Blog Posts

Online Casino Slots Strategy

09:00 Europe/London June 8, 2010 by bwin Casino Blog

When players set out to play slot machines at an online casino they will want to make sure they have a good slots strategy so they can increase their chances of having a good time and winning. While it may be true that slot games are more about luck, there are some things players can do which will help them to have better chances. The decision a player makes about the online casino they choose to play at will be their most important decision regarding slots strategy.

Players should find an online casino with a high payout percentage, this slots strategy will not want to be overlooked. One of the nice things about online slot machines is the fact that players do have the ability to compare those percentages. While selecting an online casino with higher payout percentages does not guarantee they will win a certain amount, it will be a good slots strategy that will definitely take them in the right direction. A good payout percentage is considered to be one of 95.6% or higher. However, an online casino claiming a payout percentage of 99.99% is more than likely stating so as an advertisement stunt. A good slots strategy will always start with smart decisions.

The next step players will want to take which is a good slots strategy is to choose an online casino powered by reliable and stable software. The software will be what determines the security of the games, the graphics, and the other features which players will count on to provide them with the ultimate slots play. By choosing wisely, players will be able to count on this software to run error free and payout those wins. There is a lot of useful content online which will help players to spot the good software.
Another good online casino slots strategy is for players to start off with a good money management system. They should make a budget for themselves and set aside a certain amount of money they can afford to lose; this will be the money they will play with. It’s important for players to stay disciplined and stick to their budget. Since each online casino will offer different denominations in their slot machines, this part of a player’s slots strategy will be easy as well. They will be able to play slot games that easily fit into their bankroll.

Perhaps the most important part of a player’s slots strategy when it comes to playing at an online casino will be to focus on the fun. This may sound a bit out there, but a major reason for playing slot machines should be to have a good time. Players won’t want to spend time on the slots when they are irritated and the game is making it worse. An online casino is there all day and night, so players should enjoy the experience and take a break when it starts to get to them. Having fun is the best way to approach any type of online gambling.

Different Types of Online Slots

03:46 Europe/London May 28, 2010 by chris

As time goes by more and more innovations are made in the gambling world, particularly in regards to one of the classic symbols of any casino: the slot machine. Having originally been created with a simple 3-wheel design modern machines have taken slots to a whole new level, offering a multitude of betting options and variations to suit the particular style or desire of any customer attracted to their classic allure. While some land-based casinos may be somewhat limited in what they can offer due to machine regulations and restrictions online gambling organizations, on the other hand, offer a wide variety of different game types and play options a few mouse clicks away that may not be available elsewhere.

Aside from the variety of both free and paid for slots one of the most common types of modern-day slots founds in any number of formats is a multi-line machine. These today generally offer up to 25 different payout line combinations with varying wagers and help add a sense of variety to the classic “old school” one-line games. Additionally the flexibility of multi–line machines allows for a number of different sub-games or options to be available as well.

One such type of slot that offers interesting sub-games for players to enjoy is a “free spin” game. These machines offer players the chance to win free spins of the wheel with whatever wager they originally placed when they won the spin, keeping all of the winnings that are earned during those free goes just as if they were paid for. This can allow players to play more and have a higher chance of realizing a return on their investment with a limited bankroll – a much-appreciated gesture by many gamblers who like to play slots casually and simply enjoy the game without spending too much at once.

Both free spin and, of course, multi-line games can also offer what is known as a progressive jackpot. This means that the more the game is played without the big jackpot being given out the higher the jackpot will be. Sometimes this can be only a few hundred dollars if the jackpot was won recently, yet in many cases it can be up in the range of thousands upon thousands of dollars if it has been sometime between successful jackpot wins.

Of course, classic games are available online as well, with many online casinos offering traditional variants of slot machines for more “classic” gamers looking to relive an old feel. Due to the digital nature of online gambling this allows many vendors to actually offer game versions and services that you be unavailable at many land-based casinos that could have removed older games some years ago due to maintenance issues and the need to upgrade equipment. Digital casinos, on the other hand, can easily maintain any number of slot games for a flexible number of players making them the best choice possible for many people looking to track down their old favorite machine and play again something they may not have seen for years.

Top 5 Most Played Casino Games

01:56 Europe/London April 18, 2010 by chris

All around the world there are countless different ways to gamble, with many different casinos offer a large selection of choices for both casual and professional visitors alike to relax, have a good time and potentially win large sums of money. The most popular games around the world right now for all players, however, are iconic and can be found in virtually every corner of the world in some form or another thanks to their timeless qualities and unerring intrigue.

