Best Strategies for Playing Online Slots: Do They Work?

Casino games fall broadly into two categories: games of luck and games of skill. Of course, it’s not a perfect split, and even games of skill involve some luck. However, if you’re playing games of luck, which slots fall into, you generally don’t have to worry too much about strategizing.

However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to give yourself an edge while playing slots. It’s simply a more passive skillset compared to actively thinking of the best way to play various card combinations. Join us as we go over a few online slot strategies to see which ones are worth pursuing.

1. Pick Slots with a High RTP

If you want the best bang for your buck at online casinos, the math is clear: high RTP is the way to go. Return to player is a percentage of wagered money that you’ll win back if you play for long enough. For a standard slot with a 96% RTP, that means you’ll win 96 out of every 100 rounds you play.

Luck obviously plays a factor, so you’ll be below or above that average most of the time. However, if you play long enough, you’ll find that your average win rate matches the RTP offered. If you’re choosing between two slots, the high-RTP one will always be the better deal.

That said, you’ll want to double-check the RTP value of any game you choose. Many slots come in several RTP configurations, meaning the same title can have a different return to player value in multiple casinos. Fortunately, most software providers let you check the RTP in-game, so you can confirm you’re getting the best deal.

2. Choose a Suitable Volatility

Slots have different volatility levels, which can make games feel drastically different. Games with similar RTP but varying volatility will often be completely distinct experiences. It’s not foolproof, but as a general rule of thumb, you can expect the following payout frequencies with different volatilities:

• Low volatility – frequent payouts but smaller wins.
• Medium volatility – the best of both worlds, providing satisfying max wins at a medium regularity.
• High volatility – rare wins but incredible payout potential.

Depending on your budget and preferences, picking the right slot volatility is important. Low-variance games will better serve casual players who want frequent wins and features. Meanwhile, jackpot chasers who put a premium on huge wins above all else will prefer high volatility releases.

3. Bankroll Management

Whether you’re considering poker strategy or slot success, none of it is possible without proper bankroll management. The words may sound big, but the concept is simple – it’s all about setting a budget and sticking to it. If you’ve earmarked €20 to play with for the week, you’ll want to bet carefully and make the money last.

You may feel tempted to raise your bet at times. Whether it’s chasing losses or taking advantage of a hot streak, there’s always the lure to commit more than you’ve planned. However, it’s important to stick to your original plan no matter what. Otherwise, you may find that a stroke of bad luck has left you with no budget left.

Fortunately, online casinos allow players to set limits on how much they can deposit on a weekly and monthly basis. While not mandatory, enabling this option makes it much easier to stick to the budget even in the heat of the moment.