Slot Timing Secrets: When to Play for Big Wins

So let's say you're playing your favorite slot game for several hours, and you're having the time of your life. Maybe you're playing at home on your laptop, smoking a cigarette and listening to your favorite music. Maybe you're playing on your smartphone or playing at a brick-and-mortar casino.

You're done with work for the day, so you've decided to kick back and enjoy a mug of beer. As you spin the slots, you idly wonder to yourself when the slot machine pays out. Well, what if I told you there are ways to increase your odds of landing the big jackpot? There are a surprising number of pays you can increase your chances of landing winning spins. In this article we're going to discuss ways to increase your chances of landing jackpots and wins, along with discussing whether or not there's a 'right' time to play slots and a 'wrong' time to play your favorite slot game.

The Hot and Cold Legend

The idea that a slot game pays out during certain times is a debunkable myth. There's a longstanding idea that machines go through phases of paying out and phases of not paying, and that this is some measurable factor you can use to predict the outcome of a spin. For example, a player might think if you play on slots during off hours such as early in the morning that the machine is programmed to pay out more. This is false, as there is no proven time when a slot machine will pay out more than usual. Every time you spin the reels or pull on the level, the outcome is determined by the games RNG. Every spin is completely independent and unbiased, so your prior spin has no impact on the outcome of your spin.

There's another commonplace myth that if a slot hasn't paid out for a long time it's guaranteed to payout in the near future. This is another widely spread false assumption! On the other hand, it's a myth that if a slot machine has just paid out a jackpot it's impossible for it to pay out a second time immediately after. You would be surprised though. Since every spin is independent, that means your statistical chances of landing a jackpot directly after a winning spin are no different than usual. These are urban legends that have continued to spread throughout the gambling community, but the most intelligent slot lovers know the truth behind such myths. So if there is no perfect time to play slots, how can you increase your chances of winning? Well, there are other ways to impact the outcome of your game.

Choose The Correct Slot Machine

Every slot machine you pick should be chosen strategically. You should never choose a slot without considering the game's RTP and volatility. You should look for a game that offers a high payout percentage. If the game offers a higher payout percentage, then the game will pay back a larger fraction of the wagered money over time. RTP stands for return to player percentage. Most machines have an RTP ranging from 92% to 96%, while a good RTP is 96% or higher. Some games offer RTP's as high as 98 or 99%.

If you pick a low volatility slot, it'll pay out frequent but smaller wins. If you choose a high volatility slot, it'll pay out bigger but rarer wins. You should pick what volatility you prefer based on your budget and how much you're willing to risk for a better payout.

Aside from RTP and volatility, you'll need to pick whether or not you want to play a classic or a video slot. Classic slot games lack the same kind of flashy features regular slots do, but sometimes they offer better overall odds. Meanwhile, modern video slots offer tons of special features, like cascading reels or expanding symbols, which can lead to excellent jackpots. You also need to consciously choose whether or not you want to play a progressive jackpot or not. Progressive jackpots present the potential to land huge awards, but oftentimes they come with lower return to player rates.

Manage Your Budget

Before you even begin playing, it's important to properly manage your budget. You should always set a limit. Decide beforehand how much you're willing to spend during a single slot session, and stick to your limit. If you break your budget into smaller portions, or choose a low volatility slot and place smaller bets, your session can last longer. However, you might prefer the larger payout that could come with a riskier, shorter session. In the end, it should depend on your losses and how much money you can spare. Never bet more money than you are willing to lose. Gambling money should always be considered fun money.

Maximum Betting and Bonuses

If your ultimate goal is to win big, you'll probably have to bet big. It's just the truth. Most slot games will offer better jackpot odds if you're willing to place the maximum bet. Of course, this kind of tip should only be followed if it's affordable for you. If it doesn't fit your budget to maximum bet every spin, don't do it!

Of course, you can collect additional funds for playing if you collect any bonuses available at the casino you play the game on. Many platforms offer numerous bonuses. Some platforms will offer welcome bonuses, which will usually give you a boost in cash on top of your deposit, and sometimes you'll even be awarded free spins. This kind of bonus can amplify your winnings, but before you claim any bonus always read the terms and conditions. The terms and conditions may reveal hidden requirements that could make claiming the bonus impossible, such as an unfair rollover requirement or a ridiculous maximum cashout that would force you to forfeit most of the money you win.

Remember, Don't Take it Too Seriously

Slots should never be viewed as a guaranteed way to win money. Slots are games, crafted for entertainment purposes. Spinning the reels and enjoying flashing graphics and the thrill of matching symbols is why we play, not to win giant jackpots. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure we'd all enjoy landing a massive jackpot while playing the game, but gambling on slot machines will never result in guaranteed income. This is all about entertainment.

Whether you win while playing slots depends on different factors. While strategy plays a role in picking the slot game, after a certain amount of time your outcome is based on pure luck, and it doesn't matter where or when you play, or how active or inactive the slot machine you pick is, the result of your spin is determined using random number generators, period.