Boost Your Slots Odds: Winning Tips Guide

Many gamblers enjoy playing online slots. But to make the most of your time playing slot machines, it’s key to understand their odds and payouts properly. 

Unlike typical table casino games, calculating slot machine odds isn’t easy due to the various and sometimes complex elements involved. In this Instant Casino article, we’ll walk through the factors behind slot machine odds, which metrics to use, and how to boost your odds of winning slots.

How do Casino Slots Games work?

Slot machines are the heart and soul of Las Vegas casino floors, known for captivating players with their bright lights and fun graphics. Online slots are also popular among players at home. But what makes these popular casino games tick? At the center of every spin is a Random Number Generator (RNG). This clever piece of technology ensures that each spin is entirely random, so every player has an equal shot at hitting a big win.

Online slot games come in various flavors, with hundreds of unique themes, symbols, and gameplay mechanics. Modern slot machines feature themes ranging from classic fruit icons to mythology and stunning designs based on popular movies. 

Many of the best slots also up the ante with wild symbols, scatter symbols, and various bonus features that raise the excitement and chances for big wins. Likewise, some are progressive jackpot slots, which add a small percentage of each wager to a jackpot. This proportion of all the wagered money collectively builds up to a potentially life-changing sum to be won by one lucky player.

The key to these games is the paytable, which outlines the winning combinations and their payouts. Some symbols appear more frequently than others, which helps to determine the different payouts and ensures the casino maintains its edge over time.

What are Slots Odds?

Slots odds refer to the probability of winning on a slot machine. These odds are determined by the combination of symbols that appear on the reels, and the likelihood of each combination occurring.

Thanks to the magic of Random Number Generators (RNGs), every spin you take is entirely independent and random. The RNG generates a vast range of numbers every second, and the moment you hit the spin button, it selects one of these numbers. This number determines where the reels will stop, what symbols will line up, and whether you’re looking at a winning slot machine. So, regardless of if you win or lose on one spin, it has no bearing on the next—it’s all pure chance.

Slots Odds Calculation

Slot odds can be calculated by looking at the possible combinations. For example, a slot machine with three reels, each containing 20 symbols, has 20 x 20 x 20 = 8,000 possible combinations. 

To determine the probability of hitting a specific combination, you divide the number of ways to achieve that combination by the total number of combinations. If a particular symbol appears once on each reel, the probability of landing that symbol on all three reels is 1/20 x 1/20 x 1/20, or 1 in 8,000. 

In practice, the variability of slot machines in terms of their pay lines, bonus features, wilds, and so on, makes it tricky for a player to easily calculate the odds of hitting a winning combination for a given slot machine. That’s where the Return to Player (RTP) percentage comes in.

RTP is a theoretical payout percentage that indicates how much of the total bets slot machines offer back to players over time. The house edge is the remaining percentage that the casino retains as profit. Online slot games with a higher RTP can be seen as having higher winning odds and vice versa, offering a quick snapshot of the expected payout rate.

For example, a set of machines with a 95% RTP means that, on average, the slots pay $95 for every $100 wagered, with the casino keeping the remaining $5. However, this doesn’t reflect the RTP after each game; the payout percentage is calculated over millions of spins, meaning individual results can vary widely.

Slots Volatility Explained

Slot volatility, also known as variance, is a concept that indicates how frequently a slot machine pays out and the size of those payouts. It can help you pick a particular slot that fits your style.

High Volatility Slots

High volatility slots are the wild ones, offering big wins but not very often. A high volatility slot is perfect for players who love the thrill of chasing a massive jackpot and are willing to risk long dry spells. You might spin 100 times without a win, then record a huge win on the 101st spin. Think of games like Gates of Olympus and Dead or Alive—these types are the best slots for those big, heart-pounding payouts.

Medium Volatility Slots

Medium volatility slots are the middle ground, balancing regular smaller wins with the occasional big one. They’re great if you want a mix of excitement and steady play. Piggy Riches and Ze Zeus are good examples of this type; they keep things interesting without too much risk.

Low Volatility Slots

Low volatility slots pay out small amounts frequently. They’re ideal for players who prefer a longer, more relaxed gaming session and those with a smaller bankroll. You won’t win a fortune, but you’ll enjoy more frequent wins and payouts. Games like Starburst and Cornelius fall into this category.

Improving Odds Tips

Want to improve your chances at slots? While there’s no magic trick to guarantee a win, smart strategies can help you better and longer. Here are some handy tips to use the next time you play slot machines:

1. Pick High RTP Slots: The Return to Player (RTP) percentage indicates how much a slot machine pays back over time. The higher the RTP, the better your chances of getting some of your money back over time. Look for slots with an RTP of 96% or above.
2. Learn the Paytable: Each slots game has a paytable that shows the value of each symbol and how the game’s features work. They also outline special game features, like bonus rounds, wilds, and scatters. Spend a few minutes studying this before you start playing. It helps to know what to look out for to maximize your winning odds.
3. Play Low Volatility Slots: For more frequent but smaller wins, choose low volatility slots. They’re ideal if you want to stretch your bankroll and play slots for longer periods.
4. Use Online Casino Bonuses: Take advantage of free spins, welcome bonuses, and other promotions at online casinos. For example, Instant Casino offers a 10% weekly cashback rebate on net losses, giving you more chances to win without spending extra money​.
5. Set a Budget and Stick to It: Manage your bankroll by setting limits on how much you’re willing to spend and win when you play online slots. This prevents you from overspending and helps make sure you walk away with your winnings intact.
6. Practice in Demo Mode: Try the demo versions of slots. This lets you get a feel for the game and develop a strategy without risking any money​.

FAQ

How are slots machine odds determined?

Slots machine odds are set by a Random Number Generator (RNG) that makes every spin random and independent. This randomness creates the probability of landing specific combinations. For instance, a slot with three reels and 20 symbols each has 8,000 possible combinations. The Return to Player (RTP) percentage is a key indicator of these odds, showing the expected payout over time.

What is the RTP in slots?

RTP, or Return to Player, indicates the percentage of all wagered money that a slot machine pays back to players over time. For example, a slot with a 96% RTP returns $96 for every $100 bet, calculated over millions of spins. It’s a good indicator of a casino game’s payout potential.

Can you improve your odds of winning slots?

While slots are games of chance, you can improve your odds by choosing high RTP slots, learning the paytable, and managing your bankroll wisely. Using casino bonuses and playing low-volatility slots for small, frequent payouts can also help stretch your budget.