Tournaments are always an exciting way to play a game as they can ignite your competitive spirit and the prizes are usually more generous. Many online slots as well as some of their land-based counterparts hold tournaments that present the opportunity to win large cash prizes or casino perks.
We’ll be taking a closer look at what playing in a slot tournament involves and everything that goes along with it, from the setup to the strategy. This might sound like serious business, but it’s all for the sake of having a good time.
What is a slot tournament?
Slot tournaments, be they land-based or online, are contests between players based on their performance in a particular slot game. Leaderboards are used to track the amounts that have been won by each competitor. The players are given a set period to try to win as much cash as possible and the person who makes it to the top of the leaderboard will win the grand prize once the competition ends. The prizes will vary, but usually consist of cash, tech gadgets and luxurious vacations.
To ensure that you get the best results, it’s a good idea to stick to a particular game and play as frequently as possible. Slot tournaments are fairly simple and there are rarely any rules added to the contest that could come across as complicated. This is what makes these tournaments user-friendly and a big hit with beginners. However, it’s really important that you don’t get carried away and stretch your budget just to stay in the running – see our tips further down for how to stay in control of your bankroll.
Understanding the leaderboard
Casinos that host tournaments, such as MGM casinos, will provide players with a leaderboard that allows them to keep track of their progress and how they compare to other competitors. The leaderboards can be seen on casino floors, so if you’re playing in slot tournaments in Las Vegas, you’re likely to find them at the center of the casino.
While the leaderboard is an excellent way of determining how well you’re doing, the information provided will also give you an indication of whether you may need to adopt a different strategy. The strategy that you deploy can consist of slowing down to minimize losing credits if your opponents are far ahead – after all, you may not be able to keep up. You could also speed up the rate of your gaming as this will allow you to try and make up the difference of your winnings compared to other players (but again, stay within the limits of your budget or you’ll risk losing more than you had bargained for.)
Types of slot tournaments
If you’re considering playing in a slot tournament at a land-based or online casino, you should know that there are two types of slot tourneys, namely:
- Buy-in slot tournaments: An entry fee is required to participate.
- Freerolls slot tournaments: No entry fee is required.
There are also VIP high-roller slot tournaments at certain casinos, but these aren’t available to all players; They can be available regularly, weekly or in the form of a monthly event.
Important tips for playing in slot tournaments
There’s no way to consistently improve your odds at winning online casino games because they are games of chance (some have an element of skill attached; others are based purely on luck.) However, there are tips that you can use to ensure you’re at the safer end of the spectrum, especially when it comes to your budget and the payouts of certain online slots. Below are some pointers to help you to get the most out of your slots tournament experience.
Stick to your budget
Overspending at a land-based or an online casino is very easy as there’s a large selection of games available, and it’s easy to get sucked into playing with more cash than you had first intended (especially in the case of tournament play.) To prevent this from happening, decide and stick to a budget that you’ve set based on your disposable income and how much you’re willing to lose. Be sure not to bet beyond the limit that you’ve set for yourself. This will allow your bankroll to go further and prolong your gaming experience.
Pay attention to the paytables
The paytables on different slots will give you some insight into the outcomes of landing symbol combinations on various paylines while mentally preparing you for the imminent challenge. Online slot machines will display the paytable and the rules within the game’s menu. Make sure you have familiarized yourself with everything before you start, including how many paylines you’ve selected to play with and your bet value per line.
Practice
You can play slots online at BetMGM, and there’s an option that will allow you to try the game with free credits. While you won’t win any real money, you’ll be able to get a feel for the type of games that you enjoy. This also allows you to practice and learn to understand how certain games work.
Play frequently, if you can
If you want to win, you’ll need to play, and each spin will give you a chance to win. Getting through your credits as quickly as you can will, by default, create more winning chances, especially if the tournament has set a time limit. This strategy is only suggested when playing in tournaments. You may well find that you’re out of your depth, though, so remember not to wager more money than you can afford to lose – however fast you play.
Slot tournaments at BetMGM
BetMGM usually hosts lucrative slot tournaments that will reward you based on the number of qualifying tournaments that you’ve participated in. To take part, all you need to do is head to one of the MGM Rewards Destinations in Las Vegas to start earning Medallions. The prize structure that’s offered consists of the following:
1-2 Medallions:
- Grand prize: $25,000
- 2nd: $5,000
- 3rd: $1,500
- 4th: $500
- 5th-25th: $250 each
- 26th-100th: $150 each
- All others: $100 each.
3-6 Medallions:
- Grand prize: $50,000
- 2nd: $10,000
- 3rd: $2,500
- 4th: $750
- 5th-25th: $500 each
- 26th-100th: $300 each
- All others: $200 each.
7-10 Medallions:
- Grand prize: $100,000
- 2nd: $15,000
- 3rd: $5,000
- 4th: $1,000
- 5th-25th: $750 each
- 26th-100th: $500 each
- All others: $250 each.
11-14 Medallions:
- Grand prize: $150,000
- 2nd: $25,000
- 3rd: $10,500
- 4th: $5,000
- 5th-25th: $1,500 each
- 26th-100th: $750 each
- All others: $500 each.
15+ Medallions:
- Grand prize: $200,000
- 2nd: $50,000
- 3rd: $15,000
- 4th: $7,500
- 5th-25th: $2,500 each
- 26th-100th: $1,500 each
- All others: $1,000 each.
There will be a final tournament that you can join and all prizes will be paid in a freeplay format unless other rules have been implemented.
Start practicing with BetMGM
Before you can head to your first tournament, you’ll need to get a feel for playing slots. Sign up with BetMGM and gain access to a broad selection of the best casino games and online slots available. Come and join the fun online!