Every gambler looks for a way to trick casinos and make the most out of their slot machines. The tough part is sifting through the bad advice and good advice available. Online slots may come down to chance, but like all casino games, there are always some tips and tricks you can apply to help you maximize the odds of seeing a payout. Whenever you play slots in a land-based casino, a mobile casino, or an online casino like CoolCat, some things should be factored in before you start playing them for real money. This guide will show you the simplest ways to trick the slots and the system, to give you the best return on your playtime.

Knowing how slot machines work is the first step to learn the best slots secrets and tips to improve your chances to win. Despite the popularity of these games, slots are not easy to beat both when you play them on the best online casinos and at land. We help you understand the odds and point you to the best paying slots in Las Vegas. Pay the Max, Win the Max If you’re not already familiar with slot machines, they usually work by the player activating the game with a lever or button or pulling the arm to spins a set of reels with different symbols on them. Have a healthy skepticism when a slots expert tells you they know how to beat the slot machines. Among the games in a casino, video slots (in general) have a high house edge. Besides finding gaming machines with high jackpots and a low house edge, no skill or strategy is required to play slots. And the best proof that Bellagio slots can pay big is the fact that back in August 2020, a player won the progressive jackpot worth an astonishing amount of $3.9 million by playing the Dancing. If you want the best odds when you play the slots, choose the slot machines in high-traffic, visible areas, since those machines have more frequent payouts. Always bet the maximum amount you can, and aim for the highest returns possible by using larger denominations. For the most frequent payouts, try to pick machines with the smallest jackpots.

But first, let’s get started with the basics.

What is a slot machine?

Slot machines are gambling games with three or more spinning reels. The reels display symbols that spin and land randomly to form potential winning combinations after a player places a bet. Wins are determined when certain symbols line up in a sequence; these are the paylines. An amount is awarded according to the size of the wager, the type of winning combination, and the number of paylines that hit. Slot machines come in a variety of forms, from online slots, classic three or five-reel slots, and the most popular of all, video slots.

How a slot machine works?

Regardless of the type of slot that you choose to play, they all function according to the same principles. You place your bet and initiate a spin, while this takes place an internal computer chip in the machine randomly determines whether you win or lose for each spin.

These computers are random number generators or RNGs. An RNG cycles through thousands of number combinations and stops the moment a player hits the spin button. The results are displayed for the player after the reels stop spinning. RNGs are always tested and certified by third-party agencies to make sure that they are fair and reliable, and that outcomes are not rigged.

Many times in a casino you will hear players say whether certain tables or slots are running hot or cold. However, because slot machines operate on RNGs, no amount of luck or perceived hot or cold streaks will impact the outcome of each spin. Each time a player hits a button to spin the reels or pulls the arm of a machine, the result is a unique event. Slots machines and online slots games are therefore never due to hit regardless of what someone might tell you. Streaks and payouts boil down to a matter of pure chance, even multiple jackpots can occur for a single machine.

Regardless of what you choose to play, and whether or not you’ve gambled before, these top 15 tips can be applied to any kind of online slot machine, be it a 3-reel, 5-reel, 3D slot, or a classic layout. Implement these into your slots strategy, and you’ll already be well on your way to becoming a pro and winning yourself the biggest rewards.

1. Get to know slots and how they work

Slots aren’t exactly complicated — you select your betting amount, hit spin, and the machine essentially does the rest. However, since game developers started to include more features in these games, like multiple reels, paylines, and symbols, the layout and mechanics may seem a bit overwhelming to beginners. Give yourself time to get familiar with the rules and inner workings of a game before you start playing for big bucks. That way, you’ll get to know what combinations are needed to win, what symbols trigger certain bonus rounds and features, and what you should place as your bet amounts.

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2. Find a slot that suits your style

As slots come in thousands of different themes these days, it never hurts to have a good look around to find one that matches your mood and motivates your playing style.

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Most online casinos have all sorts of different slots that are centered around your favorite celebrities, movies, animals, places, and hobbies — so you’ll be completely spoiled for choice and always able to select a new theme that coincides with your style and bankroll.

