Tips To Boost Your Odds Playing Slots

BetMGM Nov 10, 2025, 9:52 AM
min read
close up of slot machines lined up next to each other in a casino

How Do Slots Work?

With the help of algorithms, symbols, and a random number generator (RNG), playing online slots begins by pressing the game’s “Spin” button and watching the reels rotate on-screen to determine the eventual outcome.

Unpredictability is the nature of the game, and RNG in slot games further solidifies this. So, whether you’re playing at an offline or online casino, the combination of complex algorithms and a random number generator ensures the game’s fairness and removes the ability of casinos to control slots.

Visually, you’ll be welcomed by an array of bright, themed symbols. For example, a Viking-themed slot machine will incorporate various Nordic symbols and characters. The ability to intertwine themed games is another factor contributing to the dominant growth of slots. With the advent of themed slots, gamblers went from a handful of traditional machines to a seemingly endless number of variations, including James Bond-, Indiana Jones-, and Christmas-themed slots. More often than not, you can play casino games online that integrate your favorite movies, series, and musicians.

Getting started with slots can be overwhelming because there are numerous options available. But with a reliable online slot guide to give you some online slot machine tips, and an understanding of the different types of slots, you’ll feel much more confident.

Different Types of Slot Machines

Due to the popularity of slots and online casinos’ ability to regularly upload new games, there are plenty of machines to choose from. Game developers create and release numerous games each month, helping keep the online gambling scene fresh and thrilling. Players are consistently treated to the best online slot machines at reputable casinos.

There are four main types of online slots.

1. Classic Slots

Perfect for beginners, classic slot games are usually three-reel machines that include traditional symbols, including fruits, bars, and lucky sevens. While the easy-to-play nature makes this a great place to start playing slots, they’re also known as high RTP and medium-to-low volatility slot games. One significant difference between video slots and classic slots is that classic slots typically don’t offer large payouts, as wins are capped at 1,000x the bet, sometimes lower.

2. Video Slots

With themed games, enticing slot bonuses, and multiple paylines, the exciting world of video slots is a staple of any online casino. Video slots are the most popular choice of slot games thanks to some of the best online slot graphics and daily (or weekly) rewards like free rounds and spins. But, due to the generous bonuses that video slots offer, they’re often categorized as high-volatility slots, with below-average RTP rates below 96%.

3. Progressive Slots

Here’s where you can potentially win life-changing money. Why? Because in progressive slot games, a portion of each wager placed on the game is accumulated in a jackpot and won by a random few. These huge payouts are the reason why progressive jackpots are popular. Be aware, though, that progressive slot machines rarely offer RTPs over 94%.

4. Megaways Slots

Megaways slots — popular among high rollers — are known to be exhilarating, with the chance of huge slot bonus payouts. However, while they’ve produced some astonishing wins worth tens of thousands of dollars, they require large bankrolls to keep you in the game long enough to achieve a victory. You definitely need a “bet big, win big” mentality, but don’t venture toward playing Megaways slots if your bankroll budget doesn’t allow for it.

How Can I Boost My Odds

For beginners wondering how to win consistently on slot machines, it’s essential to understand that it takes more than just luck. There are several tips and strategies for slot machines you can implement to boost the odds. Read more about the dos and don’ts when playing slots below.

Casino Bonuses and Rewards

Take advantage of the online casino bonuses and rewards that come your way. Not only do they grant you more spins, but it’s also a great way to familiarize yourself with the game’s combinations and symbols before staking your own money. There are several great BetMGM casino bonuses to help newer players get started with their first play session.

Find Games With High RTP Percentages

Slot RTP (Return To Player) signifies the average amount of money the game pays back over time — try aiming for slots with the highest RTP. Tips for online slots recommend 96% RTP as a good baseline, but the higher, the better.

Play Free Practice Games

Before playing for real money, beginners can use the free practice games to familiarize themselves with the buttons, game speed, and bets available. Moreover, it allows you to gauge how much you should stake. A good responsible betting tip is to try games for free (that is, if the game offers a demo version) before risking real money wager.

Set Limits

A golden rule is only to stake what you can lose; otherwise, you’re risking your finances. Agreeing on a budget or setting limits for online casino games are effective ways to ensure you’re always gambling responsibly. You should also look for online slots with the highest RTP to avoid losing money on low-return games.

Study the Pay Table

As mentioned before, skills and slots are more intertwined than most think. Most experienced players study slot paytables to find out what the symbols are worth, whether there are wild symbols to look out for, and which slot paylines apply to a particular machine. By entering a game prepared, you’re increasing your chances of success.

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