Slots I wanna play the coolest, newest video slots, but…

I feel that I should play lower amounts so I can play longer and therefore have more chances of getting a bonus. IMO, you don't win anything on these games if you don't get a bonus. Not that a bonus means you're going to win win anything either; I've been skunked too often.

So following that logic, I bet max and run through my money too fast. It confirms to me that I hate slot games and should go back to VP and be more content there even if I'm losing.

 

My husband and I play slots side by side. I have always played max bet after winning a progressive slot in 2003 that required max bet. I play max even if there is no progressive. I know they say not to play max if there is no reason, but I do anyway. Until earlier this year my husband never played max. He thought it would get his money to last. We always had the same amount of money to start with. We always left the machines at the same time. We also play alot of machines with shared group bonus rounds. I always have more money than he has because my wins are bigger. I do know when a machine is on and when it is taking my money. I make up my mind before playing how much money I am willing to give it to see if it is going to let me play. If nothing happens I go off to another machine. I don't adjust my bet. I just leave. I made my husband try it. At first he went back and forth adjusting his bet. Now he only plays max. He no longer has fear of running out of money. I think why it works for us is our trips are short. Usualy only weekends (3 day).

 

How much “should” I bet?

Always choose the maximum amount of lines and then bet the
amount (per line) you're most comfortable with for your budget.
Lately, the newest video slots fall into two categories of
betting.

1st type:

*A machine like Tarzan, has a
minimum to maximum BET button with the maximum amount of
lines already chosen for you. (You'll see buttons that read 50c,
75c, 1.00, 1.50 and can choose how much to bet per spin.
When I play these I start out with minimum bet and if I get
a good feel for the machine and I'm up a bit, I'll increase my
bet according to my comfort level and budget.)

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You'll also notice that many of these types of machines
are put out by Aristocrat.


Note that many penny-slot players don't like this type
of machine because it doesn't allow them to choose
the number of lines and to bet 1c if they want to
and wait for a CW to come buy so they can order a drink etc.
I see their point but there's plenty of old-time
machines still out there to let a person play that way
if that's how they roll.
Besides, that doesn't help you get to a bonus and
that's what you're looking to play.


2nd type:

* A machine with set of buttons that allows you to choose how many
lines you want to play, like the original Cleopatra or
Stinkin' Rich (again, if you're interested in bonuses
and how the game works/pays, you should bet max lines)
And a set of buttons that allow you to choose how much
you want to bet per line, all the way up to max bet.
(These days, the newer machines will generally start with
30-40c minimum bet all the way up to several dollars when
betting maximum per spin) There's no shame in starting
with the minimum bet/maximum lines to see how a
machine feels to you when you first try it out.


I know on reel slots and video poker, there is often (always?) a benefit for playing max coin.
Is this also the case with video slots?

The benefit in playing max bet (with many of the newer slots) is
the higher payouts per winning spin, a chance to win the
maximum progressive if that's what the machine offers, and the
possibility of getting a big hit early on so you can choose
to hit and run with your money or stay and see what happens.
Of course, there's the volatility
of spending more money per spin and the risk of not getting much
after several spins, which can deplete your money before you
get a chance to see a bonus round or what the machine has
to offer in the way of more payouts.

You can go with the low bet/ more (but smaller) payouts, or
the higher bet with more risk/volatility but higher payouts
and the maximum progressive if you're lucky enough to hit it.
It's all about making your bankroll last through the dry spells.

Is there an amount that is less than max coin that is just as good
(from a house advantage perspective) as betting max?
How can I tell?
It's a requirement for the machine to tell you if you get a bonus round
or progressive with maximum bet only.
It will state it on the video screen above the slot or
you'll see it by pressing the help/payouts section of the machine.
Most newer machines now allow you to get bonuses with minimum bet/maximum lines.


I can figure out the math, but I’ve just never seen a list of pay outs
– is there a “help screen” somewhere?
Yes. On video slots, there is a help/menu/payout either on the screen
or the console. All the information regarding bonus rounds and payouts
are there for your viewing pleasure.

How much is this going to cost me (per bet)?

See above, but anywhere from 30c to about 5 dollars per bet
on the newer penny-slots.
Playing within your comfort level and determined budget
is a good way to approach these games.


