• How To Go To A Casino For The First Time
• Casino First Time Tips

When you’re ready to visit your first casino you’ll be excited and curious all at the same time. I hope you enjoy yourself and come away with great memories.

Everyone has their own idea of what to expect in a casino.

Wondering how realistic the movies and TV shows are in depicting the casinos?

The first time at a casino can be quite an overwhelming thing as you find yourself among the glitz and glamor, hundreds even thousands of different types of flashy games from slots to poker, Pai Gow to baccarat, blackjack, roulette, and craps; the crowds of people, noise, and multitude of distractions. It varies by both state and casino, as most states mandate 21 as the minimum age to play in a casino, but some Native American casinos allow players to gamble at 18. In addition, racetrack wagering, lottery, and sometimes slots can be played at 18. Make sure you check first. When it comes to having anal sex for the first time, lubrication is a must. Unlike the vagina, the anus doesn’t produce natural sexual lubricants of its own. If you’re using a sex toy, start.

Many of them are filmed in real casinos. The lights, the sounds, and the huge variety of games–they’re all realistic.

Playing in a casino for the first time, whether live or online, can be a little overwhelming. There are so many games to choose from, so many different ways to bet, and so many other things to consider that it can almost seem overbearing.

The action on TV and in the movies, though, is, of course, staged.

Wouldn’t it be great if you could memorize a sequence of actions to follow and win a jackpot at a slot machine (ala Ocean’s Thirteen)?

Of course it would.

But that would also be illegal.

What most people don’t know is that real criminals have enjoyed engineered success like that. They’ve also been arrested and charged with felonies, so I don’t recommend cheating at casino games.

The essence of gambling is taking a risk on the outcome of an unpredictable event. If you cannot predict the outcome and the casino cannot predict the outcome of a game, then it’s a fair transaction.

I say “fair” but you need to understand that the casinos only offer games that provide them with a statistical “edge”. In other words, they expect to win more often than they lose. Worse, they also expect you to put all your winnings back into their games, so even if you win “big” (say, a few thousand dollars) you might leave the casino with nothing.

I wish I could offer you sure-fired ways to win, but I can’t. No one can.

But I can offer you some tips to help you keep your wits — and your winnings — about you as you enjoy the experience.

1. Pick a Great Casino Resort to Visit for the First Time

Over 1,000 commercial and Native American casinos operate in the United States. The difference between a “commercial casino” and a Native American casino should be obvious.

The Native American casinos are all located on native American reservations, and they are owned and operated by those nations.

A commercial casino is operated by a licensed corporation operating in only a few states that allow commercial gambling. Nevada is the most well-known state, but you’ll find commercial casinos in about 18 states.

In addition to traditional casinos, many other establishments provide games of chance where you can bet real money. Depending on state law, you may find slot machines or gaming rooms in a lot of small establishments:

• Highway convenience stores
• Airports
• Racetracks
• Bars
• Restaurants

Most of the casinos I have played in were modest to large. I’ve walked into and out of a few small “casinos” that immediately made me feel uncomfortable.

Why did I feel uncomfortable?

Because I like big casinos.

Some people are comfortable in the smaller casinos. They may even prefer to play in those places. If you add occasional casino gambling to your entertainment budget you may gravitate toward the smaller, less grandiose casinos.

Still, I think you should pick a nice resort for your first experience. Get a feel for what it’s like to stay in the hotel for a couple of nights. Enjoy the restaurants and at least one show. Your first casino experience should be about more than sitting at a table and playing cards or pushing a button on a slot machine.

You do get a rush from the suspense of not knowing if you just threw away $5 or if you’ll win $100. The excitement you feel while gambling for the first time is a real thing.

But there’s so much more to look forward to. Some of the larger casinos offer spas, shops, and other non-gambling vacation amenities.

Also, a great casino resort should be located close to other entertainment venues. That includes other casinos, auditoriums, theme parks, and more. I wish my first casino experience had included a trip to a theme park with the family; it would have been more memorable. I’m not even sure I can remember the first time I went into a casino. I know I lost my stake quickly and left within an hour or two.

