- How to Win at Penny Slots One type of casino slot you'll find pretty much everywhere, from your local casino to the Las Vegas Strip, is penny slots.
- A Mind-boggling $39 Million Win. No gambling thrill can go without going to a Vegas casino or even.
Casino floors used to be filled with nickel and quarter slot machines. And casinos made healthy slots profits with these coin denominations for decades.
But nowadays, penny slot machines are the dominant game. These slot machines are enticing because they only require players to bet one cent on each payline.
Some might think of these games as mindless entertainment due to how you're merely spinning the reels over and over. But I've actually learned some important lessons from playing penny slots.
Always Understand What You're Getting Into – Especially With Penny Slots. The name alone is what.
Here are the 5 biggest lessons I learned from penny slot machines, including things I've applied to both gambling and real-life situations.
1. Always Understand What You're Getting Into – Especially With Penny Slots
The name alone is what draws many players to penny slot machines. The term penny slots creates the idea that you can play for as little as one cent per spin.
But this isn't the case at all, because most penny slots force you to play a fixed number of paylines. If you're on a 50-line penny slot machine, then you'll need to wager a minimum of $0.50 per turn.
This isn't exactly what beginning gamblers have in mind when they sit down to a penny slots game. The same players are often shocked when their money quickly vanishes.
I myself fell for this the first time I played a penny slot machine. I automatically assumed that the game was going to be really cheap, but it drained my funds faster than a nickel or quarter machine.
I'm not saying that casinos are evil for putting these games on their floors. But you need to be aware of what you're getting into with these games, just like anything else in life.
Here's a dramatic comparison. You should always read through a contract before signing it, because failing to read a contract before signing could loop you into a bad deal. Likewise, you shouldn't play a penny slot machine without first reading the help screen.
I realize that there's more at stake when you sign a bad contract without reading through. But I want to stress that some penny slot machines are like bad contracts of the gambling world.
This explains how many lines you need to play along with minimum bets for specific bonus features and the jackpot.
For example, Aristocrat's Game of Thrones slot machine requires that you make a 100-credit wager to active the Fire & Blood Bonus.
You can risk less than this on Game of Thrones. But most slots players don't want to play a game where they don't qualify for the best bonus features.
Some slot machines require that you play up to 300 credits, or $3 per spin for certain bonuses and/or the progressive jackpot, and $3 is hardly what players expect to wager on a penny slot machine.
Again, read the help screen to find out how much you need to bet to be eligible for every feature. This prevents you from being shocked when having to risk $1-$3 per spin to play.
The good news is that you can find cheaper penny slot machines in land-based casinos. Some of these games only require that you play 20 lines or less to qualify for everything.
2. Prepare Your Bankroll for the Worst
Continuing off the last point, many penny slots can be expensive. And this taught me both a life and gambling lesson in that you should always prepare for the worst.
Sometimes unexpected things happen that can rock you financially.
Nobody expects their heater to go out. But when it does, and the heater needs replaced, you're staring at a $1,200 bill.
Hopefully no slot machine ever becomes this expensive for you. But on a smaller scale, you should always plan for the worst with slots.
This is especially the case with penny games that require playing 100-300 credits to unlock every feature. You're risking between $1 and $3 per spin in this case.
Slot machines are already volatile, meaning they produce very unpredictable short-term results. Adding expensive bets on top of this volatility can create a bankroll nightmare.
How do you avoid this nightmare and plan for the worst? The best way is to do some simple bankroll calculations.
Here's an example for a land-based penny slot machine.
- The average land-based penny slots player loses 350 bets (units) per hour
- You have a $500 bankroll
- You choose a penny slot with 50 lines ($0.50 minimum bet)
- 500 / 0.5 = 1,000 units
- 1,000 / 350 = 2.86
- You can expect your bankroll to last for 2.86 hours on this 50-line game
Keep in mind that this is only an average estimate, and you should have enough money to cover an even-worse scenario. As long as you only bring money to the casino that you're fine with losing, then this won't bother you.
3. Don't Let Colorful Themes and Small Payouts Trick You
We all know that companies use clever marketing campaigns to get us to buy the products.
I accept this fact because businesses are out to increase their profit margins. And marketing is one of the best tools to make this happen.
But on the same note, I don't want to be a slave to clever marketing and buy a bunch of things I don't need.
Slot machines are similar in that gaming companies use colorful themes, 3D graphics, music, bonuses, and more to attract your attention. Slots makers know that their products will be placed in more casinos if they draw a large share of players.
I have no problem with people choosing slot machines based on the themes and surrounding entertainment. After all, the point of playing slots is to have fun.
