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How to Win on Slots? 7 Tips That Will Make You A Slots Winner

Despite being known as one of the online casino games based purely on luck, this doesn't mean you should approach playing slots like a headless chicken. Granted, a headless chicken, in theory, has no less of an advantage than your average slot player since no one can influence the spin of the reels. 

What we do have the advantage of, however, is the ability to make rational decisions that could affect our pockets. If players decide to make these rational decisions, what comes next is all down to them, of course. It's crucial to apply this mindset when enjoying your favourite slots at online slot sites in the UK.

1) Choose a Slot With a High RTP

RTP (Return to Player) refers to the percentage of the wagered funds a slot game is programmed to return back to players over time. 

For example, a slot game with a 94% RTP will return £94 for every £100 wagered. The higher the RTP, the better the potential payout.

To enhance your chances of winning on slot machines, it's advisable to select a machine with a high RTP (Return to Player). 

While slot titles are primarily games of chance, choosing a higher RTP can potentially improve your long-term odds. However, remember that it does not guarantee immediate or consistent winnings, as the outcome of each spin is still random.

Online casino sites provide information on the RTP of their slot machines. Look for this information on the casino's website or the game's information section. Additionally, there are several online resources and forums where you can find lists of slot machines with high RTP percentages. 

Once you have access to the RTP information, look for slot machines with the highest percentages. 

2) Play Within Your Bankroll

Set aside a specific amount you can comfortably afford to lose without it impacting your financial stability; this will be your bankroll. 

This designated bankroll should be separate from your day-to-day expenses so that if you end up losing it, it does not cause you any financial strain.

Once you've established your bankroll, it's crucial to set a budget for each gaming session by dividing your bankroll into smaller, manageable portions. Determine the amount you're willing to spend from your bankroll during a single session.

While this might not directly affect your gameplay, it may help you avoid overspending, maintain control over your gambling habits, track your progress, analyse your performance, and make adjustments if needed.

3) Use the Demo Version of Game

Demo versions of slots, also known as free play or practice mode, are slot variants available for players to play without wagering real money. 

They offer the same gameplay experience and feature the same reels, symbols, paylines, and bonus features as their real money counterparts.

Demo versions of slot machines can allow you to experiment with various strategies without risking real money, especially if you are trying out a game for the very first time. 

Test different bet sizes and observe how they impact your winnings. Pay attention to how the game responds to different betting levels, as it can provide insights into the volatility and potential payouts of the slot game.

Another aspect to focus on when playing the demo version is the game's bonus features. Many slot games offer special symbols, bonus rounds, or free spins that can enhance your winnings. 

Take note of how these features are triggered and how they contribute to your success. 

Doing so lets you devise strategies and gain valuable insight that may increase your chances of winning when playing with real money.

4) Understand the Rules of the Game

Familiarise yourself with the specific slot machine you're playing. Following are some important aspects of slots that you will need to apprehend if you are aiming to bag wins when playing with real money:

Symbols

Learn about the different slot symbols and their meanings. Slots typically have various symbols, such as wilds, scatters, and bonus symbols, each with its own significance and potential rewards. 

Knowing how these symbols function and what they can offer increases your chances of hitting rewarding combinations or accessing bonus rounds.

Bonus Features and Rounds

Bonus features are additional gameplay elements incorporated into many slot machines to provide players with extra opportunities to win. These features can vary significantly from one slot to another, offering unique experiences and rewards. 

Bonus features can be offered in the form of:

  • Free spins
  • Multipliers
  • Interactive bonus games

Understanding how to trigger these features and how they can impact your winnings can be beneficial in maximising your overall payout.

Paytables

Paytables are informative charts or screens that provide essential information about the potential payouts in a slot game. They feature a list of symbols used in the game, including both regular symbols and special symbols like wilds and scatters. 

Each symbol is assigned a specific value or payout, typically represented as a multiple of your bet. The higher the value assigned to a symbol, the more rewarding it is when it forms a winning combination. 

