How to win at slot games

If you play slot games regularly, you may often have asked if there's a way you can ensure a win! The short answer is no, but there are ways that you can minimise the house’s mathematical edge and give yourself the best chance of landing a slot jackpot in the short-term.

Online slot games operate like many other forms of casino gaming. The odds of winning are pre-programmed into the software’s random number generators (RNGs) to maintain a house edge for an operator. It’s not possible to win playing a particular slot game over a long period, for this reason. Choosing a game by its Return to Player (RTP) becomes a key slot strategy, as a result.

Knowing which slot games to play is more of an art form than you might think. By the end of this article, you’ll be well-equipped to seek out the slots that can maximise your bankroll and your fun on the reels.

Understanding the Return to Player (RTP) percentage
Most online slot games will advertise their RTP percentage on-screen before you launch the game’s software. It’s important to know that the RTP percentage of a slot is not a theoretical percentage. It’s a real percentage, based on real-money bets and real-money winnings generated from the game.

For example, the Jade Dragon slot, available exclusively at Buzz Bingo, carries an RTP percentage of 95.96%. This means that for every £100 staked, a player would statistically receive £95.96 back over the long-term.

In theory, a slot with a higher RTP percentage should give you more regular payouts compared to one with a lower RTP percentage. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work out like that. Since the RTP percentage is calculated based on tens of thousands, if not millions, of spins of the reels, it’s not possible to guarantee your game session will align with the advertised RTP percentage. Some sessions may be more prolific for you than others, but over the long term you can expect to achieve the RTP displayed.

While selecting a slot with a high RTP percentage is no guarantee of winning, you are statistically more likely to win than playing games with lower RTP percentages. It’s an opportunity to move the odds closer in your favour.

What is a ‘loose’ slot?
Keep your eyes peeled for slot games with advertised RTP percentages of 97% and above. These are considered loose slots based on the industry average which sits between 95%-96%. Slots with RTPs over 97% are more likely to give you a better return over the long-term.

Slots with an RTP percentage of less than 94% are considered ‘tight’ slots, as they are less likely to pay out as frequently or heavily.

Slot volatility
Another way to select an online slot with increased winning potential is to consider the role volatility plays in slot dynamics. Some sites call it volatility and others call it variance. For the purposes of this article, we’ll use volatility. A slot’s volatility determines the level of risk incurred with spinning its reels.

Low volatility slots
Low volatility slots are considered low-risk slot games. That’s because they are programmed to pay out smaller but more frequent wins. This may be beneficial to risk-averse players that don’t want to run the risk of winning nothing at all during a slot session.

Although low volatility slots generally pay out smaller amounts, it’s still possible to activate their jackpots. Low volatility slots are also well-suited to slot players with short attention spans since these small but regular wins will maintain your interest.

High volatility slots
The higher a slot’s volatility, the higher the risk you take when you spin. Statistically, the odds of landing winning symbol combinations on these slots is much smaller than low volatility games. However, when they do land, the payouts can be that much bigger.

Patience is a virtue with high volatility slots, as there can be lengthy waits between bonus features in these games. It goes without saying that only those with the deepest pockets can best absorb the number of spins it takes to trigger those bonus jackpots.

Choose slots that fit your playing criteria
Ultimately, the onus is on you to decide your preferred slot-playing style. If you prefer small but regular wins, consider low volatility titles. If you enjoy chasing those massive progressive jackpots and are prepared to accept fewer wins along the way, you should sample higher volatility games.

The benefit of playing higher denominations per spin
On the subject of the bigger jackpots, if you want the chance to win the biggest payouts, it’s recommended to make higher denomination bets on the reels. Instead of placing two £5 spins, it’s a good idea to place a single £10 bet. This will maximise your potential winnings if your luck is in. Just be mindful that using higher denominations will play through your bankroll faster.

Know when to stop playing
Another important skill when playing slots is to know your limits. Be responsible with your gaming. Set yourself a limit that you can afford to lose and stick to it. Don’t chase losses to try and break even as this often leads to only bigger overall losses.

At the other end of the spectrum, if you’ve had a successful session and you’ve picked up some nice wins, take your winnings and go. Don’t get greedy. By limiting your losses and maximising your winning sessions you can ensure your slot bankroll lasts for as long as possible.

Get involved with as many slot promotions as possible
It’s also a good idea to maximise your slot bankroll by taking advantage of slot promotions and welcome bonuses that will give you free money and free spins to sample on selected slots.

Keep your eyes peeled on Buzz Bingo’s slot promotions section to avail yourselves of the latest slot bonuses that can allow you to experience more slot games and bonus features.

Play slots at a reputable, licensed site you can trust
It’s just as important to play your favourite slots with an operator that takes fair gaming seriously. Buzz Bingo is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) which is one of the most respected iGaming jurisdictions on the planet.

With UKGC licensing conditions insisting on periodic reviews of all our slot games, tested by independent third parties, you’ve got total peace of mind that our games are fair and transparent.

It’s all part and parcel of being a member of the UK’s biggest bingo community!

All kinds of slot and bingo gaming are more fun when you are in control of your money. At Buzz Bingo, we’ve developed a heap of tools designed to help you gamble responsibly, including deposit and wagering limits and the chance to take a break and self-exclude yourself from the action when needed.