Understanding How to Play the Slots

The design of slot machines remained the same in the early years after they were developed, except for one detail: The reels expanded from 10 to 20 symbols, increasing the possible combinations from 1,000 to 8,000. By creating so many more ways to win, this new version stirred up greater excitement and promised a much bigger jackpot.

Although modern machines present several new twists and updates to the original game, the goal for gamblers remains the same: to line up identical symbols in a row. Machines vary: They may have five reels instead of three. They may have multiple paylines. They may have more options than one-coin-a-pop. They may have buttons to push rather than a handle to pull. But the concept hasn’t changed — line up a row of identical symbols, up–down, left–right, or diagonal, and call yourself a winner.

Slot machines used to accept and dispense only coins. Today you’d be hard-pressed to find a machine that accepts coins. All machines accept bills of every denomination. You insert your paper currency (or a payout ticket) into a bill receptor, and then the machine shows a credit for the amount of cash you inserted.

This section shows you how to play slots and what you need to know about the inner workings of a slot machine. We also cover the all-important payouts and how technology has changed the way you play slots.

Playing the game: Easy as pushing a button

Although hitting a jackpot is the biggest attraction for slot fans, the machines are popular for other reasons. One of the biggest pluses is their simplicity. With most machines, you don’t have to master a complicated strategy or decipher some finicky rules. You simply put in your money and watch the reels spin. You could even play blind-folded because the machine automatically pays you on every winner — whether you realize it or not.

Several buttons on the machine allow you to streamline your playing (translation: drain your wallet faster). Look for the following:

Bet One: Press this button when you want to wager just one credit.
Bet Max: This button permits you to play the maximum number of credits that the machine allows per spin (each machine has an established max).
Line buttons: Instead of playing just the line that runs horizontally across the middle of the reels, you can play lines that run every which way across the screen on some machines. The line buttons allow you to choose how many lines to play: 1, 5, 9, 15 — even up to 30. Of course, the more lines you play, the more money you bet.
Play X per line buttons: These buttons allow you to increase the number of credits you play per line. If one credit is 25 cents, two credits would be 50 cents and so on. Again, the more credits you play, the more money you bet.
Service: Push this button when you want to summon a slot attendant.
Cash Out: Ready to cash out and move on? Just press here to receive any unused credit.

Dissecting the innards: How slots work

Novice slots players may wonder if there is any strategy to pressing the button that increases the likelihood of a win. Unfortunately no strategy exists. You can press lightly or forcefully. You can blink three times, click your heels together, or say a little prayer. It makes no difference. After you make your move, the outcome is preordained.

The computerized Random Number Generator (RNG) chip determines the outcome of each spin. The RNG is always at work, cycling through millions of random numbers, even when the machine isn’t being played. The moment you press the spin button, the generator freezes the current numbers and their corresponding stops on the reels.

Because of RNG technology, nothing can be done to predict or change the outcome. Even if you play on an interactive machine that allows you to make some decisions, slot machines are cold creatures that can’t be influenced by anything you do.

On newer machines, your eyes just see a representation of the old-fashioned spinning reels. The RNG chip has predetermined the outcome — the images flashing before you on the machine are just for show.

Each spin is completely independent of any previous results. As its name suggests, the RNG is random. There is no pattern or cycle that repeats after it has run its course.

Getting wise to virtual reel-ality

Although the RNG is random, it does allow for some tweaking of individual machines. For example, although the machines appear to have only 20 different symbols on each reel, the RNG creates virtual reels that actually have many more possibilities. This option creates bigger jackpots, but it also allows casinos to adjust the odds (or payback) for each machine. So, two identical machines can sit side by side, yet their odds for winning can be different.

But don’t misunderstand. The casino doesn’t change the payouts at will. There is no magic switch that allows an evil slot supervisor behind the green curtain to crank back the odds when the casino is losing. Reprogramming the RNG chips requires a great deal of paperwork and effort, so this adjustment is rare after the machines are on the floor. The manufacturer usually sets the exact payback before shipping the machine to the casino.

