Slot machines contain random number generators that can generate thousands of numbers per second, each of which is associated with a different combination of symbols. Whether you win or lose is determined by the random number generated in the exact instant you activate each play—if it matches a payline, you win. How to Play Keno Slots — Learn The Basic Rules. Keno slot machines are structured in a way that. Penny Slots – are exactly what they sound like; you use pennies to play. If you know how do these slots work, you can bet multiple pennies on one line and bet on multiple pay lines too. Penny slots usually come as 5 reel games which can have up to 25 pay lines.
The gaming industry is big business in the U.S., contributing an estimated US$240 billion to the economy each year, while generating $38 billion in tax revenues and supporting 17 million jobs.
What people may not realize is that slot machines, video poker machines and other electronic gaming devices make up the bulk of all that economic activity. At casinos in Iowa and South Dakota, for example, such devices have contributed up to 89 percent of annual gaming revenue.
Super hot free. download full game. Spinning-reel slots in particular are profit juggernauts for most casinos, outperforming table games like blackjack, video poker machines and other forms of gambling.
What about slot machines makes them such reliable money makers? In part, it has something to do with casinos' ability to hide their true price from even the savviest of gamblers.
The price of a slot
An important economic theory holds that when the price of something goes up, demand for it tends to fall.
But that depends on price transparency, which exists for most of the day-to-day purchases we make. That is, other than visits to the doctor's office and possibly the auto mechanic, we know the price of most products and services before we decide to pay for them.
Slots may be even worse than the doctor's office, in that most of us will never know the true price of our wagers. Which means the law of supply and demand breaks down.
Casino operators usually think of price in terms of what is known as the average or expected house advantage on each bet placed by players. Basically, it's the long-term edge that is built into the game. For an individual player, his or her limited interaction with the game will result in a 'price' that looks a lot different.
For example, consider a game with a 10 percent house advantage – which is fairly typical. This means that over the long run, the game will return 10 percent of all wagers it accepts to the casino that owns it. So if it accepts $1 million in wagers over 2 million spins, it would be expected to pay out $900,000, resulting in a casino gain of $100,000. Thus from the management's perspective, the 'price' it charges is the 10 percent it expects to collect from gamblers over time.
Individual players, however, will likely define price as the cost of the spin. For example, if a player bets $1, spins the reels and receives no payout, that'll be the price – not 10 cents.
So who is correct? Both, in a way. While the game has certainly collected $1 from the player, management knows that eventually 90 cents of that will be dispensed to other players.
A player could never know this, however, given he will only be playing for an hour or two, during which he may hope a large payout will make up for his many losses and then some. And at this rate of play it could take years of playing a single slot machine for the casino's long-term advantage to become evident.
Short-term vs. long-term
This difference in price perspective is rooted in the gap between the short-term view of the players and the long-term view of management. This is one of the lessons I've learned in my more than three decades in the gambling industry analyzing the performance of casino games and as a researcher studying them.
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Let's consider George, who just got his paycheck and heads to the casino with $80 to spend over an hour on a Tuesday night. There are basically three outcomes: He loses everything, hits a considerable jackpot and wins big, or makes or loses a little but manages to walk away before the odds turn decidedly against him.
Of course, the first outcome is far more common than the other two – it has to be for the casino to maintain its house advantage. The funds to pay big jackpots come from frequent losers (who get wiped out). Without all these losers, there can be no big winners – which is why so many people play in the first place.
Specifically, the sum of all the individual losses is used to fund the big jackpots. Therefore, to provide enticing jackpots, many players must lose all of their Tuesday night bankroll.
What is less obvious to many is that the long-term experience rarely occurs at the player level. That is, players rarely lose their $80 in a uniform manner (that is, a rate of 10 percent per spin). If this were the typical slot experience, it would be predictably disappointing. But it would make it very easy for a player to identify the price he's paying.
Raising the price
Ultimately, the casino is selling excitement, which is comprised of hope and variance. Even though a slot may have a modest house advantage from management's perspective, such as 4 percent, it can and often does win all of George's Tuesday night bankroll in short order.
