Five Excellent Slot Strategies - Questions and Answers

My question relates to Progressive/Mega Slots that are linked either within a casino or externally in various casinos. Is the Jackpot triggered from the RNG within each individual machine or isGayle Mitchell is the most recognized female expert of casino gambling and has written extensively and presented seminars about casino gambling since 1996.  She is the author of the Casino Gambling Made Easier series of books, numerous E-Books, booklets and the Slots Trilogy.  She is also the editor of five online gaming newsletters including Casino Players Ezine.  Gayle's website is www.easycasinogambling.com  there an external "jackpot selector" that triggers the winning combination and the machine that it will hit on?

The problem I'm having a hard time with, is that the popular big dollar progressives have a variety of games you can play. As an example, let's use Wheel of Fortune. You can play WOF on a mix of games within a casino. I've seen them as Double Diamond, Triple Diamond, Five Times Pay, Ten Times Pay, Red White and Blue, etc.

Obviously, these individual games all have differing odds and/or hit frequencies. Therefore, how are players given an equal chance at 'hitting the big one' even though they are playing games that have a wide variance in odds and hit frequency?

Each game has a separate RNG and I confirmed my answer with IGT. Their reply follows:

IGT answer: Yes, each individual game has its own Random Number Generator, which independently determines the game outcome. For the Wheel of Fortune dollar games, each game on the wide area progressive link has equal odds of winning the top award.

I play slots and like the 5x and 10x payout types the most even though the percentage payout is less. When you do hit with one of the multiples occasionally, it really counts. Could you tell me which is more advantageous to play:

Dollar slot-2 coins-5x machine 50 cent-2 coins-10x machine Certainly enjoy your columns and good advice!

Both choices sound tempting. I tend to lean towards the dollar 5X but here's a suggestion. Take an equal amount and play both, and then determine which was the biggest winner. I would try this test in three casinos and/or three different days and analyze for a trend.
My wife and I visit casinos about 6-8 times a year. I noticed many of the slots are now multi-denomination, 25, 50 and 1.00. My question is, typically a 25-cent machine will have a lower payout percentage than $1.00 machines. Yet in a single machine with all three denominations available is the little brain inside making that distinguishing change when you play up?

If not then are you getting a better break at 25 cents play (that would be a first) or getting hurt by playing dollars? Could this be just another gimmick for the casinos to lower overall payout like with the 5 cent ($ 2.25 +) multi line/bonus machines?

Yes, there is a 'little brain' in the multi-denoms for each denomination. Therefore, if you are playing dollars for that particular version, the payouts will be higher. I have a question about slot host. Do you tip them? Do you give them gifts? What is the best way to get the best service from your host? That depends on you and the service you received. If is was above and beyond with more than usual freebies, then a tip and gift from an upscale boutique is in order.

If average, then tip only, if permitted. I would contact the hotel to find out if their slots hosts can accept tips (some do not permit).

For best service, call your slot host ahead of time and let them know what your preferences are--customize your visit. Are you looking for spa benefits, specific dining, room preferences, etc?

Can it be assumed based that Slots, almost anywhere in the US are a 'bad bet' and likely one of the worst? The answer to your question is, No, slots is not the worst bet because of a couple of factors.

Slots can be a good bet. There's no denying it is the most popular game and the least intimidating at casinos online and off. Let's make a comparison to table games. To quote, your top payout of 94.7% for slots and round up to 95%, the casino pc, or house advantage would be 5%.  Certain bets for craps, double zero roulette, baccarat and yes, even playing without strategy in blackjack can earn the casino more than 5% of your gambling bankroll.

In addition, there's the 'grind' of playing these games.

As I state in my EBooks, slots is a good bet if you play 'full-pay' video poker, at a bank of 'guaranteed payback' slot machines, a locals’ Vegas casino, any casino with more than 3 competitors close by, dollar+ slots, certain slot versions as with single payline basic slots and online casinos that are audited and report payouts.