How To Make Money on Slot Machines — Our Experts’ 2024 Guide

While playing slots relies purely on luck and individual skill doesn’t influence the outcome, that doesn’t mean there's no strategy involved. Making smart choices about the types of slots you play and applying general casino tactics can still enhance your chances. With that in mind, let’s dive into how to make money on slots.

Is It Possible To Make Money on Online Slot Machines?

Yes, you can make money on online slots, but cheating them isn’t possible. Slots are purely games of chance, operating on mathematical probability. The numbers that determine the outcome of each spin are generated by a Random Number Generator (RNG) system.

This RNG uses complex algorithms to produce a sequence of numbers that is random and therefore impossible to predict. Essentially, maths is fundamental to guarantee that every spin on a slot game is random and fair, so winning is based completely on chance.

Tampering with an online slot is not only illegal but also pretty improbable, due to the mathematical randomness built into slots. While there’s no way of ensuring a win because of this system, players can improve their chances by considering key factors like RTP, volatility, bet sizes, paylines, and the kind of slots. We’ll explore these aspects further in the next section to help you understand how to make money on slots online.

Factors That Affect How Much You Win at Slots

Odds on online slots are unchanging, and there’s nothing you can do to influence their outcomes. However, understanding the technical features of slots and carefully choosing your slot can impact your gameplay and potential payouts.

The Right RTP

By picking high-RTP slots, you’re stacking the odds slightly more in your favour, which can significantly impact your success. “RTP” stands for Return to Player — the theoretical percentage that a slot will pay back to players over time.

While it doesn’t guarantee success in the short term, a higher RTP is preferable as it suggests losing less money in the long run. This is why checking the RTP when picking a slot is important. Since this percentage must be disclosed by law, it should be easily found in the game’s information. Typically, online slots have an average RTP of around 95% to 97%, though for some it can be as low as 85%!

The Right Volatility

Volatility is a term used to indicate how frequently a slot is expected to issue a win and how big or small the payout will be. Choosing the right volatility depends on your preference and playing style.

Low-volatility slots offer a high-hit frequency, but their payouts are generally low; essentially, you have consistent, but smaller wins. High-volatility slots, on the other hand, don’t pay out as often, but the wins are much larger. As the name suggests, medium volatility strikes a balance between the two, offering fairly regular wins and occasionally the chance of a big win.

How Much To Bet

Betting too much or too little can be detrimental to your success at online slots. Over-betting can rapidly deplete your funds, while under-betting can limit your potential wins.

When deciding how much to bet, you need to find the right balance and consider your budget and slot strategy. It’s a good idea to bet amounts that sustain your gameplay and offer worthwhile wins rather than going for the absolute minimum or maximum bet for standard slots. The only exception is for progressive jackpot slots, where placing the maximum bet is needed to qualify for the jackpot win.

The Right Amount of Paylines

Paylines determine the number of ways you can win on each spin. Each payline you activate boosts your chances of landing a win, so the more paylines there are, the greater your opportunities for hitting a winning combination. However, the cost per spin also increases, and your bankroll will deplete at a faster rate.

On the flip side, fewer paylines lower the cost per spin but also reduce your chances of winning on any spin and make actual wins potentially smaller. Therefore, finding the right balance is crucial and should be based on your budget, the slot’s volatility, and playing preference.

The Right Theme

For those looking at how to make money on slot machine, it’s better to stick to non-branded games. Branded slots feature themes tied to pop culture, like films, TV shows, or celebrities. These games typically have a lower RTP and higher volatility than usual; so while hitting a big win is possible, it’s less likely to happen.

Software developers face higher costs due to licensing fees, which trickles down to the gameplay with fewer and lower-value wins. When you win on a branded slot, it’s likely to be a rare event triggered by a bonus feature. While the connection to familiar characters can be appealing, it’s important to remember that branded games are more for entertainment than consistent payouts.

How To Make Money on Slots Online — Practical Tips for Online Gamers

Along with understanding the technicalities of slots, you should take note of other general, yet effective casino strategies to improve your gameplay. Consider the following practical tips to increase your chances of making money:

• Use Your Free Spins: Taking advantage of free spins is an excellent way of boosting your chances of winning at no cost. Many online casinos will provide promotions with free spins, whether part of the welcome bonus or ongoing offers. You should capitalise on these opportunities, especially if they’re wager-free or no-deposit free spins. It’s a great chance to try out and test new slots without risking any money.
• Opt for Low-Wagering Requirements: Wagering requirements are conditions that have to be fulfilled before you can withdraw any winnings. These can be incredibly frustrating for players, especially since you must continue playing and risk losing your winnings. That’s why finding bonuses with low-wagering requirements is preferable and more valuable.
• Have a Loss Limit: Bankroll management is crucial when playing casino games, especially for extending gameplay. Before you start playing, decide on an amount that you’re comfortable with losing and don’t exceed that limit. You don’t want to face financial stress while playing slots; it’ll only negatively impact your success.
• Have a Win Limit: Similarly, you should also set a win limit. It’s tempting to continue playing when you’re on a winning streak, but it is improbable that this luck will last.
• Pick a Slot You Like: Lastly, choose a slot with a theme that you find fun and entertaining. Don’t underestimate the impact of personal enjoyment on gameplay. It will make losing a bit sweeter and less discouraging while appreciating the wins that much more.

How To Make Money on Online Slots — Our Verdict

Online slots are games of chance, and there’s no guaranteed way to win. That doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to improve your opportunities to make money at real-money slot sites. The key to understanding how to make money on online slots lies in carefully choosing your slot game, knowing when to walk away, and taking advantage of bonuses.

Making Money on Slots — Our Sources

1. Slots of Cash: How to Win Real Money on Reel Machines — A 2014 book by D.A. King providing strategies, tips, and advice on every aspect of slot play.
2. Slots Conquest: How to Beat the Slot Machines — A 2010 book by Frank Scoblete teaching players how to improve their odds of winning at slots.
3. Smart Slot Strategies: A Mathematical Approach to Winning Slot Machine Strategies — A 2010 book by John W. Crockett that provides a basic understanding of how slot machines work and what to expect.