That’s not the way you should remember the experience.

Go for a robust, full entertainment experience your 1st time out.

2. Join the Casino’s Member Program Immediately

As soon as you walk in the door, find the customer service desk and sign up for the casino’s loyalty program.

Even if you never go back to that casino again, join the program. They’ll explain the rules to you and show you how to claim any rewards you earn.

One of the most common rewards you get from these programs is a free meal or drink. Gambling eats up the time. In fact, casinos are designed to help you lose track of the time.

But you’ll eventually grow thirsty or hungry. You’ll need a break. Instead of spending yet more money, if you have earned enough points you can get a snack or drink at one of the less expensive restaurants.

The membership is free. You can keep the card as a souvenir or throw it away when you’re done. That’s your decision. You can always get a new card next time you visit the casino, too.

Casino members may get special bonus points from time to time. Each casino sets its own rules ahead of time. Check their website to see which days they award extra points and games. These are almost always “off peak” days and times.

In other words, they won’t have a big crowd (usually). You’ll find it’s easier to play the games you want to try and you won’t be as confused by all the noise as you would if you go on the busiest night of the week (usually a Saturday night).

If you don’t want to sit in a near-empty casino (and many people don’t), then pick an evening time after most people are off work. The action usually picks up around 8-9 PM in the evenings. If you arrive around 6-7PM, that gives you time to join the member program, try out a few games, and wander through the casino to get a feel for the lay of the place.

3. Take Someone with You on Your First Trip

Honestly, I hate gambling alone for the most boring and practical of reasons.

I’ll explain that below.

Here’s why I think you should go with one or more friends your first time:

It’s more fun to share that experience with someone. You have someone to chat with and you’ll feel less like a stranger. My first (barely memorable) trip to a casino, I went by myself. It’s no wonder I lost my money so quickly and left with hardly an impression. In fact, I didn’t go back to a casino for about two years. I just didn’t enjoy my time in there.

Going with family or friends on your first trip heightens the excitement–especially if at least one or two of your companions have never been to a casino before. Your memory of that first time will be stronger and the shared experience is good for your friendships. When you have a few casino trips under your belt, you’ll tend to head for your favorite game even if you go with a group. Everyone just splits off and does their own thing. A good mentor will invite you to try a few games and sit with you on your first trip, but their excitement won’t be in sync with yours.

Another reason to go with one or more friends on your first trip is that you won’t have a game plan for managing your time. When you’re sitting alone in a crowded casino and you feel the need to visit the men’s or ladies’ room, you’ll agonize over leaving the game you’re playing. Sitting beside a friend is much better when those needs arise. You can feel better about leaving your seat. Ladies, you should keep your wallets or purses with you at all times, but if you have a companion you can leave your valuables with (someone whom you know and trust deeply), you’ll feel a little less anxious about that.

As the casino fills up, regular players quickly claim spots they won’t give up for hours. Some people will leave a chair leaning against a slot machine as a sign that it’s being played, but there’s no casino rule that requires people to honor that claim. In fact, casino employees may come and clean up the slot game and put the chair back. Having at least one buddy to hold a place for you pays off when the place is teeming with people and there’s a line waiting for the game you are playing.

The buddy system also makes it easier for you to get snacks and drinks. Yes, a great casino has servers wandering the floor.

But their services are in high demand at peak times. You could wait 30 minutes to an hour for a drink.

And the servers may quickly prioritize you as a customer if you never tip them.

4. Avoid the High Roller Games

It’s tempting, especially if you have just won a jackpot, to go try your luck at the high roller games. You may read conflicting advice on the internet about whether the high roller games pay better or worse than the main floor games.

That doesn’t matter.

Your first trip to a casino is not the time for you to try being a high roller. A typical high roller game might require you to bet hundreds of dollars for one spin or one hand of cards.

