From the time Charles Fey invented the first slot machine in 1895 (nicknamed the one-armed bandit because of its lever on the side), machines have been evolving and attracting droves of players. Casino floors are now aglow with towering contraptions that offer multiple reels, complex game play, and huge jackpots. But if you’re looking to win at slots, experts recommend picking machines based on their features and not on whether or not they have a certain theme or character.
The most important feature to look for in a slot machine is the paylines. These are the winning sequences of symbols displayed on the machine’s reels. Each slot has its own payline structure and can display vertical, horizontal, diagonal, or zig-zag lines. Some slots also have extra features like wild multipliers or progressive multipliers.
When choosing a slot, look for the number of paylines and maximum jackpot to choose a game that works for you. Some slots are more volatile than others, which means they will trigger wins more frequently but may also have longer stretches without any payouts. It’s best to start with a low-volatility machine and work your way up, as these will keep you engaged while providing the best chance of winning.
Popular strategies suggest moving on to another machine after a set, short period of time or after getting some nice payouts (under the assumption that a machine is “due”). This type of strategy is useless, because each spin of the reels is random. This means that no machine can be “due” to hit or not to hit — it all depends on split-second luck.