How to Win at Slots – 10 Slots Tips and Tricks
Slots are prevalent among casino games, as they’re easy to play, come in various themes, and offer significant win potential. You don’t need any prior experience to enjoy these games, and you can learn how to play and win at slots in just a few minutes.
We’ve gathered all the tips and strategies you need to enhance your gameplay with real money. You’ll also find helpful information about slot symbols and how to maximize casino bonuses.
If you want to start playing slots at one of the best offshore online casinos, check out Wild Casino.
Understanding Slot Symbols
Whenever you spin the reels, various images appear on the slot grid. These images are known as symbols in slot machine parlance and are crucial to the game since a win depends on their positions.
Slot machines, especially video slots, feature various symbols, including standard symbols, wilds, multipliers, and scatters. Let’s break down the main types:
Low-Value Standard Symbols
These symbols pay out smaller amounts and are often represented by fruits or high playing card ranks – nine, ten, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace.
High-Value Standard Symbols
Based on the slot’s theme, these symbols offer higher payouts than low-value ones.
Wilds Symbols
Wilds substitute for standard symbols to complete or enhance a winning combination. For example, in the Gypsy Rose slot shown below, a win occurred thanks to the wild symbols in the second reel, replacing the missing Crow standard symbols.
Multiplier Symbols
Multipliers increase the payout of any winning combination they’re part of. For instance, a “2x“ multiplier doubles the payout. In many online slots, multipliers are activated during bonus features, like free spins rounds.
Scatters
Scatters typically trigger a bonus round, such as free spins. You’ll usually need at least three scatters in the same spin to activate its rewards. Sometimes, scatters also provide instant cash prizes.
Mystery Symbols
Mystery symbols land randomly on the slot grid and transform into the same symbol, potentially triggering a win.
How to Play Slots – The Basics
Before we get into strategies for winning at slots, let’s take a moment to understand how this popular game works. The charm of slots lies in their straightforward nature; you spin the reels and watch colorful symbols align on a grid.
Each spin results in a random arrangement of symbols. Below, we cover everything you need to know about playing slots.
A Slot Win
The outcome of each spin depends on where and how the symbols line up on the grid. To win, you generally need three or more matching symbols to land next to each other, either on a payline or in a cluster.
Each symbol has its own value, so some combinations pay more than others. Check the pay table in the game’s information sheet to see these details.
Paylines
A payline shows the pattern of symbol combinations needed for a win. Typically, three matching symbols starting from the leftmost reel count as a win. Three-reel slots usually have one, five, or nine paylines, while five-reel video slots average 15 to 30 paylines.
Cluster Pays
Cluster pays are a modern feature that operates differently from traditional paylines. Instead of following specific lines, cluster pays focus on groups of matching symbols, usually five or more. T
These symbols can be adjacent in some games or anywhere on the grid in others. Examples of slots with cluster pays include Birds! (as shown below) and Sugar Pop 2 by Betsoft.
Megaways
Megaways is a unique engine that changes the number of paylines with each spin in some slots. Each spin can offer up to 17,649 winning combinations, providing more chances to win.
Return to Player Percentage (RTP)
The RTP indicates the average amount you can expect to win back over the long term. For example, a slot with an RTP of 95% means that for every $100 wagered, you can expect to win back $95 over time. It is wise to choose slot games that have high RTP whenever possible.
However, this is an average figure based on thousands of spins, not a guarantee. Some high RTP slots you might enjoy include Swindle All the Way by RTG, Gypsy Rose, Who Spun It, and Quest to the West by Betsoft.
Volatility
Volatility differs from RTP and impacts how often and how much you win. It’s vital to consider volatility when deciding how to win at casino slots.
Low-volatility slots offer smaller, more frequent wins, while high-volatility slots provide larger but less frequent payouts. If you have a good bit of money you’re willing to spend, higher volatility slots might make sense. However, if you want to play on a smaller amount for a while, you might choose low-volatility slots, where meeting the approximate RTP is more likely to occur over a small sample size.
Random Number Generators (RNG)
An RNG is a mathematical algorithm randomly determining which symbols appear on the screen and where they land. Each spin is independent of previous ones, giving everyone an equal chance of winning. Independent third parties like eCogra test and certify the RNG to maintain fairness and transparency.
Interested in trying your hand at slots now? Head over to Bovada below.