Entering the coinless age: Cashout tickets

Paper ticket technology, called TITO (ticket-in, ticket-out), has swept through casinos across the country. This change has revived penny and nickel slots because gamblers don’t have to carry rolls of coins and a $20 win doesn’t require hauling 400 coins to the cashier’s cage. (Refer to Figure 9-1 for an example of a payout ticket.)

© John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

FIGURE 9-1: A typical payout ticket is a bar-coded voucher.

TITO also cuts down overhead and employee costs for casinos because they no longer have the hassle of refilling machines with thousands of pounds of coins. Here’s another important feature for the casino: Players can spin more reels per hour on a coinless machine because they don’t have to stop and feed coins into the slot. The result? Higher profit. Talk about a win-win for the casino!

TITO slot machines accept both cash and machine tickets to start play, so there’s no need for a coin hopper (metal bin to catch coins). For psychological effects, however, the machines still provide that irresistible sound of clinking coins when a player hits a jackpot or cashes out his credits (that lovely Dink! Dink! Dink! as if real coins were pouring through the trough).

The ticket also gives you, the player, more flexibility. For example, if you’ve played six or eight spins on a machine without hitting anything, you can move to another machine by cashing out (pressing the cash out button). The machine prints a new ticket with your remaining credit balance so you can take it to another machine, even one that uses a different denomination. After you’re done playing, redeem your ticket at the cashier’s window or a ticket redemption machine. (Ticket redemption machines work similar to ATMs. You insert your ticket, the machine reads the bar code on the ticket, and voila! The value of the ticket is dispensed to you, right down to the last penny.)

Don’t throw away or lose your ticket — make sure you cash it in before you leave. Some tickets are valid for up to six months. Just be sure to turn it in before it expires. Casinos earn hundreds of thousands of dollars a year on the revenue from unclaimed tickets (even though most of them are under $1).

Identifying Differences in Slot Machines

The brave new slot world of the 21st century means you no longer need to settle for three-reel, three-payout-line machines. Every conceivable flavor, shape, and color is now available to tempt gamblers. Literally hundreds of new designs reflect the public’s insatiable appetite for video slot machines, especially those with interactive touch screens. Some machines are so versatile, they let you change the type of game without leaving your seat! Just make sure you check the payout schedules for the winning combinations and for any special quirks that particular game has.

Anyone can play a slot machine — no wonder it’s a favorite indoor sport. This section takes a look at the basic types of slots that you may encounter in your friendly neighborhood casino.

Increasing wagers with multipliers

On most machines you’re looking for identical symbols to come up on one line (cherry, cherry, and … cherry!). On a typical machine, you can play just one credit, or you can play up to five credits, meaning you’re multiplying — increasing — your wager. However, there is no advantage to betting more credits because the payout is proportional. For example, hitting three cherries may pay $50 if you played one coin, $100 if you played two coins, $150 if you played three coins, $200 for four coins, and $250 for five coins.

A variation is the bonus multiplier, which offers a bonus when you play maximum coins and hit the jackpot. For example, for the same three cherries, the bonus multiplier may pay $50 for one coin, $100 for two coins, $150 for three coins, $200 for four coins — but $500 for five coins (twice the normal multiplier). This type of machine encourages players to wager the maximum number of coins, and they have odds similar to those of regular machines. If you play a bonus multiplier, you should always play max coins to take advantage of the bonus.

Zigzagging for multiple paylines

Both traditional reel-spinning slots and newfangled video machines offer multiple payline games, which can pay on dozens of different lines. These lines may appear as straight or zigzag patterns on the screen. Each line bet you make — and you can make multiple selections — corresponds to one line on the screen: up, down, or diagonal.

If you want to play just one line, you can still bet one credit, but if the machine displays a winner on one of the lines you didn’t bet, you don’t win. Multiple paylines are very common on lower-denomination machines, such as the penny and nickel machines that are popping up all over the casino floor. (Check out Figure 9-2 for an example of a multiple payline machine.)

© John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

FIGURE 9-2: The multiline, multibet video slot machine.

Tuning in to theme machines

The hottest trend in slots links the game to popular TV shows (such as Game of Thrones, Star Trek, and the Wheel of Fortune), traditional board games (such as Monopoly), movies, cartoons, and so on. These theme machines rely on familiarity and popular branding to entice loyal fans.

