This group of articles is titled: Slots Q&A. It is a collection of Readers Questions with answers provided by Gayle Mitchell, Editor of Casino Players Ezine. This article is Part 1 of Strategies.


Q. I would like to know how to pick a slot machine when I go to the casino.  Gladiator.

Hey Spartacus: Would suggest you start with basic, single payline slots, with two coin maximum and a double or triple bonus feature. Examples are Double, Triple Diamond and Red White & Blue 7’s. Your gambling bankroll will last longer this way. Try three spins at max coins, if no return, move onto another machine.


Q. My question is specifically about - IGT's Sizzlin' 7’s slot machine. But, I guess it could be directed towards other similar games like RWB 7s and Triple/Double Diamonds, etc.
I usually play max. coins except when I get any kind of win, and then on the next "pull", I will play one coin less to help stretch my playtime. Statistically speaking, I was wondering if this is viable play or should I always play max. coins?  This type of machine seems to have a high hit frequency. So, I was wondering if this method of play has merit? I generally always start out with 3-7 pulls and if the machine gives me no play, I move on. On my first trip to Las Vegas, the Stratosphere, seemed to be the only casino I found that still had these particular machines. Keep Up The Good Work!  Richard.

Richard: Yes, you should always play max. coins because with the random selection of a slot, back-to-back pays can happen.

Q. A lot of people say that pulling the arm on a slot machine will pay more than pushing the button is this true? Dave

Dave: This theory is older than dirt---there is no difference. The slot manufacturers leave the slot handle in place because they know slot players think there is a difference. Notice that bonus video slots do not have handles and the prediction is that in the future, the handles will be eliminated.


Q. Is it true that more combinations make it a loose slot? Dave

Dave. Looser slots have more "paying" symbols on the reels. Therefore, when a match-up occurs, payouts are more frequent, thus a looser slot. Tight slots, (airports, restaurants, bars) have fewer paying symbols and should be avoided. Bring on those loose slots.


Q. Are slots programmed to payoff jackpots (or any amount) based on the number of coins played. That is, do they pay off a certain number of times for one coin played, another for two coins played, another for three coins? I notice that sometimes machines pay when I play two coins, but when I start to play three coins on the same machine it stops paying. I go back to two and it starts to pay again. I sometimes see a jackpot that was hit on one coin and wonder if it would have hit if more coins had been played. I am a computer programmer (not a slots programmer) and I don't see any reason why slots could not be programmed to hit based on number of coins played. Thanks, Joe

Dear Joe: A slot's random number generator is programmed to select certain combinations with a pre-determined payout % as authorized by the buying casino. The same combination upon spinning will come-up regardless of the number of coins inserted. Playing max is the only way to get full payment from any winning combination. Joe, think about this--if this was true and the public got wind of it--what would be the point in always playing max coins? I suppose if the casinos asked it could be programmed that way, but believe me the casinos are not going to ask.