3. Check the software provider

The best slots and most high-efficiency casino games are developed by companies like Realtime Gaming, NetEnt, Microgaming, and other leading names in the industry. If you can clearly see a slot game is backed up by one of these brands — it’s bound to be a reliable one. This quality alone will make a huge difference to the gameplay and how likely you are to see a return on your bets. Shoddy slots will only let you go so far with a game and may only payout during a bonus feature. The best slots give you the chance to hit the jackpot and have loads of fun at the same time.

4. Take advantage of no deposit bonus codes

Here’s the dirty little secret with online bonuses: if you know where to look, you can get a lot for free; meaning bonuses with no deposit needed.

These deals are always given to new players when they sign up to a casino, and most continue to dish these out to players on a weekly and monthly basis even after they’ve signed up. Common bonuses you can utilize on slots include no deposit bonuses, match bonuses, and free spins bonuses. These are all great offers that can provide more to play with during your gaming sessions.

Slots strategy is about giving yourself as many slots advantages as you can. A lot of playing the slots comes down to chance, which is why the best strategies are about seizing whatever opportunities you can to get ahead.

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5. Don’t play the slot; play the online casino

Thanks to U.S. gambling policies, Americans are able to claim some of the best value Casino bonuses of any players in the world. If you’re in America, taking advantage of this can double, or even triple your bankroll, with surprisingly few strings attached.

One of the best slot machine tricks is to look for bonuses with low wagering requirements and no maximum cash-out limits. Many casinos trick new players by offering a large bonus and hiding that you’ll need to bet a huge amount before you can redeem it.

What to look for in a good bonus: first, find wagering requirements of 10x or less. Many Casinos have wagering requirements as high as 50x, which means that on a $100 deposit, you can’t get your money until you’ve made $5,000 in bets! Also, avoid bonuses that come with a maximum cash-out. Find a bonus that doesn’t limit how much you can win from it (nothing worse than winning a jackpot and getting $100…)

The CoolCat Casino 330% Welcome Bonus has only a 5x wagering requirement (compare that to any other bonus online), and no maximum on how much you can win while using it. Plus, it comes with 50 Free Spins on our popular game, Popinata. So you have some spins to warm up (and win), and your $50 becomes $165. That bankroll will give you the breathing room you need to jump-start your slots streak. Just make a free account at CoolCat Casino, then claim your bonus at the cashier by entering the code COOLWELCOME.

6. Find the loosest online slots

If it has been a while since you had a winning spin then it really might be time to consider changing the machine you’re playing on or switching to another online slots game. Even though this might sound crazy, it’s actually true. Slots vary in how easily they pay out, and according to industry insiders and leading experts, major gaming centers avoid placing loose slot machines close to each other. The best option when you’re on a losing streak is to move on to an adjacent slot machine or try your hand at a completely new online slot game. Remember, each spin is a completely unique event, so feeding more coins into a losing machine in no way increases your chances of finally winning.

I’ve done this myself on a number of occasions and found, much to my surprise and delight, that by the time I had moved on to a second or third online game, my luck had returned and bonus spins were racking up. If the machine is cold, walk on into the light. This is one of the slot machine tricks that simply increases your chances of finding a loose machine as well as extending your playtime and jackpot potential.

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7. Know your limits and manage your bankroll

Before you start playing, it’s important to set a loss limit. It’s easy to let the excitement of the casino floor take hold, but you may end up with more spills than thrills if you don’t know when to stop. Everyone loves to win, and if you find yourself way up, it’s a good time to stop. Statistically, the longer you play the better the chances are that you will lose your money. If your bankroll is heading towards a slump, be sure to stop once you’ve reached your loss limit. Never chase losses.

Gambling is a phenomenal form of entertainment and can grow your bankroll exponentially, so have fun, but always play responsibly. Although you are just as likely as the next person to win big on a slot machine, or perhaps a coveted jackpot, be smart and don’t overdo it. Slots can take patience because a big hit can occur in ten seconds, ten minutes, or heaven forbid ten hours. As long as you have your loss limit in mind throughout your rounds of play, you’ll be in good shape if the going gets tough.

