Knowing that the odds are stacked against you is an important part of gambling. That said, there are a few casino games where it’s conceivable to make money without having to change the laws of probability.
Since they offer less favorable odds than keno or blackjack, Slot games might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about making piles of cash, but that doesn’t mean that all of them guarantee losses. While slot machine odds favor the house, the house edge varies, and some games pay out better than others.
Getting to Know Slots
Slot machines have been around since the 1800s. There are a few key reasons why these games can be used by shopkeepers to dispense chewing gum while being the biggest money maker in casinos across the US.
For starters, there is no learning curve. All you have to do is slide in the money and push the button or pull the lever to get the reels spinning. Also, this is an inexpensive form of entertainment, so long as you can manage your expectations and avoid delusions about finding the best odds on a slot machine right off the bat.
Slot games can be played at brick-and-mortar casinos or online venues. Whichever one you choose, you should know that slot machine odds are regulated. But there are things you can do to maximize slot payouts and improve your chances of winning life-changing jackpots.
How Does a Slot Machine Work?
A single slot game takes mere seconds to complete after you pull the handle or push the electronic button. Slots operate randomly, and at the heart of each game is the Random Number Generator or RNG.
Some games allow players to choose the exact moment when the reels stop spinning. But the RNG determines the outcome of each spin, making it impossible for outside parties to influence someone’s chances of winning at slots.
However, that doesn’t mean you should leave everything up to chance. To maximize payouts and grow your bankroll, you need to pick the right games and make the right bets. For instance, playing larger-denomination games can improve your odds of winning on a slot machine.
Odds Explained
Slot games are easy to play, but understanding the odds is a slightly more complicated matter.
The aforementioned RNG software ensures that each game has thousands or even millions of reel combinations. Meanwhile, game designers determine the payouts for each winning combination. It’s these reel combinations and the payouts for each combination that determine the odds at winning in slots.
Probability and RTP
Probability is defined as the extent to which an event is likely to occur. This is measured by the ratio of the favorable cases to the whole number of cases possible. It can be expressed as a fraction, decimal, percentage, and odds.
Modern-day slot games can have hundreds of symbols per reel and are programmed to have different probabilities for each symbol to come up. The payouts over a large number of spins are referred to as Return to Player or RTP.
Casinos usually display RTP in percentages for individual games. The RTP can never be 100%, and it’s the difference between that 100% and the RTP that determines the house edge and your actual odds of winning at a casino slot machine.
If the RTP is 90%, you can expect to lose 10 cents on every dollar you put in the game. Let’s say you’re willing to spend $100 on a game, and the RTP is 90%. If you wager a single dollar on 100 spins, you stand to lose at least $10.
Of course, this is a highly simplified, long-term mathematical expectation. In practice, if you decide to invest $100, the slot machine odds vary because certain games are programmed to offer various smaller payouts, bonuses, and other perks.
This is also referred to as the hit frequency. For example, if a slot game has 1,000,000 outcomes and 200,000 of them offer some sort of payout, then the hit frequency is 20%.
Improve Your Odds of Winning on a Slot Machine
The way to play slots is to determine in advance how much money you’re willing to lose. Once you lose that amount, walk away from the game. If you win, cash out half your winnings and continue playing with the other half.
Another crucial factor is to select your games carefully and make the appropriate wagers. For instance, if you bet the maximum number of coins allowed on games with three mechanical reels, the third coin raises the payback percentage significantly.
On the other hand, there is no significant jackpot jump for betting the maximum five coins on five-reel video slots.
Slot Machines: Online vs. Brick-and-Mortar
Your odds of winning in slots won’t always be determined by where you choose to play. But there are some notable differences between online and land-based venues.
Playing Online
The most significant advantage of online casinos is accessibility. You can play from anywhere. And if you aren’t a fan of crowded casino floors or hate having to wait for a seat at your favorite slot game, the online option is the perfect solution.
Whether you choose to play from your desktop or mobile device, online casinos offer an endless selection of progressive jackpots and generous payouts. You can even try games for free before you decide to wager any real money. Plus, online venues claim to offer more favorable odds of winning with slot machines.
Playing at Land-Based Casinos
An authentic casino experience is impossible to duplicate online. So if you’re a player who appreciates and feeds off all the sights and sounds in an actual casino, sticking with brick-and-mortar venues is a must. You’ll need to find an empty machine and maybe even get a drink at the bar.
Also, keep in mind that most brick-and-mortar casino slot machine odds aren’t as favorable as those found online. Many land-based casinos have an RTP of 85%, while with online slot machine games, the RTP can go above 90%.
Slot Machines with the Best Odds
If you want to find out which slot machines have the best odds, this is the section you should be looking at. Always remember that the best odds of winning in slots are determined by the highest RTP. Keeping these odds in mind comes especially handy during slot tournaments, where sticking to high-odds games can greatly increase your chances of victory.
Ugga Bugga: 99.17% RTP
Ugga Bugga is not your typical slot game, as it drastically improves your chances of winning in slots. This game has an RTP of 99.17% and 10 paylines on three reels. It offers a combination of symbols, respins, bonus rounds, and many other interesting features. There is a free demo version, and the game is available at many online casinos.
Quick Hit: 94.06% RTP
There are different versions of the Quick Hit slot game. Quick Hit Platinum has a 94.06% RTP. The Quick Hit slot machine odds aren’t as favorable with the Pro version, where the RTP is 94%, or the Las Vegas version, which has a 93.95% RTP.
Wheel of Fortune: 94.22% RTP
Wheel of Fortune is one of those popular game shows we all love. But who knew you could also play a slot machine with the same theme? This slot machine has different versions. The first one was made in 1997.
