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Slot Machine Odds of Winning

February 26th, 2010 by chris

Slot machines are notorious for having pre-determined payout levels for all customers at a casino, and learning how to leverage these to your advantage whenever possible can be the key to long-term gambling success at these machines. When looking at how to utilize the odds of slot machines for yourself there are three key concepts to bear in mind at all times moderation, discipline and bankroll management.

Moderation

When looking at most slot machines that have substantial payouts remember that the actual likelihood of you actually hitting that major payout is less than the probability of you actually winning the lottery. Still, unlike the lottery, slot machines can have a much better return on investment and can in some cases give you up to 97% returns on your money over a long period of time (though only at select machines in some casinos as this is far from the norm). Knowing this in order to better increase your odds at winning big at a machine and keep yourself playing regularly go for moderation and progressive winnings rather than wagering everything you have on one spin. While slots with smaller denominations may seem less interesting due to the fact that payouts may be slightly lower they can also help you stay in a game longer and thus make it much more likely you’ll see any money coming back to you at all in the near future rather than simply run your bankroll dry.

Discipline

Once you win even a small jackpot be sure to withdraw the money immediately from the machine. Slot machines count on people feeling “lucky” and wanting to keep going at the game in order to make themselves more money off of some small earnings in order to give the casino a better chance at getting money that is paid out back into their own pockets. Proper discipline of a player in order to know when to call it quits after a win is the difference most of the time between actually seeing some sort of return to your own coffers rather than simply dishing out money day after day. If it helps take frequent breaks as necessary in order to cool your mind and, of course, don’t get carried away in the rush if you do ever happen to hit it big, as you’re more likely to simply lose everything instead.

Bankroll Management

With the two other concepts in mind always remember that more is better when it comes to your bankroll. That means more lines and bigger wagers on a slot machine for the same money you would spend for less lines or less wagering power at another. Five lines at a nickel slot would be worth more than one line at a quarter slots, while a max bet of 25 coins at a penny slot should be viewed in the same way. Look for the machines that offer you the most “bang for your buck” and leverage them accordingly in order to best use your money where it is needed and can give you the greatest likelihood of winning. After all, slots are dependent upon pre-calculated odds, so using these as much as you can in your favor is necessary for true long-term success.

Gambling 101

February 25th, 2010 by chris

The world of gambling can be exciting, glamorous and even nerve-wracking as you play for higher stakes in a dynamic social setting. There are also a few pitfalls for those new to gambling and many things to learn and become aware of to maximize enjoyment and avoid any potential problems. Whether you are new to gambling and are looking to play at a land-based casino or online, there are a number of things you can look at in order to maximize your enjoyment and hopefully increase your winnings and minimize losses. Some tips might also make you appear more experienced than you really are, and this can be very useful in a world where bluff and psychology are part and parcel of the game.

Perhaps the first aspect to look at with regard to gambling is the bankroll, or the amount of money you will take to gamble with. Set aside an amount of money that you know you can absolutely afford to lose and that is not earmarked for any other vital purpose-for example, paying the rent, mortgage or bills. If, during your stint at the casino, you lose heavily, do not chase your losses, even for a big bonus, as you will most likely continue to lose. Also, leave all of your credit and debit cards at home, so that you will not be tempted to keep betting when your cash runs out. Most land-based casinos have ATM machines-always remember that these are there for the casinos benefit-NOT yours. They are there so that the casino can make more money from failing gamblers.

If you are playing at an online casino, make sure that you read all instructions and agreements carefully before signing up. If you have any doubts or questions, be sure to contact the customer service people. If you are not happy with the response you get, look elsewhere-you have plenty of choice. With regards to choice, do not simply sign up for the first casino you find – make sure you read plenty of customer review where you can find out about how reputable various casinos are. There are plenty of customer forums for gamblers, and they are not shy in giving their opinions when they feel they have been poorly treated. It is in a casino’s interests to keep customers happy, so take reviews seriously, but make sure it is not a site simply liked to and sponsored by a certain casino. Stick to independent reviews. In addition, you can arrange an e-cash service to place your bets, as this will not require you to share your banking details online.

