Slots Odds & Slot Machine Probabilities
You don’t have to be a math genius to understand basic Slots odds. Simply knowing what you’re up against is a good first step towards conquering Slots odds. Armed with a working knowledge of Slots math and which number combinations and bets pay the most, you’ll be better equipped to control your gambling fate.
The real purpose behind learning Slots odds isn’t to win at Slots more but to lose less. Below are the cold, hard facts on everything from how Random Number Generators produce game outcomes, why payback percentages are so important and how often you can expect to win based on the number of credits you bet per spin.
WHERE TO PLAY ONLINE SLOTS: BONUS THEMED & PROGRESSIVE GAMES
Slots Odds – Which Slot Machine Probabilities Matter Most
If you play Slots online, then you’ve probably already been exposed to a lot of numbers. Most online casinos are pretty forward about things like their overall payback percentage and the Slots payouts offered by each game type. You’ll also see the progressive jackpots that are currently available and can easily find the pay table for any game that strikes your fancy. You might wonder which of these numbers are relevant when it comes to winning Slots.
First of all, be careful playing Progressives. While it may seem exciting to play a game that offers a chance at winning millions, your actual Slots odds of winning those millions are less than winning your local lottery. Even non-progressive machines that boast huge payouts frequently compensate by reducing smaller payouts. It’s these smaller payouts that will be your bread and butter if you want to make your bankroll last.
Slots Odds – Understanding Payouts & Percentages
Slots payouts and payback percentages are one of the most commonly misunderstood gambling concepts. Maybe the popular 0 to 100 grading scale is what gets us so confused. At first glance 92% sounds good; but when it comes to Slot Machines, it isn’t. You’re not going to win at Slots very often if you’re sitting at a machine with a 92% payback percentage.
In order to understand how payback percentages relate to winning Slots, you have to define the term. Many people wrongly assume that 92% payback means they’ve got a 92% chance of getting their money back or, even more misguided, that they’ve got a 92% chance of winning.
Think about that for a minute. If this were the case, everyone in the world would play every minute of every day. Why go to work when a $10 bet has a 92% chance of turning you into a millionaire? This Slots math simply doesn’t add up.
Conversely, a 92% payout percentage also doesn’t mean a 92% chance of losing. This Slots math is also incorrect.
Payback percentage represents the amount paid out on a win based on how much was paid in. In other words, when you play a $1 machine with a 92% payback percentage, you’re losing an average of $.08 on every dollar you win.
Because this number is calculated using long-term figures, you’re going to see a lot of fluctuation in your results from one session to the next. It’s kind of like adding up a lifetime of wins and losses on one machine and then dividing them by the number of spins played. Winning Slots—or at least those that win more often—offer payback percentages of 97% or more. You’re selling yourself short by taking anything less.
Slots charts can be very helpful in determine payouts and win ratios. The below chart displays the average Slots payout at land casinos based on various bet denominations.
| Denomination | Average Payout |
| .05 | 92.5% |
| .25 | 94.1% |
| 1 | 95.9% |
| 5 | 98.4% |
Slots Odds – Working the Slots Odds & Manipulating Slot Machine Probabilities
Once you understand the importance of payback percentages, your next job is to seek out the loosest machines. This is easy if you play Slots online because casinos typically post percentages in Slots charts directly on their site’s game page. In land casino, loose machines are typically located in high traffic areas where winners will be most visible (i.e. on raised carousels and near casino entrances and exits).
Now you’ve got the knowledge, go forth and conquer. Good luck!