But in most cases, we suggest you skip these theme machines, even if you’re a big fan of Vanna White or Mr. Spock. The reason is simple: These machines have bad odds. Typically, the casino must agree to share the revenues from any slot connected to a celebrity, show, or cartoon. (You don’t expect Vanna to let them use her face for free, do you?) Consequently, the pie has more slices — and smaller paybacks.

Working the progressive slots

The progressive slot machines are typically grouped together in a bank or a carousel with a large jackpot tally spinning feverishly above them. The progressives can be linked to slots in one casino or multiple casinos. (The Megabucks game, for example, is linked to several casinos throughout the state of Nevada.)

The jackpot is based on a small percentage of the money played at each machine in the group. Because progressive slots are linked together on a network, the jackpot grows, little by little, each time a player feeds the beast. The question is: Should you play a regular machine with its paltry little jackpot, or should you gamble at the neon-flashing progressive machine with the shiny sports car spinning on the platform above the slot carousel?

The answer depends on your goals: If modest wins are fine, then you have much better odds of hitting a small jackpot on a regular machine than winning the big jackpot on a progressive machine that has as many as four or five reels and thousands of potential combinations. But some players aren’t satisfied with a lot of small wins — they want to go for the glory. Note: The odds are long, and the winners are few at the gigantic progressives.

MEGABUCKS HITS … AND MISSES

Less than a year after the Megabucks progressive slots were introduced, Californian Terry Williams made slot history by winning almost $5 million at Harrah’s Casino in Reno on February 1, 1987.

(In case you ever wondered, the large cardboard check that winners struggle to hold up is just for camera time. Most MegaJackpots are paid out in 25 annual installments.)

On the other end of the spectrum, consider one of the saddest moments in gambling: A player miraculously hit all three symbols on a machine but failed to play the maximum credits needed to win the big jackpot. This life-crushing experience happened to Kirk Tolman on March 14, 2001. Distracted by a friend while playing in Wendover, Nevada, Tolman popped just two coins instead of three into a Megabucks machine. Sure enough, the three reels lined up for the jackpot. Although the 22-year-old won $10,000 for his two-coin play, he lost the chance to collect the $7.96 million prize, just because he was a buck short.

The moral of the story: If you want a jackpot, play max credits — every spin, every session.

Engaging in interactive machines

The new interactive slot machines have become enormously popular with gamblers. Interactive means the player gets to make some decisions (usually done with a touch screen) during the game. However, other than blackjack slot machines, most interactive slot machines have few (if any) choices that allow skill to enter into the equation.

But even if these interactive machines don’t change the odds, they’re still extremely popular. They’re fast and fun to play, but they’re also mesmerizing, seductive, and hard to tear yourself away from. They hypnotize you with their subtle chant: “Must. Have. Your. Last. Dollar.” And they usually get it.

The advantage of interactive slot machines is that the manufacturers get really creative. These games often have increasingly challenging levels, and each step up the ladder offers more money to make the game interesting and the journey worthwhile.

Most players are hoping to reach these bonus rounds — where the fun really begins. For example, on one version the reels disappear, and animated characters pop up as the game progresses. You choose between several images and click on one to reveal the bonus hidden behind the icon. The object is to win additional credits before clicking on a character with no credits, which ends the bonus round.

The total amount you win in the bonus round depends on the number of coins you play, so it’s important to play the maximum coins allowed on interactive machines. Some bonus rounds also award bonus spins, where you can double or triple your winnings and win additional free games.

Stretching Your Money at the Slots

With literally hundreds of machine choices, perhaps the most difficult decision is which one to play. You want to choose the game that offers the highest theoretical return. Unfortunately, finding the best machine in a sea of slots can be a difficult task — and a bit like comparing apples to oranges. For example, one machine may pay 5,000 credits for its jackpot while another pays only 1,000. But the jackpots are only part of the equation: Your total return also depends on the other winning combinations and how frequently they hit.

