How to win at slots — a strategy for 2024
How to win at slots is one of the most searched terms in this industry. The truth is that there’s no such thing as a strategy to win big on slots or even one that guarantees sure wins.
However, there are a few tips and tricks that will give you an extra edge. Read on to discover our top 10 tips to increase your chances of winning on slots.
The top 10 tips for playing slot machines
Everybody wants to know how to win at slot machines and if there’s such a things as the best strategy for slots. The truth is there’s no best way to win on slots. Having said that, there are ways to give yourself a better edge. Here are our top tips for playing slot machines.
Choose wisely between progressive and regular slots
Progressive slots come with a chance of winning some serious money. Network progressive slots sometimes have jackpots that go into the millions. It goes without saying that the bigger the jackpot, the more people will play and the less chance there is for a win. Sometimes it’s better to go for smaller, local jackpots like the Quick Hit slot series where you have more opportunity to hit a win or try your luck on a progressive jackpot.
Always demo new slots
Many people play for the thrill of winning money, and demoing a game goes against that concept. Having said that, it does give you a chance to get a feel for the slot. RTP and volatility are just two small metrics, and playing the game as a demo will provide you with more of an understanding of payout patterns.
Take time to study the paytable
The paytable will tell you everything you need to know about the slot’s mechanics. Usually, the paytable will have an intro to the slot, a list of how much all symbols pay out, and details about the bonus or free spins rounds. If you look into the nitty gritty, it will also give further information about a slot’s other features (such as the gamble feature).
Always check the RTP
RTP, or return to player, is a metric to look out for as it calculates the rate of payouts a slot has in the long run – this is a theoretical tool, and the outcome of the slot varies over time. Just because a slot has an RTP of 97% doesn’t mean you will win $97 when betting $100. You may win more, or you may win less. For online slots, the industry standard stands at 96%.
Clock in on the variance
A slot’s variance, or volatility, is an essential factor to consider. The higher the volatility, the riskier a slot is. Wins don’t come often, but when they do, they will be worth your time and money. Sometimes these wins come quickly, and sometimes they will empty your bankroll. If you want less risk, then go for lower volatility slots. Remember that some slots will have a bonus with varied volatility, and it will be up to you to choose the bonus or free spins round that’s right for you.
Take time to read the reviews
After doing everything above, it’s always a good idea to read the slot review. How to win on slot machines is more about arming yourself with the correct information. Online reviews will confirm if the volatility and RTP of a slot feel as described and tell you which of the slot bonus features would be the most lucrative.
Try newly launched slots
We all have our favorites, but sometimes it’s easy to get stuck in a rut playing the same few games. Trying out new games will give you a fresh perspective, and you never know; you may always find a new favorite. How to win at slots is not just about money but also about what you get back for your time.
Make sure you have a budget
If you’re going to gamble, one of the best strategies is to set a budget and stick with it – this will tie into what we’re saying in the next point. Making sure you only bet what you can lose and having a limited bankroll will help you not stretch yourself, meaning you will gamble responsibly.
Don’t just play to win
This may sound a little counterintuitive, especially on a page that’s geared toward how to win at real money slots. But the mindset you’re in is an important one. If you’re playing for fun, anything extra that comes along is a bonus. If you’re playing only to win, chances are you will end up chasing your losses, which is never a good idea.
Don’t discount sweepstake casinos
One of the hottest things in gambling right now is sweepstakes casinos. They work similarly to real-money casinos, but instead of spending real money at a casino, you’ll be spending sweeps cash.
Where to test out your slots strategy
Once you have decided on your very own how to win at slots strategy, then it’s time to choose a casino to test this out. Here you’re looking for a few things. First, you want a casino with a good welcome bonus with low wagering requirements.
Next up, you’ll need a casino where you can test your slot strategy for free. Finally, it is also worth looking through a casino’s ongoing slot tournaments. Here’ are ‘s our top pick for the best casino to give you a headstart and help you try out your tips for playing slot machines.
