Slots Simplified
by Mark Pilarski
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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Avoid restaurant, bar, supermarket and airport slot machines.
Notorious for being tight.
8. 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.
9. 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).
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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. |