Slot machine tips

Slot machines contain a "random number generator" (RNG) micro-computer that constantly (even while the machine is not being used) spits out numbers. These random numbers correspond to positions on each of the reels in the machine. When you pull the handle or push the "Spin" button you aren't really initiating anything except the spinning of the reels which is merely for show. You are simply telling the machine to display the reel positions that correspond to the last set of random numbers that were generated.

The above is important because it de-bunks some long-held assumptions about slot machines. Like the roulette wheel, where every play is completely random and independent, one pull of a slot handle is completely random and completely independent of the previous or next pull. It all comes down to the precise moment that you pull that handle or push that "Spin" button (i.e. which set of random numbers you select). Pulling the handle or pushing the button a 100th of a second later would yield a totally different result.

The result of the above is this:

If someone gets a big payout at a machine that you just left, don't feel bad because you "missed" a payout. You would not have gotten that payout if you continued to play because you wouldn't have pulled the slot machine at the exact fraction of a second that the winner did. Again, this is due to the rapid generation of random numbers.

A machine is never "due to hit". The payback percentage and hit frequency are calculated over the long term.

A machine can go for days on end without a decent payout but there is no reason it can't have two large payouts in a short period of time.

Playing faster will not increase your chances of winning. The RNG will generate thousands of numbers between the spins of even the fastest player. While a faster player may seem to win more, it's simply because they've spinned more for a given amount of time.

The number of coins you play has nothing to do with the numbers that are generated.

It makes absolutely no difference to the machine, or the results, if you pull the handle or press the "Spin" button.


Lets take a simplified example of a three-reel machine. If a machine has 10 symbols on each reel, and there are two "blank" positions between each symbol, that's 30 positions on each reel. A three-reel machine gives 27,000 (30 X 30 X 30) possible results that you could get when you pull the handle or press the "Spin" button. A fair number of these possible results will give smaller, partial payouts, but there's only a 1 in 27,000 chance that the combination of numbers that represents the machine's jackpot will be generated.

Given the random number generation, luck is as involved with slot play as it is with table play. However, the key point with slot machines is that they are set up with different payback percentages and hit frequencies. (The odds at table games are pretty much the same wherever you play because the rules are consistent from one casino to the next.) Machines that pay off frequently are said to be "loose". But loose isn't always a good thing if you're looking for a hefty jackpot. If a machine is has a high payback percentage (98%), but also has a high hit frequency, you'll end up with a lot of little payouts. You may come out ahead, but you'll be less likely to hit a sizable payoff. The best machines are those with a high payback percentage and a lower hit frequency.

Everyone has their own rules for which slot machines to pick but I thought I would list some factors to pay attention to when playing slot machines. Slot machines, and increasingly video poker machines, are the most popular forms of gaming in casinos.

Tip #1 - Only play the best paying machines - Look for machines that payout between 95 and 99 percent and only play those. Theses are mostly $1 and higher machines. Statistical research data indicate that $5 or higher machines have the highest percentage payout range. The range starts at 93.7% and goes up to 98.5%. Remember - these are ranges and averages, not absolute values. The next highest payouts come from $1 machines followed by 50-cent machines, 25-cent machines, and 5-cent machines. You will often see signs that say "Up to 98% payback" indicating that they have loose machines. This means that over the long term the slot will pay out 98 cents of every dollar that is played. The "up to" is the key point here. It means that a casino could have only one machine set to pay back at 98% to comply with the sign. If you find an area of slots with a sign without the "up to" you may want to give it a try.

Tip #2 - Play non progressive machines - Because the random number generators are programmed to produce a higher number of reels and symbols on progressive jackpot machines, slot players are better off playing the flat rate machines found in the best locations.

Tip #3 - Bribe a casino employee - Ask an employee in the slots area which machines are the best. Offer them a cut of your profits (if you make money) for helping you.

Tip #4 - Physical placement - When picking a machine, location is very important. The physical placement of the machine is an indicator of how loose or tight the machine is. Here is some more information on how to find tiht and loose slots.

Finding loose slots

Because loose slots exist to attract more slots players, the casino has a special slot placement strategy to get the most out of them. Since the number of wins on a loose slot machine is more frequent, the casinos want as many witnesses as possible. You could consider it as another way of advertising, but one that we can use to our advantage as slot players.

