Slots Gaming Guide

As mentioned, slots are particularly appealing because of their basic simplicity. There is not much to do when playing slots, although many new versions and progressive slots require that players take some time to read the terms and conditions of the game.

To play slots, players essentially do the following:

Choose a slot machine of their choice.

Insert coins of the correct denomination.

Coins appear as credits in the slot machine.

Choose the number of coins that they wish to play, as well as the number of pay lines.

Press spin and the reels will begin spinning.

Wait for the reels to stop spinning and check for any winning combinations.

Winning combinations will automatically be credited to the player’s account.

Slot machines fall into two broad categories – basic (straight) slots and progressive slots.


These slot machines have a jackpot that does not fluctuate according to the money that is inserted into the machine. Although the wins are generally smaller than progressive slot machines, they are more frequent, making them an excellent choice for most slots players – especially those on a budget bankroll. While the classic slot machine in this group offers one pay line across three reels, many newer version in this category offer up to nine pay lines and up to five reels. Others offer pay lines that run in different directions on the slot machine, whether diagonally, above or below.


Some casinos link their machines to a network of slots that offer a progressive jackpot. The prize amount is a base sum that is added to every time a player puts money into the slot machine. Players can watch as the progressive jackpot grows and much frenzy and even hysteria grips these networks when the amount reaches giddy heights. When a lucky winner is declared, the amount goes back to its original base sum.

Insert the maximum coins whenever you can afford to do so. If you want to stand in line to win a progressive jackpot, you HAVE to play with maximum coins.

If you want to stretch your bankroll, look out for single pay line machines. Also, stick to two or three coin machines that will allow you to play for longer and improve your chances of hitting the jackpot.

If you want to play progressive jackpots, set aside a small percentage of your bankroll and try your luck. Once that money has gone, stick to basic slots where you have a better chance of recouping your money and hitting smaller jackpots.

Try to specialize at one or two slot machines instead of trying out many (as tempting as it may be!). Being really good at one or two machines is better than being mediocre at a whole lot.

Understanding the payoff schedule: Before placing your money in any machine, you need to understand the way it works and its payoff schedule. You can avoid disappointment in this way and learn which machines to approach and which to avoid.

Take it slow: While the hype and buzz of the slot machines around you may want you to increase your speed, remember that there is no need to rush things as it is just you against the machine. Speedy play may be detrimental if you are not stopping once in a while to consider your play strategy.

Stay disciplined – whether it is with your bankroll, your emotions or your alcoholic intake. Too much of anything is a recipe for disaster, especially when dealing with slots or other gambling pastimes.

An exciting addition to traditional slots is in the form of slots tournaments. Generally, players join a group of others who are all allocated the same number of credits. Within a specific space of time, players need to spin the reels and try to win. All winnings are recorded on the slot machine and the winner is the player with the most winnings at the end of the allotted times. All unused credits are forfeited and for that reason it is recommended to play for larger amounts nearer to the end of the tournament.

The most popular form of slots tournament is the buy-in tournament. Essentially, players pay an entry fee that goes towards the prize pool. Buy-in tournaments are usually played in rounds, with the number of participants decreasing with each round. The winner of the final round in the tournament wins the prize pot at the end. Sometimes casinos will put up the prize money for the final prize.

There is no doubt that slot tournaments are an exciting addition to the world of slots. It removes the need for players to stick to the ‘me against the machine’ mode and puts them in line to win fantastic prizes if they’re lucky.