It’s no secret that slot machines are among the most popular but also unpredictable forms of gambling. Every day, thousands of players around the world lose their money trying to beat these infernal machines to win the fortunes of their dreams. If you’re reading this article, chances are you’ve experienced such defeats too.
You might be wondering if winning big is even possible here. Fortunately for you, there is a way to increase your odds. What you need to do is learn the key terms associated with slots and use this knowledge to your advantage.
These are so important as they’re directly related to the way slot machines operate. According to betsquare.com experts, knowing what terms like RTP, volatility, RNG, hot and cold slots, progressive jackpots, and the various types of bets available on the machines can help you choose the right games and increase your chances of scoring the prize. Read on and learn the inner workings of these one-armed bandits!
Slot Term #1: RTP (Return-to-Player)
The Return-to-Player percentage of a slot machine is what determines how much of the money can really be lost while playing the game. This is a crucial metric because it’s directly connected to your chances of profiting off the slot. Because of that, it might be a good idea to stay away from slot machines with low RTP.
The overall RTP of a slot machine is calculated by taking the total amount of money paid out to players as a percentage of the total amount of money wagered on it. In other words, if you play a slot machine that has a 20% RTP, then on average, only a fifth of the money invested during your gambling session will be returned to you. Of course, most slot machines never reach such low RTP levels, but even an 80% RTP game can be devastating in the long run, so it’s recommended that you don’t play the games lower than 95% RTP – this way, potential losses won’t hurt as much.
Slot Term #2: Volatility
Volatility is another term you should be aware of. This is simply a measure of how often your chosen slot will hit the correct combination and how big the prize will be. Basically, the higher the volatility, the more you can expect to be paid. However, it also means that it’s less likely to hit anything at all. On the other hand, if you choose slot machines with low volatility, you can expect to win more often but at a lower amount. In the end, you need to decide what kind of gambler you are – whether you prefer bigger wins or more frequent smaller wins.
Slot Term #3: RNG (Random Number Generation)
The Random Number Generation or RNG is a software type used by online casinos to make sure that slot machines are entirely fair in their randomness. This way, you know that the result is completely up to luck, and the machine hasn’t been rigged against you.
RNGs are often used in regulated gambling environments, so they’re considered a good indicator that the slot machine you’re playing is legal. Unfortunately, that also means RNG-based slots are virtually impossible to predict. That means you might instead want to try the reel-based ones as these rely on a physical set of wheels to generate results. This, in turn, can make them easier to fully comprehend using advanced math.
Slot Term #4: Hot Slots and Cold Slots
A slot machine is considered to be hot when it’s on a winning streak. When this happens, you can expect to win a jackpot every time you play it. The opposite also applies – if a slot machine is cold, then you should avoid playing it at all costs because it’s unlikely that you’ll win anything from it. It’s worth noting that the “hotter” a machine becomes, the less frequently it will payout, and the tables will eventually turn. You can spot a “hot” slot by looking at its payout percentage over time.
Slot Term #5: Progressive Jackpots
Progressive slots are different from other games in that they have a chance to hit an incredibly high jackpot even during your first spin. These machines work by combining the money bet in all the machines within the network and distributing it among all players if they hit the jackpot. This way, anyone can win a massive fortune – often in the hundreds of thousands, so if you’re lucky enough, you might be set up for the future. The chance of hitting a progressive jackpot is very slim, but it sure happens every now and then.
Slot Term #6: Different Types of Bets
There are many different types of bets that you can place when playing slots. Each of them has its own specific rules, so you’ll have to study them carefully before using them. The most common ones are bet max, bet min, bet per line, and bet one. Each of these bets has its own particular features, which you should be aware of before placing your money on the table. The first two types of bets refer to, respectively, the maximum and minimum amount of money you are allowed to bet per spin. Bet per line refers to the sum gambled on the active line. Finally, bet one means wagering only 1 credit per spin.
Conclusion
Slot machines are among the most popular forms of gambling. Their popularity is due to their simplicity and flexibility, as well as the fact that they offer a lot of possibilities for players who want to experiment. Of course, you shouldn’t forget that there are also some downsides to online slots, as they can be hard to predict, you can lose your hard-earned money just because of a streak of bad luck, and you have no way to control how they really work.
However, by learning these key terms and knowing how they apply to slot machines, you’re already on your way to becoming a better player. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll have an easier time turning the tables on these one-armed bandits! May Lady Luck be with you!
