All About Casino Slots

Casino slots are the most popular form of gambling, they have hooked millions of players. Just like state lotteries, the slot's allure is a chance to instant fortunes for a relatively small investment ... and they are fun to play.

Unlike video poker, there are no strategies to memorize. Nevertheless, playing slot machines intelligently does require certain skills. Here are the essentials on how to increase the likelihood of hitting a sizeable jackpot.

All casino slot machines work pretty much the same. In a physical casino you spin the reels by either pushing a button or pulling on a handle, to play online casino slots you use the mouse. Easy enough. That's what all slot players do, but if you want a better chance of winning, you need to know a lot more about slot machines.

On straight (or regular) slots the jackpot is part of the fixed pay schedule and never changes. The jackpot amount is clearly posted on the machine. Standard models generally offer more realistic odds with the trade-off being that you're playing for a much smaller top prize than what's dangled on the progressives.

As the name implies, the big jackpot on progressive casino slot machines grows larger and larger with every coin inserted. It's everybody's dream to win that huge jackpot at least once.

As a rule, two-coin, three-reel machines are your best bet. The jackpot will be relatively modest, but so is the risk. Four- or five-reel slots, featuring single, double and triple bars, sevens, or other emblems, do offer a much bigger jackpot, but it's harder to get.

Then there are the linked progressive casino slots dangling enormous jackpots. Such jackpots get so big because they are fed by numerous machines from many casinos. Remember that the odds on these machines are even higher. But then, huge jackpots are hit all the time . . . you never know, today could be your lucky day.

Most slot machines accept 2, 3 or 5 coins per spin. Before deciding how many coins to play, consider this: If the first coin returns a jackpot of 400 coins, the second 800 coins, and the third 1,200 coins, there isn't much advantage in playing multiple coins, unless you wouldn't be happy with a win of only 400 coins.

On some slots the jackpot is paid at a much higher multiplier on maximum coin play. Supposing, in the above example, three coins paid 2,000 coins instead of 1,200, then it would be foolish not to insert the maximum. Definitely play maximum coins if a bonus is offered.

To be a winner at slots you have to be a tough customer. Once you're ahead by 25% over your starting bankroll, quit! Don't get greedy -- continue playing and you WILL put it all back. You should know that from past experience! Now you're smarter!

As long as you're not risking money that wasn't meant for gambling, lots and lots of luck and enjoy your slots play!

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