Back To Basic Training 
by Gayle Mitchell
December 2003

I was recently updating my first book, All Slots Made Easier and reflecting on how much has changed since that September 1999 release date. The multi-line, bonus slots revolution has overwhelmed most slot players with more choices than they can often comprehend. The consensus, however, still indicates a preference by most casino visitors for the simple, basic, single-payline slot, and you can count me among that crowd. You may have to do a lot of walking and shopping to locate these gems, but thankfully, the majority of casinos still stock them. And, you can consider your Œhunting expedition' part of your exercise routine.

Additionally, I noted during my re-write that although there were minor changes, a slot education is essential before playing these desired basic slots. With that in mind, I offer up some basic slot strategies, wager management and slots misconceptions.

BASIC SLOTS

Basic or straight slots are the vanguard of the casino and still the most popular with players. Basic slots have a constant top jackpot payout that does not change no matter how much the machine is played. Basic slots tend to give smaller wins to keep you in business and extend your playing time.

The outside of slot machines have standard features, but few people are aware of what goes on inside. That's where the computerized random number generator, or RNG, resides. The RNG randomly selects hundreds of numbers every second. Each number corresponds to a certain symbol combination that will appear if the machine is played at that precise moment. The RNG works even when the machine is idle. Also, the RNG does not remember what's been done in the past. Therefore, it could pay off again quickly. I suggest, after any jackpot win, try three more spins. If you get nothing in return, move on and congratulate yourself on the big win.

Basic Slot Strategies

Features that should dictate any basic slot players' search are:

1. single payline: start here before playing multiple paylines, in the interest of making your money last longer.
2. slot players should also look for two-coin maximum, non-progressive machines.

Whereas a two-coin machine may pay 80 coins for three double bars with two coins in, a three-coin machine may show a pay of 120 coins for the same combination. But remember, you had to gamble an extra coin, each spin; therefore, the payouts are generally equal. Three-coin machines only look more lucrative in their payoff structure. Players who play the three-coin machines will spend considerably more than players who invest more of their playtime and money in the preferred two-coin machines.

Thirdly, we want to seek out those slots that pay double jackpots on certain payline combinations. The principle of this Œdouble' symbol is very simple. Whenever it appears on the payline in combination with any other symbols that normally would have made a winning combination, the payoff amount is doubled. In most instances, these double symbols substitute for another pay symbol. Look closely to see which machine you are playing, not all machines will double and quadruple all pays and not all machines will have double jackpot win possibilities. Some machines will have only two double symbols, one on each of the first two reels while other machines will have three of these double symbols, one on each of the three reels.

When choosing a Œdouble' machine, it is important not to confuse them with Œwild cherries' or any other symbols noted on the machines' payoff schedule as being Œwild.' Symbols identified as being wild merely sub for any other paying symbol, but do not double the payoff.

Two excellent and very popular versions of a Œdouble' slot are Double Diamond and Red, White and Blue 7s (RWB 7s) by IGT. Double Diamond pays double when one double symbol appears on a payline, four times for two and the top jackpot when all three Double Diamond symbols line up. RWB 7s pay for various color combinations of 7s that line up on the single payline. Triple Diamonds with its tripling payouts is also a good choice in the basic, single payline category.

Tip: Note that those slots with 1,000 coin top payout will hit more often than those with 5,000 or 10,000 top jackpots ‹ makes sense.

Upon entering, or outside the casino, scan for signs advertising slots with at least a 98% payback. These are the better, looser slots. However, don't expect the casino to have only 98-percenters. Check the fine print on those signs proclaiming "the loosest slots in town." You will notice that the key words are "up to" 98% payback. The majority of the casino's slots do not pay back that much. If a casino advertises specific slots as 98% return, this will never mean that for each $1 you put in, you will get back 98¢. Many first-time players make this mistake. What this really means is that over a period of months or a year, that particular slot machine will average payoffs equal to 98% of all monies put through.

Casinos will have to tell you, by law in most states, if all the particular machines in that carousel are set at the advertised rate or if the advertised rate applies to only one or two machines in that carousel. If in doubt, ask. Ask until you get an answer. Generally, carousel slots are usually mixes of good and bad machines. The thinking is that people will be attracted to a carousel if they see one player cleaning up on the good one.

Larger casinos are offering certified slots that are guaranteed to payback 100%. Usually dollar machines, these are an excellent bet if all the machines are 100%. Did you know that even the loosest slots, those 98+ percenters; still average only an 80% payback to the players? That's because players don't play the maximum coins these slots will take or they don't make sure all their coins register before they pull.

Slots make up to 70% of a casino's revenues. Let's stop giving the casinos what we can rightfully claim for ourselves. Avoid the tight (low-paying) slots in restaurants, bars, airports and supermarkets. As you look for loose slots, think in terms not only of slot type, but also what the casinos call "slot-mix" or placement. If I am a casino manager, I want to place slots in such a way that they attract more players. For instance, I'll put my loose slots in high-traffic areas where any player can see a lot of slot players winning often. That will encourage a player to stop and play the slots, too, because people are motivated by what they see happening around them. I also want slot players held captive deep in the "underbelly" of the casino, where they will get comfortable and therefore, play more and longer.