I know I’ve read plenty about 1¢/2¢ machines where the max bet was several dollars.
Is this par for the course?
Or are those types of machines the exception rather than the rule?

There are several different types of machines these days and it is
not necessary to bet maximum in order to get the benefit of a nice
payout, bonus, or even a mini-progressive if the machine offers
that as part of the game. Just take a few minutes to familiarize
yourself with a machine and you can decide if it's something
you want to try.



Are there particular games that always have very high max bets,
or do most games have some machines that are “cheap”
and some that are “pricey” (with respect to their max bet, that is)?

Yes. Some penny slots like Lord of the Rings can cost you from 3.50
a spin to about 4.00 a spin for maximum bet.
I don't press maximum unless I have a good bankroll going and
the machine has been consistently giving me bonuses during my
session. It's all about how you feel at the time of your play.
I always leave a machine if I'm not feeling good about my play.
Chasing bonuses is never a good thing. There's always another
machine and another time to play it.

I like to play the Tarzan and Knight of La Mancha slot if it's being
good to me, because maximum bet was 1.50 and gave me a chance
to possibly hit something good while maintaining my budget.


What’s the deal with bonus rounds?

They are fun as hell when you get 'em.
I like the type that allow you to choose your bonus by picking
a symbol.
The free spins with increased multipliers per spin
can be neat too.
Again, the machine will explain the bonus rounds if you read
the help/payout section.

When I pass by someone playing one of these games and they hit a bonus round, I’m often a bit lost.
Is there anything I can actually do to “screw up” a bonus round?

Not really. You might not be thrilled with your choice when the
machine asks you to pick a symbol to reveal your bonus but
that's the luck of the draw. Just have fun. You're not gonna
screw anything up.


Do I have to be paying close attention?
Or is just a matter of pressing a button?

It's a matter of pressing the button. The machine will direct you into
a bonus round and tell you when to press a button, etc.


What else should I know?

Have fun. Choose games that call to you and you "have a feeling"
about. Play within your budget and comfort level.
Don't chase bonuses.
Don't play a game you aren't having any
luck on just because you're waiting for the CW.
There are plenty of other machines out there and plenty of other
cocktails.
Don't fall into the "I have to bet maximum" for every game.
They aren't all like that now and though it's true you might
get a higher payout on a single spin, your money will deplete
faster and you may not ever see the bonus round you were looking for.




What games do you like?


I like the newer, 3-reel Lord of the Rings,

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Aladdin (for the effects and because I've been pretty lucky with getting bonus rounds),

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Wizard of Oz,
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Outback Jack,


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Goldfish
(the original version has always been good to me)

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Knight of La Mancha.

couldn't find a video...but it's fun!


Hubs likes the Cheers slot a lot.


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Have a great time on your trip, carve. Good luck and get a lot of bonuses.

 

If you are play in a progressive bet the max bet or else you will fell horrible that $275 isn't $300,000. It happened to me on my first trip. If you can't afford the max bet on a progressive, don't play it. They have bad payout rates anyways.

 

Thanks ardee, that was fantastic…well worth the wait! I think drinks will have to be on me when we do end up bumping into each other at Parasol Up/Down.

And to everyone else: many, many thanks. I will now be able to piss away large sums of money in a completely new way!

 

It's always good to go into slots in the right frame of mind! And expecting to lose is most definitely the right mindset. :evillaugh

ardee's post did remind me that Youtube has pretty much every single new (and old) video slot on there. It's a good way to get an idea of how the bonuses work, how much people bet in relation to what they won, ect.

Have fun!

 

I'll drink to that!

 

Just my own advice, I looked over some of the responses and most looked in line with mine, I recommend max lines, and then I'll choose a multiplier at 1-3 times, depending on lines. Typically I try to bet under a buck for a game, but I'll go as high as $1.25 on a machine I like. I'll typically buy in for $40 on games I like and $20 on ones I want to see if I like, play for a while and usually I'll have some nice sessions, occasionally it will be a blood bath, but that's the thing with slots.

I play to relax, and will usually bring my earbuds to listen to music and hope I hit a nice spot with waitress coverage, play at levels you are comfortable with and you'll typically enjoy yourself.