How likely are you to win a jackpot?

I won several jackpots within 30 minutes of walking into a casino. Big, busy casinos may pay out jackpots throughout the day. Any win that requires a casino employee to come and check the machine counts as a “jackpot”.

That could amount to $1,000 or $1,000,000. You’re far likelier to win a $1,000 jackpot than a $1,000,000. The largest jackpot I remember winning was about $8,000 on a $3 bet. Most of the jackpots I won were in the $1,000 to $2,000 range.

By playing the lower stakes games your money will last longer. You really can’t prepare for that first casino visit by playing free casino games on the internet or your PC. It’s just not the same. The lights and sounds are almost overwhelming. (It’s still worthwhile, though.)

If you choose a high end casino (and many Native American casinos fit into that category) for your first experience, you’ll be blown away by everything: the luxurious architecture of the building, the artwork lining the walls, the carpets, the lounges–everything is designed to make you feel like you are living a life of luxury.

Enjoy that feeling, but don’t throw your money at the casino.

Whether you sit at a table game like roulette or blackjack, or play a slot game, or bet on a race, or place bets on a lottery game like keno, you’ll have the opportunity to raise the size of your bets. All these games offer minimum and maximum bet limits. You’ll feel your heart beat hard enough when you go from betting 25 cents to betting 25 dollars.

High roller games are a different level of entertainment, and you should save that first time experience for another day.

5. Make a Simple Plan that Is Easy to Follow

By simple plan, I mean make it impossible for you to impoverish yourself.

From choosing which casino to visit, to deciding where to park, to how much money you’ll bet, you should know before you enter the casino’s parking lot what you are going to do.

Start by setting a budget. This is the most common advice offered to new gamblers.

It’s also the most important. If you only have $200 to gamble, don’t take your credit cards, check books, or debit cards into the casino with you. Don’t leave them in your car, either. Make it as hard to get more money as you possibly can.

If you walk into a casino with $200 and find yourself wishing you had more, give yourself a moment to realize what just happened: you just paid $200 for (hopefully) an evening’s entertainment. At this point, it’s time to cash in your comps and go home.

Plan for when and how you will leave the casino.

Don’t leave desperate, frustrated, and broke.

No casino owes you anything more than the experience you’re willing to pay for. They provide a safe entertainment experience, not a guaranteed income. The games are designed to give a little bit but take a little bit more.

How To Go To A Casino For The First Time

The casino will let you bet everything you have on the first throw of the dice, but they’re prepared to wait out even the most stingy and conservative players.

So there’s no need for an elaborate “strategy”. Set one rule:

You leave when you have X dollars.

Maybe that means you lose everything you take in.

Maybe that means you triple your money.

But take a watch with you, or make sure your smart phone keeps proper time. Set an alarm to tell yourself when it’s time to go–especially if you’re visiting a local casino and you have to be somewhere the next day. The casino is not going to tap you on the shoulder and say, “Is it past your bedtime?”

You’ll be shocked to realize just how late it is when you finally leave the casino (assuming you don’t lose all your money quickly like I did my first time).

6. Do Not Try to Take Pictures or Videos of the Games

You have undoubtedly seen a lot of photographs and videos taken from inside casinos. People post them all over the Internet.

So why shouldn’t you do that?

The reason is actually quite simple:

Someone who works for the casino may ask you to stop, or they may force you to leave. Casinos used to be more tolerant of inside photography, but things have changed over the years.

It’s probably safe to take pictures when you are away from the games. If in doubt, ask a casino employee what the rules are. I’d be surprised if any casino agrees to let you take video or pictures of a slot game. That is because eastern European criminals were caught using a supercomputer to rig slot machine games.

The story about the phone cameras and slot machine games is too long to include here.

But suffice to say that several people were arrested at American casinos for sending live video back to the supercomputer. The casinos do not want you to take video of those games why they are spinning. It might be okay to take a picture after the reels have stopped and you have a jackpot.

