Playing slots professionally is near impossible in the long run. Unlike blackjack or poker, slot machines do not have much of a skill element to them. It’s a game of luck, and you can never master or cheat the machines.
That said, there are some basic slot strategy tips you can use in order to become a little bit better at it and increase your chances of winning.
So, can you become a professional slot player?
I do not think I have heard of successful professional slot players. However, you can slightly improve your chances of winning by playing high RTP slots. But ultimately, the slots are a game of luck, and can’t really be played professionally like other more skill-based games like poker can.
Why You Can Be a Professional Slot Player
As mentioned above, there are ways in which you slightly increase your luck when playing the slots. Here are some of our top tips…
RTP
Find the slots with the highest RTP percentages. RTP or ‘return to player’ is the percentage of stakes that a game returns to its players. Slots with an RTP of 95% or more give you the best chance of winning back money.
The return to player percentage is usually displayed next to the game on its website or in the paytable, so be sure to watch out for it next time you play.
High vs Low Variance
Another strategy is to choose your game carefully. You have to choose between either a higher hit frequency game or a higher payback percentage, depending on how you like to gamble.
Some people prefer little wins every few spins whilst others take losing streaks quite well and favor big wins more rarely. It is really a matter of personal preference.
Go For +EV Slots
EV stands for expected value, in betting, this is what a player can expect to win or lose per bet placed on the same odds.
A positive expected value (+EV), indicates a profit, while a negative (-EV) indicates a loss. So it’s a good idea for gamblers to try and identify the expected value of their bets.
Calculation/Formula: the sum of all possible values * probability of its occurrence, or the amount won or lost per bet = probability of winning/losing
Bonus Features
Try to find machines that offer bonus features and useful symbols, such as free spins, re-spins, jackpot rounds, multiplier symbols, and wild cards. These give you better value for your money and add to your chances of winning.
Have a look at a slot’s paytable before starting to bet on it. Make sure it has enough pay-lines and bonuses for you to maximize the fun and the potential financial upside.
Bet Enough Money
Many slot machines require players to bet the maximum amount of money to stand a chance of winning the jackpot. A lot of new players don’t realize, bet low, and never win!
Some themes tend to target high rollers whilst others (e.g. fruit-themed slots) are more focused on low bets.
Stay Away From Progressive Jackpots
While tempting, the regular spins of progressive jackpot games can pay out less to account for the future payout. Playing for long-odds means you won’t grow your short-term bankrolls.
Frequent small wins are a much better strategy and give you extended play.
Don’t Be Superstitious
Luck is just that; luck. You can’t influence a game of luck, no matter how hard you try. Don’t be too superstitious about it – and don’t think you can cheat the slots!
Know Your Limits
Slots are designed to be addictive, to be safe, set up spending and loss limits, and do not exceed them. Ever! And when it stops being fun, stop placing bets. Never play with the sole intention of recouping your losses. Have a solid bankroll management strategy.
Why You Cannot Be a Professional Slot Player
Ultimately, all of the above tips only slightly increase your chances of winning, they’re by no means a cheat code. Here is why you can’t be a professional slot player.
Slots Are a Game of Luck
No matter how you look at it – slot machines are a game of pure luck! Despite the fact that some people and websites may claim to have special methods and cheat codes. They don’t work and never will.
No Skills Are Involved
Skill is the opposite of luck. Whilst you can slightly improve your chances of winning at online slots, the preset algorithms are ultimately in charge.
You cannot outsmart or cheat slots, especially when they are randomly generated, no matter how good you are at playing other games!
Payouts Are Programmed
Each and every slot game has a programmed RTP which decides when and how much the machine should payout. The chances of losing are almost always higher than the chances of winning.
Casinos Can Ban Big Winners
Casinos are well within their rights to ban players who win big and win often – because it means that they are losing money! It is rare for this to happen, especially with games as predictable as slots, though. Generally, casinos tend to ban card counters in Blackjack for example.
Can you play slot machines professionally? Not really. The slots don’t require any skill like poker or blackjack – and are meant to be enjoyed as a fun game of pure luck!
This article was published on December 18, 2020, and last updated on December 18, 2020.
