Slots are enduringly popular games whether they are played at brick-and-mortar casinos or online. They are bright and exciting, often featuring colourful characters and fun themes, and the opportunity to win real cash is a draw, as well.
One of the reasons that slot machines in either form are a good starting point for people wishing to gamble is that they are all about the random chance of winning. Slot machines are so much more about luck than they are about any sort of real skill or strategy, unlike playing poker or blackjack.
For many people, it can seem like a bit of a pipe dream – you hear stories of people hitting the big jackpots in online slots, but can it really happen? While the answer is yes, there are several different mechanics that make a slot machine work, and in this modern age they are all based on software and algorithms written into the game code.
Always remember, there are so many real money slot machines available online, it’s important to research them first. Find a trustworthy website with reviews, rankings, and tips to read through before you make a deposit anywhere.
Big Winners
There have been a few people in the UK who have hit a life-changing jackpot when playing online slots. A dad-of-three from Newcastle won £5.4 million playing slots in January of this year, while other big winners have included:
- £6.2 million from a slot game on a £1.25 bet
- £7.9 million on a mobile slot game, the largest progressive jackpot win on a mobile ever
- £13.2 million on Mega Moolah’s progressive jackpot, from a 25p bet.
With all these big wins, it really is no surprise that players are always looking to hit the jackpot – and this shows that it is possible to win the big one, even if you don’t stake high.
However, this is not easy money. So much of gambling on slots relies on luck and the random spins of the wheels that it is almost impossible to come up with a winning strategy, but the more you know, the better you will do when you play.
The Nitty Gritty of a Slot Game
Here are a few things that you should know about slot game software and mechanics.
- RTP Rate: This is a published percentage that is designed to let you as a player know how often the game will pay out. An RTP rate of 96% suggests that for every 100 units that are staked, the game will pay 96. This doesn’t mean that every pound you stake is guaranteed to win you 96p, however – because of the Random Number Generator
- RNG: The Random Number Generator is an algorithm that manages the reels, deciding where they will stop each time you press the button. The RNG of slot games at reputable casinos are tested by an independent third party to ensure that they are truly random.
- Volatility: A highly volatile slot is one where you are more likely to hit a big jackpot, but you will likely have to stake more to get there. Low volatility slots will pay out more often, but they are likely to be lesser amounts.
Strategy?
If someone tries to tell you that they have a guaranteed strategy for winning at slots, they are lying. However, there are some things that you can do to manage your play and boost the likelihood of a positive result.
- Choose the right game: Look at the RTP rate and how volatile it is to start with. You want to choose a theme that interests you, as you will have to look at it while you are playing. Make sure you understand what the different symbols mean, where the paylines are, and how to play any bonus games.
- Practice: You can often play slot games for free to get a feel for the reels and how the game works. This is a risk-free way to get used to the new game so that you can play more confidently.
- Budget: It can get frenetic when you are playing slots, and you can easily lose track of how much you are staking, especially when there are multiple paylines. Make sure that you choose a budget (and you stick to it), and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
- Know when to stop: Playing slots should be fun – so if that isn’t the case, stop and come back again another day. Chasing losses is a sure-fire way to lose your bankroll and sour the whole experience. Make sure you know when to stop when you are winning, too.