But don't get so sucked into the theme, graphics, and alluring music that you lose all sense of time and money. Instead, realize that these elements are designed to keep you playing longer than you initially planned for.
Another trick to avoid involves the numerous small payouts that modern slot machines offer.
Multiple studies have shown that a psychological effect kicks in when players receive small rewards after each spin. These frequent payouts convince players that they're winning, even when they're losing money overall.
Here's an example to illustrate this phenomenon.
- You're playing 100 lines on a penny slot ($1 bet)
- You win a $0.20 payout on one line
- While the win is nice, you've technically lost $0.80 overall
Stepping back, anybody can logically see that this is a losing long-term proposition. And $0.20 payouts don't make up for the loss of $0.80.
But it's tougher to think in these terms when you're engrossed in a game while making span after spin. This is another area where you need to be consciously aware of what game manufacturers are doing.
While it's great to net lots of wins in each session, you also need to keep your overall winnings and bankroll in mind.
4. Playing Lots of Lines Is Entertaining
I've already discussed how expensive penny slot machines can be. But one of the greatest benefits is that you can also win lots of payouts thanks to the numerous lines.
Every payline that's in play gives you a chance to win. And while the odds of winning with each line aren't great, it's still fun knowing that you have 50 or more chances to win on each turn.
The same lesson can be applied to life in that people are sometimes willing to pay more for certain forms of entertainment.
One example is how you can race Ferraris and Lamborghinis around the SPEEDVEGAS track for anywhere between $50 and $80 per lap.
Driving go-karts is cheaper and also entertaining. But go-karts don't give adults the same thrills as driving a Ferrari around a race track.
Playing penny slot machines with lots of lines doesn't have to comparatively be so expensive either.
Instead, you can choose games with lower volatility that increase your hit frequency, or the odds of winning with each individual payline. Doing so boosts the chances that you'll net frequent wins and better sustain your bankroll.
A small number of slot machines actually offer a volatility rating in the help screen. For example, you might see between 1 and 5 lightning bolts to indicate how much variance is involved.
Unfortunately, most penny slots don't have volatility ratings. You have to look for specific factors in this case to determine the game's volatility.
Here are 3 factors that can help you out.
- Jackpot size
- Number of large payouts
- Number of small payouts
Low-volatility penny slots feature a smaller jackpot, fewer large payouts, and more small prizes than the average game.
A smaller jackpot combined with fewer large prizes means that a slot machine doesn't need to make up for the top-heavy payout structure. In turn, the game can offer more small payouts on a frequent basis.
Of course, some players are only interested in playing for big jackpots and other prizes. This is perfectly fine if you don't mind dealing with the chance that your bankroll will quickly disappear.
But if you want to extend your entertainment on a penny slot with 100 or more lines, then look for signs of low volatility.
5. Cheaper Penny Slots Alternatives Exist
Many of the lessons that I've learned regarding penny slots came in land-based casinos. But one more lesson I learned comes from the world of online penny slots.
When people can't afford a specific item or form of entertainment, they seek out companies that can provide them for a cheaper rate.
Not everybody can purchase expensive Gucci or Chanel clothing. But almost everybody can afford clothes at Walmart or on Amazon.com.
And you can look at online penny slots as the Amazon or Walmart of the gambling world.
I'm not saying that the value from online penny slot machines comes entirely from how cheap they are. In fact, a great deal of people play these games just because they're more convenient than going to the casino.
But it should also be noted that internet penny slots are perfect for anybody who finds land-based slot machines to be too expensive.
Some online penny slots truly embody the name, because the minimum bet is $0.01 (one cent on a single line). This is what many gamblers have in mind when they first hear the words penny slots.
Other games require you to play between 20-50 fixed paylines. While this is expensive for some players, it's still cheaper than what's seen in land-based casinos.
Tips For Playing Penny Slots
On these games, I usually play anywhere from 20-30 lines at a penny apiece.
Also note that many online penny slot machines see you qualify for bonuses and the jackpot no matter how much you wager. This is good for anybody who cringes at being forced to play 100-300 lines for the features.
That said, check out online casinos if you don't like the prospect of spending $0.50 or more on the average penny slot machine.
Conclusion
The main lesson worth noting about penny slot machines is that they're not what the name implies. As long as you understand this fact going in, you'll be perfectly fine with these games.
You should note that penny slots in land-based casinos have fixed payline amounts.
Brick-and-mortar casinos have more expenses to pay than online casinos. Therefore, they need to win back a greater rate from slot machine players.
Remember that casinos are businesses like anything else. And their goal is to earn enough money to make profits. That said, requiring 50+ pay lines and using entertaining themes to keep people playing doesn't make them corrupt.
