Can You Increase Your Odds Of Winning On Slots?
In this article, I look at if you can increase your odds of winning on slot machines.
Online gamblers all want to know the magic formula to success. We want to win all the time and make epic profits, and people often ask if this is possible playing online slots?
In this guide, I use my expert knowledge and personal experience to debunk the myths and answer once and for all if (and how) you can increase your odds of winning while playing slots.
What Are the Odds Of Winning At Slots?
When looking at odds of online slots we have to look at the return to player percentage, best described as a percentage of how much you can expect to win back when playing slots over time.
The average RTP for online slots is around 96.00%. This means that for every $1 spent, you can expect to win back $0.96 or make a $0.04 loss per spin, on average.
Compared to other casino games, slot machines are middle of the road:
- Blackjack: 99.40% average
- American Roulette: 94.70% average
- Video Poker: 99.54% (Jacks or Better)
- Keno: 93.00% average
How to Increase Your Odds Of Winning At Slots
Players can increase their chances of winning at online slots by utilizing the tips below:
Play High RTP Slots
Slots with a higher RTP give you a better chance of winning. You can usually find the RTP (return to player) percentage in the game rules or pay table of a slot machine.
Play Low Volatility Slots
While RTP is the first thing I look at, I also consider the volatility. Volatility or variance relates to the frequency and value of your wins.
- Low volatility slots pay out frequently but in smaller amounts. These are ideal for the conservative player who prefers to ere on the side of caution.
- High volatility slots pay out infrequently but in larger amounts. These are better suited for the higher rollers and those who want the big slot payouts.
Match your play style with the volatility and consider which you think is more conducive to winning.
Manage Your Bankroll
Bankroll management is key to being successful at slots. I typically set a playing limit per session.
It’s also a great idea to avoid playing with maximum bets – you may get a big win, but you will also run out of money quicker!
Take Advantage Of Demo Games
I never jump straight into slot games without playing a demo version first. Most online slots sites have free-play game versions available.
By doing this, you can read the pay table, look at the game rules, check the available bet values, and get familiar with how the game works.
Know When To Quit
This is possibly the best piece of advice I can give. If you hit a big payout, take the profit. Too many players continue playing and eventually lose it all back.
Does Betting The Maximum On Slots Increase The Odds?
No, this is a misconception. Your bet value has no bearing on slot machine odds or the RTP. You could bet $1 or $100 per pin, and the chance of winning would be the same.
The difference is in the volume and how much you win, not the frequency. For example, I play at 300 Shields Extreme by NextGen. This game has a below-average RTP of 95.29%.
I play 10 spins at $1 each ($10 total spent) and would be expected to win back $9.29 or make a $0.71 loss. In contrast, I play 10 spins at $10 each ($100 total spent) and would be expected to win back $95.29 to make a $4.71 loss.
There is no difference in my expected percentage loss. However, as you can see from the below screenshot, I would have won a lot more on this spin had I bet $10.00 and made more profit.
Should You Stay At A Losing Slot Machine?
It’s surprising how many different opinions and misconceptions there are around this question but mathematically speaking, there is no difference if you only play at one slot machine, or keep switching to different slot games.
The main point I always remember is that each slot spin is independent. Just because you have not won in the last five spins, it doesn’t mean you can expect a win on the next turn or that you should play another video slot and expect to win.
It doesn’t work like that. The outcomes are based on the RTP of the individual slot machine.
A Winning Slots System Does NOT Exist
Anyone who claims differently is lying to you. There are no “foolproof strategies” to always win at slots. The outcomes are randomly decided and there is always a house edge.
The only “winning strategy” for online slots is to follow the tips in this article: play online slots with a higher RTP, manage your bankroll, quit when you are ahead, and know your limits.
How Can I Pick a Winning Slot Machine?
You should now have a clearer idea about the expectations of slots but to give you more insight I want to explain the main factor to consider if you want to win at slots – RTP.
What is RTP in Slots?
RTP = Return to Player
This is the most important factor to consider if you want to win at slots. RTP is expressed as a percentage and it relates to the theoretical amount you can expect to win back over a prolonged playing period on casino games. RTP is not just for slots but it applies to other games like blackjack and roulette. To give you more insight I have listed some major pointers about RTP below:
- If you subtract the RTP from 100%, you get the house edge.
- RTP is theoretical and not guaranteed.
- Playing for only a few spins can result in skewed RTP percentages.
- Higher RTP (closer to 100%) is better.
Let’s look at an example. I play Arthur Pendragon by IGT which has an expected RTP of 96.43%. Based on this, if I spent $1000 on it, I would be expected to get back $964.30. Or, to look at it another way, I stand to lose $35.70 which is the house edge ($1000 – $964.30).
This is the expected outcome over time. However, as stated, this can be skewed greatly if you only play a few spins. For example, I could play just one spin for a bet value of $1.00 and win nothing. If I walked away at that point, my RTP would be 0%.