This is primarily due to the variance in the slot machine's pay table – which lists all the winning symbol combinations and the number of credits awarded for each one. While the pay table is visible to the player, the probability of producing each winning symbol combination remains hidden. Of course, these probabilities are a critical determinant of the house advantage – that is, the long-term price of the wager.
This rare ability to hide the price of a good or service offers an opportunity for casino management to raise the price without notifying the players – if they can get away with it.
Casino managers are under tremendous pressure to maximize their all-important slot revenue, but they do not want to kill the golden goose by raising the 'price' too much. If players are able to detect these concealed price increases simply by playing the games, then they may choose to play at another casino.
This terrifies casino operators, as it is difficult and expensive to recover from perceptions of a high-priced slot product.
Getting away with it
Consequently, many operators resist increasing the house advantages of their slot machines, believing that players can detect these price shocks.
Our new research, however, has found that increases in the casino advantage have produced significant gains in revenue with no signs of detection even by savvy players. In multiple comparisons of two otherwise identical reel games, the high-priced games produced significantly greater revenue for the casino. These findings were confirmed in a second study.
Further analysis revealed no evidence of play migration from the high-priced games, despite the fact their low-priced counterparts were located a mere 3 feet away.
Importantly, these results occurred in spite of the egregious economic disincentive to play the high-priced games. That is, the visible pay tables were identical on both the high- and low-priced games, within each of the two-game pairings. The only difference was the concealed probabilities of each payout.
Armed with this knowledge, management may be more willing to increase prices. And for price-sensitive gamblers, reel slot machines may become something to avoid.
On this page, you'll find a comprehensive overview of how to play slot machines. We take a look at everything from finding the right slot machines to play, to the best slots strategy and even slots cheats. If you're new to slots, our helpful guide to playing slots games will get you up to speed. It will also help you feel right at home playing any of our free slots in no time!
Finding The Right Slots Machine
So you're ready to play slots games but there are thousands of slots out there. To move on and learn how to play slot machines. How do you go about finding the games that are right for you? There are a number of ways you can quickly & easily narrow down your options. For example, a slots player might:
1. Look for games with a specific number of paylines
Some slots players choose games only after subjecting the paytables to much scrutiny. Finding out how many paylines there are. As well as other factors such as the cost of a 'max bet'. Covering all paylines with the maximum amount of coins that can be wagered on any one spin.
2. Look for jackpots
Some slots players will firstly prioritize slots games that have a progressive jackpot. Then secondly further prioritize slots games based on which slots games have the biggest jackpot prize pools up for grabs.
3. Look for budget specific games
You might want to choose games based on your budget. For example, if you're starting off with a small amount of cash in the pot. Why not opt for a penny slot type game and get plenty of spins for your money?
4. Look for a game by a particular developer
Many slots players have a slots developer they prefer such as Microgaming, Net Entertainment or Betsoft. However, finding games by specific developers assumes you have already got some knowledge of what types of games each developer creates. For example, Betsoft is famous for their brilliant 3D slots games. Different casinos offer games by different developers. Our recommended casinos listings let you easily see which developer (or 'software type') powers the games at each casino.
5. Look for a game with a suitable theme
Some players prefer exciting themes. Featuring things like robots, monsters, ninjas or even all 3 at once! While other players gravitate to games that are more tranquil, cuter, more cartoony. Or perhaps more glamorous - games themed on shopping, luxury items and fashion for example.
6. Look for games with a specific feature
Many players 'mix up' their slots play. Opting to try different types of slots games as their mood takes them. However, some slots players will focus play only on the slots games that they deem to be the most important. Including games that offer specific special symbols (Wilds, Scatters, Multipliers etc). Games which offer specific features such as bonus games, gamble games, and free spins. Many players are of the opinion that the more special features a game has the better!
7. Look for a specific type of slot
If you're totally new to slots games then you can't go wrong with the classic slots as a way to dip your toe in the water. However, there are many more options on the menu apart from Classic slots. Of course, so you might want to choose from the video slots, 3d slots or more.