On the other hand, you want to know this all right away. By knowing this info, you'll avoid having to learn the same lessons that I did through penny slot machines.
Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.The first pit stop in Las Vegas for most visitors is usually a casino. Whether you are an experienced player on the casino floor or just starting, slot machines are the most profitable and entertaining games available.
Slot machines have proven to be popular among players time and time again. Casinos and other entertainment facilities are profiting tremendously from the revenues collected from slots.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board reports that the Las Vegas Strip contained over 160,000 slot machines in 40 different locations in 2019, generating revenues reaching almost $270 million per month.
While these numbers are beneficial to the establishments and their operators, slot machines are also known to be the most profitable game in a casino for the user.
Slot machines, on average, have an RTP, or return to player, between 75% and 98%; in other words, for every dollar a player spends, the slot machine will yield about 75 to 98 cents right into their pocket.
Even with the high RTP and revenue, Las Vegas and other cities famous for their casinos fill their halls with slot machines because anyone can press a button.
Commitment is never a priority; the player can put down a small individual bet. A poker face is never required, neither is real skill, to win big.
However, research is still encouraged to profit off of slot machines at the highest level, such as reading on user experience on specific games and reading the RTP at each Las Vegas casino.
Return to player is perhaps the most critical factor in picking the best slot to play in Vegas. The higher the RTP percentage, the more likely the slot will payout.
An amateur way to discover a slot's RTP percentage is to test it with a bet. If a slot claims to have a 94% payout, then after a $100 bet, the payback would equate to about $94. While this may seem straightforward, this method does not fit every player.
Checking message boards and online threads, as well as comparison sites containing slots reviews, are a great way to find the best slots in Vegas. Notable websites encourage players to share their experiences with slot machines; most of their reviews focus on the amount of cash they get to keep after playing.
Another tip to finding one of the better slots offered in Las Vegas is to look for promotions. By signing up to the casino's player's club, customers can access unique games, receive free slot plays, and gain eligibility to have freebies on their next visit.
Benefits are significant, especially when the rounds on the slot machines are free, increasing the already high payout.
The most profitable slots are coined as 'loose slots' because they pay out the most amount of money to the player and are thus very desirable among customers.
A feature of profitable slot machines called 'progressive jackpots' has become a popular way to transform a couple of hundred bucks to millions.
Progressive jackpots offer prize money compared to the national lottery games, which can easily make a millionaire in a single evening.
According to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, the dollar slots pay back an average of 95% of receipts, 25 cent slots payout 93% on average, and 5 cent slots give back 90% to the players.
The payout from slots at the downtown or other off-Strip locations is one or two percent higher than those on the Strip. Hotel-casinos frequented by locals, such as Sam's Town, pay better than the tourist hotels in the city. Nevada residents well know that fact when they consider which facilities contain the best slots in Vegas.
Moreover, the newer and more luxurious hotels are known for having the overall poorest RTP percentages.
Some of those hotels include the Bellagio, Venetian, Mandalay Bay, and the new Wynn Las Vegas. Since the amenities of these hotels are off the charts, slot machines do not have to be the most profitable asset (at least to the player).
However, some of these lavish hotels offer great prizes and entertainment that makes a higher payout from the slot machine. The Bellagio, for example, provides a slot tournament with 2,300 games as options. From jackpots and progressive features, the Bellagio slot machines can grow small bets into millions.
Generally, the best slots in Vegas are located in the older properties of the North Strip.
Slot machines may look flashy and modern, especially themed slots, but that does not mean they have the highest payout. The more traditional and old-looking games may be a better money's worth.
Much like the endorphin rush of a 'win,' a good-looking slot machine can trick the brain chemistry into wagering more money than intended. With that in mind, a simple-looking slot should be considered to help players gamble responsibly and win big.
Rather than always playing Star Wars or Avengers slot machines, players should have an eye out for the more dated and less appealing slot machines available on the casino floor. Many of them have substantial RTP rates and have stood the test of time.
One of these seemingly unappreciated slots is housed in Slots-a-Fun at Circus Circus Casino in Las Vegas. The selection includes classics, such as 'Double Diamond' and 'Red, White, and Blue.' Although they are not the flashiest, they are the best slots in Vegas.
Slots-a-Fun is a classic and exclusive casino that incorporates slot machines paired with an arcade, pool tables, bowling, and other forms of entertainment. Their slots have been proven time and time again as the machines to make the next big Vegas winner.
As mentioned before, these slots are not located conveniently for the tourists on the Strip. A general rule of thumb to follow: the more touristy the casino, the lower the payback on the slot machines.