Near the change booths - casinos want other players who are waiting in line to receive change to hear the unmistakable sounds and sights of players hitting mid-level and top jackpots. This will motivate other players to get more change and play more machines.

On elevated carousels - high payoff machines that are visible from nearly any angle from the gaming floor also serve to motivate other players to put more money into their chosen machines.

Near the coffee shop/cafe/snack bar - casinos frequently place their best machines in these locations to motivate players to eat quickly and get back to the gaming floor as soon as possible. When a player takes a "time out" for food or drinks it's time spent not playing the machines. No play means no revenue for the casino.

Slot aisles known as "crosswalks" - crosswalks are areas that players must walk through to get to other slot aisles. The casinos want slot players to witness frequent jackpot (mid-level or top) payouts. People passing by using these carefully planned pathways are more likely to be drawn into the main slot aisles, where the mid-range and tight machines are waiting to fleece them.

AVOIDING TIGHT SLOTS

Similar to the loose slots placement strategy, there is also one for tight slots. These, on the other hand, are always located secluded areas where there aren't many passer-bys and few other slot players. Just try to think of it from the casino's point of view and it's sure to enlighten you a little. One thing to remember is that every casino is different and that each moves their slot machines around to challenge those who seek the loose ones.

Near casino entrances - At one time, the casinos placed some of their best-paying machines here in an attempt to lure players in off the street and into the main casino, where the tighter slots were located. This plan backfired as patrons who began playing at the entrances stayed at the entrances. They never ventured any further into the casino. And, why should they? They did just fine right where they were! The casinos have now moved mid-range and tight machines into the entrance areas.

Around or near the sports book/racing areas - Casinos do not want their sports book patrons to be distracted by the clanking of tokens hitting the slot trays. Sports book players spend vast amounts of money, betting on all kinds of action, and would probably not play slot machines themselves - so placing a high-payout machine there would be waste of time, and may even cause the sports book players to leave the area.

Near the ticket/show lines - People waiting in line for show tickets or to see a show have already taken off their "gambling hat" for the time being. Since their interests lie elsewhere than in playing slot machines, placing a loose machine there probably would not motivate those folks to play.

Surrounding the gaming table areas - Slot machines that are near the gaming tables are almost always tight machines with a few mid-range machines thrown in for good measure. Table players aren't usually regular slot players. The point of loose slots is to attract more people to play them, so why put one in an area where slots aren't much favoured?

The older places near the north end of the Strip may set their machines looser to try and draw players away from the newer, fancier resorts.

Tip #5 - Play the maximum number of coins - The only way you can hit the jackpot is by playing the maximum coins. When you look at the payout table on the slot machine, most of the time there are three columns; the first column is the payout for playing one coin, the second for playing two coins, and the third for playing three coins (maximum).

Tip #6 - Don't play multiple-payline slots - Although it seems like you have better chances playing multiple-payline slot machine, you're increasing the odds against you drastically. The fact that you have to pay more to play these kinds of slots and that the payout rates aren't as good as single-payline slots makes it a bad deal.

Tip #7 - Always use your slots card - Don't forget to insert your players card in the reader before you begin playing and don't forget to take it with you when you leave. Many players do not take advantage of "comps." The reasons given range from, "I didn't want to take the time to register" to "I'm afraid they'll report my winnings to the I.R.S." to "If I use a Slot Club Card, the casino will 'tweak' my machine if I win too much." Other reasons were also given, but let's address these three.

First, NOT taking the time to join a Slot Club deprives you of some great benefits such as discounts on meals and rooms and other special offerings. In fact, the comps you receive may mean the difference between a winning or losing session.

Second, the casinos do NOT report your winnings to the I.R.S. unless the amount meets I.R.S. regulations. If this happens, the casino will present you - on the spot - with I.R.S. Form W-2G (for gambling winnings) which must be reported by you on your federal income tax return. If the casino doesn't present you with Form W-2G, the I.R.S. has no idea what you've won, and they don't care since your winnings do not meet their reporting criteria.

Third, the casinos DO track your play. In effect, when you insert your card into the machine, you are "logging on," but there is nothing untoward going on. The casinos can't award comps if they don't know how much you've spent. And, comps accrue whether you play your own money or THEIRS - doesn't matter. Casino security also tracks play through the Slot Club cards, but what they are looking for are potential cheaters; people who are doing extraordinarily well for extremely long periods of time with no downward trend in their winnings. They also keep an eye on people who are losing BIG because of the possibility of a negative emotional reaction from the player.