Here at Free Slots 4U we group our games by type so you can easily find a specific game type listed in our menus. For example, we have listings for Bonus Slots, 3 Reel and Classic Slots and Progressive Jackpot slots games.
8. Look at a game's payout rate
Another factor many players look out for is a game's payout rate. When you're playing slots at a casino or online. You should be able to see the payout rate. Typically between 82% and 98%. Be aware, however, that a payout rate of, say, 98% does not mean you are guaranteed to win 98% of the time. We explain why and cover payout rates in more depth in our Slot machine guide.
Whatever methods you use to pick your slots there's always the option to play games for free in demo modes. So you should certainly take advantage of that and try out lots of different games without spending a dime!
Betting Options
Next on your journey of how to play slot machines. The options available to you when it comes to betting will be determined by the game you are playing. At its most basic, on the simplest 3 reel classic slots games. You will only have the option of deciding exactly how much to wager before you press spin. This could be anything from one penny/cent up to whatever the maximum amount of money the machine accepts is. Different jurisdictions impose different limits.
When you start playing 5 reel multi-payline slots things become a bit more interesting. As not only can you decide how much to wager but you can also decide how many paylines to wager on. So, for example, on a 25 payline game, you might decide to wager $1.00 on 20 paylines. Making your total bet for that spin $20.00. Obviously, the more paylines you have a wager on the greater your chance of hitting a win, the tradeoff being that you're risking more money with each additional wager.
On many multi-payline slots, you'll find a Bet Max button which automatically lets you wager the maximum amount (coins * paylines). Simply by hitting the one button. Remember that the button has been put there by casinos for a reason and that's to tempt you to spend the maximum amount as quickly as possible!
On our multi-payline slots games, you'll find buttons that let you easily determine how much you want to wager. On how many paylines plus there's a Bet Max money. With the added advantage in our games that you're not spending real money!
Where to Play Slots
It was only a few decades ago that slots players had to actually leave home to play slots games or pokies at a real location such as a casino or bar. However, now, of course, there's the option to play slots online via your computer or even to play slots almost anywhere at any time via a mobile phone. It's never been easier to access slots games.
When it comes to deciding where to actually play slots games. The rules are pretty simple: you need a well established, safe and trusted casino. That's offering you something in return for your time and money. Be that free chips, welcome bonuses, loyalty program or other rewards. Highest on your priority of potential places to play. Should probably be anywhere offering a no deposit bonus. This means you can log in and try out the games for free. Terms and conditions usually apply so watch out for any wagering requirements and small print! You can see our current recommended casinos, and their bonus offers by taking a look at our casino reviews.
Slots Jackpots
While we all enjoy playing slots for fun, the dream is to get that spin that hits the jackpot of course! Jackpots tend to come in one of two types. A main, predetermined jackpot that is won when a player gets a specific combination of symbols on the reels. Also, a progressive jackpot that builds up over time and can either be won by hitting a specific combination. Or can be won at any time by any player (a random progressive jackpot).
All slots games have a paytable or other type of instruction screen. That will tell you all about the jackpot(s) available and what you need to do to win them. As an example, you might be told that you can only win a jackpot if you wager a certain amount or make it through a multi-stage bonus game.
Progressive Jackpot Strategy
If you're playing a progressive jackpot game it can make sense to look for one with a random jackpot. This means it can be won at any time by any player. Regardless of their wagering history or even the symbols on the reels. This means the odds are the same for everyone. With other types of progressive jackpots, the jackpot may only be rewarded when certain conditions are met. Such as if a player has opted to Bet Max. This can favor those with the bankroll to finance several or even constant maximum bets.
You can't go wrong with our very own Progressive Jackpot games. As you can play for free but still win a cash prize if you hit the jackpot!
Slots Strategy
There is no guaranteed way to win at slots games. Don't believe anyone who tells you any different! However, playing slots games with the right frame of mind and some knowledge about what you're doing certainly doesn't do any harm. Along with using the strategies below can help tip things in your favor.
Good slots money management is the key to enjoying slots. So first and foremost, remember to never wager more than you can afford to lose. This is such a vital and basic strategy to commit to from the off. Sadly, people still neglect to take it on board.
