1. Understand the Game Before You Play

If you want to play Slots, the first thing you need to understand is how Slots work. It's not all bright colours, flashing lights, and falling coins. Most of the magic of online Slot machines happens where you can't see it at all. 

On the outside, the game is relatively simple. You:

1. Place your bet
2. Spin the reels
3. Hope to land a winning combination

Although different Slot games vary wildly as far as theme, symbols, and paylines, they function much the same. Don't fall victim to the common myth that some games are “hot Slots” and others are “cold Slots”. The fact is, this game is arbitrary.

Hidden from your view deep in the workings of the game is a Random Number Generator (RNG), a program designed to ensure that every spin of the reel lands you on a combination of symbols that is not predetermined. It's as the name says: completely random. That's a good thing. It means you can relax as you play, making bets and having fun with the confidence of knowing you aren't being cheated. But how can you develop a Slot machine strategy for a game based on pure luck?

The secrets of a winning Slot machine strategy lie in your understanding of the game, betting, managing your bankroll, and even choosing the right place to host your fun.

2. Know The Odds And Choose Your Game Wisely

When you walk up to a Slot or pull one up on your phone, you know the fun is about to start—but you don't know your exact odds of winning. Unlike with many other Casino games, there isn't any way to calculate your odds to win at Slots precisely. Many of the factors which can reveal them are hidden. Some games can have thousands of ways to win, and the numbers could be too astronomical to calculate. That can be frustrating, but there are a few factors you can examine which do have a bearing on your odds to win at Slots.

Firstly, you have to understand the concept of the Return to Player percentage, or RTP. This percentage is the amount that the machine pays back out. For example, say you choose a game with a 97% RTP. Theoretically, players will get back 97% of the money they pay in. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that you win back 97%. It's a broader monetary dispersion for that specific game, to hundreds or even thousands of players. 

Choosing a game with a higher RTP means that, at least theoretically, you'll have a higher chance of winning—but you also need to take the volatility factor into account. This is the factor of risk and reward. A high volatility game may have a larger jackpot to win, yet a lower RTP. You risk more, but the rewards are substantial.

The right game for you depends on how you want to play. Progressive jackpots tend to have higher volatility than regular video Slots because they offer up a big reward for the lucky few who win. Some of the money players lose at progressive games contributes to the jackpot, which keeps growing until someone wins it. If you want to up the ante and feel the adrenaline in anticipation of a big win, go for a progressive or a regular big-jackpot Slot with higher volatility and a lower RTP. However, keep in mind that the odds of winning are lower. These are good when you have a large bankroll or when you only want to play for a few minutes of intense excitement.

If you'd like a leisurely and fun afternoon at the Slots, go for a game with a lower volatility and a higher RTP. You'll be able to play for hours, enjoying the music, theme, and watching the coins rain down without diminishing your bankroll too substantially. These lower-risk Slots allow you to play longer with less danger of losing big. Of course, there's less reward as well, but your winnings will be more consistent.

3. Bet Smart

Another critical aspect of any Slot machine winning strategy is placing your bets. It's a good idea to bet the maximum number of credits and to bet on all lines because if you do happen to win, you'll win big—or at least, as significant as you can for that game. Winning big isn't the only reason to bet the max.

Players who bet high also get rewarded with other treats like better bonus rounds, free spins, bigger prizes, and side games which may be available only to max bet players. These extras may make all the difference to you in the long run. They don't just allow you to play for longer or win more; they also switch things up and make the game more fun. That being said, it's not possible for everyone to bet the max if the max is too high. That's why you need to look for a game which has a reasonable bet limit for you, personally.

Everyone's bankroll is different, so searching for an online game which accommodates yours is essential—you don't want your session to end too quickly.

4. Manage Your Bankroll

Like any Casino game, one of the keys to a great Slot strategy is bankroll management. Unless you've got millions stashed away and you're ready to put it all on the (pay) line, chances are you need to develop one.

The first step of that is figuring out your loss limit.

Say you've got $20 burning a hole in your pocket, so you decide to hit the Slots. That's your starting number, and you should feel comfortable either losing the entirety of it or doubling, tripling, or quadrupling it in a Slot machine victory for the ages. Once you figure out your loss limit ($20), you won't want to spend (or lose) more than that. Once you figure out that number, you'll be able to choose games that are an even better fit for you. That's because you'll have an idea of how much you want to put down on your wagers. If you have a lower loss limit, you'll want to make smaller bets. In this case, penny Slots might be a fun way to while away your afternoon. If you have a larger bankroll, you could go either way.

5. Choose The Right Venue To Host Your Fun

Picking the best Online Casino is paramount to having a great session at the Slots. You'll want to choose a venue which offers a whole slew of Slots to choose from, including progressives and video Slots with all sorts of variances and RTPs. After reading this guide, you'll probably have some idea of which sort of game will work best for you—but you could find that your preferences lead you to other places. You could also get bored of a single game or genre, and joining a larger Casino means you can switch things up at your leisure. You'll also be able to try other games on for size. Slots are fun, but other Casino games have the potential for a great time, too. Especially if you enjoy new experiences, join a larger Casino with options for table gaming as well—you'll find your Slot machine strategy carries into other areas of the Casino.

When choosing your venue, evaluate each one carefully. The best Casino to join has a substantial welcome package waiting for you, including free spins bonuses and maybe a bit of extra welcome cash to display their appreciation for your business. Almost every reputable online Casino has rewards like this, and the offers change regularly to keep things interesting.

Even if you aren't playing for real money, you should still compare Casino sites to see which ones have the best game selection and offers.

While you're in detective mode, check out the player rewards programs. These are beneficial packages beyond the welcome bonus, offering loyal customers a reward and newer players an incentive to join. It's a smart strategy to pick a Casino with a great loyalty program because you'll have opportunities to win more rewards, free spins, and bonus offers.

Now that you know all the factors that go into making a killer Slot machine winning strategy, you're ready to hit the reels and start spinning.

Remember, playing Slots online is all about having fun. It isn't difficult once you get the hang of it, and it's one new hobby sure to leave a smile on your face.

So, what are you waiting for?  Get out there and put these strategies to win at Slots in action today.