The opinions on slots strategy vary widely, for the simple fact that every spin on a slot machine is a independent random event, and mathematics can not be used to make the correct decisions.  However by understanding how the machines work and by employing a good money management strategy strategic players do have an edge.

First off, it is important to know that not every slot machine has the same payout percentage. It is important to play the machines that offer the highest payout percentages, which are always displayed on the machine or on the game screen.  Many players make the mistake of playing the machines with the most appealing themes, and not the machines that pay the most. It is also important to understand that casino slots are programmed to payout and jackpot after a certain number of plays, or after a certain level of player activity has been reached.  Therefor the more a player spins, the more likely he or she is to hit a jackpot.  It is also important to understand that slots machines only pay the maximum jackpot if the player makes the maximum bet.

As mentioned above, slot machines payout after a certain number of plays or a certain level of player activity has been reached, therefor the players chances of winning are increased every time the player deposits a coin and spins the reels.  For example, if the odds of winning a slot are 1 in 1000, a player that only spins once has a 1 in 1000 chance of winning, however if a player plays the same machine 100 times the players odds of winning increase to 1 in 10.  This is why a money management strategy is so important, a player that wants to win needs to distribute their bankroll over a maximum number of spins.

To determine how much to bet a player must first decide on how much money they want to wager, and how much time they have to play before deciding upon any particular machine.  The chart below gives a good approximation of how much money a player will deposit into a machine over a one hour period.

Nickel Machine: - $ 9.00 per hour
Quarter Machine: - $ 45.00 per hour
One Dollar Machine: - $ 180.00 per hour
Five Dollar Machine: - $ 900.00 per hour

So for example, lets assume that a player has decided to wager $400 and has two hours to play, according to the chart above it would be suggested to play on the $1 machines.  By playing on a $1 machine this player is sure to spin the maximum number of times for a set period of time.  By playing on the nickel and quarter machines a player will spin just as many times, however being that the jackpot and winnings usually increase in correlation with the bet amount the player will fail to maximize potential winnings. By betting less than the amount which the players bankroll permits, a player will win just as often, but will win less.  But by betting more than the amount which the players bankroll permits a player reduces their chances of winning.  By betting the correct amount, a player has the best odds of winning a maximum payout prize.

After determining the correct betting amount a player then must select a machine with a maximum deposit equal to the betting amount.  This is very important because many slots only make the maximum payout if the player makes the maximum deposit.  Therefor, only betting quarters on a one dollar maximum deposit machine will normally eliminate a chance at the maximum jackpot.

Getting the edge on an average slots player is not that difficult, by simply determining the correct betting amount and finding the machines with the highest payout ratios players can beat the casino.

Common Myths

It is a fact that most inexperienced players do not make maximum bets, and it is believed that many progressive slots only jackpot on maximum bets.  It is also know that weekends, evenings, and holidays are normally when inexperienced or recreational players visit the casino.  Being that many of these players do not make maximum bets, and the fact that many progressive slots are programmed to jackpot after a certain level of player activity some experienced gamblers believe that many machines become over due for a jackpot during these peck times.  Players following this type of strategy usually play in the morning after a busy night, just after all the inexperienced gamblers have prepped the machines for a win, or on a Monday after a busy weekend. 

Tips

Play at a reputable casino.  See our Casino Reviews

Follow the Strategy above.
Always bet the maximum amount.

Know the casino rules before playing for real money.