Although you can’t do much to change the odds of hitting the jackpot, you can take steps to extend your gambling bankroll. Think of it this way: When you make your money last longer, you’re maximizing the value of your entertainment dollar at the slots. This section helps make your slot experience more memorable by explaining what you can do to make your money last longer.

Reading the paytable

The paytable (located on the top glass of each machine) provides the most valuable information about a slot machine. Be sure to read (what combinations will win, how many credits are required, and so on) and understand the paytables before you start playing. (Check out Figure 9-3 for an example of the glass-panel payout information.)

© John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

FIGURE 9-3: The glass panel gives the payout information.

Machines that display a higher paytable usually have a greater number of symbols on each reel. For example, the older, three-reel slot machines have 20 symbols with 8,000 possible combinations (20 × 20 × 20), which means your odds of hitting the jackpot are 1 in 8,000. Likewise, a four-reel machine has odds of 1 in 160,000. The odds increase even more dramatically on a five-reel video machine: With 20 symbols, your chances of hitting the highest jackpot are about 1 in 3 million!

Having more reels and symbols doesn’t necessarily make a machine any better or any worse. It just creates more potential combinations. You hit the jackpot more frequently on the three-reel machines, but the amount of money you win is typically much less than a jackpot on a five-reel machine. So which type of machine should you play? In the long run, it hardly matters. The casino has a sizeable edge over you on every slot machine in the house.

Choosing the type of machine

If you feel a need for speed, then you may want to try the traditional three-reel machines. These machines usually spin faster than video machines, which means you get more plays in an hour — and more opportunities to lose money. On the other hand, video slot machines have those cool bonus rounds that come up a couple of times in an hour; they can slow down the pace, stretching both your bankroll and your enjoyment.

The final decision is yours. You can try them both and then select the one you like the best.

Choosing the denomination you bet

Slots are the only game in the casino where the odds depend on your bet. The higher the machine’s denomination, the higher the potential payback — normally.

However, returns vary from casino to casino, so the exact amount of payback (such as 91 percent for nickel machines and 95 percent for $5 machines) can be quite different depending on where you play. When a casino advertises that its dollar machines pay back 97 percent, for example, it usually means it pays up to 97 percent on some machines. These qualifications make a big difference because most casinos only have a couple of machines with the loosest payouts. The average for all the dollar machines is typically much less (usually around 93 percent), and there is no way to know which special machines are set to pay out at the higher rate (97 percent).

Even though a dollar machine may pay back 95 percent and a nickel machine only 90 percent, you still lose less money with the nickels in the long run because you risk less money each spin.

Here’s the math with five coins per spin: Dollar machines cost you 25¢ per pull ($5 times the house edge of 5 percent), and nickel machines cost you less than 3¢ per pull (25¢ times the house edge of 10 percent). So even though the house edge is twice as high on the nickel slots (10 percent versus 5 percent), the nickel slots are easier on your wallet (you only lose a few cents a spin on the nickel slots versus 25¢ each spin on the dollar machines).

Other potential budget-busters are the multibet, multipayline video slots that are so hot today — they can cost you a lot more money than normal machines. A nickel machine may cost a mere 5¢ for a single coin spin, but if you go with a max bet of 45 credits, your game actually costs $2.25 per spin. Some machines allow up to 90 credits, meaning you’d be betting $4.50 per spin! Surprisingly, even the max credit on the lowly penny slots can be 300 coins, or $3.

Even at the lowest denomination, max betting can rapidly drain your gambling stake, and you may soon find yourself feeding another $20 bill into the penny slot machine — not what you intended. When coin options are sky-high, you’re better off playing a dollar machine for one or two coins than a low-denomination max bet with worse odds.

Hitting an empty casino

If you’re a sun-worshipper, you probably pursue your slot jackpot in the evening because you prefer to spend your afternoons at the hotel pool, sipping your favorite drink. But what’s the best time to play the slots? Actually, the drowsy hour just before dawn is the deadest time in a casino. Light sleepers can grab an early morning cup of coffee and hit a nearly empty casino to enjoy a relatively peaceful playing time with the widest array of machines available. However, the odds never change on these machines, so don’t expect to find looser slots just because they’re lonely and looking for players.