Slots

The top game of choice to be found at any online casino, slots offer players a quick, easy and fun gambling experience that can potentially pay off greatly from time to time. On top of that, the automated nature of slots means that players are never pressured into an action by their peers and can enjoy their time at the machine as much as they would like without needing to worry about affecting those around them.

Video Poker

Similar to slots in the sense that it is computer-controlled and 100% automated, video poker is one machine-based game that if the right strategy is used in the right game can result in the player actually having over a 100% return on investment over time – something that is virtually unheard of in any gambling establishment.

Craps

One of the major iconic games of the casino world, craps has remained a favorite gambling game for players around the world for over 100 years. Before craps even came about dice games used for gambling date back thousands of years, meaning the modern day craps is but a continuation of a long-standing tradition of gamblers dating back as far as ancient Rome.

Roulette

Along with craps roulette has long been one of the most popular gambling games found in modern-day casinos the world over. Originally designed and first used roughly 200 years ago in France it has been a major attractor for both casual and serious gamblers alike ever since its birth due to its simplicity, excitement and reliance more upon luck than anything else for determining the outcome of a spin – making it an excellent option for many aspiring gamblers to being their career on.

Blackjack

The number one card game the world over, blackjack is another one of the few games available in casinos that can offer skilled players the chance at actually earning more than they lose against the House in the long run – something that is an elusive dream for most gamblers due to the fact that virtually all games found in gambling establishments will never let this occur even on the best of days. Simple, easy to learn and easy to enjoy, blackjack has grown to become not just one classic form either but a multitude of different games in the form of various styles that allow slight variations on the rules to help keep people interested and offer additional ways to win that standard blackjack games may not offer (such as Spanish 21, where decks contain no 10s and players may wager on one of their cards matching the dealer’s face-up card for a big win).

Become a Successful Slots Player with These Tips

02:17 Europe/London March 28, 2010 by chris

This article is not full of strategy as there is really no way to beat a slot machine seeing as how a random number generator operates them.  The outcome of a spin is random; there is no strategy that will change that.  However, there are some tips that will help you become a successful slots player.

Goals and Bankrolls

First of all, set a goal and bankroll limit and be sure to stick with them both.  Don’t’ take money with you to the casino that you need for financial reasons.  Pay your bills first, allot money for yourself and your family until your next payday, and then take a look at what’s left.  Take out a safe amount that you can afford to lose and only use that money – don’t get more!  Don’t borrow from friends or family either as this only causes major problems.  You should also set a goal – say if you lose a certain amount that you will stop playing for the day and go back at another time.

Progressive Jackpots – Max Bets

When playing progressive jackpot slot machines, be sure to play the maximum bet.  Why?  Well, the progressive jackpot only pays out on the maximum bet at its fullest potential so if you were to be betting under the maximum amount, you won’t receive the full amount of the jackpot should you hit it.  These jackpots can be very large since they are combined from all the slot machines on the same network (likely within the same casino) so you don’t want to miss your chance of winning it or having to take less of what you could have won because you weren’t playing the max bet.

Be Emotionally Intact

When playing any type of casino game, you should ensure that you are emotionally able to play.  Make sure you are in a good mood.  If you’ve had a bad day at work or at home, don’t run to the casino to get in a good mood.  More than likely, your negative mood will affect your playing ability and you’ll wind up losing instead of winning.  Your bankroll will diminish quickly and for no reason.  Simply only go play slots when you are in a good mood to ensure that you keep the most of your bankroll possible.

Don’t Leave After a Big Payout

When a slot machine hits big, don’t leave.  Despite the myths and rumors about slot machines not paying out for a while because it just paid out big, slot machines will still pay out.  They are set on a random number generator, not a generator that is able to tell when the machine paid out big and when it didn’t.

By following these four simple tips, you will better yourself as a successful slots gambler.  Most of all, though, have fun while playing.

A Few Reasons Why Online Slots Are More Favorable Than Land-Based Slots

04:12 Europe/London March 26, 2010 by chris

Many casino gamblers prefer online slots to land-based slots, but why?  Online casinos as well as online slots provide a large number of advantages than local land-based casinos.  Below you will find a few reasons why online slots are favored more heavily than land-based slots.