In contrast, we can see below that I did a spin at $1 and won $2.10. In this scenario, if I walked away, my RTP would be considerably higher than the expected 96.43% at 210%. To reiterate – RTP percentages typically play out over a longer playing period, not just a handful of spins but it is better to play slots with a higher RTP.
Slots with High RTP
The industry average for video slots is around 96%. Therefore, I always look for games with an RTP higher than this as you theoretically have a better chance of winning. To give you a headstart, I have selected 10 slots that give you better odds due to their high RTP and that are available at popular US online casinos:
| 🎰Slot Name | 💯RTP | 📈Volatility | 🧑💻Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mega Joker | 99.00% | Low | NetEnt |
| Blood Suckers | 98.00% | Low | NetEnt |
| White Rabbit Megaways | 97.70% | High | Big Time Gaming |
| Medusa Megaways | 97.63% | High | Big Time Gaming |
| Guns ‘N Roses | 96.98% | Low | NetEnt |
| Blood Suckers II | 96.90% | Low | NetEnt |
| Jimi Hendrix | 96.90% | Low | NetEnt |
| Butterfly Staxx | 96.80% | Medium | NetEnt |
| Extras Chilli Megaways | 96.82% | Medium | Big Time Gaming |
| Divine Fortune | 96.60% | Low | NetEnt |
Slot Paytables Explained
While the RTP is imperative to beat slot machines, you must also have a firm understanding of paytables. All online slots have a pay table you can access while playing the game.
This essentially explains every aspect of the slot including winning combinations, different special symbols, bonus games, and every other feature the slot has.
Standard Symbols
Usually the first item of the payout table is the basic symbols. These are standard symbols that have an allocated winning combination and amount listed as either a dollar value or a multiplier of your line bet. For example, we can see the standard symbol payouts below for the slot game Alladin’s Legacy:
Wilds & Scatters
Two of the most common symbols after the standard icons are wild and scatter symbols. Most slots including 1c online slots, progressive slots, and medium volatility slots will have both these symbols.
The wild symbol usually substitutes for any other standard symbol except the scatter while the scatter symbol typically has its own payouts, but may also trigger the casino bonus such as free spins or a bonus round.
Bonus Symbols/Features
After the standard symbols and special symbols, many slots have some type of bonus game or special feature. This could be something simple like the chance to win free games through to complete bonus games with unlockable levels.
In most instances, the bonus rounds have either the same pay table but with additional multipliers, or a completely new pay table. You often find that bonus rounds have additional wilds, sticky wilds, or large symbols that cover multiple reels.
The possibilities are endless and this is what I love about slots – the different variety of bonus games and features mean you can also find something new and exciting. Alladin’s Legacy, for example, has a special “into the cave” bonus where you must guess the right combo of gems to unlock a special treasure vault.
Other Rules and Info
A pay table often includes a description of the game rules, version information, RTP percentages, and the different pay lines together with diagrams of the symbol combinations. Essentially, by reading a pay table you should be able to fully understand how the game works and how you can win money. If the game type is unusual, it also helps to learn exactly how the game and costs work, including classic games like Keno slots have some basic strategies and risks associated with them.
Final Thoughts
I hope your mind is much clearer on the reality of how slot machines work and what you can expect. So, can you increase your odds of winning slot machines? I have two closing answers to this important question:
From a technical and in-game perspective, no you cannot increase your chances of winning. The slot spins are random and each slot machine has an RTP that determines your theoretical winnings. Nothing you can do can alter this.
However, from a strategic perspective, you can increase your chances of winning by playing the right slot machines. If you pick slots with a higher RTP (Above 97.00%), manage your money carefully, and know when to walk away, you can make a profit. Also, consider the volatility, and make use of any welcome bonuses offered by online casinos.
The slot machine winning odds might be fixed as a whole, but players can use this guide to leave the casino with a positive balance.
Winning At Slots FAQ
How to increase your odds of winning at slots?
Look for slot machines that have a smaller house edge or higher RTP. The closer the RTP is to 100%, the better your slot machine odds are. Also, consider the volatility and choose games that fit your play style and budget.
Can you win real money on slot machines?
Of course! Providing the online casino you use is legitimate and licensed in a US state then you can always win real money playing slots online. Make sure you look for the software developers too and only play with reputable game providers like NetEnt, Evolution, Yggdrasil, and Playtech.
Is there a way to increase the chances of winning at slots?
Not via the game as wins are decided randomly. However, you can increase your chances of winning by selecting the right slot machine with a high RTP. Play slot machines with an RTP of 96% or more to increase your chances of winning. Know when to stop spinning, and you can have positive winning odds in the long run.
Should I stay on the same slot or change machines?
Mathematically speaking, there is no difference if you play a single slot machine or multiple slot machine games. The deciding factor is luck + the RTP percentage, volatility, and random number generator in the slot machine.
Do I win more often when I bet max on slot machines?
This is a misconception that many believe. While playing with more money on slot games results in larger payouts, your bet value has no bearing on the frequency of wins. Whether you bet $1 per spin or $20 per spin, the statistical outcome will always be the same. You may win a bigger volume with $20, but you will also lose much more per spin!