Playing full credits on progressive games

When playing a progressive machine, you need to keep one hard-and-fast rule in mind: Always play the maximum number of credits each spin. If you don’t, you greatly dilute your odds because a big part of the payback in progressive machines is predicated on hitting the jackpot with max coins. If you don’t have the bankroll to play the maximum number of coins, then play a non-progressive machine where the payback is unaffected by the number of coins played. See the section “Increasing wagers with multipliers” for more information.

Playing max credits does have its downside, though. Proficient players can easily get in 600 spins an hour on most machines. If you play the max number of credits each time, your money can vanish darn fast. An average loss can be $100 an hour — or more — at many dollar machines, which makes for a pretty expensive hobby.

If you’re new to slots, your safest bet may be to stick to two-credit, single payline machines. Although they don’t offer a large jackpot, they at least stretch your bankroll, enabling you to play longer and enjoy more of that one-armed bandit euphoria you sat down to experience in the first place.

Maximizing your fun

We’re fairly negative about slots. These machines carry a high price tag for their fun. But we can’t ignore the fact that there’s something addicting to those whirring, humming sirens. And the fact that they’re so simple to play makes them irresistible to most casino guests. So if you can’t say no to slots, we suggest you keep the following tips in mind to enhance your relationship with these aptly named one-armed bandits:

Leave your myths and superstitions at home. Rid yourself of any myths or hunches about hot and cold machines.
Do some investigative work. Find out which casinos have the best paybacks on their slot machines before you take your trip. A good way to do your homework is by subscribing to Casino Player Magazine or Midwest Gaming and Travel.
Stay within your means. Never play a game that you don’t understand or one that requires larger bets than you planned on making.
Remember the odds. Slot machines are negative expectation games. The longer you play, the more you lose. So take frequent breaks and pace yourself and your bankroll.
Be realistic. The odds of hitting the Megabucks jackpot are much worse than your chance of getting hit in the head by an asteroid.
Slow down. Savor your jackpots and enjoy the journey. Because of the high house odds, the faster you play, the more you lose.
Double-check your payouts. On your big wins, always make sure you get paid correctly before rushing to the next spin. Also, be careful to cash out your credits before you leave the machine.

You also want to make sure you bring your ID. You must have a valid driver’s license or government ID to get paid on any large jackpot ($1,200 or more). And while you’re at it, comb your hair. You want to look good for the paparazzi when they snap a photo of you holding your oversized cardboard check.

Honing Your Slot Etiquette

Etiquette in slots? You think we’re joking, right? Actually, even though playing slots is a solitary activity, a few little courtesies can ensure that you keep the peace with the blue-haired lady to your left. This section focuses on the main do’s and don’ts of slot-machine etiquette.

Saving a machine

How can you tell if a machine’s been saved? Well, it doesn’t shout, “Hallelujah, I’ve seen the light!” But, trust us, you definitely want to know if the seemingly unattended machine has been claimed by someone else. Otherwise, the wrath you incur just might feel like Judgment Day. There’s no quicker way to turn a kindly old grandmother into the avenging angel than by stealing her favorite machine (especially when, after only a few coins, you magically win her jackpot).

It’s common practice in casinos for a player to save a machine for a short while when she needs a break. The length of time you can hold a machine varies, depending on the casino and whether you’re a high roller; 10 to 15 minutes is rarely a problem. But expecting the machine to remain exclusively yours while you chomp down crab legs in the buffet for an hour may be pushing it. You can save a slot by leaving your coat on the chair or by tipping the chair forward so it leans against the machine.

Playing two machines at once: Double trouble

Many avid slots players like to play two machines at once. They do so by sitting in one seat and reaching back and forth between two machines. In those cases, you may think a machine is available because the seat is empty. Beware: Before you get a chance to slip in a dollar, you will get a stinging rebuke from the serious “I can’t lose my money fast enough, so I play two machines at once” gambler in the next stool.

Minding your manners

Slots may be a solitary game, but you’re still playing in an open environment, so be sensitive to your neighbors to your right and left. Consider these helpful tips for being a polite gambler and keeping the peace.

