Slot Machine Secrets That Casinos Don’t Want You To Know

min read
a slot machine lit up inside a casino
BetMGM Jan 02, 2024, 10:25 AM

Any good online casino will possess a wide variety of slots. Slot games were invented in the late 19th century and have been a staple since the first legal casinos opened. As you’d expect, casino game developers constantly innovate to improve gameplay. At the same time, the casinos themselves are always trying to find ways to enhance the player’s experience. 

While there is no trick to winning slot machines, there are a few well-kept online slot machine secrets you could use to improve your chances of winning. While they usually give casino operators the edge, seeing these slot machine secrets exposed could help tilt the odds in your favor. Here are a few tips for playing online slots to help you make informed decisions in the future.

1. Spin Speed Is Deliberate

A slot game is typically the fastest game in a casino. Although the quickfire action is part of the fun, casino operators are secretly hoping that you’ll spin more as a result. Many online casino games include features like Turbo Spin to speed things up even further.

It’s worth noting that game developers are bound by strict regulatory rules to ensure they don’t cross any ethical lines.

2. Slots Aren’t Randomly Arranged

Slots in a casino are placed that way for a reason. The owners investigate areas of the gaming floor with the highest traffic and position popular slots in these areas. As you might guess, these games bring the casino the most money. 

This practice has been transferred to internet casinos as well. The most popular slots with players and the most profitable games for the casino dominate the home page.

3. Your Gameplay Is Monitored

Monitoring doesn’t necessarily mean someone behind a screen is watching your every move. But casinos do track player behavior from the very first click. This includes metrics like slot game section, betting patterns, and duration of play. 

A casino’s online marketing team uses the insights to tailor ads accordingly. Their goal, as always, is to get you to play with them rather than the competition. By tracking your games, the casino is learning more about your online slot secrets, and this info can be used to create a more personalized experience for you going forward.

4. Casinos Win in the Long Run

Gambling is designed to favor the house. Of course, you can always get lucky and land a mouthwatering jackpot. But this is the exception rather than the norm. Slots are configured to pay back a percentage of money received, called the Return to Player (RTP) rate.

If you’re playing long-term, accept that the casino will likely win, and remember that this is a form of entertainment. The average player loses more than they win. Dare to dream, but keep it fun.

5. Animation Is a Decoy

One of the most exciting things about slots is the impressive quality of the graphics used. Technology has come a long way from the classic 3-reel slots with simple cartoon-style fruits, golden bells, and card icons. 

Many modern video slots feature colorful and engaging animations. The plan is to get you excited about playing so that losses aren’t as impactful as possible. If you love slots for entertainment, this is to your advantage. 

6. Removal of the Slot Lever Is Dual-Purpose

Every industry should move with the times, and casinos certainly have — they’ve gone from huge cranks and levers to tiny buttons and touchscreens. However, the convenience of these changes for players is also an advantage for casinos.

When slot machines were still old-fashioned, one-armed bandits, the physical demands of the games restrained some players. As a result, slots now move faster, which ties in with the aforementioned desire of casinos to speed up gameplay.

7. Slot Spin Results Are Completely Random

A Google search for the best slot tournament tips will produce several results, but ultimately, any advice on playing tactics is futile. That’s because slot games use a Random Number Generator (RNG) that produces an arbitrary result with every spin. 

To ensure casino sites comply with this setting, regulatory bodies monitor slot operators, guaranteeing fairness for players and the casino. This information is one of the best-kept secrets to winning online slots, as you still hear some players making false accusations of rigging games.

8. High-Volatility Slots Are the Most Profitable

A volatile slot is one with wins that are few and far between. However, if you ignore them, you could make a costly slot machine mistake, as they are one of the more profitable options. So, even if there are fewer frequent wins, the potential rewards are far greater and much more exciting.

If you look through the game libraries of online casinos, you’ll find that highly volatile slots usually feature massive maximum payouts. These games seem intimidating because the rush of a win is delayed. But they are your best shot at a big one-off profit.

9. Classic Slots Often Pay Better Than Newer Games

If you’re looking for tips and tricks to boost your odds playing slots, one of the top tips is simply not ignoring older, more classic slot machines. Slots based on the traditional 3×3 reel grid don’t garner as much attention as they used to because newer titles have more engaging storylines, themes, and juicy bonuses. But one of the best-kept casino secrets is that classic slots often pay better than the newer games. 

Sophisticated slots cost more to develop, license, and market. As such, they will usually offer lower RTP rates when compared to old-school slot games.

10. Your Win May Not Be a Win

To understand this, you need to consider prizes in light of your overall wager size. Many casino game lovers get carried away when playing, failing to keep track of their spending. Don’t make this mistake.

Modern slots feature LDWs (Losses Disguised as Wins) and payouts smaller than the total bet size. The idea is to soften the blow of a loss, avoiding feelings of disappointment for the player. Be aware of this, and you can make better betting decisions.

11. Max Betting Is the Best Option (if Done Responsibly)

People often ask if you get better payouts with a max bet when playing slots. While it might seem counterintuitive, it tends to be true. This isn’t because you will win more often but simply because putting the max bet down usually activates all the bonuses and jackpots, which increases your odds of winning.

How To Gain the Upper Hand

So, is there a secret to online slots? There’s absolutely nothing that will guarantee a win at a slot machine. But, if you go in with the right mindset and strategy, your chances of winning are better.

If casino operators can create beneficial conditions for their businesses, there’s nothing wrong with trying to give yourself an edge. Read to discover slot secrets and tips on positioning yourself better to play casino table games.

Games are for recreational purposes first, including casino games, so start by playing for fun. If money becomes your priority, things become problematic. Playing in demo mode can be an excellent way to distract yourself from the pressure of playing for monetary gain. It also helps you practice skills, like the best ways to use free spins, giving you a better chance of winning in the future.

The real trick to winning slot machines is setting a budget for your gambling sessions and sticking to it. Casinos create enjoyable and enthralling games that can keep you glued to your seat. But don’t get lost in the game completely. 

What’s in It for You?

The casino business is serious for both operators and gamblers. Slots are a big part of the fun for players, and casinos would like to profit from this. The secrets shared here are not accessible to many because of the nature of the industry. But now that you know, you can make better-informed decisions and create a more rewarding experience.

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Our BetMGM editors and authors are casino experts with a wealth of knowledge of the online casino industry at all levels. Their coverage includes company news, game reviews, how-to instructional articles, strategy guides, and editorials showcasing BetMGM’s superior product and game library.

Our BetMGM editors and authors are casino experts with a wealth of knowledge of the online casino industry at all levels. Their coverage includes company news, game reviews, how-to instructional articles, strategy guides, and editorials showcasing BetMGM’s superior product and game library.