Free Slots
You’ll find land-based slots, online slots, mobile slots, 3D slots, VR slots and more, but what they all have in common is the fact that players want to know exactly how to win at slots. There are some differences between all of them, but they work similarly nowadays.
This means that when you ask yourself what online slots pay real money winnings you will find that all of them have this option. All the theories for video slots work for 3D slots and vice-versa.
So while in the past land-based casino slots could be tricked with special coins, magnets and so on, none of these things applies now. It doesn’t matter if you pick the slot machines closest to the exists because they’re not modified to give out better winnings.
If you want to learn how to win at casino slots (all types) then we’ve compiled all the secrets we’ve learned, all the tips experienced players have shared and all the tested strategies that actually work.
How Do Slot Machines Work?
Before you can get down to how to win you need to know how they work. Slots are games of chance, there is little to no strategy involved in playing slot machines. Every single player has the exact same chances of winning. You just make a bet, spin the reels and hope for the best.
If you match symbols across a payline, you get a prize. For a more full masterclass on how slot machines work check out our in-depth article on the matter.
There are several things which will affect the functionality of a slot game from RTP to volatility and special bonus features, but the basic ideas on how to win at penny slots won’t change.
10 Foolproof Tips on How to Win at Slots
Forget about hot and cold slots (not real) and about weird and complicated strategies that say they will guarantee a win because none of these things works. Here are the 10 best tips on how to get the best winning chances:
Pick the right slot machine
While sometimes it might seem that all slots are the same it’s not the case. Each slot game is different. It could be different when it comes to the theme, the design, the sound effects, the bonus features, the RTP, the volatility and many other things.
While the graphics and sounds will not affect your winning chances, the RTP, volatility, house edge and bonus features can change the outcome. 10 paylines pale in comparison to thousands of megaways to win, as do a bunch of wilds when compared to free spins and pick-em games. The same goes for a 98% and a 94% RTP.
Practice play with free slot games
It’s super important to know what to expect from a game. That’s why you need to read reviews and test all games before playing them for real money. While you can’t go to brick and mortar casino and ask to test their games for free, what you can do is try the online version in demo mode.
By playing it in demo mode you get to practice with zero risks and find the right games for you. In the free slot version, you get to see if it really pays out the way it’s supposed to.
See if it’s level of volatility is the right one. If the payouts are as large as advertised. If you enjoy the gameplay, and if it’s fun.
Check out the paytable
Every slot game has its own paytable. Here you can see what each symbol is worth and which combinations payout the most. From here you can also see what wilds, scatters and bonus features the game has.
Also, you get to see how big the jackpot is, if there’s a progressive jackpot and if it’s completely random or requires you to make the max bet.
Set a budget & stick to it
This is by far crucial when playing slots. Making a plan, setting a budget and then making sure you stick to it is super important.
You need to make sure that you know what you can afford to lose and if you have a bad session don’t try to win back what you’ve won. Just close it and come back some other time.
As you set aside funds for rent, groceries, bills etc, you need to take your monthly salary and figure out an entertainment fund. It needs to be completely separate from all necessary things, a sum that you don’t mind if you have it or not.
Pick the slot games with smaller jackpots
While the illusion of winning a progressive jackpot seems to be the only reason some players try slots, it’s not actually doing anything to improve your chances.
Progressive jackpots have really small odds of actually being won. In fact, you stand more chances of winning the lottery. While that shouldn’t stop you if that’s what you want to do, you need to remember to always read the fine print and make sure you make the max bet if it’s required otherwise you blow your chances completely.
But if you want to play things safe and have the best winning odds, smaller jackpots are the way to go. They have much better odds and pay out much more frequently, especially if you find low volatility games.
Figure out the house edge of a slot machine
The house edge and the RTP are some of the most important things about slot games and online casino games you need to know before playing. These two are the inverse of the other. So if you have a 3% house edge you will have 97% RTP.
The house edge is the advantage the house has over the player at winning the game. All casino games have a house edge, but it can be higher or lower, and it’s important to know where it’s at so you know whether or not to play the game.
The outcome of any game, short term, is completely random and you can win or lose no matter what the RTP and house edge are, but long term these number become relevant.
The volatility of the game is another thing you need to keep in mind. High volatility means big wins seldom while low volatility means small wins frequently.
By understanding the house edge and taking into account the RTP and the volatility of a slot game, you can make much better choices.
Make the right size bets
Slot machines allow you to make bets of many different sizes. While you’ll find both penny slots and slots for high rollers, many of them cover a huge range that goes from 0.1 to 100 per spin.
What you definitely don’t want is to waste your entire bankroll on just one or two spins. You need to make sure you practice bankroll management and think about splitting your funds to last you as much as you want to play, while at the same time being not too high and not so low that even when you win you don’t make that much.
Don’t go for “in-your-face” slots
By in-your-face we mean the obvious choices. Say you love Star Wars. if a Star Wars slot game or another branded slot game comes along, chances are that they will have a lower RTP, high volatility and altogether lower chances of winning.
That’s because the software providers need to pay to license their games and they have to get their money back somehow. To do so they will increase the house edge. So, in most cases (but not all so you need to read reviews and look at the stats before making decisions) you’re better off playing similar things.
So pick a slot game that has the theme you prefer, but isn’t branded. Or pick the games you know for sure have a great track record and pay out constantly.
Play slots with bonus features
Yet another important thing to look out for when trying to find the slots that give you the best winning chances is the presence of bonus features. There are many options of bonus features out there and the more you get in a game, the better.
While sometimes they might not help as much as you expect, the one thing that’s for sure is that you will have a lot more fun. The slot machines with the best bonus games usually have free spins, many different wilds, pick-em games, special themed bonus features, and many more unexpected mini games.
Claim the right bonuses at the right online casinos
Where to play online slots is just as important as what slots you play. The online casino site you pick is crucial because you need to make sure it’s legal, fair and safe if you want to be sure you’ll have a great casino experience and when you win you can actually withdraw your winnings.
Also, apart from the license and SSL encryption of an online casino, bonuses are also an important factor. There are many different types of bonuses you’ll find in online casinos from no deposit free to no deposit cash, welcome bonuses, reload bonuses, VIP bonuses and more, and they all come in different shapes, sizes and with different terms and conditions.
When looking for slots bonuses, make sure you always read the terms and conditions and get the bonus which can help you. Look for small wagering requirements (or no wagering when possible), max cashout, many games available etc. You need to make sure that you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
So take a look around our website, play all the free slots you want, practice, check out different bonuses and make the best decisions that will increase your chances of winning at slots!