Slot Machine Basics 101

Let's begin with a little bit of basic knowledge about slot machines.

Modern Slot Machines work on a computer program that randomly selects winning combinations. Winning percentages and odds are set by the manufacturer and are calculated by millions of spins made with computer simulations.

A Slot Machine is a mechanical device employing three, four, five, or more circular reels of varying dimensions. Each of these reels has several symbols, either painted on or attached to it. Most common designs are Cherries, Bars, the Jackpot Symbol, and the Number 7.

Theme Machines are very popular, using red, white, and blue 7's symbol which trade on American patriotism. To better understand Slot Machine Strategies and how Winning at Slot Machines can be easy, you must first know what kind of Slot Machine you are playing and understand Slot Machine Strategy.

Three Reels vs. Four Reels

Common sense should dictate that it is far easier to line up three matching symbols for a Slot Machine win, than four. To get four of anything is very hard, even on liberal Video Poker. On a Reel Slot Machine, three 7's can be achieved much more often than four 7's on a Four-Reel machine. Look for Three Reel machines to play.

Progressive Slots

Progressive Slot Machines are usually Four-Reel machines which offer an open-ended jackpot that increases in value after each pull on every machine within a linked group. The top jackpot can be won only if the maximum number of coins is played and all the winning symbols correctly line up on the pay line. Progressive Slots do not pay off very often, however if you want to play a Progressive Slots, pick one whose Primary and Secondary jackpots are at a high level.

Two-Coin vs. Three-Coin Machines

In a Two-Coin machine, for the top jackpot, or maybe even the top two or three jackpots, the second-coin play will pay considerably more than just double the one-coin jackpot. For example: top jackpot payoff on a Two-Coin machine is three 7's, paying $1,000, the same three 7's pays only $400 if you played only one coin. The Three Coin machine will show much higher payoffs for the top jackpots with the three coins played. Three-Coin machines might look more lucrative in their payoff than Two-Coin machines, but don't be fooled! The player also has to bet more to get the higher payout. Consequently, the player will lose more money. One final piece of advice: whatever slot you play, Two-Coin, Three-Coin, Four-Coin, etc., always play the maximum number of coins. If you don't, you are not maximizing your winnings.

One Payline vs. Three Paylines

Most Slot Machines show the Center line marked as a payline. To win you must line up a winning combination on that center payline and on that line only. But many machines show Three Paylines: at the top, center, and bottom of the window. This means that a winning combination lined up correctly on any of the three Paylines will pay. The advantage of Three-Paying Machines is they give you more chances of winning and you can get double and triple pays if winning combinations appear on more than one payline together. The disadvantages are that the payoffs are usually very small and the top jackpot is paid only if you line up the proper winning symbols in the correct sequence on the bottom, or third payline. Another disadvantage is that Three-Payline machines are always three-coin machines. Some machines offer five, or even eight paylines but, once again, you have to play five or eight coins per pull. Remember, great advice, play Two-Coin maximum, Three Reel, One Payline Slot Machines.

Double-Up Symbols

An increasing variety of machines now employ so-called Double-Up symbols on their reels. This symbol, usually circular or in the shape of a diamond in a circle, and always bearing the words "Double" across its face, can be very valuable to the slot player. The payoff amount is Double and these Double Symbols also substitute forany other symbol. However, there are not many Double Machines available at casinos. The good Double-Up machines are normally found stuck somewhere in the middle of a group of bad machines, or are relegated to some obscure part of the casino.

Eric owns online slots at http://www.slots.onlinebettingreview.com. Eric has been an avid slots player for over 30 years. He has won many jackpots, but never the BIG one!

Casino gambling dilema's and morals
Corsavoo.com, France - 17 hours ago
That is the wrong attitude and the wrong mindset when entering a casino. Wether that be online or at a brick and mortar venue. Casino gambling should always ...
Gambling at Inter casino and Online Casino Corsavoo.com
all 2 news articles

Casino payout stirs little interest
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, PA - 7 hours ago
The state Gaming Act mandates casino gambling operators provide money -- $5 million a year -- to pay overtime to local police to stop illegal gambling with ...

EOG.com
Atlantic City eyes new casino far from others
The Associated Press - Sep 4, 2008
Now in an effort to survive withering competition from Pennsylvania and New York slots parlors, the city is considering expanding casino gambling into areas ...
Atlantic City Expanding Gambling Area With Penn National Casino Casino Gambling Web
Emptying the notebook ... Pittsburgh Post Gazette
all 93 news articles

Opponents say casino issue could affect Eastern Shawnee
LimaOhio.com, OH - 12 hours ago
"The only way this helps us directly is that, if this passes, it shows that attitudes are shifting and seeing that (casino gambling) is all around us and ...

Governor Patrick Says No To Tribal Casino Talk
Casino Gambling Web, FL - 17 hours ago
Governor Duval Patrick had his casino gambling proposal shot down by the legislature in Massachusetts shortly after he took office. ...
Patrick rejects casino proposal Boston Globe
Gov. Deval Patrick won’t start casino talks with tribe Boston Herald
Patrick says casino talks with tribe premature WHDH-TV
all 16 news articles

Gaming commission issues violation notice
Newsday, NY - Sep 3, 2008
BUFFALO, NY - The National Indian Gaming Commission has issued a notice of violation against the temporary Seneca Buffalo Creek casino following a federal ...
Casino's good fortune in limbo WIVB
Seneca Nation Appeals NIGC Shutdown Notice GamblingCompliance.com
Judge issues mixed ruling in Buffalo casino case News from Indian Country
Casino Gambling Web - Salamanca Pressall 36 news articles

Tribal Online Casino Drawing The Attention Of State Regulators
Casino Gambling Web, FL - 8 hours ago
The state of California is intent on being a leader in the field of casino gambling. They have expanded their casino offerings and are continuing to ...

Get a Deep Insight into the World Wireless Gaming Market
PR-USA.net (press release), Bulgaria - 7 hours ago
... Genre Classification II-10 Action/Combat II-10 Adventure II-10 Arcade/Parlor II-10 Casino/Gambling II-10 Puzzles II-10 Sports II-10 Trivia II-10 3. ...

KNSS
Harrah's can move forward with casino
Kansas.com, KS - Sep 5, 2008
13, 2009, and to refrain from owning or managing a casino in Kansas until Jan. 13, 2010. Harrah's has argued that gambling in the state was expanded by the ...
Judge rules in tribal casino case Hays Daily News
all 23 news articles

Gambling panel plans to review Sycuan game
San Diego Union Tribune, United States - Sep 6, 2008
Background: About 217 gambling machines at the Sycuan casino are based on bingo but can be played with a single touch of a button. ...

Wind Chimes and more...

Windchimes for great gifts!

World Series of Poker Mania