How do lines on a slot machine work? In almost all the available online slots, the paylines will form from left to right. This means that the winning line starts with the first reel on the left, connecting to an icon on Reel 2, Reel 3 and so on. You can form a winning combination by connecting at least two of the same symbols. For example, if you bet one or two lines out of 25, you might need to wait for many spins in order to win. Or, with a 25 pay-lines and 40 winning combinations, you will win on almost every spin by betting the 25 lines. There are slots, the most modern ones, where it’s not recommended to play with a non-maximum number of lines.
Slots are one of the easiest games to play in a casino, but even then, there are some tricks every first-timer should know. Here are a few tips and tricks to get you started and on the road to winning.
1. Loose vs. Tight Machines
Finding a loose machine is just about the best thing that can happen to a slot player. Loose machines are really the only advantage you’ll get playing the slots because every other factor is completely random. What makes a machine loose or tight is its payout percentage. Loose slots payout around 98 to 99 percent, and they are always next to tight machines. This is why you’ll see a person go from slot to slot and then settle on one for the next two hours.
2. Slot Machine Lingo
Believe it or not, playing slot machines comes with a whole new vocabulary that’s very helpful to understand. Hand Pay occurs for higher payouts or if a machine gives gamblers an incorrect payout; basically, it’s when you get money from an attendant and not the machine itself. RNG stands for Random Number Generator, which is the program inside the machine that generates random number combinations. When you hit the button at the exact second the RNG generates the winning number combo, you win. Some other terms to know include: Hold Percentage, Payback Percentage, and Progressive Jackpots.
3. Player Cards
A player card, or slot card, is a little piece of plastic worth more than most gamblers think. It’s a complimentary card casinos give their players for their loyalty. If you decide to play the slots, use your card instead of coins for extra perks like free drinks. Casinos favor their card users and provide better service to their loyal customers. The slot machines are the perfect way to rack up a few extra perks and special treatment, with very little money-spending.
4. Simplicity for the Win
Generally, the simpler the game looks, the bigger the payout. Slot machines with fancy lights and flashy signs lower your odds of winning. On the flip side, most players agree it’s the decked out slots that are the most entertaining to play. So if you’re wanting to win, stick with the plain machines, but if you just want to have a good time and don’t care about payouts, go ahead and splurge at the fancy slots. You’ll still have a chance of winning big either way.
5. Higher Denomination
Using slots with larger denominations have better odds of winning. For example, it is better to play one coin for one line at a five-cent game than five coins for every line at a one-cent game. Try to play slowly to have as much fun as possible, without losing all of your money.
No matter what machine you choose to play, your odds of winning all depend on the timing of the RNG and your hand. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t tricks to having more fun and winning more money every time you play. Try a few of these tricks to maximize your slot machine experience.
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Most people look at the vast array of casino slot machines and assume they are all alike. They see a handle, a coin slot, flashing lights and figure one is as good as another. However, in making this assumption, they fail to see a lot of valuable information to help determine if they should play a particular slot machine.
Super 8 Line Slot Machine
Surprisingly perhaps, machines aren't all the same. The best way to separate one from another is to learn how to “read” a machine by looking at the payout schedule on the front. Let’s see what information can be found on a typical slot machine.
Casinos here in the U.S. and abroad keep several types of slot machines in play at any given time. A few you'll most often see:
Multiplier: This machine has a payout for a certain symbol and the number of coins played multiplies it. If the machine pays 5 coins for three lemons when you play one coin, it would pay 10 for the second coin and 15 for three coins played. This machine does not penalize you for not playing maximum coins. If you plan to play only one coin at a time, this is the type of machine you should look for.
Bonus Multiplier: This machine operates like the multiplier but offers a bonus when you play maximum coins and hit the jackpot. Three 7’s may pay 1,000 for one coin, 2,000 for two coins and 10,000 for maximum coins. The central question is whether the bonus is worth playing the extra coin.
Multiple Payline: These machines have more than one line of play. Each coin activates a particular line. If you hit a winner on a line that is not activated, you will not receive anything. The older machines used to have three lines but the newer video slots can have up to nine lines.
Buy-a-Pay: These are the most misunderstood machines in the casino. Each coin activates a different payout. You need the maximum coins to receive the largest jackpot.
One example is the Sizzlin' 7s machines. This machine will pay on cherries, bars, and sevens. The sevens pay 1,000 coins. If you play one coin you collect only on the cherries. If you play two coins you collect on cherries and bars.
Three coins are required to collect on the Sizzlin' 7s. If you hit the jackpot with one coin in you will not win anything -- do not play this machine under any circumstances unless you are playing the maximum coins.
5 Line Slot Machine Games
Progressive Slots: Sevens slot machine. The progressive slots take a certain percentage of the money played and add it to a pool for the top jackpot.
First and foremost, It is never wise to play a progressive machine with less than the maximum coins -- stories abound of people losing out on lesser progressive jackpots because of short coin play.
Some casinos link machines together within their own facility to offer mini-progressive jackpots.
Megabucks and Quarter Mania are examples of machines from several casinos linked together to offer 'life-changing jackpots'. It's important to keep in mind that payback percentage on lesser wins is lowered to allow for these jackpots.
Free Online Slots Machines
All of the information you need is posted on the front of each slot machine. Before sitting down to play, taking a minute to “read” the machine will help make you more knowledgeable in determining which machines may be best suited for you.
Until next time, remember: 'Luck comes and goes..Knowledge Stays Forever.'