Second, don't be tempted to chase your losses. If you've had a run of bad luck it can be tempting to go 'all in' or to double or even quadruple your wager. In an attempt to try and get back on track as quickly as possible. Many a slots player finds out the hard way that this can be a fast route to running out of credits.
Third, take frequent breaks. We all love slots games but if you're playing for long periods at a time without breaks it's easy to get sucked in. Or, even worse, addicted! Frequent breaks mean you can enjoy your slots, then relax and if necessary cool down before continuing to play.
Bonus Strategies
Another important thing when your learning how to play slot machines. Make sure you claim any no deposit bonuses, free chips etc. As soon as you see them. These are fantastic as they let you play slots games for free but still win prizes. You should always claim as soon as possible simply because casinos are in the habit of removing no deposit bonuses and free chips. Especially, when they think it's hitting their bottom line. If thousands of people are profiting from a $10 free chip on Monday, it could vanish on Tuesday! We list both the latest No Deposit Bonuses and Deposit Bonuses. So you can take advantage of all the latest offers.
Tip: When claiming bonuses don't forget to pay attention to any wagering requirements.
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Loyalty Programs
Loyalty Programs are another essential tool in the slot players arsenal - different Casinos have different loyalty programs in operation but the basic principle is much the same: as you wager you will collect loyalty points and move up the ranks or tiers of the loyalty program which allows you to access special benefits, bonus offers and rewards.
Getting 10 free spins because you've had 100 wagers might not sound like much but one of those 10 free spins could be the one that reaps big rewards! Most online casinos have a policy of automatically enrolling in their loyalty programs so you don't have to do anything to participate but do check with your own online casino to make sure as you really don't want to miss out.
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Slots Tournaments Strategy
Slots tournaments can provide a chance for strategic play in that a healthy selection of slots tournaments at your online casino of choice means you can pick and choose the best tournaments to enter - the holy grail is to find a tournament with a big jackpot that only has a few players thus increasing your chances of winning. Obviously, if you're playing in a tournament against 5000 other players then your odds of winning are lower. Keep a lookout too for freeroll tournaments - there's no entrance fee and every cent you save means more money to spend on the slots themselves.
If you want to get started with slots tournaments there's no better place than right here at Free Slots 4U as every month we run free to enter tournaments with cash prizes courtesy of some of the biggest online casinos.
Loss Limits
Some online casinos offer players protection with a loss limits feature. This means you can lock yourself out of your own account when your losses for your day or session reach a certain level. Pretty much every player believes themselves sensible enough not to need to use any built-in safety systems however the fact this isn't true is borne out by the fact that lots of gamblers walk away from games knowing they've lost much more money than they'd intended.
We highly recommend that if there's an inbuilt loss limit system in your casino software that you opt to use it! If no such tools exist then you should definitely put in place your own system - be aware of how much you can afford to lose in any one session, keep an eye on your spending and stop when you reach your limit.
Slot Machines Cheats
Sadly while there's no foolproof way to win money at casinos, there are a million ways to lose it! many look to cheats when learning how to play slot machines. We're sure that attempts to find ways to beat slots machines are as old as slot machines themselves. It's something of a controversial subject. Are there cast-iron guaranteed ways to beat a slot machine? If there are, we've certainly never come across any!
There are some amusing and interesting tales of players stumbling across and exploiting bugs in slots games. However, 'the house always wins', as they say, so if you do somehow manage to find a glitch to exploit don't be surprised if the casino refuses to pay out that multi-million pound jackpot and if you're a more dedicated cheat with some super secret slots game hacking technique up your sleeve, don't be surprised if law enforcement agents request a word with you when you try to claim your winnings!
Really, when it comes to playing slots, the best thing to do if you want to come out on top more often than other players is to stay in control and be sensible - never gamble more than afford to lose being the most obvious but also the most sensible advice you'll ever hear.
Now you've read our guide on how to play slot machines, you might also like to read our guide to the slots types you can play. Check out our history of slots games and learn more about slots machine symbols.
