The objective of playing slots is to bet coins or credit and spin the machine's "reels" so that symbols line up on the machine's "paylines", as described in the machine's "payout" schedule. Players can choose how many coins or how much credit to bet per payline and how many paylines to bet on.



The payout schedule displays the machines winning combinations and the values for each combination. These values vary according to the credit bet with each spin.

Some machines give the player the opportunity to win even more money, through a secondary betting mechanism. For example, the player may be given the opportunity to double their winnings by guessing the color of a hidden card: black or red.

There are two types of slots: "standard" and "progressive". Standard slots are stand-alone machines and pay as per their payout table. Progressive slots are machines that are linked up with other slots machines. These machines may reside in the same building, or may be located within several buildings, or indeed within several states or territories. They may even reside globally, as is the case with some Internet based slots games. Progressive slots share their jackpots. It's not hard to see how several progressive machines linked together can produce enormous jackpots over time as more and more people play them.

How much do slot machines pay? Slot machines are generally programmed to pay a percentage of their winnings. This percentage tends to be between 85% and 98%, depending on the machine, it's location and usage. The higher the percentage, the more the machine tends to payout.

PLAYING TIPS

Choose a machine that advertises a high payout percentage (between 95% and 99%, if possible). These games might have a high value minimum bet.

Ensure you understand the payout schedule prior to deciding how much to bet per payline and how many paylines to bet on. It would be unfortunate to produce a winning then realize it could have been significantly higher had the bet been slightly higher.

Some progressive machines will only payout their jackpot winnings if the player is betting the maximum amount possible. Again, it's worthwhile reading the payout table and asking for help if you don't fully understand it.

The amount of credit bet is not related to the likelihood of spinning a winning combination.

It might be more rewarding to bet the maximum amount per payline. Doing so however, can result in a quick loss of funds. For this reason, perhaps try to find a machine that accepts smaller denominations. For example: try finding a quarter machine instead of a dollar machine.

Recognize when a jackpot (large value) has been won. Some machines will ask you to call an attendant who will organize payment to you. Never handle or walk away from a machine that has just produced a jackpot winning. Call the attendant or have someone call him/her for you while you wait at the machine.

If you play slots regularly, take a note of which machines tend to be paying out significantly. If a machine seems to be paying out significantly, and often, it may be worth while giving this machine a try sometime. You may find that casinos place their most liberal machines in places where they are likely to attract attention.

Consider trying the machine next to you if your machine isn't paying off.

Find out if the venue you intend to play at offers other incentives, such as points, meals, accommodation, etc, that goes with your game play. This however doesn't mean that you should play purely for these secondary benefits.

If your luck seems to be running out, it might be a good idea to stop playing. Many people win large amounts, only to lose their winnings be continuing to play.

Make sure you empty the machine of your credit prior to leaving it. Each year, people accidentally abandon machines that still have their credit inside.

Before playing, decide how much you are comfortable losing. If you have played and lost this amount, you will know when to leave.

Don't bet more than you can afford to lose and remember to always have fun :)

GamingGuide.net Team