Ask before you get into trouble.

Obey the rules.

The casinos usually post signs with rules around their floors to help people quickly see what is and is not acceptable behavior.

But you can also always ask a casino employee what is allowed.

If you must take a phone call, step away from the game. This is also considered courteous to other players.

By the same token, keep texting to a minimum–especially if you’re playing a table game. Concentrate on what you are supposed to be doing at the casino.

Step aside and find a semi-private space for phone calls and text messages.

7. Do Not Drink or Use Drugs While Gambling

No matter how well you think you can “handle it,” the casino is counting on players getting at least a little bit tipsy. They make sure it’s easy to get alcohol even if other types of drugs are not available. As you become more inebriated, your judgment becomes impaired. Just as you should not drink and drive, so you should not drink and gamble.

And that goes for over-the-counter medications that can make you drowsy.

It also goes for prescription medications that can make you dizzy or drowsy. It might feel good to you when you’re stoned, but you won’t like waking up in jail or completely broke because you blew your rent money.

Don’t try to prove you can “handle it”. Prove you can manage yourself and have a good time without the help of alcohol or drugs.

If you’re feeling so sick that you need strong cough medicine or antihistamines the day you’re supposed to go to the casino, it’s better if you delay that first-time experience until you’re feeling better. You really don’tt need to sit in a casino for 6-8 hours if you’re sick. Not only will that drain you (and if there is cigarette smoke you’ll worsen any breathing problems you have), you could make other people sick.

Visit the casino when you are well, sober, and ready to have a great time with a few trusty friends or family.

And on a budget, naturally.

Conclusion

There’s so much more I wish someone had told me before I went into a casino for the first time. You devote most of your forethought to learning games so you can “be ready” for that first time experience.

You know what?

All that practice goes out the window. You’re overwhelmed. You just want to get in there and play, play, and win, win.

But in reality, you’re never ready for that first visit.

Your first time experience should not be about winning. You should not visit a casino because you’re short on money and need a quick cash injection. Don’t burn your first time like that. Save it for when you can relax, enjoy the company, and marvel at the environmental experience of being inside a huge, glitzy casino.

Be safe, have fun, and create memories you’ll cherish for the rest of your life.

Best of all, teach yourself good gambling habits early in your experience. Make sure you’re there for the entertainment.

You’ll have more fun that way.

Every gambler looks for a way to trick casinos and make the most out of their slot machines. The tough part is sifting through the bad advice and good advice available. Online slots may come down to chance, but like all casino games, there are always some tips and tricks you can apply to help you maximize the odds of seeing a payout. Whenever you play slots in a land-based casino, a mobile casino, or an online casino like CoolCat, some things should be factored in before you start playing them for real money. This guide will show you the simplest ways to trick the slots and the system, to give you the best return on your playtime.

But first, let’s get started with the basics.

What is a slot machine?

Slot machines are gambling games with three or more spinning reels. The reels display symbols that spin and land randomly to form potential winning combinations after a player places a bet. Wins are determined when certain symbols line up in a sequence; these are the paylines. An amount is awarded according to the size of the wager, the type of winning combination, and the number of paylines that hit. Slot machines come in a variety of forms, from online slots, classic three or five-reel slots, and the most popular of all, video slots.

How a slot machine works?

Regardless of the type of slot that you choose to play, they all function according to the same principles. You place your bet and initiate a spin, while this takes place an internal computer chip in the machine randomly determines whether you win or lose for each spin.

These computers are random number generators or RNGs. An RNG cycles through thousands of number combinations and stops the moment a player hits the spin button. The results are displayed for the player after the reels stop spinning. RNGs are always tested and certified by third-party agencies to make sure that they are fair and reliable, and that outcomes are not rigged.

Many times in a casino you will hear players say whether certain tables or slots are running hot or cold. However, because slot machines operate on RNGs, no amount of luck or perceived hot or cold streaks will impact the outcome of each spin. Each time a player hits a button to spin the reels or pulls the arm of a machine, the result is a unique event. Slots machines and online slots games are therefore never due to hit regardless of what someone might tell you. Streaks and payouts boil down to a matter of pure chance, even multiple jackpots can occur for a single machine.