Whether you go to a land casino or an online one, try to only gamble for fun and do not get too caught up. Very few people actually make a living from gambling, and if you leave with some of your bankroll, you have probably had a pretty good evening. Remember, it is supposed to be fun.

Remember also to take regular breaks in order to keep yourself mentally fresh. This will keep your decision making sharp. Also, don’t enjoy too many of the free drinks on offer. The casino is not being generous, they know that too much alcohol will impair your judgment and they will more of your cash!

Remember to try the games that offer you the best odds of winning. These tend to include blackjack, craps, video poker and baccarat. It is recommended to avoid the slots, as the odds are particularly long for you on these. Remember also that, in all games of chance, the house has a definite edge-as this is how they make their money. One experienced gamblers tip is to increase your bet by 50% every time you win. Enjoy and bet safely!

Online Slots Tournaments

February 24th, 2010 by chris

Online slots tournaments are a fun variation of the offline variety that allow players to enter in for anywhere from free to a small fee and compete with each other online to see who can win the greatest amount in the shortest time possible. Cash prizes are typically the incentive for attracting players to slots tournaments and can range anywhere from a few dollars to even $100,000 in the World Series of Slots, with many other prizes being awarded to participants other than the #1 winner. These games can be fun and exciting as they can keep any monetary loss to the player at a minimum as all players generally enter into a slots tournament off of a set minimum fee and offer a quick final decision as to who is the overall champion of the slot machines and who…well…isn’t….after only 5 to 10 minutes of play.

Different casinos offer different types of slots tournaments to players as each casino competes with one another to offer the most competitive, best tournament available that can bring in more players daily for fun competition against one another. For some slot enthusiasts this can even be a fun free competition as many gambling sites offer free tournaments and award sign-up incentives to players for participating.

When looking at how to play in a slots tournament there are two main strategies to abide by: play hard, and play fast. This generally means keeping your bets at the absolute maximum at all times in order to maximize your winning potential during the game. Since most slots tournaments are typically only 5-10 minutes long this also means that you need to make the most out of the time given to you to wager as much as you can before the timer runs out. As online slots tournaments generally utilize two separate bins of counters – one for your “play” coins that tracks how many spins you can play and one for your winnings – that are not connected at all you don’t need to worry about wagering too much and risking your winnings. As you wager more, only your assigned “play” coins will be deducted and your winnings will always be safe, so keep your bets to the max at all times.

Be sure to be quick about your spins as well. Some slots tournaments offer a large number of “play” coins to keep participants in the game for a long time and in order to successfully go through all of the coins in the set amount of time you will be required to not move from your computer or take any small break whatsoever as you may not have enough time to fully play what you are given and utilize all opportunities that are available to you. Keep your eyes on the wheel and your finger on the mouse button in order to keep your machine rolling and money coming in so that you can help ensure that you are in the paying bubble when the timer runs out and the final winners are called.

Payout and Odds of a Slot Machine

February 19th, 2010 by chris

Slot machines are notorious gambling devices that can be both entertaining and profitable for a lucky few, though as all players tend to know, these machines will always be in favor of the house taking home most of the winnings, regardless of what you may try to do in your own favor. That stated, slot machines do offer different payouts and odds depending on the machine played and the money up for grabs and, if played properly, can generally return most of your money over time so long as you make your plays right and gamble accordingly.

One of the key factors to consider when looking at a slot machine’s odds is, naturally, the actual set payout rate. Many times high-paying slot machines with up to a 98% return rate are advertised by casinos in order to attract customers, and these machines should naturally be your own primary target when you enter into an establishment advertising them. If you cannot find them on your own, then feel free to ask any of the local slot machine attendants to assist you, as it is their duty to ensure that all customers find what they seek and are satisfied with their stay at the casino.