In addition, bonuses do endless favors for your bankroll, but keeping a watchful eye on your funds is the key to success in gambling. We never advise risking more than you can afford to lose, so managing your bankroll should be a top priority. Bankroll maintenance can be as simple as placing reasonable deposit amounts and not opting for bets on games that will deplete your funds too quickly.

Set yourself a loss limit, then stick to it.

8. Know where not to play slots

It is no big news that it is easier to win on loose slot machines — the hard part is finding one. These machines are placed all over the casino quite strategically and in a meticulous way. Physical placement revolves around the fact that the casinos want everyone to see a big win. It encourages others to play, so often loose machines are to be found in highly visible areas.

On the other hand, there can be pitfalls to visibility. Airport slots are highly visible, but people are coming and going at a frantic rate. These slots are known to be some of the worst to play at any gambling destination. It’s far better to wait until you’re actually in the casino. Scope out a spot with a wide range of machines so you can move on if you hit a cold streak, but one that’s highly visible without being a major rush transit area like reception by a restaurant buffet with a lot of motion or an airport mall.

For even better chances to find loose slots, look no further than your computer. Online slot machines generally pay out more than slots on the Las Vegas Strip. Having a constant stream of players makes it possible for real money online casinos to offer slots with the best odds yet.

9. Play slots with random or progressive jackpots

Another notable feature of slot machines is the jackpots. There are two categories: fixed and progressive. Slots machines with a fixed jackpot will have a maximum payout/jackpot amount that does not change. Whereas for progressive machines the jackpot increases the more people play on them. A fraction of their bet falls into the jackpot pool, and the jackpot will continue to increase until won. Progressive machines usually come with an indicator that shows the player that the maximum payout can change based on how many people play that particular machine, therefore making the jackpot progressively higher or lower.

Whether or not one should play on progressive jackpot slot machines is a hotly debated issue among casino gamers. Though some would say that progressives are the only true way to strike it super-rich at the casino; many claims that it’s quite the long shot, even as difficult as winning the lottery. Whatever the case, playing on progressive slot machines is a lot of fun. If you manage your bankroll well and pace yourself, you just might find yourself entering the millionaire’s club.

One school recommends avoiding progressives. While a life-changing win may be uber tempting, with high potential rewards comes, all too often, low payout rates. I mean, that mega jackpot has to be built up somehow and it’s not usually by being liberal in the payout department. If your playing philosophy is to spend a lot of time having a lot of fun and picking up pleasant but not exactly earth-shattering winnings, then you should avoid progressives.

The second school of thought says that progressives are really the only true way to strike it super-rich. With odds similar to those of winning the lottery, it’s a long shot but playing progressives is a lot more fun. If you’re able to manage your bankroll properly, pace things, and not get too carried away, progressives do offer the chance for you to walk into the casino as a poor nobody and walk out a member of the millionaire’s club. And I mean, come on, there is a certain thrill to the prospect.

Beyond that, it’s not hard to find a large random jackpot worth tens of thousands of dollars. The real trick is that random jackpots like Achilles and Caesar’s Empire are actually won daily, while progressive jackpots can stick around for years.

10. Practice your strategy and play slots for free

Another thing you can find to spin things to your advantage (pun intended) is to find exciting online, free slots with free spins and try out a game, and hopefully, start building your bankroll for free. It’s an easy way to learn a game, plus a free chance to win.

Many bonuses come with free spins to use already, but there is often the chance to trigger bet multipliers and free spins during the bonus rounds in slot games. This can be achieved by lining up a certain combination of Scatter or Wild Symbols on the reels. Not all games have free spins, but you’ll get even more chances to hit a payout without dipping into your bankroll if you find any games that do.

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11. Betting slot machine tricks

“Bet Max” is what a regular gambler hears all the time when playing on slot machines. There is a common misconception that if you do not bet the maximum bet every time you will always lose to the casino in the long haul. However, that’s not quite how it works. This strategy can actually increase the odds for you on some specific machines.