If you aren’t actually playing, stay out of the way. If you’re watching a friend or spouse play, make sure you aren’t in the way of another player. Just like at the table games, nonplaying guests must give up the seat to a player who wants to play.
If you find a slot card in a machine you want to play, be careful. If the player is nowhere in sight, feel free to remove the card and play. But don’t toss it in the trash; just put the card on top of the machine. Chances are, the player is already headed back to retrieve it and will be grateful for the gesture.
Never covet thy neighbor’s jackpot. Slots are different from table games like poker. You’re not competing against each other; everyone is competing against the house. So don’t sulk when an adjacent machine hits a big winner. Cheer him on and help him enjoy the moment. Being a good sport won’t change your luck, but it makes the overall gaming experience more enjoyable.

Playing for Comps

One of the best incentives for slot players is the generous comps that casinos bestow on them. Typically, the more you play, the more freebies you receive (comped meals, entertainment tickets, cashbacks, and other perks). There’s just one drawback to playing for comps — it can become too enticing. Just like some people go crazy over frequent-flyer miles and take extra trips to get to the next level, some gamblers play longer and for more money just to score a comp to the buffet.

Slots can be very entertaining, but those free meals can end up being very expensive. Always stick to your budget when gambling, and never chase the comps. But hey, as long as you’re there, feel free to enjoy the great side benefits that come your way.

This section focuses on how to take advantage of slot comps, including how to sign up for a slot club and how to cash in.

Taking advantage of the comps

Today’s casinos use club cards to keep track of how much individual gamblers bet and how long they play. Slots are the perfect vehicle for this system because the machine automatically tallies every wager you make. The longer you play or the more you bet, the more club points you accumulate.

The main reason you should want a club card is to turn those points into comps. Comps come in many shapes and forms, from free hats to penthouse suites. But the premise is the same for all gamblers, whether high rollers or nickel slot players — the amount of time you play and the average amount you bet is tabulated to determine what comps you receive. A comp is truly a great benefit and can help defray your losses. Although formulas vary among casinos, the basic principle is this: A percentage of your theoretical loss is returned to you in the form of comps (such as free meals, shows, or complimentary hotel accommodations).

You don’t get comps only when you lose. The casinos never care whether you win or lose in the short run — they only want to see some action from you. Because they’re always the favorite, they know they’re going to win in the long run.

Some comps are immediate, although others may accrue over a few trips to the casino and finally bring you up to a new level, such as an invitation to a special event or a tournament. Because casinos want to develop a loyal customer base, they aggressively reward their best customers with little extras to keep them coming back.

Signing up for a slot club

Casinos strongly encourage new players to sign up for the slot club, and they make it simple. With just a few minutes of your time and a valid ID, you receive a shiny laminated card with your name on it (and usually a handy little key chain to fasten the card to your body). Also, be sure and ask if there are any sign-up perks. Many casinos offer special deals to attract new players.

When you play the slots, simply insert your card into a card reader on the machine; the computer automatically tracks how long you play and how much you bet.

If you ever lose your card, which is very easy to do, just go back to the desk where you first signed up and ask for a duplicate. Or you may want to ask for an extra card to begin with, especially if your spouse also wants to play under your account or you intend to play two machines at once.

Cashing in on cash rebates

What’s even better than free meals? Free cash! Many contemporary casinos offer cashback programs (up to 1 percent) in addition to their generous comps. Of course, casinos can afford to be generous because slots are so profitable for the house.

Casinos normally figure your comps and potential cashback rewards on a point system. The more points you accrue (based on the machine denomination and how many hours you play), the larger your perks. Also, just like with grocery store coupons, you can get double or triple points on certain days of the month, putting you on the fast track to cashing in. Points are usually nontransferable and often have an expiration date.

Your cashback typically comes in two flavors:

You receive the cashback the same day you earn it.
You’re mailed a cashback certificate, good for your next trip to the casino. This program is called a bounce-back.

Bounce-back programs typically require you to return within a certain time. If your favorite casino is within a short drive, that isn’t a problem. But if you have to fly across the country to cash it in, your certificate becomes much less valuable.

Mastering the Machines: Slots