Slot machines are a huge part of the casino world. In just the first quarter of 2023, traditional in-person slots made $35.51 billion in the U.S.—that’s a 3.8% jump from the year before!
It’s easy to see why they’re so popular. You can bet a small amount and still win thousands—and unlike games like poker or blackjack, you don’t need any special skills. Just spin and hope for the best.
But here’s the big question: How do you find a winning slot machine? While slots are random, some players believe there are ways to improve your odds—and that’s what we’re going to explore here.
1. Look for Slots with High RTP (Return to Player)
If you want a better shot at winning, start by playing slots with a high RTP.
RTP is a percentage that shows how much a machine pays back to players over time. For example, if a slot has a 94% RTP, it means that for every $100 spent, it’s expected to return around $94—in the long run.
Some of the best-paying slots have RTPs of up to 99%.
Just remember: RTP is a long-term average, so your personal experience can still vary a lot.
2. Check Online Forums for Real-World Tips
Websites like Reddit and TripAdvisor have plenty of casino lovers sharing their slot wins (and losses) in places like Las Vegas, Atlantic City, or Macau.
These stories often include which machines paid out and which ones didn’t, so it’s a goldmine of info. You might even pick up some helpful tips along the way!
Also Read: Are Branded Slots Worth Playing?
3. Use Casino Comparison Sites
Don’t feel like digging through forum threads? Use casino comparison sites (like ours!) that offer independent slot reviews.
You’ll find details like:
- How many reels and paylines a game has
- The game’s RTP percentage
- The last reported big win
This info helps you choose your next game wisely.
4. Research Game Developers with High RTPs
Some developers are known for making slots that pay out more than others. If you research enough, you’ll start to spot trends.
Names like NetEnt, Playtech, and others often come up when players talk about high-paying games.
You’ll also see certain casinos or machines mentioned again and again for having “loose” slots—ones that seem to hit more often.
Also Read: Can You Really Influence a Slots Outcome?
5. Avoid the Slots That Rarely Pay
Just as some slots are known for paying out, others are famous for not paying much at all.
Players often warn others to stay away from games like:
- Wish Upon a Jackpot (Blueprint Gaming)
- Adventures in Wonderland (Ash Gaming)
- King Kong (Cryptologic)
Make a mental list of games that don’t perform well and focus instead on the ones players say are more generous. Pro tip: A lot of the biggest slot wins have come from the Megabucks machine—nearly 80% of winners played on it!
How Do Slot Machines Actually Work?
Slots are super easy to play: put in your money, hit spin, and hope to win. But behind the scenes, it’s a bit more technical.
Every slot machine runs on something called a random number generator (RNG). This software makes sure every spin is 100% random. That’s why one player can spin for hours and get nothing, and the next person wins big on their first try.
Generally, smaller jackpot slots give you better chances of winning, but don’t count out the big ones—you could still get lucky and hit a huge prize with just one spin.
Also Read: How to Avoid Bonus Traps and Hidden Terms
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, slots are all about luck. But if you do your homework—check the RTP, read player reviews, and avoid the stingy machines—you’ll give yourself a better shot at having fun and maybe winning big.
Sometimes, the only way to find out what works is to get out there and start spinning!
