I don't know how a slot machine works, really.

[Bankerdude80]

My strategy is totally anecdotal based on my observations over time. When playing video penny slots, the goal should be to hit and run. What you want is a big bonus round or hit to push your credit balance over what you originally bought in for. If after 40 spins you haven't hit anything good, it's time to cash out and move on (if you still have credits on the meter). Rarely have I seen back to back bonus rounds of significant value. Usually it's one small bonus followed by another, or a big one followed by a little one. When the big one hits, cash out immediately or shortly afterwards. On penny machines, rarely will you build credits after that. I have built credits on wins when playing the older traditional (non-video) large denom ($1, $5) machines.

Keep in mind, as a rule, the larger the denom the higher the payback percentage. I endorse Heavy's method of play as stated above for larger denom machines. It has worked for me. I also like to look for the most recent cashout amount. There is information to glean if you know what to look for.

I also like to play known machines I've won on before. I am using the logic that if it paid out once it might again, rather than going for an unknown. There are slots at Planet Hollywood and Mandalay Bay where I've played the same machine on various trips where I've collected W2-G wins multiple times. They don't always pay out, but so far I'm waayyy ahead on them.

To win at slot play, like most things, it comes down to discipline. Win goals and loss limits are very important. Hit and Run. Find yourself a reason to leave the machine, your bankroll with thank you. Craps is my go to game, but if I need a break I will play the slots using a separate budget.

[heavy]

Well, this was a fun thread that's lurked at the back of the forum for a couple of years now. The dreaded one armed bandet - or should I say multiple button bandit. Think you have these suckers figured out? The world is waiting to hear. What's your take on slots? Yeah, I play 'em. Typically I do fairly well on them. My key is limiting my exposure to a set amount of money per day and setting a loss limit per machine. I do other things, like sticking to higher denomination slots most of the time. But you guys know about me. What about you?

[Bandit]

After reading your post about slots, I have started playing high limit slots at Charlestown, WV (Hollywood) and have hit 3 hand pays on $1- 12x Diamonds, $5- double Diamond and $10- Seven Seas.Totaling $4740. I limit my exposure at $100, and have been very lucky. I will also take $200 and walk around the slots and will drop in on one that I just get a sense about and that has paid off very well. I usually time it for 1 or 2am on Friday or Saturday night.
I will play 1 or 2 units and if I win 20 to 40 units, cash out and move on. Tons of fun! Have not had a losing session, play even twice but not lost.

[skasower]

I allow myself to put $100/day into the $1.00 Wheel of Fortune. If I get over $200 I cash out. I have been known toward the end of my trip to play the bloody thing down to ZERO after being up $300 or $400. I have hit $1,000 quite a few times and even mistakenly played the $2,000 wheel and won it and had to get a W-2g. That caused me to go over to the cage and get a corresponding marker to prove to the IRS that I gambled what I won.

Sometimes it is nice to sit with your drink and gray out on the stupid rotating wheels.

skasower...aka