While the Las Vegas Strip has a win percentage of about 8%, the slots in Reno and Boulder have a more generous casino wins of around 5%.
Some of the casinos located in Reno, Boulder, and North Vegas include Eastside Cannery, Sunset Station, M Resort, Jerry's Nugget, Texas Station, and Boulder Station.
Geographical location should not be the only consideration when looking for great slots. Some veteran gamblers and websites claim that corners within a specific casino itself have some of the better slot machines.
High traffic areas, such as near elevators, a front desk, aisles, showrooms, registration areas, etc., contain the loosest slots in the casino.
Some people do not even have to go to a casino to access a slot machine. An entertainment facility is perhaps the unrivaled source to use for the best slots in Vegas.
Airports, convenience stores, and grocery stores are the first locations to avoid playing slot machines. Even though the majority are in clean and well-run establishments, they do not offer significant returns with their slot machines.
What these three different places have in common is that under Nevada law the slot machines in airports, convenience stores, and grocery stores are entirely controlled by large corporations.
With that in mind, it should not be surprising that the slot machines in these facilities provide a much lower payout percentage than the typical slot found in a Las Vegas casino.
Even though convenience store owners can obtain a lease or purchase of slot machines, the Nevada law changed in favor of larger corporations having control over the slots and their payouts.
Nevada grocery stores are the only place that can legally provide slot machines because they have leased the space through a larger company. Although they can offer marginally better odds than the former two, grocery stores should still be avoided when it comes to slot machines.
The loosest slot machines in the past 12 months have been Megabucks and penny slots. Megabucks had the tightest slots at over 11% casino win percentage. Penny slots are the most popular denomination, even though their win percentage is not the most generous.
Megabucks offers some of the best slots in Vegas with the highest winnings. In 2014, a man playing a Megabucks slot machine in Rampart Casino hit a $14 million jackpot after playing for five minutes on a $20 bill when the slot paid off.
This payout is not the only one from a Megabucks machine. Megabucks has produced life-changing jackpots for multiple players for over two decades.
Their slogan markets the casino's accomplishments perfectly: 'Dream big. Win big'. Even with players only spending a $1 for a spin, there is always a chance of the jackpot prize of $10 million.
In addition to Megabucks and Slots-a-Fun, there are plenty of casinos offering some of the best slots available in Las Vegas.
Big Win Penny Slots Youtube
Many websites report O'Shea's, Stardust, and older casinos located on the north side of the Strip as the places to visit for great and profitable slot machine winnings.
The casino nearest to offering the loosest slots in Las Vegas is Palms resort, which has an average game payout percentage of about 94%.
Lower payout slot machines also have distinct locations on the casino floor. Some of those include the leading slot machine on the floor, those near the table games, and close to the poker room. Since all of these areas have too much action, either from different games or other slots, the RTP does not have to be too high.
Furthermore, it is better to be aware of which specific slot machines should be avoided. The reason behind it is the exact opposite as to why the already mentioned slots are the best: the worst slots have a low percentage of payback.
Several slots have unfortunately been added to the universal list of worst slots found in Las Vegas, such as Wish Upon a Jackpot by Blueprint Gaming, Adventures in Wonderland by Ash Gaming, and King Kong by Cryptologic due to their low RTP.
Different software companies specializing in slot machines have reputations that reflect off of the RTP's. While some developments have been mentioned before for their low percentage payback, others are renowned for their slots having high RTP rates.
Playtech is one of the more famous software companies that develop successful and popular slot machines located in Las Vegas casinos. Games created by this company include: Goblin's Cave, Ugga Bugga, and Ocean Princess. All offer reputable and above-average percentage payouts.
Other software companies known for distributing slots with high paybacks are Barcrest, WMS, and NetEnt.
In addition to Palms Casino and Resort, there are other casinos in Las Vegas that have multiple slots maintaining an above-average payout.
Fitzgerald's Casino and Hotel has established a favorable reputation for offering the loosest slots in downtown Las Vegas. Ranked regularly, the machines in Fitzgerald's that are given the best paybacks include reel, penny, and progressive slots.
Slot machines are incredibly entertaining, easy, and a great reason to visit a Las Vegas casino.
Although research is essential, in-depth research is not necessary unless you are wagering a significant amount of money. Specific slot machines should be sought out to cash in millions, which has been proven to be possible within five minutes of playing.
The different themes, bonuses, promotions, and prizes, prevent slot machines from ever becoming boring. For some lucky few, a slot will transform a single $5 bill to $5 million or more than that colossal amount.
With the press of a button, a slot machine can make an average player into a millionaire, or give the customer an affordable and responsible amount of fun on the Las Vegas casino floor.
