Tips on How to Play, and Win, at Video Slot Machines

At MGM Resorts

Video Slots

This isn’t going to be an article like you may think. Video slots work completely at random, nothing is predetermined, there are no patterns in payouts and the reel spins freely. So we really can’t tell you that the Walking Dead slot machines at ARIA are going to pay out any better than the Game of Thrones slots at Excalibur just three doors down. Sure, everyone has a strategy for finding the one loose slot that will pay out more than the others, but in reality, it’s all up to chance. But, we won’t let you down entirely, there are still tips on how to play the one-arm bandit more effectively and maximize your chances of winning on your next trip to the casino.

1 - Maximize Your Money

With the amount of “free money” being offered through bonuses, slot tournaments, and loyalty programs, make sure to take advantage of the offers to prolong your playing time. The best thing about being a slot player is the “comps” you receive in terms of free drinks or building up your loyalty status at all MGM resorts & casinos. Stay educated on the casino rewards programs offered where you play and plan your tips around special promotions. This means more opportunities to land a jackpot!

2 - Split Your Bankroll

Once you’ve determined your overall bankroll for your trip, make it necessary to split that up into session bankrolls. Based on the length of time that you will be staying and playing at the casino, determine how much you want to gamble and how much goes into each session. Be in control and set your limits!

3 - Bet the Maximum Coin Size 

As they always say, the bigger the risk, the bigger the reward. When you’re going in to play the video slot, bet the maximum coin size per line. When you bet the maximum coin size, you are more likely to get the largest amount available that the video slot pays out. In addition to higher payouts, most progressive jackpots only hit if players are betting the maximum per line each spin. This can mean a difference of a few thousand dollars – or more!

4 - Find the Lowest Edge

Yes, video playing slots are known to have a higher house edge than card games or table games. However, it doesn’t hurt to continue to do your research and determine which slots to play with the lowest house edge possible. Yes, this means you may have to use Google to look up the details about various slots, and you may have to peruse more casino floors than the one you’re closest to, but all in all it could mean a higher return for you at the end of your gaming day! You want all the luck you can get, right?

5 - Play the Maximum Pay Line

Back in the old days, slots had only one pay line, which made them...boring. Today, there are video playing slots with up to fifty pay lines. That means, fifty different ways to win when the reels stop whether it’s vertical, horizontal, or diagonal. The more pay lines there are, the higher your chances of getting a payout. And some video slots have games you can play depending on how the lines add up. Even with a trade-off of pulling the arm, video slots come with a lot more perks to make the time you play more fun than before.

6 - Limit Your Time

In correlation with your bankrolls being split into sessions, make sure to determine a length of time that you will be playing per session. For example, if you decide that you will be playing for two hours, at the end of two hours, make it necessary to take a thirty-minute break. It is imperative that the break is taken away from the casino floor to avoid urges; eat at a restaurant, take in a show, or whatever you prefer. And although we’re paraphrasing, it’s just as Oscar Wilde told us, everything can be great as long as it’s in moderation.

7 - Set Win Limits

Yes, you heard that right, set a win limit. There are many people who may hit multiple mini jackpots and get so caught up in the wins that they somehow manage to give it all back. Even if your big win may have happened five minutes into playing, get up and do something different. Maybe treat yourself to a fancy dinner. It’s always more fun to leave the casino knowing that you came out a winner!

8 - Have Fun

This should be obvious, but in case that it isn’t—don’t forget to have fun! The intention of having fun when gambling tends to get overlooked and people begin overindulging themselves losing out on the experience. (MGM Resorts is dedicated to responsible gaming.) Video slots don’t require skill; it’s a game of luck, so try not to take it so seriously. If you’ve run out of luck for one day, just move on and come back another day to try again. Make it enjoyable and entertaining!

There are no hidden secrets to help you win at video slot machines; however, these strategies for playing are a good step towards increasing your chances of winning. If you play smart and follow these eight tips, you are more likely to win – or at least get more value out of your playing time.