Regardless of what you choose to play, and whether or not you’ve gambled before, these top 15 tips can be applied to any kind of online slot machine, be it a 3-reel, 5-reel, 3D slot, or a classic layout. Implement these into your slots strategy, and you’ll already be well on your way to becoming a pro and winning yourself the biggest rewards.

1. Get to know slots and how they work

Slots aren’t exactly complicated — you select your betting amount, hit spin, and the machine essentially does the rest. However, since game developers started to include more features in these games, like multiple reels, paylines, and symbols, the layout and mechanics may seem a bit overwhelming to beginners. Give yourself time to get familiar with the rules and inner workings of a game before you start playing for big bucks. That way, you’ll get to know what combinations are needed to win, what symbols trigger certain bonus rounds and features, and what you should place as your bet amounts.

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2. Find a slot that suits your style

As slots come in thousands of different themes these days, it never hurts to have a good look around to find one that matches your mood and motivates your playing style.

Most online casinos have all sorts of different slots that are centered around your favorite celebrities, movies, animals, places, and hobbies — so you’ll be completely spoiled for choice and always able to select a new theme that coincides with your style and bankroll.

3. Check the software provider

The best slots and most high-efficiency casino games are developed by companies like Realtime Gaming, NetEnt, Microgaming, and other leading names in the industry. If you can clearly see a slot game is backed up by one of these brands — it’s bound to be a reliable one. This quality alone will make a huge difference to the gameplay and how likely you are to see a return on your bets. Shoddy slots will only let you go so far with a game and may only payout during a bonus feature. The best slots give you the chance to hit the jackpot and have loads of fun at the same time.

4. Take advantage of no deposit bonus codes

Here’s the dirty little secret with online bonuses: if you know where to look, you can get a lot for free; meaning bonuses with no deposit needed.

These deals are always given to new players when they sign up to a casino, and most continue to dish these out to players on a weekly and monthly basis even after they’ve signed up. Common bonuses you can utilize on slots include no deposit bonuses, match bonuses, and free spins bonuses. These are all great offers that can provide more to play with during your gaming sessions.

Slots strategy is about giving yourself as many slots advantages as you can. A lot of playing the slots comes down to chance, which is why the best strategies are about seizing whatever opportunities you can to get ahead.

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5. Don’t play the slot; play the online casino

Thanks to U.S. gambling policies, Americans are able to claim some of the best value Casino bonuses of any players in the world. If you’re in America, taking advantage of this can double, or even triple your bankroll, with surprisingly few strings attached.

One of the best slot machine tricks is to look for bonuses with low wagering requirements and no maximum cash-out limits. Many casinos trick new players by offering a large bonus and hiding that you’ll need to bet a huge amount before you can redeem it.

What to look for in a good bonus: first, find wagering requirements of 10x or less. Many Casinos have wagering requirements as high as 50x, which means that on a $100 deposit, you can’t get your money until you’ve made $5,000 in bets! Also, avoid bonuses that come with a maximum cash-out. Find a bonus that doesn’t limit how much you can win from it (nothing worse than winning a jackpot and getting $100…)

The CoolCat Casino 330% Welcome Bonus has only a 5x wagering requirement (compare that to any other bonus online), and no maximum on how much you can win while using it. Plus, it comes with 50 Free Spins on our popular game, Popinata. So you have some spins to warm up (and win), and your $50 becomes $165. That bankroll will give you the breathing room you need to jump-start your slots streak. Just make a free account at CoolCat Casino, then claim your bonus at the cashier by entering the code COOLWELCOME.