Any seasoned slot enthusiast will tell you to stay away from the penny and nickel slot machines because the payouts are very poor. Fortunately, this isn’t really an issue for online slots. All you need to do is to choose whether to bet the minimum of maximum coins. You could spend hours wasting away in front of a nickel or penny slot only to find out that the jackpot you hit is not worth the effort. It isn’t half as rewarding as hitting it big on a machine that has higher bet minimums and larger jackpots or prize multipliers. Up the ante and avoid those $0.01-0.05 machines in order to win really big.

The truth is that on the great majority of slots, your chances at winning are absolutely the same whether you bet minimum or maximum. The difference is simple: the more you risk, the more you can win on a lucky spin. This is particularly true when it comes to online slots with special features and bonus rounds.

All slot machines have a set “volatility.” A high volatility slot machine doesn’t pay out as many wins, but when it does, the wins can be huge. In order to take advantage of the exponential size of the multipliers on these high volatility games, it can often be a good idea to bet high.

On the other hand, low and medium volatility slot machines pay out a large amount of smaller wins, and a few big ones. These machines are more about slow and steady winning the race, so you won’t feel the need to bet as high as you can to hit that one huge payout.

But what about those gigantic progressive jackpots? I mean, who doesn’t love the idea of becoming a millionaire in the blink of an eye? From everything I’ve been able to glean, there are two schools of thought on this one (yes, it’s a double-edged sword) depending on your playing philosophy.

High bets can also be beneficial when you’re playing a game like Fucanglong, which has incredibly powerful bonus features. When you trigger a Feature on any slots game, you get a number of Free Games to play at the value of your bet. So if you’re swinging big with $15 bets, and you hit a Feature like the Dragon Pearl … watch out baby, watch out.

12. Pay tables matter a lot!

It is very important to always check on the payout rates of every single slot machine you decide to play and most importantly, you must check on this before choosing a slot machine. Each slot machine has its own set-up with different payouts, and the outcome can really make a difference.

The paytables hold key information in slot games, such as the rules and features, plus the RTP (return to player percentage) or hit frequency. The RTP is the percentage you’re likely to get from playing a slot game over time, so if, for example, a slot had an RTP of 97%, this means for every $1 you spend, you’ll get an average of 0.97 cents back in winnings. Note that the RTP doesn’t mean you’ll get this amount back after every spin — it’s just how the winnings are calculated over the long term when playing a slot.

For online slots, the pay tables can be found under the help and rules menu of each game. Pay tables and the number of paylines can vary widely by game, so taking the time to do a bit of homework and select the games with the best pay tables, advantageous paylines, and most bonus features. This simple step can go a long way to making you a big winner.

13. Practice your strategy and play slots for free

There’s nothing like a test drive. One of the biggest perks about playing slot games online is the fact you can try them all out for free before putting any money on the line. Most online casinos offer you the chance to play for free before you switch to real money and CoolCat is no exception. CoolCat Casino has a free, no download, instant play feature that allows you to give your favorite slots (and many table and specialty games) free spins to your heart’s content.

This isn’t an option in land-based casinos, which is why we always encourage players to use freeplay mode if they aren’t too sure about how a slot works and want to get some experience before playing for real money. Give yourself time to build up your slot playing skills and switch to real money mode once you’re ready.

Simply put, this is an excellent way to study the pay tables, paylines, and bonus features of the slots that pique your interest before going for the gold with real money on the line. In all honesty, I spend a lot of time using the instant play function, especially when new games come out, sussing out the ones with the best bonus features likely to give me more bang for my buck. Create an account today and play for free.

14. Keep an eye out for even bigger bonuses

The best way to make your bankroll go farther is to take advantage of the huge promo offers that occasionally pop up. Sometimes it’s a seasonal thing, sometimes the casino is just ready to push a new offer, but if you keep your eyes peeled, you can sometimes snag some incredible deals.

One of the many incredible benefits of playing slots online or at a traditional brick and mortar casino is signing up for casino bonuses. The various bonuses that casinos offer will reward players with serious benefits, based on how frequently they play and how much they wager and deposit each time. These rewards can be substantial. So, if you’re going to spend your money gambling, why not utilize the bonuses when signing up? New players can expect excellent welcome bonuses simply for joining, and weekly promotions or holiday specials can keep players coming back.