You'll often see slot players spinning their reels near the entertainment lounge, in public places, around the gaming tables or casino entrance. As a casino manager, I know these people are going to be there for a short time only, and then they'll move on to something else or even another casino. Why should a casino reward players with a loose machine when they won't be working hard or long for the payouts? For that reason, don't expect to find loose slots in these locations. Also, never pick a slot machine at random. Instead, analyze a slot's location and decide if that's a good spot for a loose machine. In other words, crack the slot-mix code.

To do just that, check out slots in these spots:

1. In crosswalks where players cross to get from one group of machines to the other.
2. Where slots are located on both sides of an aisle, in areas leading to/from the cashier or change booth.
3. Any elevated bank of slots.
4. Near the coffee shop. (These are often loose so coffee-break gamblers surveying the action will be eager to hurry back to the casino floor).

Sometimes, finding a loose slot is as simple as asking. Talk to the change people and ask them where the best slots are located. These people make their living primarily on tips, so they may clue you in, hoping you'll return to thank them monetarily when you win. Another way to find the best slots is to talk with other slot players. An "us-against-the-casino" mentality makes most people willing to share information. This is a two-way street; make sure you give as much information as you receive.

Many slot players like to play two machines at a time, side-by-side. As a casino manager, I would know this and place tight slots next to loose ones. What one giveth, the other taketh away. So, don't play two slots next to each other. For the same reason, don't play next to a winning machine.

After you think you have located a loose machine, read all the posted information before you play. Take your time; there is no need to hurry. Don't rush while you play, either. Check for unused credits, money in the holder and cash-outs before you leave the machine. When that long awaited Call Attendant flashes, the slot will automatically freeze as a signal for you to stop play and await those winning bucks.

Carry writing supplies with you, jotting down winning machine numbers, to return to later. Savvy slot players know that they have to write down a winning slot's number, not just the slot's location in the casino. That's because any machine can be moved at any time at the whim of the casino manager's slot placement strategy. Writing supplies are necessary for another reason: to keep track of your wins and losses. Any slot jackpot over $1,200 must be reported to the IRS. To lower your tax burden, you can offset your wins by your losses (although you can't claim a net loss). Record keeping is essential if you visit casinos regularly.

Wager Management

One of the principles of wager management is knowing when to quit. Never, never stay too long at a machine. Believe me, there is nothing worse than a slotaholic hangover. The casino advantage kicks in if you overstay your welcome. After three, four or five pulls with no return, get out of there. Be a hit-and-run winner. If you are tempted to stay at a machine, keep this in mind: most jackpot wins happen in the first five to 10 minutes of play with a small cash outlay. So, if a slot doesn't produce for you in fairly short order, get upward and onward, looking for another slot. Slot testing should be part of your wager management plan and a simple method is offered below. This test method allows you to slowly move up slot denominations and not lose a lot of money.

Start with a buy-in of $50. Change $50 into rolls of nickels for a buy-in of 1,000 coins. Play maximum coins through the nickel slot once and accumulate on the credit meter. Cash out and convert to quarters. Run through a 25¢ machine once. Cash out and convert to 50¢ for one run-through, then finally convert to dollars. After one run, cash out and quit. You will never lose more than $50 with this simple method. You have just stretched your gambling bankroll, had a fun time for a few hours, and quite possibly along the line pocketed a win without losing the rent money.

Slot Misconceptions

No basic slots education would be complete without some of the oft-repeated misconceptions about the game. I listed four of the 10 biggest misconceptions. For each one, I'm adding an explanation to show how they stand up to the facts.

Misconception #1: Someone hits a jackpot at the machine you were just playing; that could have been your jackpot. This is not true, because of that random number generator (RNG) in the slot machine. It's constantly in motion, picking different number combinations. Even when the machine is idle, the RNG is always moving and faster than you can pull the handle or press that spin button. Don't be afraid to leave a slot machine because you think this might happen to you. Think about this instead. Do blackjack players worry about who is going to sit in their seat after they leave the table? Of course not. Be ready to find another slot, don't dally, and move on.

Misconception #2: The casinos can flip a switch to make machines tight or loose. No. Generally, only the slot manufacturer can make any changes to a slot machine. These changes must be recorded and witnessed by the Gaming Commission if done by an in-house representative other than the slot manufacturer. It's not worth the casino's consideration and definitely not worth their license being revoked if done illegally.

Misconception #3: Players should play less than maximum coins until the machine starts to pay. This myth really scares me, because it goes against basic slot-playing strategy and could be very costly to the player. Remember, the RNG doesn't know if you're putting in one coin or three. You gain no advantage by trying to pump or prime that slot machine for the jackpot, because you have no idea when that jackpot will be. The next symbol combination to come up has already been determined before you press spin. If you can't afford to play maximum coins, drop down to a lower-priced machine.

Misconception #4: Machines pay better (or worse) if you use a casino slot club card. Tell that to the RNG. It doesn't know what a slot card is, and it certainly doesn't care if you use one. Besides, the program that calculates points on your club card is entirely separate from the RNG program.

You have now completed "basic training" and are prepared for the casino challenge ahead of you. Move out, troops and do your pocketbook proud. 

- Gayle Mitchell is the author of Casino Gambling Made Easier books, EBooks, booklets & The Slots Trilogy. WEB: www.easycasinogambling.com. Casino Players Workshop & Seminars, publishers, 848 N. Rainbow Blvd. #300, Las Vegas, NV. 89107. 

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