With some of these tips that differentiate the better slots in Las Vegas, slot machines can become more of a calculated game than intended.
Some might think of these games as mindless entertainment due to how you're merely spinning the reels over and over. But I've actually learned some important lessons from playing penny slots.
Always Understand What You're Getting Into – Especially With Penny Slots. The name alone is what.
Here are the 5 biggest lessons I learned from penny slot machines, including things I've applied to both gambling and real-life situations.
1. Always Understand What You're Getting Into – Especially With Penny Slots
The name alone is what draws many players to penny slot machines. The term penny slots creates the idea that you can play for as little as one cent per spin.
But this isn't the case at all, because most penny slots force you to play a fixed number of paylines. If you're on a 50-line penny slot machine, then you'll need to wager a minimum of $0.50 per turn.
This isn't exactly what beginning gamblers have in mind when they sit down to a penny slots game. The same players are often shocked when their money quickly vanishes.
I myself fell for this the first time I played a penny slot machine. I automatically assumed that the game was going to be really cheap, but it drained my funds faster than a nickel or quarter machine.
I'm not saying that casinos are evil for putting these games on their floors. But you need to be aware of what you're getting into with these games, just like anything else in life.
Here's a dramatic comparison. You should always read through a contract before signing it, because failing to read a contract before signing could loop you into a bad deal. Likewise, you shouldn't play a penny slot machine without first reading the help screen.
I realize that there's more at stake when you sign a bad contract without reading through. But I want to stress that some penny slot machines are like bad contracts of the gambling world.
This explains how many lines you need to play along with minimum bets for specific bonus features and the jackpot.
For example, Aristocrat's Game of Thrones slot machine requires that you make a 100-credit wager to active the Fire & Blood Bonus.
You can risk less than this on Game of Thrones. But most slots players don't want to play a game where they don't qualify for the best bonus features.
Some slot machines require that you play up to 300 credits, or $3 per spin for certain bonuses and/or the progressive jackpot, and $3 is hardly what players expect to wager on a penny slot machine.
Again, read the help screen to find out how much you need to bet to be eligible for every feature. This prevents you from being shocked when having to risk $1-$3 per spin to play.
The good news is that you can find cheaper penny slot machines in land-based casinos. Some of these games only require that you play 20 lines or less to qualify for everything.
2. Prepare Your Bankroll for the Worst
Continuing off the last point, many penny slots can be expensive. And this taught me both a life and gambling lesson in that you should always prepare for the worst.
Sometimes unexpected things happen that can rock you financially.
Nobody expects their heater to go out. But when it does, and the heater needs replaced, you're staring at a $1,200 bill.
Hopefully no slot machine ever becomes this expensive for you. But on a smaller scale, you should always plan for the worst with slots.
This is especially the case with penny games that require playing 100-300 credits to unlock every feature. You're risking between $1 and $3 per spin in this case.
Slot machines are already volatile, meaning they produce very unpredictable short-term results. Adding expensive bets on top of this volatility can create a bankroll nightmare.
How do you avoid this nightmare and plan for the worst? The best way is to do some simple bankroll calculations.
Here's an example for a land-based penny slot machine.
- The average land-based penny slots player loses 350 bets (units) per hour
- You have a $500 bankroll
- You choose a penny slot with 50 lines ($0.50 minimum bet)
- 500 / 0.5 = 1,000 units
- 1,000 / 350 = 2.86
- You can expect your bankroll to last for 2.86 hours on this 50-line game
Keep in mind that this is only an average estimate, and you should have enough money to cover an even-worse scenario. As long as you only bring money to the casino that you're fine with losing, then this won't bother you.
3. Don't Let Colorful Themes and Small Payouts Trick You
We all know that companies use clever marketing campaigns to get us to buy the products.
I accept this fact because businesses are out to increase their profit margins. And marketing is one of the best tools to make this happen.
But on the same note, I don't want to be a slave to clever marketing and buy a bunch of things I don't need.
Slot machines are similar in that gaming companies use colorful themes, 3D graphics, music, bonuses, and more to attract your attention. Slots makers know that their products will be placed in more casinos if they draw a large share of players.
I have no problem with people choosing slot machines based on the themes and surrounding entertainment. After all, the point of playing slots is to have fun.
But don't get so sucked into the theme, graphics, and alluring music that you lose all sense of time and money. Instead, realize that these elements are designed to keep you playing longer than you initially planned for.
Another trick to avoid involves the numerous small payouts that modern slot machines offer.
Multiple studies have shown that a psychological effect kicks in when players receive small rewards after each spin. These frequent payouts convince players that they're winning, even when they're losing money overall.