Tip #8 - Play with coins rather than bills - If you want to get the most play for your money, feed the machines coins rather than using bills. However, make sure that the payout percentage is worth your time.

Tip #9 - Know when to stop - Discipline is necessary when gambling, regardless of what casino game it is. It's very easy to just keep playing because you think you are minutes away from the jackpot, but that can be dangerous. Your chances of hitting the jackpot is the same for each pull. Decide how to handle your winnings. Pocket 25% or 50% or 75% and add the remainder to your bankroll for more playing, or keep it all.

Tip #10 - Play the highest denomination machines that fits into your bankroll - The higher the denomination the higher the percentage of payout on slot machines. Therefore, if you can afford it, play the five dollar slots in the best locations. If that's too much then play the $1 machines. Typically, dollar machines return on average 95 % with quarter machines returning 93 % and nickel machines 90 %.

Tip #11 - Try the machine next to you if yours is not paying off - according to industry sources, the casinos NEVER place two loose machines next to each other. - If you're uncertain as to whether your machine is loose, it may not hurt to try the machines on either side of you.

TIP#12 - All reel-type slot machines contain variant programming. This programming allows the machine to pay out several percentage points both above and below its baseline payout percentage. For example, if a machine is programmed with a pay out percentage of 96%, there will be times when it pays at 93% and other times it pays at 98%. This may help you understand why a machine that treated you very well on one trip to the casino totally destroyed your bankroll on your next visit.

Tip #13 - Test every machine you play. Play a certain number of pulls or spins and gauge how the machine is responding. After you have played for a while, stop and tally what the machine has paid out. If you are, at least, breaking even - then stay and repeat the excercise. If you are not at least breaking even, move on.

Tip #14 - All slot machines "dump" from time to time. - Dumping occurs when a given machine has been paying out below its programmed percentage payout for an extended period of time. Dumping is its way of returning to its baseline percentage. This phenomenon can occur anywhere on the gaming floor, and you need to take full advantage of it when it happens. Ok, HOW?

If you were to observe two slot machines side-by-side, and one was a legitimate 99%er while the other one was a 90%er (tight) machine dumping - you wouldn't be able to tell them apart. And, the best part is: it doesn't matter! Using your personal pull-rule, you would play the machine(s) fast and hard. When they stop paying, MOVE ON.

Tip #15 - "Loose" is a relative term as it applies to casino slot machines. - It varies from casino-to-casino, and from player-to-player. If your definition is significantly different from that of the casino you are about to enter, you may be in for a disasterous session.

On the newer slots, there are a series of small windows on the side of the machine. One window says "coins in." Another says "coins out," or similar terms. These windows are primarily for the slot technicians' use, but you may also be able to use them to your own advantage.

Divide the number of coins out by the number of coins in. Mulitply the result by 100. If it yields 96 or higher, it may fit the general definition of "loose."

There is also a third window that says "bills in," but if the first calculation yields less than 96(%), the number of "bills in" becomes moot since most serious players won't play a machine that is less than 96%.

If, on the other hand, the first calculation yields 96 or higher, then factoring in the number of bills in will give you a pretty good idea of the machines' payout percentage. Assuming the "bills" were twenty-dollar bills is sound since the most common bill used by slot players is the twenty. Just don't forget to convert the bills correctly according to the denomination of the machine.

Tip #16 - By and large, the main slot banks contain mostly mid-range and tight machines with a few loose machines scattered among them. How many loose machines can be found there? It depends on the overall size of the space allocation, and loose machines can be found as close together as every 4th machine, up to a distance of every 12th machine. Total available square footage is the main determining factor.

Tip #17 - Contrary to popular belief, the casinos do not "hide" or move their best machines simply because people find and play them. The casinos WANT them to be played. When slot machine players see and hear someone hitting a jackpot, it motivates them to pump more money into their own machine in hopes of hitting their own jackpot. It also draws other players into the general location of the jackpot where tighter machines wait to take their money. How many times have you seen players begin to play machines on either side of someone who has just hit a jackpot? Enough said.

Tip #18 - Develop a 6th sense when it comes to slot machines. - You need to ascertain how the machines are playing before you decide which to play. And whatever you do, DO NOT fall into the "my machine" syndrome based upon your good fortune in time past. Approach every machine like you are seeing it for the first time.

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