Slot Machine Strategy

Although slots are a gambling activity and should never be viewed as a sure thing, there are strategies that if followed properly can increase your odds are doing well during a trip to the casino.  According to several online reports, there are actually certain locations for machines that determine how well and often they pay out.  According to the reports, the most common locations within a casino for “loose” slot machines are on elevated carousels, next to change booths and near cafes or coffee shops.  Machines on elevated carousels are in a very visible location, and frequent pay outs will influence other players to continue putting money into their slot machine.  Casinos use “loose” machines next to change booths because they normally entice players to purchase more coins.  The reason for placing machines with better odds near cafes or coffee shops is to make casino visitors want to quickly finish their food and get back to gambling.  On the other hand, the reports also discuss the three most common locations for very “tight” machines.  Slots located near gaming tables are normally tight because the casino does not want the other players to be distracted by the flashing lights and ringing bells associated with a large pay out.  Another common location for “tight” machines is the area where table players exit.  Table players normally drop loose coins into these machines, but since they are not long-term players, the casino does not have any reason to reward them.

In addition to playing machines which are normally “loose” and not “tight,” there are other methods of increase your odds for a pay out.  When choosing what denomination of machine you are going to play, consider the following table from the Gambler’s Edge:

• Nickel Machine: Nine dollars per hour
• Quarter Machine: Forty-five dollars per hour
• One Dollar Machine: One hundred and eighty dollars per hour
• Five Dollar Machine: Nine hundred dollars per hour

The table is based on a three coin maximum bet with ten spins per minute at a ninety percent pay out rate.  To determine which level is best for you, you need to determine how much money you are willing to spend, and then estimate the amount of time you will be playing the slots.  For example, if you are taking a four day trip to Las Vegas and are a serious slot enthusiast, you will most likely spend five hours a day playing the slots, therefore spending twenty total hours.  If you have a budget of one thousand dollars, then it would be most effective to play the quarter machines during your trip.  When you begin to actually play, make sure to read through the machine pay out table before inserting any money.  The machine pay out table shows the maximum amount of coins that can be inserted before each spin of the reels.  To increase your pay out odds, you should consistently insert the maximum amount of coins on each turn.

The biggest determinant in whether you will walk away from the casino with any winnings is knowing when to quit playing the slots.  Many players make the mistake of hitting a large jackpot and then continuing to play, hoping that the machine will hit again.  If you are lucky enough to hit a large pay out, calmly take your winnings and leave the slot machine.  This is the time to stop by the casino bar, and grab a drink to celebrate your winnings!