Further, bear in mind that virtually all modern slot machines are controlled by a random number generator set to provide randomized results based off of a set algorithm to pay out spins at complete random, without any other input. This means that any strategy you have for strategically betting more at times and less at others is effectively useless, as it will have no impact upon the actual randomly generated figures. Your only chance is to focus instead on maximizing the profitability of each spin, in order to take advantage of the successful results that are generated from time to time in whatever variation there may be. As most modern slot machines typically play up to 25 different lines at once, this means a payout in your favor could occur in any one of those lines at any time, so be sure not to miss out on a chance to cash in on what may come your way.

Maximum bets also offer the highest payout potential along with the highest risk. Given the fact that even major slot machines with the largest jackpots pay out some sort of return over time, the maximum bet whenever you play may be well worth your while. It is also the only way you can guarantee that you have a chance at successfully obtaining the major jackpot prize. While lesser bets may seem safer and allow you to play longer on a smaller bankroll, they will also offer less of a major payout potential, due to their limited overall value. Therefore, you should opt for the top bets whenever possible, in order to increase your chances of winning big. Just remember not to overdo it and go beyond your capabilities because if you keep playing, slot machines will, in the end, take back more than what you put into them. Always bear this in mind, and stop when appropriate no matter whether you are ahead or behind.

Slot Machine Etiquette

February 17th, 2010 by chris

It is a given truth that every pastime undertaken in a social setting will have its own set of rules-whether formal or informal-and this certainly also applies to casino games. The first thing you might need to think about is whether or not the casino you are visiting has a dress code. If so, not adhering to it will render all else irrelevant! In some casinos, especially in Europe, it is important to bear in mind that you can also be ejected from a casino for bad language, so if your game isn’t going too well, remember that it’s only a game and keep a lid on your frustration and disappointment.

In terms of playing slot machines, one thing to bear in mind is that although slot machines can be used singularly, players are discouraged from using several machines at once in the hope of winning more money. It is widely held that players may use up to two machines at any one time, as long as the casino is not too full, but you should ensure that you are able to watch over the machines you are using in case the casino begins to fill and also to prevent yourself from being ripped off. There is a surprisingly good living that is unscrupulously made by snatching the winnings accumulated at unattended slot machines.

Also, whilst playing the slots, keep an eye out for the sight of a cup on the seat of a machine where you are thinking of playing, as, in general slot machine etiquette, this  means that the machine in question is taken already, and the player that owns the cup has either taken a short break or visited the bathroom. One of the biggest possible faux pas you can possibly make is to sit at a marked slot machine. If you do so, you will incur the anger of the player, and maybe of others, which will spoil the evening unnecessarily. In addition, if you are the player with a cup on a seat, it is considered good form to get back as soon as you can. You can ask an attendant to look after the machine while you are absent.

Another general rule of etiquette related to decency and manners, is that players refrain from kicking or hitting the machine in any way. Such acts are deeply frowned upon, and will most likely result in the player being ejected from the casino. In addition, just as screaming and cursing is against good form when one loses; it is also highly discouraged when players win. This can be different at jackpot wins, as euphoric yelps are different and are also good for casino business, as they like other punters to see other punters winning. It encourages further gambling! In general play, however, it is considered polite for players to talk quietly amongst themselves.

Lastly, it is certainly considered good etiquette to tip the slot machine host after winning a decent amount. If you bear all of these points in mind, a good and hopefully successful evening can be enjoyed by all.

A closely guarded secret

December 26th, 2009 by Carl

I remember a few years ago when I was still in gaming when a Chinese punter used to win regularly from our slots . At first I used to think that this was pure chance until one incident on who quiet afternoon shift. We had four £250 jackpot machines and this guy managed to get all four of them operating on an automatic spin. I stood there mesmerised by what was happening as one by one, the jackpots went in while our hero was happily walking around the pit.