6. Find the loosest online slots

If it has been a while since you had a winning spin then it really might be time to consider changing the machine you’re playing on or switching to another online slots game. Even though this might sound crazy, it’s actually true. Slots vary in how easily they pay out, and according to industry insiders and leading experts, major gaming centers avoid placing loose slot machines close to each other. The best option when you’re on a losing streak is to move on to an adjacent slot machine or try your hand at a completely new online slot game. Remember, each spin is a completely unique event, so feeding more coins into a losing machine in no way increases your chances of finally winning.

I’ve done this myself on a number of occasions and found, much to my surprise and delight, that by the time I had moved on to a second or third online game, my luck had returned and bonus spins were racking up. If the machine is cold, walk on into the light. This is one of the slot machine tricks that simply increases your chances of finding a loose machine as well as extending your playtime and jackpot potential.

Biggest Jackpot

7. Know your limits and manage your bankroll

Before you start playing, it’s important to set a loss limit. It’s easy to let the excitement of the casino floor take hold, but you may end up with more spills than thrills if you don’t know when to stop. Everyone loves to win, and if you find yourself way up, it’s a good time to stop. Statistically, the longer you play the better the chances are that you will lose your money. If your bankroll is heading towards a slump, be sure to stop once you’ve reached your loss limit. Never chase losses.

Gambling is a phenomenal form of entertainment and can grow your bankroll exponentially, so have fun, but always play responsibly. Although you are just as likely as the next person to win big on a slot machine, or perhaps a coveted jackpot, be smart and don’t overdo it. Slots can take patience because a big hit can occur in ten seconds, ten minutes, or heaven forbid ten hours. As long as you have your loss limit in mind throughout your rounds of play, you’ll be in good shape if the going gets tough.

In addition, bonuses do endless favors for your bankroll, but keeping a watchful eye on your funds is the key to success in gambling. We never advise risking more than you can afford to lose, so managing your bankroll should be a top priority. Bankroll maintenance can be as simple as placing reasonable deposit amounts and not opting for bets on games that will deplete your funds too quickly.

Set yourself a loss limit, then stick to it.

8. Know where not to play slots

It is no big news that it is easier to win on loose slot machines — the hard part is finding one. These machines are placed all over the casino quite strategically and in a meticulous way. Physical placement revolves around the fact that the casinos want everyone to see a big win. It encourages others to play, so often loose machines are to be found in highly visible areas.

On the other hand, there can be pitfalls to visibility. Airport slots are highly visible, but people are coming and going at a frantic rate. These slots are known to be some of the worst to play at any gambling destination. It’s far better to wait until you’re actually in the casino. Scope out a spot with a wide range of machines so you can move on if you hit a cold streak, but one that’s highly visible without being a major rush transit area like reception by a restaurant buffet with a lot of motion or an airport mall.

For even better chances to find loose slots, look no further than your computer. Online slot machines generally pay out more than slots on the Las Vegas Strip. Having a constant stream of players makes it possible for real money online casinos to offer slots with the best odds yet.

9. Play slots with random or progressive jackpots

Another notable feature of slot machines is the jackpots. There are two categories: fixed and progressive. Slots machines with a fixed jackpot will have a maximum payout/jackpot amount that does not change. Whereas for progressive machines the jackpot increases the more people play on them. A fraction of their bet falls into the jackpot pool, and the jackpot will continue to increase until won. Progressive machines usually come with an indicator that shows the player that the maximum payout can change based on how many people play that particular machine, therefore making the jackpot progressively higher or lower.

Whether or not one should play on progressive jackpot slot machines is a hotly debated issue among casino gamers. Though some would say that progressives are the only true way to strike it super-rich at the casino; many claims that it’s quite the long shot, even as difficult as winning the lottery. Whatever the case, playing on progressive slot machines is a lot of fun. If you manage your bankroll well and pace yourself, you just might find yourself entering the millionaire’s club.

One school recommends avoiding progressives. While a life-changing win may be uber tempting, with high potential rewards comes, all too often, low payout rates. I mean, that mega jackpot has to be built up somehow and it’s not usually by being liberal in the payout department. If your playing philosophy is to spend a lot of time having a lot of fun and picking up pleasant but not exactly earth-shattering winnings, then you should avoid progressives.