Top Tips on How to Win at Online Slots
Now that we’ve covered the basics let’s dive into some practical tips for winning at slots. These suggestions should help you get the most out of your game and stretch your bankroll further. Remember, slot machines are based on chance, so there’s no foolproof method to win every time.
1. Test the Slot First
Top offshore casinos, like Bovada and Wild Casino, offer the option to try games in demo mode. This allows you to get a feel for the game and understand its RTP and volatility. It’s also an excellent way to see if you enjoy the slot before betting real money.
2. Choose Slots with High RTPs
Aim for online slots with RTPs approaching or over 98%. Also, select a volatility level that suits your playing style. High volatility slots pay out less frequently but offer larger payouts, while low volatility slots provide smaller, more regular wins.
Here are the top five high RTP slots you can play in the US:
| Online Slot | Average RTP | Max Win | Volatility | Provider |
| Swindle All the Way | 98.5% | 50,000x bet per line | High | RealTime Gaming |
| Gold Rush Gus | 98.48% | 1,000x | High | Woohoo |
| Good Girl, Bad Girl | 97.79% | 15,600x | Medium | Betsoft |
| Seer’s Crystal |
97.63% |
22,500 coins | Medium | Nucleus |
| Gypsy Rose | 97.63% | N/A | Medium | Betsoft |
3. Look at the Pay Table
Every slot has a pay table that shows what different symbols payout. Take the time to review this information to understand the game’s features, including wild and scatter symbols and bonus rounds.
4. Understand the Paylines
Check the number of paylines available and whether you can adjust the number of paylines or if it is set and cannot be changed. Remember that your wager changes according to how many paylines are activated.
5. If You’re Playing Jackpot Slots, Wager Enough to Qualify for the Pot
There’s a reason why progressive jackpot slots are so appealing. Reaching a jackpot on a slot machine might change your life.
To be eligible to win the jackpot, some slots require a minimum betting limit for each spin. Therefore, we recommend reading the slot’s pay table to find out if this stipulation applies.
6. Redeem Casino Bonuses
When figuring out how to win at online slots, look for no-rollover or no deposit casino bonuses. You can win real money with less risk to your bankroll with such bonuses.
Additionally, many slot sites feature cashback, VIP programs, and referral bonuses. These offer incentives and perks that you can benefit from.
You can also use other bonus offers and promotions, such as deposit bonuses. Here, the casino matches your deposit to provide bonus funds. Although they involve more risk than no deposit bonuses, they are easier to find and much more substantial.
7. Get Free Spin Bonuses & Take Advantage of the Max Bet Regulation
Take advantage of free spins offers, which often come with deposit bonuses or no deposit promotions. Some casinos also have Happy Hour Free Spins promos.
8. Play the Game of the Week
Playing “Games of the Week” is another great tip. When you play the featured game, you’ll be rewarded with extra perks such as additional loyalty points or free spins. Additionally, because the game changes weekly, you can skip the promotion if the particular game isn’t one you enjoy.
9. Go for a Different Game if You Don’t Find it Appealing
Although finding a slot with a high RTP is important, enjoying the experience is just as crucial. With thousands of real money slots online to choose from, finding one that suits you should be easy. This tip ties in with another one we mentioned above, which was to test the game in free mode first.
10. Bet Responsibly
Playing online slots for money should be fun and not seen as a fast way to make money. Following responsible gambling advice can help you avoid the negative effects that gambling can have on your life. These include not chasing your losses, taking breaks regularly, and setting limits on both your money and time.
Interested in getting started now that you’ve read our top 10 tips? Try your hand at BetWhale.
Best Slot Strategies
Once you have grasped our online slot tips, you can enhance your gameplay even more by implementing a betting strategy while playing slots. Since slots are entirely random, using a betting strategy is one of the main ways to give yourself a better chance. Let’s take a look at a few of these:
Levels Betting
A widely favored slots strategy employs a step-based approach to establish the bet size. Begin by determining the size of a bet unit.
This amount should represent approximately 1% of your total bankroll for the session. Begin with a one-unit bet and raise the level following five consecutive losses. Every level ought to be valued at five units.
For instance, if we wager $1 per spin and experience five consecutive losses, we elevate our stakes and begin betting $5. If we lose another five rounds consecutively, the next level will be at ten units, meaning we are currently betting $10 per spin. Following a victory, we return to the starting betting level and begin the process anew.
This strategy for succeeding at slots aims to recover our losses. By raising the wager, we can obtain a greater return when achieving a successful combination.
