Play Slot Consciously

When playing slot games, it is important to choose a strategy that will give you the best chance of winning. This can be done by evaluating a slot’s volatility, bonuses, and statistics of wins on the main and bonus levels.

Variance and Payout Percentage

Variance is the amount of chance that a particular symbol will appear on the reels. It can be used to determine if a slot game is suitable for your bankroll and gameplay needs. Low variance slots land wins frequently but the payouts are usually small. High variance games offer huge jackpots but the win frequency is less frequent.

Often, the variance of a slot machine is not listed on its pay table but you can read reviews to find this information. For example, if the biggest payout for five symbols is less than 3x or 4x the payout for four symbols, you can tell that a game has low variance.

Loose Slot Spots

Some people believe that casinos strategically place loose slots in high-traffic areas such as near change booths or on elevated platforms. However, this is not always the case.

A good way to find a loose slot is to ask other gamblers where the best spots are. They may be able to point you to machines that are not so tight, and will also give you a sense of how the casino operates.

You can also check the RTP, volatility and bonus percentages of a slot game before you start playing. These are sometimes posted on a game’s rules or information page or as a list on an online casino or game developer’s website.