The second school of thought says that progressives are really the only true way to strike it super-rich. With odds similar to those of winning the lottery, it’s a long shot but playing progressives is a lot more fun. If you’re able to manage your bankroll properly, pace things, and not get too carried away, progressives do offer the chance for you to walk into the casino as a poor nobody and walk out a member of the millionaire’s club. And I mean, come on, there is a certain thrill to the prospect.

Beyond that, it’s not hard to find a large random jackpot worth tens of thousands of dollars. The real trick is that random jackpots like Achilles and Caesar’s Empire are actually won daily, while progressive jackpots can stick around for years.

10. Practice your strategy and play slots for free

Another thing you can find to spin things to your advantage (pun intended) is to find exciting online, free slots with free spins and try out a game, and hopefully, start building your bankroll for free. It’s an easy way to learn a game, plus a free chance to win.

Many bonuses come with free spins to use already, but there is often the chance to trigger bet multipliers and free spins during the bonus rounds in slot games. This can be achieved by lining up a certain combination of Scatter or Wild Symbols on the reels. Not all games have free spins, but you’ll get even more chances to hit a payout without dipping into your bankroll if you find any games that do.

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11. Betting slot machine tricks

“Bet Max” is what a regular gambler hears all the time when playing on slot machines. There is a common misconception that if you do not bet the maximum bet every time you will always lose to the casino in the long haul. However, that’s not quite how it works. This strategy can actually increase the odds for you on some specific machines.

Any seasoned slot enthusiast will tell you to stay away from the penny and nickel slot machines because the payouts are very poor. Fortunately, this isn’t really an issue for online slots. All you need to do is to choose whether to bet the minimum of maximum coins. You could spend hours wasting away in front of a nickel or penny slot only to find out that the jackpot you hit is not worth the effort. It isn’t half as rewarding as hitting it big on a machine that has higher bet minimums and larger jackpots or prize multipliers. Up the ante and avoid those $0.01-0.05 machines in order to win really big.

The truth is that on the great majority of slots, your chances at winning are absolutely the same whether you bet minimum or maximum. The difference is simple: the more you risk, the more you can win on a lucky spin. This is particularly true when it comes to online slots with special features and bonus rounds.

All slot machines have a set “volatility.” A high volatility slot machine doesn’t pay out as many wins, but when it does, the wins can be huge. In order to take advantage of the exponential size of the multipliers on these high volatility games, it can often be a good idea to bet high.

On the other hand, low and medium volatility slot machines pay out a large amount of smaller wins, and a few big ones. These machines are more about slow and steady winning the race, so you won’t feel the need to bet as high as you can to hit that one huge payout.

But what about those gigantic progressive jackpots? I mean, who doesn’t love the idea of becoming a millionaire in the blink of an eye? From everything I’ve been able to glean, there are two schools of thought on this one (yes, it’s a double-edged sword) depending on your playing philosophy.

High bets can also be beneficial when you’re playing a game like Fucanglong, which has incredibly powerful bonus features. When you trigger a Feature on any slots game, you get a number of Free Games to play at the value of your bet. So if you’re swinging big with $15 bets, and you hit a Feature like the Dragon Pearl … watch out baby, watch out.

12. Pay tables matter a lot!

It is very important to always check on the payout rates of every single slot machine you decide to play and most importantly, you must check on this before choosing a slot machine. Each slot machine has its own set-up with different payouts, and the outcome can really make a difference.

The paytables hold key information in slot games, such as the rules and features, plus the RTP (return to player percentage) or hit frequency. The RTP is the percentage you’re likely to get from playing a slot game over time, so if, for example, a slot had an RTP of 97%, this means for every $1 you spend, you’ll get an average of 0.97 cents back in winnings. Note that the RTP doesn’t mean you’ll get this amount back after every spin — it’s just how the winnings are calculated over the long term when playing a slot.