Additionally, activating the free spins mode at a higher level will yield substantial profits. The concern is that a dry run may lead to a considerable wager that proves challenging to maintain. Be careful when using this strategy, and ensure you have the bankroll to sustain it.
Fixed Percentage Betting
This system utilizes a fixed bet established as a percentage of the available balance. While using 5% can offer convenience, we’ll prioritize safety by limiting our bets to 3%.
Assuming we begin with $100, our initial wager would be 3% of that amount. We spin the reels and win $13.
With $110 now at our disposal, we will raise the bet to $3.30 or explore comparable betting options (not every slot machine permits such precise betting options). We will maintain the strategy until the session concludes.
This system enables you to consistently bet a set amount of your allotted money for the session on a sliding scale as you win or lose. One downside is that it involves the constant need for calculation, potentially diminishing the enjoyment of the session.
Progressive Jackpot Strategy
The approach should be different when playing online slots to win a progressive jackpot. When the unusual rewards are taken out of the equation, most casino progressive jackpot slots have poor RTPs. Despite this, they can still be alluring since some progressive jackpot slots pay over $1 million.
Thus, you must first ascertain your eligibility requirements before learning how to win online slots with progressive jackpots. In certain games, players must place a minimum wager to have an opportunity to win the top reward.
In alternative versions, only the bonus round offers the chance to win the jackpot. To be eligible, you might even need to choose to play for the jackpot and make an additional wager. The most straightforward approach to finding out is to check the game information area.
It’s not expected to win a significant progressive jackpot, so long sessions are to be expected. Since the regular returns aren’t usually very high, ensure you have enough bankroll to keep the reels turning. Even while a more significant bet can result in the jackpot bonus being activated more frequently, we advise using the smallest qualified amount and opting for volume.
Additionally, watch for the jackpot to increase. When the prize has already attained an impressive level, playing is preferable, as the chances of winning the jackpot stay the same.
How to Win Big at Slots
Trying progressive jackpot slots is your best bet if you’re aiming for big wins. Along with standard bonuses and winnings, these games offer the chance to hit a substantial jackpot. Prizes can reach thousands, and some even exceed a million dollars.
Popular options include “A Night With Cleo” by Rival Gaming, which is typically won every three days and has an average jackpot of $105,000. “777 Deluxe is another favorite, usually hit every two to three days and has an average pot of $126,000. For those aiming for even bigger prizes, “Shopping Spree” by RTG features an average pot of $2.29 million, though it’s won about every three years.
How to Win at Slots at A Casino
Many tips for online slots also apply when playing at a physical casino. However, implementing some strategies might be more challenging since RTP and volatility are not always disclosed in land-based casinos. As with online play, practice safe gambling: avoid too much alcohol, stick to your budget, and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
How to Win at Penny Slots
Penny slots are more common in land-based casinos, but you can still use our online slots tips. The outcomes in penny slots are random, so staying within your gambling budget is crucial, even though these games feature low bet limits.
Biggest Online Slots Jackpot Wins
Let’s examine a few of the largest online casino jackpot wins in the United States within the past few years:
- $419,803 on Diamond Super 7s – BetOnline Casino
- $360,000 on Golden Buffalo – Bovada Casino
- $300,000 on Instant Inferno – Bovada Casino
- $252,820 on Faerie Spells – Wild Casino
- $240,000 on A Night with Cleo – Bovada Casino
- $235,144.94 on Golden Savanna – Bovada Casino
- $172,000 on 777 Deluxe – Bovada Casino
How to Win at Slots Online – The Verdict
While there’s no guaranteed way to win at slots, we’ve provided some tips to help you. The key points are to have fun, set a budget, and understand the game’s mechanics and paylines. Remember, playing slots should be an enjoyable experience, not a way to make quick money, so be sure to play responsibly.
Try out all the tips and tricks above at the best online casino for slots, Wild Casino.
FAQ
What are the best slots to win?
Are there any slots tips and tricks?
How to win at video slots?
How do you find a winning slot machine?
How long should I stay at a slot machine?
Is it better to play higher denomination slots?
Affiliate Disclosure: TopOffshoreCasinos.com may earn commissions from advertising and affiliate links when you visit a recommended gambling site through one of our articles or guides. This comes at no cost to you, and you can rest assured that our commercial and editorial teams work independently to maintain impartiality. Please remember that gambling can lead to addiction, and you should gamble responsibly and only join sites if you meet the minimum gambling age.