Slot Machines are the most iconic and quintessential games at any casino. Learn more about these fast-paced casino games—and the best slots strategy for your current skill and interest levels.

Straightforward and easy to play, slot machines and online slots are perfect for players who like their casino games fun and fast-moving. But there’s more to slots than matching symbols in a line; once you know how they work, you’ll see why gaming beginners and experts alike flock to the slots.

How do slot machines work?

Slot machines mostly operate in the same way; the player pays and begins the game with a lever pull or the push of a button. A number of reels containing symbols spin—and when they stop spinning, the symbols line up in a row in the payline. If the symbols match, the player wins.

The same goes for online slots. Replace the lever or button with a screen and put the player in their living room instead of a casino, and the slots game works the same way.

Slot machines include different themes for players to select, including temples, ancient cities, and popular game shows. Many slots include special symbols like wild symbols (which stand in for other symbols), scatter symbols (which trigger special game bonuses), and free spins, which let the player spin once more.

Many different types of slot machines offer more complex or involved gameplay than the match-symbols-in-a-row method. In-person casinos and online casinos both include:

• Classic slots: These slots use the lever-to-line method where one play equals one chance to put symbols in a row for a payout.
• Progressive slots: For players who want to go for a jackpot, progressive slots add a portion of each bet to a single large payout.
• Multiplier slots: Players who like a more complex slot game might favor multiplier slots, which include multiplier symbols within the slot reels for a potential accumulating effect.
• Multiple paylines: When one payout isn’t enough, slots with multiple paylines give you more chances to win per spin.

Random number generators (RNG)

Players who visit in-person casinos pull a level to make reels spin in a slot machine. Video slots and online slots use random number generators (known as RNGs) to keep gameplay random and fair with each spin.

Is playing slots just relying on the luck of the draw or the spin? Not necessarily. Follow our online casino slot tips to increase your chances of winning at the machine.

Choosing the right slot machine

When you’re playing at a physical casino, choosing your machine involves walking up and down the aisle of the slot section. But online slots are a bit different. Choose online slot machines that have high RTP (return to player) rates for the best chance of a payout. RTPs over 90 are a safer bet, while lower RTPs are riskier.

Managing your bankroll

Because playing slots tend to be rhythmic, it’s easy to keep betting long after you plan to stop. Instead, manage your gaming bankroll by committing only a certain amount of money to bet. If you have a big win, consider stepping away before betting your payout on the next spin.

Understanding paylines and symbols

Consider choosing slots that you know how to play. Study the game pay tables and rules to ensure you understand how the gameplay works. Know which special symbols are featured in the game and how to use them. Maximize paylines—and choose games that offer multiple paylines for a better chance of winning.

There’s not much you can control within a slots game itself—but it’s still possible to develop a winning slots strategy. It’s all about managing your time and taking advantage of the special features of a slot machine.

Setting win and loss limits

Be mindful about the time you’re spending on a slots game, even if you’re on a winning streak. Set win limits and loss limits—the threshold of winnings you’ll earn or lose before ending your gaming session. Knowing when to quit may be the best slots strategy of all.

Using progressive betting strategies

It’s tempting to make big bets on progressive slots—after all, you’re just contributing to your eventual jackpot, right? Not necessarily. Hardly anyone wins the jackpot in progressive slots, so making hefty bets on these machines for the sole goal of winning big money is akin to chasing a moving target. Instead, bet responsibly on progressive slots. Their RTP is typically higher than most slots.

Taking advantage of bonus features

Don’t ignore those scatter symbols and free spins! Choose games with bonus features, and learn the best way to take advantage of those symbols. Once you’ve got the hang of a game, keep playing it during that session so you don’t need to relearn new rules and features.

Staying too long at a losing slot machine isn’t the only mistake a player can make. Learn how to win at slots by avoiding common pitfalls that turn winning streaks in the wrong direction.

Chasing losses

It never feels good to lose a bet, and it especially feels bad to lose several bets in a row. As with every casino game, chasing losses in slots is a very risky way to avoid the sting of that initial loss. Return to the winning strategy of setting win and loss limits, and learn when to step away instead of adding “just one more bet.”

Ignoring the odds and RTP

RTP and odds matter! Pay attention to listed RTP rates and winning odds when choosing online slots. While a slot game with your favorite theme may be fun to play, if the RTP is low, it’s wise to find somewhere else to put your money.

Playing without a plan

The only random part of playing slots should be in the RNG. Don’t leave your wins and losses to chance—make a plan and stick to it. Spend some time making conservative bets on games with high RTP rates before trying a riskier game. Instincts have something to do with online gaming, but not as much as a solid strategy and game plan.

Want the thrill of slots from the comfort of your home? Choose the best online slots in town and learn how to play responsibly—and effectively.

Choosing reputable online casinos

Not all online casinos are created equal. DraftKings offers hundreds of online slots with varying themes, jackpots, and plenty of new games. Best of all, DraftKings is safe and secure, so you can play with better peace of mind.

Understanding bonus terms and conditions

Don’t leave money on the table! Check the game’s bonus terms and conditions before you make your first bet. Many online slots offer hidden ways to increase your winnings or chances to play, and the only way to find them is to study and understand the details of how the game works.

Utilizing bonus spins and demo versions

Your first play doesn’t need to be your first bet. At DraftKings, you can play any slots game in demo mode for free, giving you the chance to master a game long before your wager leaves your pocket. Keep an eye out for free spins during gameplay as well—that’s free money, especially if those symbols happen to line up on that free turn.