For online slots, the pay tables can be found under the help and rules menu of each game. Pay tables and the number of paylines can vary widely by game, so taking the time to do a bit of homework and select the games with the best pay tables, advantageous paylines, and most bonus features. This simple step can go a long way to making you a big winner.

13. Practice your strategy and play slots for free

There’s nothing like a test drive. One of the biggest perks about playing slot games online is the fact you can try them all out for free before putting any money on the line. Most online casinos offer you the chance to play for free before you switch to real money and CoolCat is no exception. CoolCat Casino has a free, no download, instant play feature that allows you to give your favorite slots (and many table and specialty games) free spins to your heart’s content.

This isn’t an option in land-based casinos, which is why we always encourage players to use freeplay mode if they aren’t too sure about how a slot works and want to get some experience before playing for real money. Give yourself time to build up your slot playing skills and switch to real money mode once you’re ready.

Simply put, this is an excellent way to study the pay tables, paylines, and bonus features of the slots that pique your interest before going for the gold with real money on the line. In all honesty, I spend a lot of time using the instant play function, especially when new games come out, sussing out the ones with the best bonus features likely to give me more bang for my buck. Create an account today and play for free.

14. Keep an eye out for even bigger bonuses

The best way to make your bankroll go farther is to take advantage of the huge promo offers that occasionally pop up. Sometimes it’s a seasonal thing, sometimes the casino is just ready to push a new offer, but if you keep your eyes peeled, you can sometimes snag some incredible deals.

One of the many incredible benefits of playing slots online or at a traditional brick and mortar casino is signing up for casino bonuses. The various bonuses that casinos offer will reward players with serious benefits, based on how frequently they play and how much they wager and deposit each time. These rewards can be substantial. So, if you’re going to spend your money gambling, why not utilize the bonuses when signing up? New players can expect excellent welcome bonuses simply for joining, and weekly promotions or holiday specials can keep players coming back.

The benefits become even greater if you take advantage of loyalty, club member, or VIP programs. They come in a variety of forms, such as bigger than normal match bonuses, free spins, and more. So make sure to look for ones that suit your style of play. Land-based casinos will offer “slots club” cards for instance, and keep track of the amount you play on slots every time you enter.

Playing online has various opportunities that will be beneficial to you and your pockets. Some casinos will even give you points back as cash, or extend certain offers revolving around birthdays, holidays, or special events. These on top of managing your budget properly will stretch your gambling buck even further. Be sure to be registered as a club card member, valued player or have signed up for bonuses before you take a spin on the slot machine. Even if you don’t win, you can still get credit for every time you play.

Casino First Time Tips

Promo offers can include bigger than normal match bonuses, free spins, and more. If you’re interested in receiving exclusive offers, sign up to hear about our latest bonus offers. Once a member of a casino like CoolCat, you will get regular bonus offers by mail as well as updates regarding special new game promotions, seasonal promotions, and weekly, sometimes daily promo offers. Rather than just playing with your $30 deposit, you’ll be able to turn that into an impressive bankroll with the help of some of the other offers that come around (remember, you should now know what to look for when picking your bonus).

15. Be mindful as you play

A sensible approach to playing any game is not to have too high expectations. Having this mindset will do nothing but set you up for disappointment from the very beginning and cause you to make hasty decisions that could leave you worse off than before you started. Smart gambling isn’t always about putting huge chunks of cash on the line; it’s about taking your time with a game, being strategic and precise with your bets, and utilizing bonuses wherever possible.

Play Online Slots at Cool Cat

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In conclusion, these few, simple slot machine tricks can take a bit of the randomness out of random, increase your odds of winning and definitely help you have more fun over a longer period of time with you given bankroll. And heck, you never know, I guess that’s why we all love to play slots, you may walk away with a win so big your life will never be the same again! As far as I’m concerned, the thrill of that all too real possibility makes playing slots well worth the time.