come clean here. I
don't play slots. But as a local in a casino town, I know
where the locals who do play find the most
cluck-for-the-buck. Simply put, locals don't play dog
machines. So when searching for high payback machines, ask a
few employees where the locals find the best slot value.
Even if they are not slot players themselves, they at least
know where their friends like to play.
- Leave both your credit and
bank teller cards at home so you will not be tempted with
the easy convenience of getting cash. Also, allow me to take
the obvious one step further. Only bet what you can afford
to lose.
- Finally, going to slot
heaven-Las Vegas? Your best return in Las Vegas, and the
country for that matter, are in the casinos Downtown or N.
Las Vegas. Average return on quarter machines: 95.5 percent.
That almost makes it a decent wager.
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