I can still recall him now taking £1000 in £1 coins to cash desk and the cashier taking ages to count them. If anyone thinks that this was a fluke then think again because this was merely one incident out of a whole series of incidents spanning several months. The casino only managed to thwart this punter briefly when they switched slot machines and installed new ones.

He didn’t seem to win as much after that mainly because he didn’t play the new machines. But rumours were rife around the casino that this Chinese punter had cashed out over £9000 in a six month period on these four machines.

This was the amount of coin that he had taken to cash desk in that time. But there is no way that he had deposited more than that for the simple reason being that he simply didn’t play the machines that often and when he did play, I would imagine that his strike rate of winning substantial sums of money was at least 75%.

I did see him lose but it was rare and all of the staff were commenting on the fact so we all knew what the situation was. I have always known that slot machines can be manipulated but in all my years of gambling have never been able to figure out the secret.

See you soon

Carl “The Dean” Sampson

Slot Machines

November 14th, 2009 by Carl

Slot machines have been with us for a good few years now and casino slot machines almost as long. However it is little known that they were used originally as merely an alternate attraction for punters who could be classed as “non serious”. The clever thing about slot machines from a gaming point of view is that the punters do not need any experience or specialist knowledge in order to be able to play them.

In fact this combination proved so popular that many casinos in the United States have slot machines as their primary gaming devices. The technology has improved substantially of course over the years and today’s slot machines are in no way connected to their ancestors except in concept. The older machines worked on a complex set up of levers and gears but the purpose is the same, to set several reels in motion so that a result could be obtained. This result was called the “pay line” and involved a series of objects (often they would be fruit) appearing in a line.

The modern slot machines are based around central computers but are still built to look and feel just like their older ancestors. One of the common myths with slot machines is that they are “due a payout”. This simply isn’t true as the modern machines have RNG (random number generators) much like online poker sites and any payout that is “due” is an illusion. So just because a machine has not paid out in over a week does not mean that it is about to.

This is no different to say the number 44 not being drawn out in a national lottery. Many people would select this number in the belief that it was “due”. This belief would then be re-enforced for the future if number 44 did indeed arrive on the following draw. But the truth is that sophisticated lotteries are like sophisticated slot machines in that they have no memory.

I will be looking more and more into slot machines in future posts,

see you soon

Carl

Maximising profits

November 13th, 2009 by Carl

The objective of any casino is to maximise profits within set barriers. Obviously any casino owner in an ideal world would like to make 100% return on turnover on the gaming side but that isn’t possible.

Not one single punter would stand for not ever winning whether it be fruit machines, roulette, casino poker, blackjack or slots. The goal can really only be to take the maximum possible whilst still keeping the punters coming back.

This is why punters who win are the best source of advertising for any casino and adverse publicity is very bad. Roulette has always been the best money earner for the casinos due to its speed and its ability to be able to support more than a dozen players per table at any one time.

I don’t like it when land based casinos become agitated and disgruntled by punters winning sizable sums of money. I have worked on the inside so I know that it happens. I have seen countless situations where gaming managers have been openly hostile to punters who have won money.

I find this approach truly amazing in an industry where the casino has to depend on people repeatedly coming through the door in enough numbers to not only pay the overheads but to generate meaningful profits as well.

OK so casinos are not a means of social security but with areas like slots and Caribbean stud poker, then why in heavens name don’t they give the punter better value for a money?

Giving a player a 50/1 pay-off for a straight flush and this is based on the dealer having a qualifying hand of AK is ludicrous in my opinion. It is lucky for land based casinos that more punters are not aware of the odds of making these hands otherwise they simply wouldn’t play them.

Giving people value for money is the key to not only keeping them but to also keep them coming back for many years to come. Handing out a casino bonus every month would be a good start or some other incentive for players to come and play and after that…to stay and be happy.

