Some players hop around the casino to different slot machines like they are playing musical chairs. Others are slow and steady and move to other games much less often, favoring to stay focused on one slot or at least just a few. But how does this affect the potential to win? Is it better to play one slot machine or move around?
The quick answer is that it doesn’t matter. Some high-tech inner workings have more to do with the result of a slot spin than what a player does. While some players believe it’s best to hop around and others believe it’s important to stay put and wait for a big payout, the fact is the outcome of playing slots doesn’t change by switching machines or staying in one place – it’s all luck and randomness.
Keep reading to learn more about these two strategies and some of the fallacies involved in these lines of thinking.
Understanding Slot Machines and the RNG
While some players believe their actions and approaches to a game can affect the result of a slot spin, the real truth is that this isn’t true – it all comes down to chance or luck. Modern games make use of complex software that includes a random number generator (RNG) that constantly runs billions of possible outcomes.
When a player hits the spin button, the RNG determines the result of a spin based on the slot computer’s inner workings. This ensures a random outcome. Therefore, no matter a person’s strategy, either moving around from machine to machine or focusing on a single game, the RNG still determines a random win.
The result of each spin has no bearing on the following spin, thanks to the random number generator (RNG). So whether a player stays on a machine or moves on to another is based more on personal preference than potential winnings.
The simple fact is that slot machine odds aren’t good and casinos have as much as a 15% house edge. The odds of winning can range from 1 in 5,000 to more than one in 35 million. Winning those top prizes comes with some extremely long odds, so players should always see slot play as entertainment and not be solely focused on winning a major payout.
The Strategy of Sticking to One Slot Machine
Looking at these two approaches may offer some insight into differing types of players. Those who like to focus more on one game or who may get overwhelmed by too much change may prefer the “single machine” approach to slot gaming.
The players may feel more relaxed with the familiarity and comfort that comes with playing a particular machine. They may also prefer a more laid-back slot-playing experience in general as well. Here’s a look at a few of the advantages and disadvantages of this style of play:
PROS: Comfort and relaxed feeling; fewer changes; familiarity with a certain game
CONS: Lack of variety; players may play too quickly, sapping their bankroll
For example, a player in Las Vegas named “Tim” prefers parking himself at one of his favorite machines. This game offers some gameplay and bonus games that he enjoys and can also produce some bigger payouts as well if he can find some winning combinations. Tim finds that playing too many games can become distracting and prefers simply to play his game for a while and take a break now and then for a drink or a meal.
Players certainly have different preferences on the number of games they play and Tim’s approach is just as good as anyone else’s. It’s just important that all players are at the mercy of the RNG.
The Strategy of Moving Around Slot Machines
For some slot players, staying one place too long just won’t work. They prefer more movement and more action. For example, a player named “Sharon” is a regular player at live casinos in the southern U.S. and said that she enjoys switching machines frequently. She gets bored if a winning spin doesn’t come quickly and prefers to move on to something different.
These types of players enjoy a little more spice by trying different machines to enhance the gaming experience. If some winnings don’t come their way, they might jump ship. Some of these players may also decide it’s time to exit after finding some winning spins. Here’s a look at some of this style’s advantages and disadvantages.
PROS: Getting to see a variety of games; may play slower, making bankroll last longer; players may be less likely to get bored
CONS: More difficult to focus on games’ various nuances; more frequent changes may become overwhelming
While players may have certain beliefs and strategies about how long to play at a slot, these are irrelevant. As noted, all payouts are based on the RNG. A player staying at one machine may not win for a spin after a spin or may also win big several times. A player hopping around may strike out or may also find a few nice payouts here and there – it’s all random because of the RNG.
Additional Considerations in Slot Machine Gaming
Beyond simply the amount a player changes machines, there are numerous other considerations players take into effect when playing. Most of these also do not affect how a slot machine pays out. All of these concepts can also apply to playing slots online as well.
Stopping a Slot Machine vs. Letting It Spin
Many players have differing views on this topic. Some prefer to let the reels finish out while others prefer to stop the reels before the spin is complete. It makes no difference and either method will yield the same result that’s already determined by the RNG.
However, stopping them over a long time may speed up the action more and make that bankroll deplete sooner if you don’t find some nice wins.
Optimal Duration on a Slot Machine
The exact time to spend at a slot machine before moving on is arbitrary and up to a player’s tastes. Some may prefer to stay a certain amount of time or a certain number of spins. Other slot fans may just play by feel and hope to at least see some winnings after at least a few spins.
The 5 Spin Slot Machine Strategy
This is a popular slot machine strategy with many players who aren’t afraid to move from machine to machine quickly. This is kind of a “hit and run” approach to playing slots that was introduced by a YouTube slot player named “Professor Slots.” This concept calls for players to spin five times at a machine or when playing online.
If a player wins in those five spins or doesn’t win, then it’s time to move on to another machine. These five spins are arbitrary and irrelevant, however. The RNG is the sole decider of a winning spin.
As AskGamblers.com notes:
As the theory relies on the ‘cold’ versus ‘hot’ slots (slots that are not paying out versus the slots that are about to pay out), a theory that has long since been disputed, you can see why no one can guarantee the success of the five spin method, either.
Budget Management
No matter a player’s strategy, a solid approach to the payer budget and bankroll can make the experience more enjoyable. Set a budget and stick to it. Those who hit the ATM often are in danger of using other funds that may be needed for critical household expenditure.
Those who play smart and make their bankroll last longer have a better chance at winning. Playing at a level of stakes you can also afford is also critical. Players may even want to set a budget per day to ensure they stay within certain limits. Setting aside some winnings as you play may also be a good idea.
Responsible Gaming
Staying safe and playing slots should go hand in hand. Stay within a budget and don’t “chase losses.” Some signs of problem gambling include:
Hiding gambling behavior
Financial hardships caused by gambling
Borrowing or stealing money
Gambling despite negative consequences
Family troubles and conflicts
Using alcohol or drugs more often
Players who believe they have some gambling issues should avoid playing slots and seek out help. The National Council on Problem Gambling can help.
Conclusion
While the two strategies in this article, staying at one slot versus moving among many games, may not affect the results of a slot, they may be more of a personal preference. A player simply may feel more comfortable using their style of gaming.
Having fun in a casino is what it’s all about and players should do what makes them feel good. Whether either style of play is more beneficial is up to individual tastes. Are you one who tends to play just a single game or two? Maybe it’s time to get out of your comfort zone and add some game variety.
Are you mixing it up a lot? Maybe try to focus on just a few games and see how it feels. No matter what way you go, it’s important to remember that the RNG ultimately decides wins and losses.
FAQs
Is it better to focus on a single slot or move around to various machines?
These are simply personal choices and depend on the player. The random number generator determines winning spins, not time of day, frequency of payouts, time spent at a machine, or other arbitrary beliefs.
What are my odds of winning at a slot machine?
Casinos usually have between a 5% and 15% edge when it comes to playing slots. While players can win, those are pretty long odds to overcome. That’s why it may be important to walk away after booking a nice winning session. Winning major progressive payouts may come with odds of one in tens of millions.
How do I know if I might have a gambling problem?
A player may become too preoccupied with gambling and seek to recover losses with more betting. These players may develop social problems and troubles with family. These players may also face economic hardships caused by gambling. Those who think they may have real issues should seek out help.
