slots strategy

Can players tell if a slot machine is about to hit? While many players believe this, the truth is that players have no impact on when a slot machine may pay out some winnings. But players (and casinos and slot developers) still focus on ideas of luck and good fortune to keep players dreaming about that one big win and also to add to the fun of the experience. Keep reading to learn more about this slot machine myth, the thoughts behind it, and the realities of how slot machines pay out. The Myth of Slots ‘Ready to Hit’ Many players have a favorite slot or certain types of slots. They may feel these pay out more than others on the casino floor. Other players may search for a slot or two that haven’t paid out in a while. They may say these slots are “due” or “ready” to pay out. Players may spend lots of time determining which of these games they should take a seat at. They often mistakenly believe they can predict a payout based on observation. But only the random number generator (RNG) determines a slot’s results and taking the time and effort “looking for a winner” is an irrelevant exercise. The RNG determines results are random. No human input matters when playing these games. “It is impossible to exaggerate the importance of randomization,” Retail Technology Hub reports. “A complicated mechanism known as a random number generator determines the outcome of each spin, which is completely independent of the preceding spin. This implies that it is impossible to forecast when or how much a machine will pay out. Despite this, a lot of individuals continue to think that there are methods for winning.” ‘Hot’ and ‘Cold’ Slots To go along with the above thinking, some slots may be said to be “hot” – paying out more often than others. Other slots may be seen as “cold” – paying out much more infrequently than these perceived hot slots. These are both myths and slot payouts are completely random. While it can be rewarding to find some nice wins on a slot, that doesn’t mean the machine is “hotter” than any other slot on the casino floor. A machine also isn’t “cold” when you can’t find a win. The RNG is solely responsible  Despite what some players believe, RNG ensures that each spin is independent, making concepts like “hot” or “cold” irrelevant. Jump into the fun with Jackpot Party's free slots, all playable instantly with no downloads! The Hard Reality Modern slots make use of algorithms and high-tech software to ensure random results. There's nothing a player can do to affect the outcome – whether spinning in certain patterns, using lucky charms, “timing” the machines, or any other strategy. However, there are a few aspects of slot play to keep in mind when playing that may help when it comes to wins versus losses. RTP (return to player) – This is the percentage of the money played on slot machines that is paid back to players. A casino or slot that an RTP of 92% pays back 92 cents out of every dollar. The higher the RTP, the better the chance the player will at least see some of their cash back in winnings. These figures can often be found online, via gaming regulators in some cases, and even at slot developers' websites. Volatility (or variance) – This refers to the risk-versus-reward factors that come with playing slots. Games with low volatility pay out more regularly but at smaller amounts. Those with higher volatility pay out less frequently but in higher amounts. Slot volatility figures can often be found online and volatility may help you determine which games are best for you – higher but fewer payouts versus more smaller payouts over time. Bankroll management – Play at stakes you can afford and try to make that bankroll last by playing more slowly, taking breaks, and even changing machines occasionally. Conclusion Players may think they have something to do with how and when a slot machine pays out. However, the RNG is solely responsible for the results of hitting the spin button. In fact, the reels simply represent the results determined by the RNG. It’s important to focus on RTP and bankroll management rather than trying to predict payouts. While you can't predict a slot machine's payout, understanding factors like RTP and volatility can help you make smarter choices. References Retail Technology Hub