Wheel of Fortune Triple Extreme Spin is a variant of the Wheel of Fortune game. The Wheel of Fortune slot machine odds are pretty impressive, and the game has a 94.22% RTP, which is roughly the average RTP for online slot games.
Triple Diamond: 96.06% RTP
The Triple Diamond slot machine odds are slightly above the industry average. The RTP of 96.09% is just one of the many great things about this game. Perhaps, the only downside with this classic is the fact that there is no option to win vertically.
Best Slot Odds in Vegas
If you’re heading to Sin City to try your luck, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the best Vegas slot machine odds.
- Wheel of Fortune
We’ve already touched on the impressive Wheel of Fortune slot machine odds, which is why you can’t afford to ignore this game next time you’re in Vegas. They can be found in most casinos.
- Megabucks
In the last two decades, the Megabucks slot machine enriched many players with jackpots. Even though we wouldn’t say it has best odds for a slot machine, an RTP 88.6% is solid, and it gives you a pretty decent shot at winning.
- Double Jackpot
You’ll need to check out the Double Jackpot slot machine if you’re on the hunt for great Vegas slot odds. The RTP is 96%, and it’s a classic slot game. The symbols include cherries, bars, bells, and 7s.
Las Vegas Airport Slot Machine Odds
As soon as you touch down in Vegas, you can start playing slot games. You don’t even have to leave the airport. The city’s McCarran International Airport is one of only several airports in the entire country that has slot machines. That said, airport slot machines are known for offering low payouts.
The average RTP on the airport slots in Vegas is 85.02%. In short, these aren’t the best slot machine odds that you’ll come across in Sin City.
Other Slot Games Worth Mentioning
If you are looking for some specific information about slot games, this section covers everything from the Monopoly slot machine odds to Borderlands 2 and the unforgettable Willy Wonka.
Double Diamond slot machine odds
Some people like complicated slot machine games. If you’re not one of those, you’ll love Double Diamond. It’s a classic three reel game with one payline. The Double Diamond slot machine odds of winning are definitely one reason to consider the game. The RTP is 95.44%.
Monopoly slot machine odds
We all know the board game by this same name. The slot version is also a classic. The Monopoly slot machine odds are impressive, and the payout percentage is 95.7% for the Monopoly Big Spin version. Before you spin the wheel, you get to bet on where you think the wheel will land.
The Monopoly slot machine odds on the Utilities version are even more appealing. The RTP is 96.61%. The Utilities version has seven rows and eight reels.
Borderlands 2 slot machine odds
Borderlands is a looter shooter video game franchise. One of the features introduced in the second installment of the game (Borderlands 2) is a slot machine, which enables players to net additional loot like guns, grenades, and cash.
When reviewing the Borderlands 2 slot machine chances of winning, it’s important to note that if more than one player tries to use the slot machine, it will accept everyone’s bet, but spin just once.
There are several other versions of the game including Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel. The Borderlands Pre-sequel slot machine odds are fair. The only time you don’t win anything is if the first and second symbols are different.
One of the games is called Tiny Tina’s Lootsplosion slot machine. Players can find it in Moxxi’s Grog and the Girls bar in Flamerock Refuge.
If you are willing to try your luck with the Tiny Tina slot machine odds, it’s important to know what you stand to win.
The slot machine has three reels. With three flashsticks, you can get a shock explosion, and three teapots get you a random shield. When you roll three dice, the results vary, and there can be many combinations.
Willy Wonka slot machine odds
There are many different slot machine games based on the Willy Wonka movies. At least three are made by Scientific Games:
- Willy Wonka: Pure Imagination
- Willy Wonka: The Wonkavator
- Willy Wonka: World of Wonka
The reels in these games have a 5×6 and 5×5 setup. But what are the Willy Wonka slot machine odds?
All three games have the same symbols, and the highest paying ones are the purple symbols. Characters from the movie are also high-paying symbols.
All three of the games have Oompa Loompa bonuses as well as free spins. If you beat the Willy Wonka slot machine golden ticket odds, you can win a progressive jackpot or a big cash prize with your golden ticket.
Conclusion
This guide tells you everything you need to know to identify more favorable slot machine odds and improve your chances of winning. Always remember to set a budget while you’re playing, keep an eye on the RTP rates and preferably stick to games you are familiar with.
FAQ
What is the probability of winning a slot machine?
Your odds of winning in slots vary. They depend on the slot’s RTP. So, let’s say the payout percentage is 95%. That means the machine will give back $95 for every $100 that’s paid into it.
What slot machine has the best odds?
If you’d like to make your slot machine odds better, you should try out Ugga Bugga. It has an RTP of 99.17% and ten paylines.
How do I increase my odds on slot machines?
Don’t expect magical odds on a slot machine. However, there are some things that you can do to improve your chances of getting the best payouts:
- Choose a slot machine with a high RTP
- Familiarize yourself with the game by playing the demo version
- Try games with smaller jackpots as they pay more often than those with high jackpots.
Do casinos change slot machine odds?
If you’re worried about the manipulation of online or Vegas slot odds, you should know that such practices don’t make much sense. Online gambling venues already have the edge over players, and conning gamblers has far-reaching legal repercussions that licensed casinos simply won’t risk.
Your odds of winning on a slot machine are determined by random reel combinations and the programmed payouts for each combination.
What are some slot machines you can only find in Vegas?
Vegas is the place to be if you like vintage slot machines. With Las Vegas slot machines, the odds are on your side. Some of the more popular options include the Golden Nugget, Silver Strike, Slotzilla, and Sigma Derby.
