Always read the payoff information on each machine, particularly
on 'Pay for Play' machines. These are usually three coin slot
machines with the first coin paying only on limited symbols, the
second coin pays on the next set of symbols and the third coin pays
on any win. The big win is with the third coin.
Be sure you have cashed all of your credits before leaving the
machine. The cash out button controls the payout function; it either
indicates credits or it drops the coins in the tray.
Never leave your machine until you have received your total
winnings. If you hit a jackpot, you may have to wait for the
attendant to pay you the rest of the jackpot as some machines can
only pay a partial jackpot.
Over the time, you will win more money using the higher
denomination machines than the lower, but you will definitely need a
money management system as you might get carried away and lose more
money than you bargained for.
If you can't afford to play the maximum amount of coins or the
higher denomination machines, drop down.
Look for 'Hot' machines as you enter the casino. It is customary
for casinos to have some loose machines to attract the attention of
new visitors. Some machines are set to pay better than others.
However, be aware that the casino can move around the loose slot
machines or have the settings changed back to a lower percentage
return, so don't expect a hot machine to stay that way everyday.
(Note: Casinos must send their machines back to the manufacturer to
be reprogrammed for their choice of percentage as long as it meets
the minimum percentage return required by the Federal Regulators.)
If you're lucky enough to hit an attendant-paid jackpot, do not
touch your machine or leave it for even one moment. Do not insert
more coins or allow anyone to touch it. A slot attendant must come
by to complete the transaction.
Slot machine carousels can have large variations in the
progressive jackpot amount. You should always be looking for the
best slot opportunities possible and play at those that show the
highest amount. If a casino advertises that they have machines with a high
payback (90% or more), look for them. Ask a slot attendant, and if
he or she doesn't know, have one of them ask the supervisor.
Shop around for casinos that offer comp value and use them.
Casinos now offer you the ability to 'comp yourself' using one of
their player's club slot cards, so you get credit for each coin you
insert in the machine.
Treat the comps as a bonus. Never gamble to increase your comp
credits.
It is always better to play on a high payback machine and
increase your winning opportunities than play on machines with good
recycling capability of coins but with a low return.
If you can, give preference to Videopoker machines. Their payback
is usually better than slot machines.
Most casinos will hold a slot for you while you go to the rest
room or take a short break. Just ask a slot supervisor to reserve
your machine and give a specific time when you expect to return.
Don't stick to a cold machine because it is your favorite.
Remember, you are there to win.
Even in the same aisle two identical looking machines can be set
to different average returns. If you are not winning on one, try the
other one.
Don't assume because you have spent all night feeding a
particular machine that it is now due for a jackpot, and that you
will get your money back. Before you start play, set your loss limit
and stick to it.
It is best not to replay your winnings. Have a set bankroll to
start with, and when you have used it up, collect all your winnings
(if any) and quit.
On a lucky day, if you are on a winning streak, have a few shots
(2 or 3) at one of the $5 big-payouts machines. You never know! If
you win - anything - take the cash and leave. Don't replay or
recycle any of the winnings.
Always read the payoff information on each machine, particularly
on 'Pay for Play' machines. These are usually three coin slot
machines with the first coin paying only on limited symbols, the
second coin pays on the next set of symbols and the third coin pays
on any win. The big win is with the third coin.
Be sure you have cashed all of your credits before leaving the
machine. The cash out button controls the payout function; it either
indicates credits or it drops the coins in the tray.
Never leave your machine until you have received your total
winnings. If you hit a jackpot, you may have to wait for the
attendant to pay you the rest of the jackpot as some machines can
only pay a partial jackpot.
Over the time, you will win more money using the higher
denomination machines than the lower, but you will definitely need a
money management system as you might get carried away and lose more
money than you bargained for.
If you can't afford to play the maximum amount of coins or the
higher denomination machines, drop down.
Look for 'Hot' machines as you enter the casino. It is customary
for casinos to have some loose machines to attract the attention of
new visitors. Some machines are set to pay better than others.
However, be aware that the casino can move around the loose slot
machines or have the settings changed back to a lower percentage
return, so don't expect a hot machine to stay that way everyday.
(Note: Casinos must send their machines back to the manufacturer to
be reprogrammed for their choice of percentage as long as it meets
the minimum percentage return required by the Federal Regulators.)
If you're lucky enough to hit an attendant-paid jackpot, do not
touch your machine or leave it for even one moment. Do not insert
more coins or allow anyone to touch it. A slot attendant must come
by to complete the transaction.
Slot machine carousels can have large variations in the
progressive jackpot amount. You should always be looking for the
best slot opportunities possible and play at those that show the
highest amount. If a casino advertises that they have machines with a high
payback (90% or more), look for them. Ask a slot attendant, and if
he or she doesn't know, have one of them ask the supervisor.
Shop around for casinos that offer comp value and use them.
Casinos now offer you the ability to 'comp yourself' using one of
their player's club slot cards, so you get credit for each coin you
insert in the machine.
Treat the comps as a bonus. Never gamble to increase your comp
credits.
It is always better to play on a high payback machine and
increase your winning opportunities than play on machines with good
recycling capability of coins but with a low return.
If you can, give preference to Videopoker machines. Their payback
is usually better than slot machines.
Most casinos will hold a slot for you while you go to the rest
room or take a short break. Just ask a slot supervisor to reserve
your machine and give a specific time when you expect to return.
Don't stick to a cold machine because it is your favorite.
Remember, you are there to win.
Even in the same aisle two identical looking machines can be set
to different average returns. If you are not winning on one, try the
other one.
Don't assume because you have spent all night feeding a
particular machine that it is now due for a jackpot, and that you
will get your money back. Before you start play, set your loss limit
and stick to it.
It is best not to replay your winnings. Have a set bankroll to
start with, and when you have used it up, collect all your winnings
(if any) and quit. 