When playing slots, scatter symbols are some of the most exciting symbols you can land as you spin. These symbols, which can land anywhere on the reel, are often the key to unlocking special features like free spins, bonus games, jackpots, and more. Because of their unique abilities, scatter symbols appear less often than standard symbols. Their rareness only adds to the mystique and excitement when one lands.  Here, I’ve only scratched the surface of scatter symbols in slots. Continue reading below to learn how scatter symbols work, the slot game bonuses they unlock, and more.  Some games may require a specific number of scatter symbols to unlock different features. However, the key takeaway is that scatter symbols provide flexibility in how rewards are earned. I find these symbols to be the most desirable, depending on the games I enjoy playing. How do Scatter Symbols Work? Before diving into a game, check out the paytable to see how they utilize scatter symbols. In doing so, you’ll find that the “x” number of scatter symbols means a specific feature unlocks. The features I most often see unlocked with scatter symbols are free spins, mini-games within the slot, progressive jackpots, and multipliers.  The number of scatters needed to unlock these features can vary. That said, you won’t need to get them in any particular arrangement or on a payline. For example, if a game says you need two scatters to unlock free spins, you simply need two scatters to appear anywhere on the reels to enjoy the perks.  In Zeus II, for example, landing 3 scatter symbols will trigger 10 free games. Check the Zeus II paytable below. With scatter symbols holding so much power, these influence the game’s RTP and volatility. Games that have more scatters tend to have higher volatility (bigger, but less frequent wins). However, when scattered are implemented well into games, they can result in a good long-term payout structure, keeping players returning.  Tip: Scatter symbols are different across all games with them. Check out the paytable for more information.  Types of Bonuses Triggered by Scatter Symbols I mentioned them above, but the types of bonuses you can look forward to with scatter symbols are free spins, bonus games (or mini-games), multipliers, and progressive jackpots.  Let’s discuss each perk below.  Free Spins: You’ll get a specific number of spins at no cost and enjoy the winnings from them. This can be found in the game Zeus II.  Bonus Games: Some bonus game examples include various versions of free spins, expanding symbols, and Free Fall symbols. These all contribute to winning more money.  Multipliers: Your wins on specific paylines will be multiplied. This increases your payout. You can find these in Raging Rhino.  Progressive Jackpots: Scatter symbols could trigger the jackpot round in some games. With progressive jackpots, the total jackpot amount goes up each time someone plays. Thus, scatter symbols could help win the jackpot or unlock the rounds needed to have a chance at hitting it.  Scatter Symbols Across Different Slot Games Several popular games, including Book of Dead, Gonzo’s Quest, Immortal Romance, and more, offer scatter symbols.  Let’s touch on how scatter symbols work with these iconic titles.  Starburst: Unfortunately, Starburst technically doesn’t have a scatter symbol, but rather wilds. However, these are treated similarly to scatter symbols here, as the wild symbols can unlock free spins.  Book of the Dead: Here, scatter symbols and wilds are the same. Here, if you land three or more scatter symbols, you’ll unlock free spins. In addition, this will unlock the expanding symbol mentioned above. This allows you to win on multiple paylines.  Gonzo’s Quest: Another thing I mentioned regarding bonus games was Free Fall symbols. That’s what’s available at Gonzo’s Quest. This feature offers free spins with multipliers. This can lead to massive wins.  Immortal Romance: Scatter symbols at Immortal Romance unlock “Chamber of Spins.” This feature allows for different free spin modes based on how many scatters land.  Cleopatra: An iconic slot franchise, scatter symbols here unlock a 3x multiplier.  As you can see, scatter symbols here manifest in various ways, and many of them have to do with the game’s theme and design. The Free Fall with Gonzo’s Quest makes sense for the theme. In Book of the Dead, the scatter symbol itself is a book related to the Egyptian theme.  This allows for another layer of creativity you don’t often get to come across with slots that don’t offer scatter symbols. These help create even more immersion.  Discover the Jackpot Party slot games below and unlock exciting scatter-triggered bonuses like free spins, multipliers, and progressive jackpots: Strategies for Maximizing Wins with Scatter Symbols Before diving into playing slots with scatter symbols, I have a few strategies I want you to keep in mind.  Look for High RTP Games: With online casinos, finding RTP (Return to Player) data isn’t difficult. By finding a game with a higher RTP that offers scatter symbols, chances are you may run into them more often which could lead to more consistent wins.  Play Demos: Play the demo version of the game you’re interested in. While each spin is random, you can get a feel for the theme and features.  Read Reviews: While player reviews can be somewhat hit or miss, reading real-life experiences from players could help gauge how much you may enjoy it.  Understand What You Get From Them: Scatter symbols are available in many games, but what do they unlock? Check with the game to see if you’ll unlock something you’re interested in.  