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Slots
FAQ
by Gayle
Mitchell
This lesson provides answers to twelve Slots FAQ, frequently
asked questions. I received these questions as Editor of Casino Players
Ezine: Slots Newsletter.
1) Q.
I would like to know how to pick a slot machine when I
go to a casino.
A.
I suggest you start with basic, single payline slots,
with two coin maximum and a double or triple bonus feature. After
winnings, you
can then move up to progressives and/or bonus slots.
2) Q.
I usually play max. coins on single payline double
slots except when I get any kind of win, and then on the next "pull",
I will play one coin less to help stretch my playtime. Statistically
speaking,
I was wondering if this is viable play or should I always play max.
coins?
A.
Yes, you should always play max. coins because with the
random
selection of
a slot, back-to-back pays can and do occur.
3)
Q. What
is a dyed-in-the-wool '50-something' supposed to
do when she grew up playing only reel dollar slots and now doesn't have
the
nerve to sit down at a 9-line video slot because she doesn't want to
look
foolish? They seem
so complicated,
although I know they must not be. It is not the 45 nickels per round
that
scares me, it is the stupidity.
A.
Help is at hand. I have reviewed hundreds of video slots
and I suggest you start by scanning the help menu that will explain
what
symbols pay out and how much.
Be sure to activate all the paylines and start out with 5
payline versions--cheaper to play
maximum coin.
Most people don't always know how they won or how they got
to the bonus round--so throw the 'stupidity label' out the window and
dive
in.
4) Q.
A lot of people say that pulling the arm on a slot
machine will pay more than pushing the button. Is this true?
A.
This theory is older than dirt---there is no difference.
The slot manufacturers leave the slot handle in place because they know
slot
players think there is a difference. Notice that bonus video slots do
not have
handles and the prediction is that in the future, the handles will all
be
eliminated.
5) Q.
I have 3 slots questions.
A. If you were me playing slots for the first time,
what
would you recommend?
B. What are ‘nudge’ slots?
C. What is a non-progressive slot machine?
A. Three
answers below.
A. I would start with basic, single payline, two-coin max.
slots that pay double/triple for certain combinations, then you can
move on to
progressives and bonus slots.
B. Nudge slots feature an option where the symbol will
'jump' or move up or down to offer a payback. They are fun to play and
watch.
C. A non-progressive slot is a version that has a constant
top jackpot that never changes, as described in #1—basic, single
payline.
6) Q.
Are slots programmed to payoff jackpots (or any
amount) based on the number of coins played. That is, do they pay off a
certain
number of times for one coin played, another for two coins played, and
another
for three coins? I notice that sometimes machines pay when I play two
coins,
but when I start to play three coins on the same machine it stops
paying. I go
back to two and it starts to pay again.
I sometimes see a jackpot that was hit on one coin and
wonder if it would have hit if more coins had been played. I am a
computer
programmer (not a slots programmer) and I don't see any reason why
slots could not
be programmed to hit based on number of coins played.
A.
A slot's random number generator is programmed to select
certain combinations with a pre-determined payout % as authorized by
the
casino. The same combination upon spinning will come-up regardless of
the
number of coins inserted. Playing max. is the only way to get full
payment from
any winning combination.
7) Q.
Are quarter slots tighter? How much bankroll is
required for quarter slots?
A. The
higher denominations ($1+) will pay out more
percentage-wise;
however, you require a larger bankroll.
As far as your
quarters bankroll, it
can be from the low end of $200 to $1000+ depending on your comfort
level. I
suggest you begin with quarters and move up with your winnings.
8) Q.
It seems to me that playing 45 coins on a five-cent
machine is not as
good a bet as playing a dollar machine? Also, I wonder if on a 20 line,
five-cent machine, is it necessary to play all 20 lines or could you
play five
or nine lines and come out ahead?
A. Some good
questions here. I
agree
that basic, single payline dollar slots with 2-3 coins max. will
stretch your
gambling bankroll.
I normally suggest that slot players
begin with the basic
slots.
As to 20 lines, you should activate all lines, but with 1 or
2 coins per line rather than play max. on only 5-9 lines, Further, as
your
credits mount, I suggest a max bet on all 20 paylines for possible
increased
payouts.
9) Q.
We have had a lot of luck at the slots, however I have
noticed playing 5X that when you start hitting with cherries quite
often, then
a mid size payoff is just around the corner. Also, it seems like you
have to
invest quite a bit to hit these types. Any truth in that assumption?
A.
When playing these slots, keep in mind that the higher
the top jackpot, the fewer times it will be hit. I suggest that you
search out
slots that have a $1000-$1500 top jackpot to begin--spend less and hit
the 'top
of the tree' instead of 'branches'. Happy hunting.
10) Q. I
play slots
and like the 5x and 10x payout types the most even though the
percentage payout
is less. When you do hit with one of the multiples occasionally, it
really
counts. Could you tell me which is more advantageous to play:
Dollar slot-2 coins-5x machine
50 cent-2 coins-10x machine
A.
Both choices sound tempting. I tend to lean towards the
dollar 5X,
but
here's a suggestion. Take an equal amount and play both, and then
determine
which was the biggest winner. I would try this test in three casinos
and/or
three different days and analyze for a trend.
11) Q.
I noticed many of the slots are now
multi-denomination, 25, 50 and 1.00.
My question is, typically a 25-cent machine will have a
lower payout percentage than $1.00 machines. With all three
denominations
available, is the ‘little brain’ inside making that distinguishing
change when
you play up?
A.
Yes, there is a 'little brain' in the multi-denoms for
each denomination. Therefore, if you are playing dollars for that
particular
version, the payouts will be higher.
12) Q.
Can it be assumed based that slots is a 'bad bet' and
likely one of the worst with a top average payout of only 94.7%?
A.
The answer to your question is, No, slots is not the
worst bet because of a couple of factors.
Slots can be a good bet. There's no denying it is the most
popular game and the least intimidating at casinos online and off.
Let's make a comparison to table games.
To quote, your top payout of 94.7% for slots
and round up to 95%, the casino pc, or house advantage would be 5%.
Certain bets for craps, double zero roulette, baccarat and
yes, even playing without strategy in blackjack can earn the casino
more than
5% of your gambling bankroll.
In addition, there's the 'grind' of playing these games.
Additionally, slots are a good bet if you play 'full-pay'
Video Poker online or off.
Slot players reap additional benefits when playing at a
locals’ Vegas casino, any casino with more than 3 competitors close by,
dollar+
slots, certain slot versions as with single payline basic slots and
online
casinos that are audited and report payouts.
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