| Casino Logo | Odds rating | Bonus | Go to casino Button | Show more | T&C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
88/100 Games rating by Ian Z. 86% Playscore based on |
100% up to $2,500 and 2,500 Reward Credits on a $25+ wager
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
11 payment methods 
|
|
1
|
96/100 Games rating by Paul P. 87% Playscore based on |
Up to 120,000 Gold Coins + 10 Sweeps Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
3 payment methods
|
|
2
|
96/100 Games rating by Paul P. 79% Playscore based on |
1,000,000 Gold Coins + 2.5 Spree Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
5 payment methods
|
|
3
|
95/100 Games rating by Vule P. 80% Playscore based on |
35,000 Gold Coins + 5 Sweepstakes Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
6 payment methods
|
|
4
|
95/100 Games rating by Paul P. 89% Playscore based on |
30,000 Lucky Coins + 4 Sweeps Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
5 payment methods
|
|
5
|
95/100 Games rating by Paul P. 82% Playscore based on |
200,000 Gold Coins + 3 Sweepstakes Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
15 payment methods
|
|
6
|
92/100 Games rating by Claire S. 92% Playscore based on |
Up to 650,000 Gold Coins and 1,400 Sweeps Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
6 payment methods
|
|
7
|
92/100 Games rating by Claire S. 84% Playscore based on |
Up to 367,000 Gold Coins + 32.3 free Sweepstakes Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
8 payment methods
|
|
8
|
92/100 Games rating by Paul P. 86% Playscore based on |
Up to 5000 Gold Coins + 0.6 Sweepstake Cash and 3 Treasure Chests
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
10 payment methods
|
|
9
|
91/100 Games rating by Paul P. 85% Playscore based on |
15,000 Gold Coins + 2.5 Sweeps Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
4 payment methods
|
|
10
|
91/100 Games rating by Charlie S. 90% Playscore based on |
57,000 Gold Coins + 27.5 free Sweeps Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
4 payment methods
|
|
11
|
90/100 Games rating by Paul P. 86% Playscore based on |
150,000 Gold Coins for $10 + 30 FREE Sweeps Coins — over 65% off
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
6 payment methods
|
|
12
|
90/100 Games rating by Paul P. 80% Playscore based on |
7,500 Gold Coins + 2.5 Sweeps Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
8 payment methods
|
|
13
|
90/100 Games rating by Anna M. 92% Playscore based on |
1.5 million WOW Coins + 35 free Sweepstakes Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
8 payment methods
|
|
14
|
90/100 Games rating by Claire S. 96% Playscore based on |
250,000 Gold Coins and $25 Stake Cash
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
11 payment methods
|
|
15
|
88/100 Games rating by Claire S. 87% Playscore based on |
2,000,000 Gold Coins and 2 FREE Sweeps Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
9 payment methods
|
|
16
|
88/100 Games rating by Paul P. 90% Playscore based on |
Up to 200,000 Gold Coins + 9 Sweeps Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
6 payment methods
|
|
17
|
86/100 Games rating by Paul P. 85% Playscore based on |
50,000 Gold Coins + 5 Sweeps Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
10 payment methods
|
|
18
|
85/100 Games rating by Paul P. 84% Playscore based on |
100,000 Gold Coins + 2 FREE Sweeps Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
6 payment methods
|
|
19
|
85/100 Games rating by Paul P. 83% Playscore based on |
500 Gold Coins + 3 FREE Sweeps Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
8 payment methods
|
|
20
|
85/100 Games rating by Paul P. 91% Playscore based on |
100,000 Crown Coins + 2 FREE Sweeps Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
7 payment methods
|
|
21
|
85/100 Games rating by Paul P. 85% Playscore based on |
7,000 Gold Coins and 10 FREE Sweeps Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
9 payment methods
|
|
22
|
84/100 Games rating by Charlie S. 87% Playscore based on |
Up to 1,000 Gems + 50% extra Gems on first purchase
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
5 payment methods
|
|
23
|
84/100 Games rating by Claire S. 85% Playscore based on |
100,000 Gold Coins + 200 free spins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
6 payment methods
|
|
24
|
81/100 Games rating by Paul P. 86% Playscore based on |
2,000,000 Gold Coins + 250 free Sweeps Tokens
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
6 payment methods
|
|
25
|
80/100 Games rating by Paul P. 78% Playscore based on |
7,500 Gold Coins + 2.5 Sweepstakes Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
4 payment methods
|
|
26
|
78/100 Games rating by Paul P. 89% Playscore based on |
250 Game Coins + 5 Sweeps Coins and 600 Diamonds
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
6 payment methods
|
|
27
|
75/100 Games rating by Paul P. 85% Playscore based on |
125,000 Fun Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
5 payment methods
|
|
28
|
75/100 Games rating by Claire S. 86% Playscore based on |
Daily Free Spins and Credit Bonus
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
6 payment methods
|
|
29
|
70/100 Games rating by Paul P. 88% Playscore based on |
200% match up to $500
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
5 payment methods
|
|
30
|
70/100 Games rating by Claire S. 79% Playscore based on |
Up to 125,000 Tournament Coins and 300 Promotional Entries
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
5 payment methods
|
|
31
|
69/100 Games rating by Paul P. 77% Playscore based on |
250,000 Gold Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
7 payment methods
|
|
32
|
68/100 Games rating by Charlie S. 87% Playscore based on |
250,000 Tao Coins + up to 3,000 FREE Secret Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
6 payment methods
|
|
33
|
62/100 Games rating by Charlie S. 86% Playscore based on |
100,000 Gold Coins + 50% Super Coins Match Bonus
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
5 payment methods
|
How do online slots work
How slots work hasn’t changed drastically since mechanical slots were introduced in 1895 by mechanical engineer Chris Fey. After a player wagers his money, the reels will spin, and according to how they stop, a win or a loss is registered. Nowadays, online slots use an RNG or random number generator that decides each spin’s outcome. This RNG software is audited by the regulatory authorities to ensure fairness. Check out our casino slots page for more in-depth information about things such as RTP and variance.