Carl “The Dean” Sampson

Wish I knew this

September 10th, 2009 by Carl

For ages and ages, I have always known that there are ways to beat fruit machines and slots. But this is about all I know because I have never been able to figure out the secret. Back in the days when the sophistication was primitive, I knew people who knew techniques that could confuse the machine and make it pay out. In fact I have seen it with my own eyes.

This isnt conspiracy theory rubbish, I can relate you a story of a Chinese man who used to frequent the casino where I used to work. We had five fruit machines where I worked that had £250 jackpots at that time. One afternoon he came in early just after we had opened and he ended up playing all five machines at the same time. He got all 5 on an automatic spin and he then went for a stroll around as all five machines played themselves. It was the first time I had ever seen anything like this and my eyes were glued to the readouts that showed the totals.

They were up and down but seemed to be gradually going up……one by one the jackpots went in and he ended up taking £1250 in coin to cash desk. I can still see the cashier now counting out all those coins and then the manager had to refill several of the machines afterwards.

I would like to say that this was a flukey one off event but it wasnt. This guy knew something of that I have no doubt. It is probably one of those things that if you know then you dont tell……its that simple. Our casino used to switch machines every so often and I know why, it may have been to maximise the payouts but I think it was to confuse people who knew how to beat them.

I have tried in vain to get hold of this knowledge and seeing as my casino and gambling contacts are extensive then not to be able to do that after all these years just shows what a closely guarded secret it is. Maybe its something simple, maybe its complicated,maybe you have to work in that industry……either way……sure wish I knew :-)

see you soon

Carl

Microgaming Releases Another Slot Machine Called Wealth Spa

August 21st, 2009 by chris

Some casino sites online use a program called Microgaming, which is a leading software provider. Other casino sites like Ladbrokers, 32Red, Fortune Lounge Group, and Carmen Media Group also use Microgaming for their gaming software.. There are other kinds of software that you can download but Microgaming is the one that is being used the most and becoming popular fast. Some people are so comfortable now with using Microgaming that they will only join sites that offer it.

Microgaming is also famous among poker sites and games such as Texas Hold ‘em and stud poker. Microgaming has been somewhat responsible for people winning big time with slot games like Mega Moolah. The player that won Mega Moolah walked away with €6,374,434. She is not the only big winner with games like this. There are tons of others who have won loads of money by using Microgaming.

There is a wide variety of table games that support and use Microgaming. Some of those games are American Roulette, Keno, Gold Series, 3 Card Poker, Sic Bo, Spanish Blackjack, Aces & Eights, SupaJax, Tens or better, Deuces Wild and loads more. It all depends on what website you are visiting and if they require you to download Microgaming or if they use a flash version instead.

It is no surprise that Microgaming continues to do  other things to expand and grow their business. It just recently released an incredible slot machine called Wealth Spa. This Wealth Spa has lots of surprising multi- rewarding bonuses. It will make you feel like you are at a luxury spa. This Wealth Spa is a fancy five-reel 20 pay line video slot. When you play Wealth Spa, you can even begin at as little as one penny to 25 cents per line.

Microgaming will continue to strive to make their users happy so that others can come back and visit. They are also hoping, with all of the new slot machines and games coming out, that other casino sites will continue to use them. There have been few complaints where Microgaming is concerned, and because of that, people don’t mind downloading it and sharing it with their friends. Whenever people have complaints with the software, they can inform the admin of the site, and most of the time the admin will respond almost right away. Some sites even allow you to play a few free games with the software in order to test it out to see if you like it or not, before you are required to register your copy.

Some people might assume that Microgaming has Spyware and possibly viruses attached to it, but when you download the software, they reassure you that that there won’t be any spyware or viruses attached; that you only download the software to make the gaming experience faster and better. The details on the images really jump out at you and each game has different sounds included with it to offer extra realism. People using the Microgaming software also enjoy getting random bonuses from time to time.

It will be very exciting to see if in the next few months anymore casino sites sign up to use Microgaming with their casinos. With all of the new slots and games being released by Microgaming, some sites might start thinking about doing exactly that.


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