Getting an Edge with Online Slot Machines

There is not a whole lot you can control when it comes to playing slot machines, whether online or in a brick-and-mortar casino.  There are no strategies you can use to manipulate the machines, no cheats you can employ to get past the random number generator that determines whether you win or lose.  But there are some ways you can get an edge if you are smart and selective about what you play and how.

• Play video bonus slot machines.  These slots include special bonus rounds with mini-games.  The mini-games sometimes involve skill and not just luck.  If you are good at those mini-games, you can win free spins and other prizes.  Read the rules for a video bonus slot before you try playing it.  Usually the rules will explain how the mini-games work in advance, so you can determine ahead of time whether a mini-game will offer you an edge or not.  Some of them are games of pure chance, and will not actually help you (though they can still be lots of fun).

• Join a slots club or rewards program.  UK casino sites often offer these programs to frequent customers.  You accumulate points when you play the online slots, and over time these points convert to free spins and other prizes.  Like the video bonus rounds, this is a way you can get more for your money.  You can look for these programs while you are shopping around for a casino site to join.  Pick a site which will offer you a program which will cater to your needs.

• Always read the payout charts carefully before you choose a slot game to play.  Do this to compare games and choose the ones most affordable to you, but also do it to check the rules with a specific game.  Some games for example offer diminishing returns.  The potential payouts drop the longer you play.  Moving onto another game can help you keep your potential returns high.  Some games work the exact opposite way.  The longer you play, the higher the potential payout.  These games are worth sticking with, even if you are losing, because if you do win, you will win big.

• Invest the maximum bet.  This is not always the best move, but it often is.  Many games will offer progressively higher potential payouts for larger coin sizes.  Plus, many progressive slot games will not even offer you the progressive jackpot if you do not do this. 

As you can see, there are a number of ways you can boost your chances of potentially winning with online slot machines.  No, there is nothing you can do to manipulate the games or the reels, but you can manage your money wisely, and you can choose games which fit your budget.  Joining a slots club or playing video bonus slot machines can help you make your money go further by giving you access to free spins.  Your goal should be to have fun and always to invest the minimum to win the maximum!