Slot machines: How to find the loose slots

Slot machines, these humble machines with their flashing lights and jangling symphonies of whoops accompanied by their gently lulling sound of clattering coins have been attributed with almost god-like status among gamblers spoken about in awe-struck and hushed tones.

Many a gambler seem to view the slot machines as the tools of casinos to ensnare them, thinking that all of the decent machines are firmly locked away well out of sight. Slot machines are defiantly the cash cows of any casino and with good reason, attracting many amateur and pro gamblers thanks to their unassuming and undemanding presence.

However, what many people fail to appreciate or comprehend is that the best slot machines, i.e. the loosest or those machines which have the highest likelihood of paying out are actually located (contrary to popular misconception) near or directly at high foot traffic areas such as communal areas, eating areas and even restrooms.

The reason for this is as shrewd as it is simple. The casino knows that its patrons will be always looking for ways of beating the house, and coupled with their dogged sense of superstition this means that if the patrons see that someone is doing rather will at a particular machine they will tend to congregate at that area.

Even a single jackpot will ensure that a flock of gamers will be attracted and play the machines in the adjacent area. As a general rule of thumb therefore, the more remote a particular slot machine is, then the tighter it will be. Most slot machines will actually clearly state their payout rate, in percentage rate format allowing you as the player an easily accessible means of determining your odds of success/failure.

Another general rule to be aware of is that the slot machines which have a higher minimum pay threshold tend to have a higher payout frequency attached to them as well. Sometimes this increase can be marginal, but in some cases the difference can be quite significant although you need to carefully weight up the potential gain versus actual risk.

Whilst the slot machines will state their payout frequency please be aware that there is also variant programming and the effect of this is that the base rate payout frequency may go either way by a certain amount. There is no real way to determine this regrettably.

Multiple-pay line slot machines should be avoided like the plague because they lure the player into a very real sense of false security, they tend to offer much less generous payout frequencies in addition to requiring a much higher payment amount. The casino is capitalizing on the innate instinct of the gambler, if they feel that they can scam or beat the casino then they will bet more and more recklessly. It may seem trivial but even a single 1% can make the difference between a winning streak and a losing one so be choosy as to what machine you go for!

Learn more about this author, Tony Narloch.
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