Here's an example to illustrate this phenomenon.
- You're playing 100 lines on a penny slot ($1 bet)
- You win a $0.20 payout on one line
- While the win is nice, you've technically lost $0.80 overall
Stepping back, anybody can logically see that this is a losing long-term proposition. And $0.20 payouts don't make up for the loss of $0.80.
But it's tougher to think in these terms when you're engrossed in a game while making span after spin. This is another area where you need to be consciously aware of what game manufacturers are doing.
While it's great to net lots of wins in each session, you also need to keep your overall winnings and bankroll in mind.
4. Playing Lots of Lines Is Entertaining
I've already discussed how expensive penny slot machines can be. But one of the greatest benefits is that you can also win lots of payouts thanks to the numerous lines.
Every payline that's in play gives you a chance to win. And while the odds of winning with each line aren't great, it's still fun knowing that you have 50 or more chances to win on each turn.
The same lesson can be applied to life in that people are sometimes willing to pay more for certain forms of entertainment.
One example is how you can race Ferraris and Lamborghinis around the SPEEDVEGAS track for anywhere between $50 and $80 per lap.
Driving go-karts is cheaper and also entertaining. But go-karts don't give adults the same thrills as driving a Ferrari around a race track.
Playing penny slot machines with lots of lines doesn't have to comparatively be so expensive either.
Instead, you can choose games with lower volatility that increase your hit frequency, or the odds of winning with each individual payline. Doing so boosts the chances that you'll net frequent wins and better sustain your bankroll.
A small number of slot machines actually offer a volatility rating in the help screen. For example, you might see between 1 and 5 lightning bolts to indicate how much variance is involved.
Unfortunately, most penny slots don't have volatility ratings. You have to look for specific factors in this case to determine the game's volatility.
Here are 3 factors that can help you out.
- Jackpot size
- Number of large payouts
- Number of small payouts
Low-volatility penny slots feature a smaller jackpot, fewer large payouts, and more small prizes than the average game.
A smaller jackpot combined with fewer large prizes means that a slot machine doesn't need to make up for the top-heavy payout structure. In turn, the game can offer more small payouts on a frequent basis.
Of course, some players are only interested in playing for big jackpots and other prizes. This is perfectly fine if you don't mind dealing with the chance that your bankroll will quickly disappear.
But if you want to extend your entertainment on a penny slot with 100 or more lines, then look for signs of low volatility.
5. Cheaper Penny Slots Alternatives Exist
Many of the lessons that I've learned regarding penny slots came in land-based casinos. But one more lesson I learned comes from the world of online penny slots.
When people can't afford a specific item or form of entertainment, they seek out companies that can provide them for a cheaper rate.
Not everybody can purchase expensive Gucci or Chanel clothing. But almost everybody can afford clothes at Walmart or on Amazon.com.
And you can look at online penny slots as the Amazon or Walmart of the gambling world.
I'm not saying that the value from online penny slot machines comes entirely from how cheap they are. In fact, a great deal of people play these games just because they're more convenient than going to the casino.
But it should also be noted that internet penny slots are perfect for anybody who finds land-based slot machines to be too expensive.
Some online penny slots truly embody the name, because the minimum bet is $0.01 (one cent on a single line). This is what many gamblers have in mind when they first hear the words penny slots.
Other games require you to play between 20-50 fixed paylines. While this is expensive for some players, it's still cheaper than what's seen in land-based casinos.
Tips For Playing Penny Slots
On these games, I usually play anywhere from 20-30 lines at a penny apiece.
Also note that many online penny slot machines see you qualify for bonuses and the jackpot no matter how much you wager. This is good for anybody who cringes at being forced to play 100-300 lines for the features.
That said, check out online casinos if you don't like the prospect of spending $0.50 or more on the average penny slot machine.
Conclusion
The main lesson worth noting about penny slot machines is that they're not what the name implies. As long as you understand this fact going in, you'll be perfectly fine with these games.
You should note that penny slots in land-based casinos have fixed payline amounts.
Brick-and-mortar casinos have more expenses to pay than online casinos. Therefore, they need to win back a greater rate from slot machine players.
Remember that casinos are businesses like anything else. And their goal is to earn enough money to make profits. That said, requiring 50+ pay lines and using entertaining themes to keep people playing doesn't make them corrupt.
On the other hand, you want to know this all right away. By knowing this info, you'll avoid having to learn the same lessons that I did through penny slot machines.
Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.The first pit stop in Las Vegas for most visitors is usually a casino. Whether you are an experienced player on the casino floor or just starting, slot machines are the most profitable and entertaining games available.