Check the Paytable: Paytable is a crucial feature in slot games that helps players understand how rewards are earned. Understanding how you reap the rewards from these symbols is important. This will also help avoid any confusion down the line with why you did or didn’t unlock a feature. Manage your Bankroll: This is a universal tip, but remember to set a budget and stick to it. Never wager to chase losses. Treat this strictly as entertainment. Additionally, know when to call it quits. Set a daily budget if you need to, and once you spend that amount, stop for the day. Never wager more than you can afford to lose.  Scatter Symbols vs. Other Special Symbols I mentioned them above, but Wilds are another lucrative symbol. Scatter symbols can appear anywhere on reels, and they’re not required to land in any specific formation for the win. Conversely, Wilds take the place of a standard symbol and can help bridge the gap between a win. These still need to follow paylines. Think of Wilds as a card in a deck, like a joker, that can act as anything else, whereas scatters unlock special features.  There are also bonus symbols to consider. These are somewhat like scatters. While they unlock features, they often need to land in specific places like wilds. Scatters can unlock multiple features, while bonus symbols are typically tied to a specific one.  Symbol Payline Needed? Unlockable Features Scatter No Free spins, bonuses, multipliers, jackpots Wilds Yes Substitute for other symbols Bonus Mostly yes Unlock specific bonus features The Evolution of Scatter Symbols Scatter symbols are a rather new characteristic and mechanic of slot games. These came online along with digital and video formats later in the 20th century. These were added as tools to make slot games more exciting and add variety across the board. This made certain games more appealing to players than others because of the added immersion and benefits that could come with them.  These symbols changed slots forever due to them not needing to be tied to a payline. Overall, I believe these have added more player enjoyment.  Conclusion Scatter symbols can add a lot of excitement to your slot gameplay. These can unlock features that can lead to even more winnings. That said, I recommend finding games you enjoy most first and foremost; from there, understand that scatter symbols are one of the rare symbols to appear, so don’t bank on getting them every session.  If you find a game you enjoy that has scatter symbols, that’s a bonus. Play within your budget and enjoy the features they unlock when you’re lucky enough to land one. 

I’ve always viewed wild symbols like a joker in a card game. What I mean by that is that wild symbols, like jokers, can be substituted for any symbol in a slot game. This comes in handy to help finish off paylines and create winning paylines.  When wild symbols are present, this adds excitement to the game, as you know there’s another way to get that winning payline, and the unpredictable nature adds to every spin.  Other types of wilds include expanding, multiplying, sticky, and more. Below, I’ll explain the different types of wilds, how wild symbols work, how they impact gameplay, compare them to other symbols, and more.  What Are Wild Symbols? As mentioned above, wild symbols can be substituted for any other symbol in a slot game. That’s where the comparison to the joker in a card game comes from, as jokers, in certain games, play a similar role.  Substituting for any symbol, allows you to finish paylines and get those wins you otherwise wouldn’t have.  These differ from scatters and bonuses in that wild symbols still need to land in the necessary spot to finish the payline. In contrast, scatters can land anywhere and unlock key bonuses like free spins and other mini-games. Depending on the game, you may need several scatters to land to unlock them. Bonus symbols can unlock interactive moments within a game, such as choosing between rewards, spinning more reels, and more.  Types of Wild Symbols You may come across numerous types of wild symbols in your slot-playing journey. I’ll explain each of them below.  Classic Wilds: This is the basic wild symbol. These are used to substitute other symbols to complete a winning payline.  Sticky Wilds: When you spin and land a sticky wild, they’ll remain on the board for multiple spins, providing more chances for winning combinations.  Expanding Wilds: These expanded vertically or horizontally across multiple reels.  Stacked Wilds: These can appear in groups and fill up an entire reel.  Walking Wilds: These move across reels in a specific direction and move with each spin until they fall off the grid.  Random Wilds: These appear at any time throughout gameplay, often featured in bonus rounds or other features.  Multiplying Wilds: Not only do these substitute for other symbols, but they also multiply the win by 2x or more.  Shifting Wilds: These are similar to Walking Wilds in that they change positions during each spin.  I’ve encountered other wilds when playing, including exploding, colossal, transferring, and linking.  Colossal Wilds: These cover large blocks of the reel and can end with multiple paylines winning.  