Reviewing this information lets you identify which symbols or combinations offer the highest rewards and adjust your gameplay accordingly.

Slot Volatility/Variance

Slot volatility, also known as variance, is the risk and potential payout of a game. 

Low-volatility slots tend to offer frequent but smaller wins, and high-volatility slots offer larger but less frequent wins. 

In contrast, medium-volatility slots strike a balance between low and high-volatility games. 

Understanding the concept of slot volatility can greatly enhance your gameplay and potentially improve your chances of winning. So, choose the volatility level that aligns with your playing style and risk tolerance.

5) Avoid Going on Tilt

Going on tilt refers to losing control over your emotions and decision-making due to frustration or disappointment over previous outcomes. 

This can lead to impulsive and irrational behaviour that negatively affects your gameplay and diminishes your winning potential. 

If you wish to avoid such circumstances, stay focused, and maintain a clear mindset,  follow these strategies:

  • Establish loss and win limits for yourself before you start playing. This approach prevents you from chasing losses or becoming overly greedy, which can lead to irrational decision-making
  • Take regular breaks between the gameplay, step away, stretch, and clear your mind. It allows you to recharge, refocus, and approach the game with a fresh perspective
  • Understand that slots are games of chance, and winning is not guaranteed. By managing your expectations and maintaining a realistic perspective, you can reduce frustration and avoid tilting when luck is not on your side
  • If it is challenging for you to get a handle on your emotions or maintain a healthy approach to gambling, consider seeking support from friends, family, or support groups
  • Approach slots with a positive mindset and a focus on enjoying the experience rather than solely chasing huge payouts.

6) Take Advantage of Casino Bonuses and Promotions

Online casinos often offer various bonuses, such as:

  • Welcome bonuses
  • Free spins
  • Loyalty rewards

By understanding the various types of bonuses and how to leverage them effectively, you can maximise your gameplay and potentially boost your winnings. 

By activating these bonuses, you can extend your playing time without using your own funds. This allows you to explore different slot games until you choose one you like, try out new strategies, and increase your chances of potentially hitting big winning combinations.

These casino slot promotions can also allow you to place higher bets than you would with your own money. Since increasing the bet size increases the potential rewards, this can lead to larger payouts if you manage to hit a winning combination. 

While this might seem quite simple, it is recommended that you go through the conditions associated with these bonuses to familiarise yourself with any wagering requirements, restrictions, or time limits. 

7) Aim for Smaller Jackpots

Aiming for smaller jackpots in slot games can be a viable strategy for increasing your chances of winning. 

While they may not offer the massive payouts of progressive jackpots, smaller jackpots have distinct advantages. One key advantage is the increased frequency of wins. 

Smaller jackpots are won more often, providing more opportunities for players to receive payouts and sustain their bankroll. 

Additionally, targeting smaller jackpots often means facing lower competition. With fewer players vying for the same prize, your odds of securing the jackpot improve. 

Furthermore, games with smaller jackpots usually have lower bet requirements, allowing for extended gameplay and better bankroll management. This makes it easier to enjoy the slot experience and maximise your time on the machine. 

Conclusion

Winning at slots is primarily a matter of luck, as these games are based on random outcomes. However, some strategies and tips can enhance your slot-playing experience and potentially increase your chances of winning.

Understanding the game's rules, paytables, and bonus features can help you make more informed judgments during gameplay. 

While avoiding tilt and emotional decision-making can prevent unnecessary losses. Additionally, managing your bankroll, setting limits, and playing for entertainment rather than solely focusing on winning can lead to a more enjoyable and sustainable experience. 

So, even though there are no guarantees in slot games, incorporating these tips can improve your overall gameplay and maximise your potential for success.

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Matthew Gover
Matthew Gover
Last Update: 05 Feb 2024
Matthew has been writing about the iGaming industry for several years. At GoodLuckMate, he shares his opinion about topics close to his heart - casino strategies, casino games, and sports betting. Basically, if the subject is gambling, we will be lost for words if Matthew doesn't have an opinion on the matter!
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