Slot machines are one of the best known and well-loved game types among regular Casino-goers. With a huge range of themes to choose from, these games can transport us into a fantasy world full of fun and excitement, and, if we’re lucky, some fantastic returns on our bets.

We should always bear in mind that our main goal when heading to the slots is to enjoy ourselves. It’s not the place to get rich quick, although many players do employ certain tactics to try and increase their winnings. Reading up on each machine’s RTP stats can give you an idea of the approximate percentage returns you can hope to generate, for instance, but this is far from a concrete figure and should be treated with caution.

At the same time, it’s vital we understand the different types of slot machines available:

Types of slot machine

Depending on how often they pay out and the different winning combinations, there are essentially 2 main types of slot machine. Both have their pros and cons and vary in regard to our chances of getting a pay-out, and the average amount of any winnings.  

Loose machine:

These are the slot machines that pay out on a regular basis. There are more winning combinations, meaning players will see prizes more often. However, the downside is these prizes are for lower amounts.

Tight machine:

These machines pay out less regularly, but when they do, they produce much greater potential winnings.

Slot machine strategies

First things first, we have to understand there is no hard and fast strategy that will guarantee wins in any game, especially if we’re talking about playing slots. That’s why your best option is to try and choose a machine that makes you feel good, either due to its features or its theme.

However, we should also take other aspects into account when enjoying a session on the slots:

The traditional machines are often more fruitful:

Given that our number one goal here is fun, rather than getting rich overnight, the traditional slot machines are usually more profitable than the progressive jackpot versions… no matter how tempting the chance to change your life in seconds may seem.

Set a budget:

This applies to any type of game, but is particularly important on Slot machines. Set yourself a budget before you start playing, and don’t go over it. This is a fool-proof way to avoid any nasty surprises.

Patience is vital:

Once we’ve decided how much money we’re going to bet in the session, we have to make sure we keep a cool head in order to play in the most efficient and fruitful way we can. Prizes might take their time to materialize, so we must be patient and not get carried away.

Increase or reduce our bets:

There are two schools of thought in this regard. On the one hand, we’ve got the players who opt to up the amounts they’re playing after a certain run without reward (5 games, for instance), before reverting to the original bet when they strike lucky. The other approach is increasing the amount played every time you lose or win – according to which option you’ve decided on at the start of a session.

In any case, we should always be based around an initial budget, never exceeding the amount set.

What not to do

We should never head into a game expecting to see returns from our first spin. It’s also important not to change strategy several times during a single session on a machine or to play with the sole purpose of winning. This is damaging, stressful and can have negative effects on your mood. This game type should always be approached from the perspective of enjoyment, and you must always have a clear idea of the money you plan to play in each session and stick to it.