Slot machines have proven to be popular among players time and time again. Casinos and other entertainment facilities are profiting tremendously from the revenues collected from slots.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board reports that the Las Vegas Strip contained over 160,000 slot machines in 40 different locations in 2019, generating revenues reaching almost $270 million per month.
While these numbers are beneficial to the establishments and their operators, slot machines are also known to be the most profitable game in a casino for the user.
Slot machines, on average, have an RTP, or return to player, between 75% and 98%; in other words, for every dollar a player spends, the slot machine will yield about 75 to 98 cents right into their pocket.
Even with the high RTP and revenue, Las Vegas and other cities famous for their casinos fill their halls with slot machines because anyone can press a button.
Commitment is never a priority; the player can put down a small individual bet. A poker face is never required, neither is real skill, to win big.
However, research is still encouraged to profit off of slot machines at the highest level, such as reading on user experience on specific games and reading the RTP at each Las Vegas casino.
Return to player is perhaps the most critical factor in picking the best slot to play in Vegas. The higher the RTP percentage, the more likely the slot will payout.
An amateur way to discover a slot's RTP percentage is to test it with a bet. If a slot claims to have a 94% payout, then after a $100 bet, the payback would equate to about $94. While this may seem straightforward, this method does not fit every player.
Checking message boards and online threads, as well as comparison sites containing slots reviews, are a great way to find the best slots in Vegas. Notable websites encourage players to share their experiences with slot machines; most of their reviews focus on the amount of cash they get to keep after playing.
Another tip to finding one of the better slots offered in Las Vegas is to look for promotions. By signing up to the casino's player's club, customers can access unique games, receive free slot plays, and gain eligibility to have freebies on their next visit.
Benefits are significant, especially when the rounds on the slot machines are free, increasing the already high payout.
The most profitable slots are coined as 'loose slots' because they pay out the most amount of money to the player and are thus very desirable among customers.
A feature of profitable slot machines called 'progressive jackpots' has become a popular way to transform a couple of hundred bucks to millions.
Progressive jackpots offer prize money compared to the national lottery games, which can easily make a millionaire in a single evening.
According to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, the dollar slots pay back an average of 95% of receipts, 25 cent slots payout 93% on average, and 5 cent slots give back 90% to the players.
The payout from slots at the downtown or other off-Strip locations is one or two percent higher than those on the Strip. Hotel-casinos frequented by locals, such as Sam's Town, pay better than the tourist hotels in the city. Nevada residents well know that fact when they consider which facilities contain the best slots in Vegas.
Moreover, the newer and more luxurious hotels are known for having the overall poorest RTP percentages.
Some of those hotels include the Bellagio, Venetian, Mandalay Bay, and the new Wynn Las Vegas. Since the amenities of these hotels are off the charts, slot machines do not have to be the most profitable asset (at least to the player).
However, some of these lavish hotels offer great prizes and entertainment that makes a higher payout from the slot machine. The Bellagio, for example, provides a slot tournament with 2,300 games as options. From jackpots and progressive features, the Bellagio slot machines can grow small bets into millions.
Generally, the best slots in Vegas are located in the older properties of the North Strip.
Slot machines may look flashy and modern, especially themed slots, but that does not mean they have the highest payout. The more traditional and old-looking games may be a better money's worth.
Much like the endorphin rush of a 'win,' a good-looking slot machine can trick the brain chemistry into wagering more money than intended. With that in mind, a simple-looking slot should be considered to help players gamble responsibly and win big.
Rather than always playing Star Wars or Avengers slot machines, players should have an eye out for the more dated and less appealing slot machines available on the casino floor. Many of them have substantial RTP rates and have stood the test of time.
One of these seemingly unappreciated slots is housed in Slots-a-Fun at Circus Circus Casino in Las Vegas. The selection includes classics, such as 'Double Diamond' and 'Red, White, and Blue.' Although they are not the flashiest, they are the best slots in Vegas.
Slots-a-Fun is a classic and exclusive casino that incorporates slot machines paired with an arcade, pool tables, bowling, and other forms of entertainment. Their slots have been proven time and time again as the machines to make the next big Vegas winner.
As mentioned before, these slots are not located conveniently for the tourists on the Strip. A general rule of thumb to follow: the more touristy the casino, the lower the payback on the slot machines.
While the Las Vegas Strip has a win percentage of about 8%, the slots in Reno and Boulder have a more generous casino wins of around 5%.
Some of the casinos located in Reno, Boulder, and North Vegas include Eastside Cannery, Sunset Station, M Resort, Jerry's Nugget, Texas Station, and Boulder Station.
