We’ve all found ourselves baffled at why we just can’t seem to land a win in slots. Have you been wondering why you keep losing on slots? From ignoring the importance of slot RTP (arguably the most common mistake) to using superstition to bet, there are all sorts of online slot mistakes players regularly make when playing online. In this Go Spin guide, we’ll look at the costliest slot machine mistakes you’ll make and provide solutions to improve your gameplay and bankroll management.
#1 Overestimating the Importance of Hot/Cold Slots
Let’s begin with a common myth – hot and cold slots. One of the biggest slot machine mistakes when playing is believing that slots go through hot and cold cycles. In short, hot slots won’t pay out because they’ve done so recently, and cold ones are due to drop a win. We can unequivocally say that hot and cold slots are nonsense.
Fair slots use RNGs (random number generators) to ensure random outcomes on every spin. Relying on superstition and believing that games are due a win because they haven’t paid out for a while is a huge mistake. Don’t rely on perceived trends to guide you. Instead, Go Spin encourages you to focus on using real game strategy and responsible betting to wager on slots.
#2 Not Effectively Managing Your Bankroll
Next up, another of the most common online slot errors – not effectively managing your bankroll. It is imperative to set a budget before playing. The consequences of failing to do so will result in poor bankroll management, and you’ll end up chasing losses and significantly overspending.
Set a budget and stick to it. Moreover, make full use of deposit caps and time limits to partition and divide your bankroll into smaller sums. Stick to one of these smaller sums per session for extended playtime. Once that part of your budget is gone, stop playing and remember to cash out if you land a decent windfall.
#3 Ignoring the Importance of Slot RTP (Return to Player)
The most common slot player mistakes usually involve failing to identify the importance of slot RTP. Return to player (RTP) rates represent a percentage of all money wagered (over all time, by all players) returned to players via a theoretical pot. The higher the RTP rate, the fairer the slot is. A huge number of players overlook this metric when choosing slots.
For instance, if an internet slot has an RTP of 95% (the average), it means that $0.95 of every $1 wagered will end up in a pot for all players to win over all time. It also means that the casino keeps $0.05 of each as profit. Playing games with higher RTPs leads to long-term returns, as there is more money in the theoretical pot to win.
Don’t fall for this common slot machine mistake. You can check a slot’s RTP on its paytable by reading about the game on the software provider’s website or by checking slot reviews online. The best slots have RTPs of 96% or higher.
#4 Not Paying Attention to Slot Volatility
It isn’t just slot RTP that’s an issue. Volatility, too, is something many players overlook when betting. Volatility, otherwise known as variance or risk, reveals a lot about slots. For starters, it tells you how often a game pays and what sorts of wins it provides.
Low variance slots deliver small wins frequently. Highly volatile slots provide much larger jackpots but don’t drop them regularly. Medium volatile games offer something in-between. You’ll find low variance slots suitable if you play with a small budget, with the regular but modest wins keeping your balance healthy for long-term gameplay. Highly volatile slots require a healthy bankroll to last you through losing streaks until that big win comes along.
Many players start playing without understanding volatility, and as such, they bet too much or too little for their game’s volatility level. Adjusting your bet sizes based on the volatility of the game you’re playing is essential to improve your chances of success.
#5 Failing to Understand Slot Rules and Payline Explanations
Everyone’s guilty of this from time to time – not reading the rules and understanding how a slot works before playing. We’ve all been there – we’ve found a great-looking slot that catches our eyes and jumped straight in, making one of the classic slot game mistakes in the process. The end result – we’ve lost. Always understand game mechanics and how paylines work before betting. Not doing so is guaranteed to result in missed opportunities to land wins.
For instance, if a slot offers multiple bonus rounds, and you can choose between them, you might choose the least optimal feature for success. You’re missing out on potential wins due to a lack of knowledge, and that’s easily fixable. We encourage all Go Spin readers to check the paytable of a slot before wagering. You can also play games for free (as demos), watch tutorials or read slot reviews for better insights into the inner workings of a slot before betting.
Improve Your Slot Strategy
While it is tempting, never dive straight into gameplay. Don’t use superstition when betting; manage your bankroll, understand RTP and volatility and learn how your game works before you bet. Doing so leads to informed bets and responsible gambling. You’ll stand a considerably better chance of winning on slots.
Those are our thoughts, but Go Spin is interested in hearing what you think. Don’t hesitate to share your own experiences of making slot machine mistakes in our comments section, and join us on social media for more gambling tips and strategies.
Why aren’t jackpots paid due to slot machine malfunctions?
A display error on a slot machine is similar to a dealer misstating a payout. In such cases, casinos and slot manufacturers are not obligated to pay the incorrect amount.
Slot machine malfunctions can be caused by software errors, leading to incorrect jackpot displays or misinterpreted betting amounts, preventing payouts.
If you encounter a slot machine error, note down the error code and report it immediately, as these malfunctions often result from technical or software glitches.
Conclusion
Mastering slot gameplay requires knowledge, strategy, and responsible betting. By avoiding common mistakes such as relying on hot/cold slot myths, neglecting bankroll management, and ignoring key metrics like RTP and volatility, players can significantly enhance their chances of success. Understanding slot mechanics and payline structures is equally essential for making informed bets. By focusing on these aspects, players can enjoy a more rewarding and controlled gaming experience while minimizing losses.
FAQ
Is there a trick to hitting combos on slot machines?
You’re more likely to land winning combos frequently in low-variance slots. The fewer symbols a slot has, the greater your chances of winning. If you’re on a tight budget, don’t choose highly volatile slots with lots of symbols, as this is a mistake.
How do I pick winning slots?
Always choose slots with high RTP rates (96%+) and a volatility level matching your budget. Avoid slots with buy-a-bonus mechanics, and look for games with great reviews from the community and Go Spin’s experts.
Are slot machine spins truly random?
Yes. Slots use random number generators to ensure this. RNGs are certified as fair and approved by independent third parties at the most trusted online casinos.
How do I avoid chasing my slot losses?
Chasing losses usually leads to ever-greater losses, which can affect you mentally. We don’t recommend playing when you’re too emotional or drunk. Furthermore, set deposit and wager limits, take breaks and if need be, use cool-down and self-exclusion tools to give yourself some time to reevaluate and calm down.
What mistakes do players make on slot machines?
Many players make common mistakes while playing slot machines. One major mistake is not varying their bet amounts strategically.
Additionally, slot machine’s common errors include chasing losses, ignoring game rules and paytables, and choosing low-RTP games, all of which can impact overall winnings.