The benefits become even greater if you take advantage of loyalty, club member, or VIP programs. They come in a variety of forms, such as bigger than normal match bonuses, free spins, and more. So make sure to look for ones that suit your style of play. Land-based casinos will offer “slots club” cards for instance, and keep track of the amount you play on slots every time you enter.

Playing online has various opportunities that will be beneficial to you and your pockets. Some casinos will even give you points back as cash, or extend certain offers revolving around birthdays, holidays, or special events. These on top of managing your budget properly will stretch your gambling buck even further. Be sure to be registered as a club card member, valued player or have signed up for bonuses before you take a spin on the slot machine. Even if you don’t win, you can still get credit for every time you play.

Promo offers can include bigger than normal match bonuses, free spins, and more. If you’re interested in receiving exclusive offers, sign up to hear about our latest bonus offers. Once a member of a casino like CoolCat, you will get regular bonus offers by mail as well as updates regarding special new game promotions, seasonal promotions, and weekly, sometimes daily promo offers. Rather than just playing with your $30 deposit, you’ll be able to turn that into an impressive bankroll with the help of some of the other offers that come around (remember, you should now know what to look for when picking your bonus).

15. Be mindful as you play

A sensible approach to playing any game is not to have too high expectations. Having this mindset will do nothing but set you up for disappointment from the very beginning and cause you to make hasty decisions that could leave you worse off than before you started. Smart gambling isn’t always about putting huge chunks of cash on the line; it’s about taking your time with a game, being strategic and precise with your bets, and utilizing bonuses wherever possible.

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In conclusion, these few, simple slot machine tricks can take a bit of the randomness out of random, increase your odds of winning and definitely help you have more fun over a longer period of time with you given bankroll. And heck, you never know, I guess that’s why we all love to play slots, you may walk away with a win so big your life will never be the same again! As far as I’m concerned, the thrill of that all too real possibility makes playing slots well worth the time.

You have a lot to look forward to in Las Vegas—bright lights, constant partying, and endless opportunities. You also face an ocean of slot machines in every casino on the Strip and anywhere else in the city.

In fact, you’ll find over 200,000 slot machines in Las Vegas alone. And not all of these slot games are the same. Some casinos offer better rewards through their players’ programs, for example. Others have looser slots (games with a higher RTP).

Here’s my list of the seven best casinos for slots in Las Vegas.

1 – Aria

Aria Resort & Casino is one of the most luxurious properties on the Las Vegas Strip, and it also has one of the biggest slot machine areas anywhere in the city.

On top of that, they have the biggest and best high roller slot machine parlor in the entire state. It even has its own name, Spin.

It’s an architectural marvel, too. Famed New York architect Peter Marino designed Spin, which has more amenities than some casinos. This includes a staff of butlers to cater to your needs while you play. The cashier’s cage is separate from the gaming, and the bathrooms are all private.

Have you ever seen a full-service dining room inside the slot machine area? And Aria doesn’t just cater to high rollers. The casino has over 2,000 slot machine games available, including popular titles like Wheel of Fortune and The Walking Dead. They also frequently host slot machine tournaments.

2 – Bellagio

A lot of people think of the Bellagio as the best place on the Las Vegas Strip to play poker, and they are right about this, of course.

But Bellagio is also one of the best spots on the Vegas Strip to find slot machine tournaments and a wide variety of slots games to choose from. Including video poker games and slot machines, Bellagio has over 2,300 different gambling machines to choose from.

And they’re available in multiple denominations, catering to both low rollers and high rollers alike.

Many of Bellagio’s slot machines feature progressive jackpots where you can win $1 million or more on a single spin of the reels. No one offers better live entertainment or dining either.

Also, since Aria and the Bellagio are both owned by MGM, membership at the slots club there means that you automatically have a membership in M life Rewards loyalty program, which is the players club at the following casinos:

• Aria
• Bellagio
• Delano Las Vegas
• Excalibur
• Luxor
• Mandalay Bay
• MGM Grand
• The Mirage
• Park MGM
• New York-New York
• Vdara

3 – The Venetian

The Venetian is famous for a lot of things, and one of those things is the varied selection of gambling machines available there. The casino has two floors worth of machines to choose from, and they have a great loyalty program.

