Basic Slots: Features & Strategies

Three features that should dictate any slot players' search for basic slots are:

First, single payline in your quest to stretch your gambling bankroll.

Second, slot players should also look for 2 coin maximum non-progressive machines only. Whereas a 2-coin machine may pay 80 coins for 3 double bars with 2 coins in, a 3-coin machine may show a pay of 120 coins for the same combination. However, remember, you had to gamble an extra coin, each spin; therefore, the payouts are generally equal.

Three coin machines look more lucrative in their payoff structure because they show that the player will win more, but the player also has to bet more to get this. Players who play the 3 coin machines will spend considerably more than players who invest more of their playtime and money in the preferred 2 coin machines, equating to more pulls on that slot, and more chances to win a jackpot.

Thirdly, we want to seek out those slots that pay double jackpots on certain pay-line combinations. The principle of this 'double' symbol is very simple, whenever it appears on the payline in combination with any other symbols that normally would have made a winning combination, the payoff amount is doubled.

Look closely to see which machine you are playing, as not all machines will double and quadruple all pays and not all machines will have double jackpots win possibilities. Some machines will have only 2 double symbols, one on each of the first two reels while other machines will have 3 of these double symbols, one on each of the 3 reels. When choosing a 'double' machine, it is important not to confuse them with wild cherries or any other symbols noted on the machines payoff display as being 'wild'. Symbols identified as being wild sub for any other paying symbol, but do not double the payoff.

Additionally, Red, White & Blue slots with 1000 coin top payout will hit more often than RWB's with 5,000 or 10,000 top jackets...makes sense.

Blackjack players will argue loud and long at me for this, however there is data available that theorizes you can make just as much money on an hourly basis playing slots:

I rest my case for playing 2 coins machines. With quarter machines, the most played slots; I would have an extra $150 to play with, 300 extra spins/pulls at 2 coin machines and a greater opportunity for jackpots.

I realize that the most popular slots today are bonus multi-line versions and they are definitely a lot of fun to play and will put profits in your pocket.
I write about them extensively in my columns and newsletters, however, for the novice slot player--basic, single payline slots is an excellent starting point.

Remember: 'Not only do you have good luck with a gambling education, but you are making your luck.'

Until next we meet in the Slots Playground.