Play Simplicity

First off, one of the obvious reasons is that there is no dress code.  No need to make sure there is gas in your car.  No need to plan a trip to Vegas or Atlantic City.  With our ever-improving technology of computers and computer software, you have the ability to play from your own home – comfortably and with ease.  Just boot up your computer, connect to the internet, launch your internet browser, and simply login! Voila!  Begin playing!  It doesn’t matter whether you are in your pajamas or shorts, you can play.  You don’t have to dig in the closet to find clothes that match a specific casino’s dress code policy.  With the variety of online casinos today, you will have no problem finding somewhere to play – it’s sort of like finding a casino to play at on the Strip in Vegas!

Game Access and Availability

When you visit a land-based casino, you probably have specific games that you enjoy playing.  More than likely, you’ll enter the casino and venture off to the location where your favorite games are located only to get there and probably be completely full.  You probably spend hours on end waiting for the game to open up so you can sit down and play – you’ll probably spend those hours elsewhere limiting your bankroll as each minute passes.  With online slots, you will not have to wait in a line to play your favorite game.  There could be a million people that want to play the same slot game that you do and you will all get to play at the same time because online casino software is created in order to accommodate an abundant amount of people at one time.

Larger Assortment of Games

As previously said, online slots are made to accommodate a large number of people so that there is no waiting.  There is no waiting in line to play a specific game.  It’s as if you could walk into a casino and play any game that you are interested in because no one else is there playing.  You can click your mouse here and there and go from one online slot game to another.  There are also a larger number of online slots to choose from than what you would find yourself choosing between in a land-based casino – different numbered reels, different types of games, different payouts, different bet limits, etc.  While the land-based casinos have these, they are limited due to the amount of space that they have.  A live land-based casino can only hold so many slot machines and other games.

Progressive Jackpots

Many are unfamiliar with progressive jackpots.  These jackpots are jackpots that have been compiled from several different games at one time.  In land-based casinos, progressive jackpots are limited to the number of slot machines within the building (as is the variety of games, as stated above).  With online casinos and their slot machine games, progressive jackpots could include a multitude of games from a specific network, such as the maker of the site’s software.  For example, if there were five online casinos that used the Ongame Network software for their casino and games then the progressive jackpot would be compiled from those five sites.  The Internet can create large networks, much larger than those found on land.

Higher Payout Rate

Due to the fact that online casinos have less overheard costs than land-based casinos have, they are capable of providing higher payout rates on slot games.  In addition, online casinos offer a variety of bonuses such as first deposit, new player, and other buy-in bonuses.  This alone creates a huge liking to online slots.

Bet Adjustment and Maximum Bets on Slots

04:10 Europe/London March 23, 2010 by chris

If you are new to playing slots then you haven’t yet figured out that there really isn’t a strategy to utilize. With slots, even online, there is a random number generator set into place that determines the outcome of every spin.  Because of this, there is nothing that the player can do to change that.

There are many avid casino gamblers that say there are a variety of betting systems or other strategies that can be utilized to successfully beat the slot machine; however, they’ve never been proven to work efficiently.  With slots, your only hope is your luck.  Simple as that, no matter how hard it is to hear it.  There is so structured system that you can use, no betting system that you can use – online slots are merely based on your luck or misfortune.

Although every spin is random, when you feel that it may be time for a winning spin, up your bet.  Increase your bet, which will increase your payout should you win on this particular spin.  Many casino gamblers go several spins and if they see no win, then they simply increase their bet and do it all over again.  When the slot machine is not hitting at a specific time, some casino gamblers will adjust their bet accordingly to a smaller bet until the machine starts hitting or when they think that it may start hitting soon, which is when they increase their bet to receive a larger payout should the machine hit.

After winning, many will continue to play the same bet that got them the win, but after a few spins and no wins, they go back to a small bet.  If they receive a win in those first few spins after the first win, then they continue until they see no wins for several spins in a row.

It is important not to ever to do the above if you are playing on a progressive slot machine game.  The reason is because the progressive jackpot is only paid on winning spins if you are making the maximum bet.  Therefore, if you are playing a progressive slot machine game, it’s important to play the maximum bet.  Otherwise, if you were to hit a large payout, you will only get small fraction of what you would have gotten if you had been on the maximum bet.   So, remember, if you are playing a progressive jackpot machine, be sure to stick with the maximum bet.

If you raise your bet at a slot game and hit the big money, remember, it was just luck.  Slot machines are random and so is your payout.  There is nothing that you can do to alter the outcome of any spin.  The outcome of the spin is what it is and if you are lucky if you win and it is just a misfortune if you don’t.

Slot Machine Odds of Winning

16:30 Europe/London February 26, 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.

Online Slots Tournaments

16:29 Europe/London February 24, 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

17:12 Europe/London February 19, 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

17:12 Europe/London February 17, 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.


Security & Trust