The Venetian also makes it a point of keeping the latest games on the floor, and they’ve done an excellent job of making sure they have newer games than some of their competitors. If you’re looking for games like the new Ghost Busters slots or the Game of Thrones slots, this is the place.

Like Aria, the Venetian caters to high rollers.

If you’re a customer here, you can even request your own brands of machine, and the casino will do its best to accommodate.

They offer butler service and a lounge where you can relax when you’re taking a break from the slots games.

If you’re a Gold or Platinum member of the Grazie loyalty program here, you get free transportation to and from McCarran Airport.

4 – The Golden Nugget

So far, this list has focused on slot machine games that cater to high rollers on the Strip. But not all the best slot machines are found on the famed Las Vegas Boulevard.

In fact, the payback percentages for machines in other parts of the city are usually superior to the glitzier properties on the Strip. And what better “other part of the city” is there than downtown?

The gaming floor at the Golden Nugget is huge, with over 1,000 gambling machines to choose from. They have some of the most varied games in the city, too. They carry the famous games like Wheel of Fortune, but they also have a bigger variety of “Buffalo” slots than almost any other casino.

They feature multiple progressive jackpot slots casinos, too. I’m one of those slot machine players who loves a good steak, so the presence of Vic and Anthony’s is a great reason to play here, too. It’s one of the 10 best steakhouses in the entire country.

5 – Sam’s Town

One thing you should be aware of about Las Vegas slots is that the payback percentage is lower on the Strip than elsewhere. The best places to play are older casinos that are a little off the beaten path.

Sam’s Town fits the bill nicely. What it lacks in luxury, Sam’s Town makes up for with high payout slot machine games.

One thing that Sam’s Town offers that isn’t available at other Las Vegas casinos is an online listing of the slot machine games they have available. You can search their database by denomination, type of game, or keyword in the game title.

Be warned, though, Sam’s Town is not your traditional Vegas experience. It’s older and a bit cheesier. It’s probably a more appropriate casino to stay at if you’re older or maybe if you have young children.

As far as the better payback percentages go, that’s worth a visit.

The payback percentage for a casino is the AVERAGE of the slots on the floor. You might play a game with a 75% payback percentage, while your mom might be playing on an identical machine next to it with a 95% payback percentage.

And since the house has the edge, if you play either game long enough, you’ll eventually lose all your money.

6 – Excalibur

If you’re more interested in payback percentage than glitz and glamour, you should look at some of the older properties on the Strip. Circus Circus and Excalibur both count, but Excalibur’s more recent renovations make it somewhat more palatable to the modern gambler.

Excalibur is old enough and low rent enough that they can afford to offer some of the best payback percentages on the Strip. And if you’re not a high roller, you should consider trying the slots here.

They have plenty of penny slots, and even their most expensive game tops out at $100 per spin—a far cry from the $5000 max at some of the other casinos in this group on the Strip.

That’s right. Excalibur is also owned by MGM, so you get to participate in the same huge slot club as most of the other casinos on this list.

7 – Downtown Vegas in General

Rather than close out this list with another casino recommendation, I want to recommend the Downtown Vegas area over the Strip for its selection of unusual slot machine games in various areas.

For example, the biggest slot machine in the world is the SlotZilla zip line. And when I say “big,” I’m being literal. It’s 128 feet tall. You zip down Fremont Street Experience on one of two lines, and the game has a huge video screen with reels and an animated arm to pull.

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You can also view antique slot machines at the Main Street. They’re beautiful and well worth seeing. You’ll find them near the registration desk.

Many of the Downtown Las Vegas casinos offer huge, oversized slot machines. One place to find them is on the second level of The D. You’ll have to take the escalator to see this one. Also, you get to play for real coins here, which is a nice change of pace for old-timers who remember being able to cash out with a huge bucket full of coins.

You’ll also find a huge slot machine in The Golden Nugget.

Conclusion

Those are my picks for the seven best casinos for slots in Las Vegas. Do you disagree with my choices?