Geographical location should not be the only consideration when looking for great slots. Some veteran gamblers and websites claim that corners within a specific casino itself have some of the better slot machines.
High traffic areas, such as near elevators, a front desk, aisles, showrooms, registration areas, etc., contain the loosest slots in the casino.
Some people do not even have to go to a casino to access a slot machine. An entertainment facility is perhaps the unrivaled source to use for the best slots in Vegas.
Airports, convenience stores, and grocery stores are the first locations to avoid playing slot machines. Even though the majority are in clean and well-run establishments, they do not offer significant returns with their slot machines.
What these three different places have in common is that under Nevada law the slot machines in airports, convenience stores, and grocery stores are entirely controlled by large corporations.
With that in mind, it should not be surprising that the slot machines in these facilities provide a much lower payout percentage than the typical slot found in a Las Vegas casino.
Even though convenience store owners can obtain a lease or purchase of slot machines, the Nevada law changed in favor of larger corporations having control over the slots and their payouts.
Nevada grocery stores are the only place that can legally provide slot machines because they have leased the space through a larger company. Although they can offer marginally better odds than the former two, grocery stores should still be avoided when it comes to slot machines.
The loosest slot machines in the past 12 months have been Megabucks and penny slots. Megabucks had the tightest slots at over 11% casino win percentage. Penny slots are the most popular denomination, even though their win percentage is not the most generous.
Megabucks offers some of the best slots in Vegas with the highest winnings. In 2014, a man playing a Megabucks slot machine in Rampart Casino hit a $14 million jackpot after playing for five minutes on a $20 bill when the slot paid off.
This payout is not the only one from a Megabucks machine. Megabucks has produced life-changing jackpots for multiple players for over two decades.
Their slogan markets the casino's accomplishments perfectly: 'Dream big. Win big'. Even with players only spending a $1 for a spin, there is always a chance of the jackpot prize of $10 million.
In addition to Megabucks and Slots-a-Fun, there are plenty of casinos offering some of the best slots available in Las Vegas.
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Many websites report O'Shea's, Stardust, and older casinos located on the north side of the Strip as the places to visit for great and profitable slot machine winnings.
The casino nearest to offering the loosest slots in Las Vegas is Palms resort, which has an average game payout percentage of about 94%.
Lower payout slot machines also have distinct locations on the casino floor. Some of those include the leading slot machine on the floor, those near the table games, and close to the poker room. Since all of these areas have too much action, either from different games or other slots, the RTP does not have to be too high.
Furthermore, it is better to be aware of which specific slot machines should be avoided. The reason behind it is the exact opposite as to why the already mentioned slots are the best: the worst slots have a low percentage of payback.
Several slots have unfortunately been added to the universal list of worst slots found in Las Vegas, such as Wish Upon a Jackpot by Blueprint Gaming, Adventures in Wonderland by Ash Gaming, and King Kong by Cryptologic due to their low RTP.
Different software companies specializing in slot machines have reputations that reflect off of the RTP's. While some developments have been mentioned before for their low percentage payback, others are renowned for their slots having high RTP rates.
Playtech is one of the more famous software companies that develop successful and popular slot machines located in Las Vegas casinos. Games created by this company include: Goblin's Cave, Ugga Bugga, and Ocean Princess. All offer reputable and above-average percentage payouts.
Other software companies known for distributing slots with high paybacks are Barcrest, WMS, and NetEnt.
In addition to Palms Casino and Resort, there are other casinos in Las Vegas that have multiple slots maintaining an above-average payout.
Fitzgerald's Casino and Hotel has established a favorable reputation for offering the loosest slots in downtown Las Vegas. Ranked regularly, the machines in Fitzgerald's that are given the best paybacks include reel, penny, and progressive slots.
Slot machines are incredibly entertaining, easy, and a great reason to visit a Las Vegas casino.
Although research is essential, in-depth research is not necessary unless you are wagering a significant amount of money. Specific slot machines should be sought out to cash in millions, which has been proven to be possible within five minutes of playing.
The different themes, bonuses, promotions, and prizes, prevent slot machines from ever becoming boring. For some lucky few, a slot will transform a single $5 bill to $5 million or more than that colossal amount.
With the press of a button, a slot machine can make an average player into a millionaire, or give the customer an affordable and responsible amount of fun on the Las Vegas casino floor.
With some of these tips that differentiate the better slots in Las Vegas, slot machines can become more of a calculated game than intended.
Overall, Vegas is the numero uno destination to play slots in the United States. The key is to be wise and risk only as much as you can afford to lose.
It is essential to ask around and try some old slots that have a proven track record of wins. Don't just be impressed with design and wager money in the excitement!