When you’re ready to take on games for real attempts at wins, online casinos accepting PayPal are a safe bet. They have fast transactions, good security, and great limits.
Slots with the best odds
How to win on slot machines is ultimately all up to chance. The outcomes are random, and it’s useless to believe in myths such as slots working in cycles or not paying out after a big win. However, there is one factor that gives a player a good insight into how much slots pay out: RTP or the return to player percentage. Higher RTP games tend to be seen as less risky, so here are our top five slots.
- Blood Suckers – 98% — NetEnt
This NetEnt game is probably one of the best slots to play if you’re new and want a low risk slot. It has low volatility and a very high RTP standing at 98%. It’s fun to play, but the graphics are pretty dated, and it does feel its age (it was released in 2009).
- White Rabbit Mega Ways – 97.24% RTP — Big Time Gaming
With medium to high volatility, White Rabbit Megaways transports you to the land of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. There, you will meet all the characters from the book, but it’s the White Rabbit that is the main protagonist. This slot has 248,832 ways to win, a bonus round that will leave you breathless, and a max win of $800k when betting at maximum stakes.
- Halloween Fortune – 97.06% RTP — Playtech
There are some games you end up playing all year round, even though they are season slots. Halloween Fortune is one of these, as its high RTP and low volatility make it a chill slot to play. It only has one main bonus feature, but its design and exciting take on the bonus round make it worth your time.
- Wolfpack Pays – 97.7% RTP — Nextgen
Wolfpack Pays is played on five reels and has 243 ways to win. It has medium volatility and a max win of $388,800. Go through the forest as a lone wolf in search of free spins and bonus features. Each win awards free spins. Find the bald eagle, and you’ll be in for some fantastic wins.
- Secrets of Atlantis – 97.07% — NetEnt
Dive into the deep blue sea in Secrets of Atlantis. With medium volatility, 5 reels, and 40 paylines, this slot is gorgeous to look at. The calming blues, beautifully crafted symbols, and calming melodies make this a relaxing slot to play. Add the lovely wild mermaids and the two-way-pays grid, and you’re in for a treat.
How to win on slot machines at land-based casinos
How to win at slots that are land-based is slightly different than online slots. Here you don’t have bonuses to help your chances, and the old-fashioned slot machines won’t even have things like bonus rounds.
Land-based slot machines are also known to have a much lower RTP than online slots – generally around the 85% mark (which is relatively low compared to the 96% industry standard of online slots).
As for tips on how to win online machines, these stay the same as with online slots. The most basic ones are to:
- Always play within your bankroll and make sure you have a loss limit – whether you’re playing for pennies or a high roller.
- Forget about special mechanics. There is no such thing as a sure way to win on slots. It’s all snake oil.
- Go for higher RTP slots and if you’re just starting out, go for low stakes (or penny) slots.
FAQ
Is there a trick to winning at slot machines?
No, there isn’t a best way to win on slots. No strategy for slots will guarantee a definite win. Online slots use RNG software, meaning each spin’s outcome is entirely random. However, one thing that can help is choosing a casino with a good welcome bonus, bonuses for existing players, and slot tournaments.
What is the best strategy for slot machines?
There is no such thing as the best strategy for slot machines online. Each outcome of every spin is completely random; however, there are a few things that you can do which will give you a slight advantage.
What kind of slots pay the best?
Mathematically, the slots with the highest RTP will pay out mostly. Mathematically, the slots with the highest RTP will pay out mostly. However, you’ll need to look at the max win when talking about how much you can win on a slot. Remember that the max win sometimes has something like a 1 in a billion chance to hit. Typically, high volatility slots tend to have the highest max win.
Can you win real money on a slot machine?
Yes, if you’re playing with real money, anything you win on a slot is yours – this also goes for any jackpots you manage to hit. Keep in mind that if you’re playing with bonus money, you might need to go through wagering requirements before being able to withdraw.
