GuidesHow Favorable are the Odds in Online Slots?
Slot games are among the most popular titles in both online and physical casinos and for good reasons. Many online casinos have numerous popular slots, sometimes running into the thousands. They are also easy to play and each round moves pretty first.
But what are the odds of winning at online slots?
Strategy
First, winning any type of contest requires a strategy. This is the first hurdle when playing slots; there is no definite strategy. When you play these games, there is the temptation to think that you are playing against the characters appearing on the screen.
In reality, however, you are playing against a computer program. Although the games run on a Random Number Generator (RNG) basis, the program is designed to ensure that the house has a better edge.
The impossibility of having a strategy means that the odds are stacked against you every time you play online slots. The house always wins, which means you (together with other players) always lose. You can yourself a favor and minimize losses by playing less often, say, once every two minutes instead of after every 30 seconds.
Psychological aspect
Offers and promotions on online slots are like bait. If one person wins a jackpot (very low chances), other players feel like they are about to do the same. This is especially so in physical casinos where there may be hundreds of players on the same floor. Always avoid this emotional trap.
How online slots work
As mentioned, slots pit you against a computer program. There is an RNG which means that houses or players cannot rig the games. Like ordinary slots, online slots have reels along which the game moves whenever you make a choice. The spins come to a stop at a random position.
The games have a house edge and a Return to Player (RTP) rate. The RTP determines how much of your money you get back as you play...and how much the house gets. The higher the RTP, thus, the better a slot game is for you. But there is a twist.
The RTP is dependent on many games stacked together. This means two things. Either you have to keep playing or the win may fall to the next player. Online slots have pretty much eliminated the 'next player,' but you still have to keep playing for you to win.
Unlike some table games, however, you cannot become an expert at slots. Therefore, you should go into these games for fun rather than money. You should always take advantage of free spins to extend your playing time without increasing your spending.
Alternatively, you can take some sessions to play free slots. These ones do not require you to spend money. But they don't win you any real money either. Fair enough, given that the odds are always stacked against you whenever you play online slots. Why, then, not enjoy them for free whenever such a chance presents itself?