1.
The only true skill to playing slots is machine identification.
Example: progressive machines offer the opportunity to
compare and shop around for the best value. One 25 cent
"slot machine carousel" can have a progressive
jackpot of $2600 and another bank of machines-exactly
the same and standing side by side-$1900. You should always
be looking for the best slot opportunities possible.
2.
Casinos will advertise machines that have a 98.5 percent
payback. WOW! A casino game holding just a percent and
a half, and on a slot machine no less. But there is a
downside. If you look closely at the advertisement, it
will probably say, "on select machines." Furthermore,
it probably will not be posted on the machine itself,
and generally will be limited to a single bank of machines
in the casino. Now it becomes your responsibility to find
them. Easiest way: Ask a slot employee, and if he or she
doesn't know, have one of them ask a direct supervisor.
3.
Las Vegas gives away over one-half billion dollars in
comps each year, and as a slot player, you deserve your
share. Repeat, you deserve your share. How? Casinos now
offer you the ability to "comp yourself" by
using one of their player's club slot cards. It is generally
based on the number of coins you cycle through a machine,
so you might as well get credit for all those quarters
you're inserting. Shop casinos for comp value and find
out what you are worth to them.
4.
You always want to treat "comps" as a form of
profit, but you never want to gamble just to receive them.
It's much better to play a 98 percent payback machine
and increase your winning opportunities than play machines
with a poor return that cycle more of your coins. Remember
that you're there to stay in action and possibly win,
not lose your bankroll for a free buffet.
5.
If you cannot afford to play the maximum amount of coins,
you should not be playing that denomination of machine.
If dollar slots are too rich for your blood, drop down
to a quarter machine. It is always better value to play
five quarters versus one dollar, or five nickels instead
of one quarter.
6.
I recommend not playing back the credits you have accumulated.
Cash out and take stock. The problem with playing back
credits is that the longer you stay, the machines built-in
advantage eats away at them. It doesn't take long to zero
out.
7.
Avoid restaurant, bar, supermarket and airport slot machines.
Notorious for being tight.
8.
Can't decide which type of slot machine to play? If you
are going to choose between video poker and slots, play
video poker. Even poor play on a video poker machine will
have a better payback than most "reel" slot
machines.
9.
Before you walk away from a machine, don't forget to press
the cash-out button. Millions are lost each year by gamblers
forgetting their winnings (stored credits).
10. It is your responsibility if destiny favors you that
you receive full payment when hitting a jackpot. Even
with some relatively small jackpots, if the slot is short
coins in the hopper, you will receive only a partial cash
payment in the tray, with the balance to be paid by a
slot attendant. If you were to insert more coins and pull
the handle, say good-bye to the remainder of your jackpot.
11.
Read all the posted material on a slot machine. It is
your responsibility to fully understand all printed information
concerning the number of coins to insert, lines needed
to be lit, prizes or awards. In most cases, when someone
calls a slot attendant over and complains the machine
"just ripped me off," that individual generally
did not read the pay schedule correctly.
12.
When you insert coins, don't assume all the tokens register
before you pull the handle. Played five but only four
recorded? SORRY. You will get a sympathetic pat on the
back from the casino, but no money.
13.
I recommend avoiding machines that use video representations
of symbols. With these slots, there is absolutely no way
to figure out what the payoff percentage of that machine
is. For all you know, your true chances of hitting a major
jackpot could be 2,097,152 to one.
14.
Most casinos will hold a slot for you while you go to
the restroom, take a short break, or even go on a buffet
run. Just ask a slot supervisor to reserve your machine
and give a specific time when you will return.
15.
Don't chain yourself to a cold machine, even if it is
your favorite. Why? Because the longer you stay on any
slot, the more time the machine's built-in mathematical
advantage has to work you over. This is how casinos build
mega-resorts. Time always works on their side, and they
have a mathematical edge on every slot.
16.
Just because you're only playing slots, you still need
to set a loss limit on your bankroll for both your trip
and each individual gaming session. Divvy up your wad
per playing session, discipline yourself and stick to
it.
17.
I'll come clean here. I don't play slots. But as a local
in a casino town, I know where the locals who do play
find the most cluck-for-the-buck. Simply put, locals don't
play dog machines. So when searching for high payback
machines, ask a few employees where the locals find the
best slot value. Even if they are not slot players themselves,
they at least know where their friends like to play.
18.
Leave both your credit and bank teller cards at home so
you will not be tempted with the easy convenience of getting
cash. Also, allow me to take the obvious one step further.
Only bet what you can afford to lose.
No
Eggheads 
Allowed