With thousands of slots to choose from on such platforms as FairGO Casino, finding games that match your preferences and playing style can be overwhelming. However, not all slots are created equal when it comes to return-to-player (RTP) percentages and hit frequencies. By understanding key slot attributes and features, you can make informed decisions to improve your chances of winning.
Volatility or variance refers to the risk profile of a slot based on how often and how large potential payouts may be. Higher variance equates to bigger but less frequent wins, while lower variance offers smaller but more consistent payouts. Three main variance profiles exist:
Low Variance Slots
This category provides frequent but smaller wins to extend your gameplay. With an RTP of around 90-95%, low volatility is ideal if you prefer less risk and want your bankroll to last. Some classic low-variance slots include:
- Starburst
- Gonzo’s Quest
- Book of Dead
Medium Variance Slots
Offering a middle ground between risk and reward, medium variance slots deliver moderate-sized payouts relatively regularly. The RTP ranges from 92-97%, making these games perfect if you want solid winning potential without extreme highs and lows. Popular medium variance options include:
- Rise of Olympus
- Legacy of Dead
- Fire Joker
High Variance Slots
For players looking for maximum excitement, high-variance slots deliver the biggest wins, albeit less frequently. With a 96-98% RTP, be prepared for larger dry spells in exchange for monumental payout potential. Some thrilling high-variance games include:
- Book of Shadows
- Dead or Alive 2
- Jammin’ Jars
Utilizing Bonus Features
One of the most exciting parts of playing slots is the bonus features. These special game events act as mini-games within the slot to give you chances to win additional payouts and massive jackpots. Some features to look for include:
Free Spins
Awarded when landing three or more scatter symbols, free spins give you a set number of spins without betting credits to trigger wins. Some slots also include expanding wilds, increasing multipliers, or extra wilds for huge potential payouts during bonus spins.
Cascading Reels
When matching symbols lead to a win, cascading slots remove these symbols and replace them with new icons that shift downwards to potentially create additional wins from a single spin. With multi-layered cascades possible, these slots can rack up seriously big totals from cluster pays.
Pick Bonuses
This round will present you with a selection of hidden prizes. You simply pick images one by one to reveal cash, credits, free spins, or other rewards until you hit collect to take your winnings. With multi-level pick bonuses possible, these offer loads of anticipation.
Wheel Bonuses
Either through a physical wheel or graphic interface, this bonus round has you spin for the chance to trigger credit prizes, jackpots, and more. You may also get the opportunity to spin again, depending on where the wheel lands.
Sticky Wilds
Unlike standard wilds that leave after each paid spin, sticky wilds remain on the reels for subsequent spins to increase your chances of forming winning symbol combos across multiple rounds.
Win Both Ways
While most slots pay left to right, select games offer bidirectional paylines that award wins from both left AND right. This innovative format essentially doubles your ways to get paid.
Seeking Jackpots
For players pursuing truly life-changing scores, progressive and fixed jackpot slots are the way to go. You’ll want to research payout potential, frequency history, and qualifying factors to chase seven-figure top prizes.
Progressive Jackpots
These slots are linked across networks of games, with a portion of every bet contributing to the rising jackpot amount. The eventual winner takes the entire pooled grand prize, which can grow into millions before being hit.
Local Progressives
Rather than a wide area network, local progressives link jackpots across a smaller batch of slots with common themes or at specific venues to create escalating prizes waiting to be won.
Fixed Jackpots
If you would rather not wait for progressive, fixed jackpot slots guarantee payouts of set amounts when triggered, regardless of bet size. While wins may not reach seven figures, fixed jackpots always pay the advertised amount.
Optimizing Slot Strategies
While slots rely predominantly on chance, implementing strategies around bankroll management, bet structuring, and game selection can stretch your gameplay and winning potential.
Set a Gambling Budget
Determine how much you can afford to potentially lose before playing, and stick to that limit. Only gamble with surplus money rather than dipping into bills, food, or other vital spending funds.
Take Advantage of Free Play
Most online casinos offer free play modes on slot demos to let you preview games risk-free. Test titles to get a feel for variance, features, and gameplay dynamics before wagering real money.
Understand Paytables
The paytable outlines winning combinations and payouts when landing matching symbols from left to right. Study paytables to find slots offering the best hit frequency and earning potential per spin.
Maximize Paylines
Playing more paylines gives you more ways to win per spin. While betting minimum credits seems safe, you may miss out on big wins playing less than the max lines.
Evaluate Bet Sizing
Higher bets unlock additional slot features and jackpot eligibility. Determine if boosting wagers through features like gamble buttons or betting more lines activates key benefits to offset larger stakes.
Claim Bonuses
From signup and reload bonuses to free spins and cashback, take advantage of slot and casino promotions. Rewards play longer, try more games, and potentially withdraw any big bonus wins.
Mastering Slot Skills Takes Time
With an immense catalog of games all calibrated differently, settling on titles that match your goals requires research and experimentation. Test an array of variance profiles, features, themes, and betting configurations across various slots to determine preferences and standout performers. Consistently apply optimal strategies around money management and responsible gambling to grow your entertainment hours and win upside over time.
The world of slots offers seemingly endless possibilities to match any interest, budget, or playing style. By diving into key slot attributes and features, you gain the knowledge to make informed selections. Combining smart guidelines around bankroll handling and advantage play further allows you to get the most from each session. Use this slot framework as a guide to explore an expansive gaming multiverse until you discover your ideal machines.