Exploding Wilds: These will explode on the screen to transform other symbols into wilds.  Transferring Wilds: These appear on one reel and will go into the next with each spin.  Linked Wilds: When a wild lands, it’ll link across reels, turning other symbols into wilds.  With these different types of wilds and their impact on the game, you’ll find that some games alter the RTP to accommodate for the power these symbols can wield. Simply put, wilds can provide massive payments, and RTPs for those games will adjust to that.  How Wild Symbols Affect Gameplay If you play a game with wilds, you can win even more as these complete winning combinations. There are even other types of wilds that can allow for even more winnings, like multiplying wilds.  However, games with wild symbols, especially these other versions that can award larger prizes, can be more volatile. Volatility in slot games means that you may win less often, but there’s a chance for massive payouts. That’s the trade-off we make for these added wild symbols.  Some of the most popular games with wild symbols are Starburst, Age of the Gods, Gonzo’s Quest, and Dead or Alive 2. Here’s how they manifest in these games:  Starburst: Here, you’ll find Expanding Wilds. These cover an entire reel and trigger re-spins.  Age of the Gods: This game series has numerous wild symbols, such as Expanding and Stacked wilds. As mentioned, Stacked Wilds appear in groups and fill up a reel.  Gonzo’s Quest: You’ll find Walking Wilds and Multiplying Wilds.  Dead or Alive 2: The primary wilds you’ll find here are Sticky Wilds and Multiplying Wilds, but there are others.  Strategies for Maximizing Wins with Wild Symbols If you’re looking for tips and strategies to maximize your winnings when playing slots with wild symbols, you’ve come to the right place.  Here are some of my top tips below:  Check for Special Features: I enjoy games that offer more than just your Classic Wild. These add excitement to the game.  Look for Bonus Rounds: Look for games that offer wild symbols within their bonus rounds. These will provide massive wins.  Examine the Volatility: With these extra wilds, chances are you’ll find high-volatility slots, but if you find anything that isn’t high-volatility and has those features, target those games.  Check the RTP: Return to Player Percentage illustrates how much money is paid to players per $1 wagered. For example, if a game has an RTP of 97%, $0.97 per $1 wagered is paid out.  Target These Wilds: My favorite wild symbols are Sticky, Multiplying, and Walking. I’ve found these to lead to the biggest payouts for me.  Balance Your Gameplay: Low volatility slots with wilds pay out more but offer less upside regarding the amount you could win. Conversely, high volatility leads to massive payouts, but wins are less frequent. Try to find something in the middle.  Comparing Wild Symbols with Other Special Symbols Comparison Wild Symbols Scatters/Bonus Symbols Wilds vs. Scatters Substitute for regular symbols to complete paylines and create winning combinations. Unlock features like free spins or bonus rounds without needing to follow a payline. Wilds vs. Bonus Symbols Provide immediate payouts by completing paylines through symbol substitution. Trigger interactive features like bonus games or multipliers, potentially leading to higher payouts. Advanced Wild Symbol Features Above, I mentioned numerous types of wild symbols, which can lead to re-spins, free spins, and bonus games. We see this in Starburst with the Expanding Wild. It covers the entire reel and triggers the re-spin.  Another example is Dead or Alive 2, where you can land Sticky Wilds during free spins and receive massive payouts.  You can also find wild symbols with progressive jackpot games. Several wild symbols can unlock a jackpot feature or trigger the progressive jackpot in some slots. For example, a specific combination of wilds can unlock the wheel you spin to win a jackpot in Mega Moolah.  Finding the Best Slot Games with Wild Symbols If you’re looking for games with wild symbols, I recommend checking out the game’s paytable. This is where you’ll find information about the symbols.  From there, you should check out player reviews to see if anyone touches on how often they’ve found the wild symbols. You can also try demo versions of the game to see how it feels.  I mentioned RTP above, and that’s something else you should consider. The higher the number, the higher the chances of winning.  Finally, many online casinos will allow you to filter slots by whether or not wild symbols are available.  Conclusion Wild symbols can add a ton of excitement to your gameplay, especially if you play games with wilds that go beyond the Classic Wild. I recommend you try different types of wilds to see what you enjoy most and then find games that offer those.  In addition to finding those preferred wilds, make sure you find games that pay out reasonably well and have a medium volatility.  Enjoy your time with wild symbols at your favorite games.