How to Pick Slot Machines?
With thousands of slot machines available at online gambling sites and brick-and-mortar casinos, it can be challenging for casual players to know how to choose winning slot machines. Many new players often leave the establishment with regret, realizing that they should have spent more time considering their slot choices.
To help you decide which title to spend your money on, this article will serve as your guide in choosing a slot machine.
Slot Variance and RTP
One of the first factors to consider is the variance rate of the slot, which represents the risk-vs-reward ratio present in each game. Low variance slot games usually reward a majority of your spins with significantly lower payouts. On the other hand, high variance slots only reward a small number of your spins with large cash rewards.
Variance helps you find slots with risks that you are willing to take. High-risk players aim for massive payouts by risking a substantial amount of cash. Low-risk players prefer a "slow and steady wins the race" mentality.
If you don't see yourself as a high-risk or low-risk player, you can find a good number of medium variance slots. These titles offer a fair risk-vs-reward ratio, where you can expect decent payouts for each win.
Another important data point to consider among slots is the return-to-player (RTP) rate. This data shows how much you can expect to profit from a slot. For example, if you wager $100 on a slot with a 97% RTP, you are likely to get $97 back after playing the game for a certain period. You can usually find the RTP of a slot on the cabinet or within the game itself. Slots are generally categorized as:
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- High RTP: above 97%
- Medium RTP: above 96%
- Low RTP: below 95%
Keep in mind that these returns tend to materialize over long play sessions on a specific slot. You may need to spend an hour or the whole afternoon spinning the reels before reaching the $97 return.
Taking into account both the variance and RTP rate of a slot gives you a clear picture of the payout rate and your win/loss ratio for a particular title. If you're short on time and want a chance at a massive cash prize in just a few spins, high-variance slots with a mid-RTP rate are for you. If you prefer taking your time to have a steady gain while avoiding significant losses, low-variance slots with high RTP rates are your best bet.
How to Calculate RTP in Slots
Wondering how to calculate RTP in slots? Just subtract the house edge!
Wagering Requirement
If you're a regular online casino player, you've likely heard about deposit bonuses and free spins promotions. These offers are given as part of a welcome bonus for new players or as regular promotions. One common misunderstanding with bonuses is the wagering requirement. Players need to wager any bonus money they receive several times before they can withdraw it.
Online casinos typically require you to bet around 20 to 40 times the amount of your deposit bonus. For example, if you receive a 300% deposit bonus by depositing $20 into your account, giving you $60 of casino credit, and the wagering requirement is set to 35 times, you need to wager $2,100.
Note that different games within online casinos have different contribution rates towards the wagering requirement. Slots usually contribute 100%, so you only need to bet $2,100 on slots to fulfill the requirement. Other games that contribute 50%, such as table games or high-RTP slots, would require you to wager $4,200 on those games to complete the requirement.
It's important to check the terms and policies of an online casino's deposit bonus before considering accepting their offer. This allows you to know which slots or games have a 100% contribution rate towards the wagering requirement. If none of the games seem interesting, you can always choose to wait for a better promotion or look for another casino.
If you've already made a deposit and are looking to complete the wagering requirement, you'll want to look for qualified slots with low to medium variance and an RTP of 96% or higher. With the low-risk aspect of these slots, you can safely wager your bonus and minimize your losses. One example of a low-variance slot with an RTP of 97.16% is Gold Train, a 3x3 slot with straightforward gameplay.
Legitimate Slots
One major factor that many new players overlook is the legitimacy of a slot. Some slots offer a convincing "demo" of gameplay but function like their real counterparts, using a faux PRNG system. This system manipulates players' spending habits, making them think they're winning when they're actually giving away their money to scammers.
To avoid fake slots, it's important to research the online casino you plan toplay at and ensure it is reputable and licensed. Look for trusted casinos that are regulated by recognized gambling authorities. These authorities ensure that the games are fair and that the outcomes are random.
Additionally, reputable software providers develop legitimate slots. Some well-known providers in the industry include Microgaming, NetEnt, Playtech, and IGT. Stick to slots from these established providers to ensure a fair gaming experience.
Theme and Gameplay
While not directly related to winning chances, the theme and gameplay of a slot can greatly enhance your overall experience. Slot machines come in various themes, such as ancient civilizations, movies, fantasy worlds, or classic fruit machines. Choose a theme that resonates with your interests and preferences to make your gaming sessions more enjoyable.
Furthermore, consider the gameplay features offered by the slot. Some slots have bonus rounds, free spins, multipliers, or other unique features that can increase your chances of winning or provide additional entertainment value. Take the time to explore the different gameplay elements and choose a slot that aligns with your preferences.
Conclusion
When it comes to picking a slot machine, consider the variance, RTP rate, and legitimacy of the game. Determine your risk appetite and desired payout frequency to choose a slot with the appropriate variance. Look for slots with a high RTP rate to maximize your long-term returns.
Additionally, be aware of any wagering requirements associated with deposit bonuses and choose slots that contribute 100% towards meeting those requirements. Stick to legitimate slots from reputable software providers and select themes and gameplay features that enhance your enjoyment.
Remember that slot machines are games of chance, and there is no foolproof strategy to guarantee winnings. However, by making informed choices and understanding the key factors, you can increase your overall satisfaction and potentially improve your chances of having a successful slot gaming experience.