Online slots are not new in the gambling scene but are still a top casino game for players worldwide. Of course, slots have evolved to achieve this. They have innovated a variety of themes and game features to offer a slot machine to suit everyone’s taste. As a result, no matter their age, slots keep attracting more players every day. With all those millions of humans playing, it makes sense to learn from others’ slot mistakes to avoid them.
But when you think about the simplicity of playing online slots and the fact that they are mainly games of chance rather than skill, are mistakes a real possibility for players? Yes, there are different slot mistakes, but the great news is that you can avoid them! We will tell you how!
Engaging with rigged slots at unlicensed online casinos
Online slot games mistakes can start exactly here, at the very beginning of your gambling experience. Why? You have to choose an online casino to play slots, and the Internet is a fertile land where casinos spring up like mushrooms after the rain. Genuine casinos require expensive licenses to operate legally, time-consuming legal processes, games developed by legal providers, and sophisticated technology to guarantee customers’ security. Most of these casinos that appear online overnight are illegal. The problem is that many players get enticed by these crooked casinos’ thrilling jackpots and fake promotions. They register and play without first researching the casino.
Once in the criminal realm, every slot game they play can potentially be a dangerous trap. Rigged slots favor the house excessively, making it almost impossible for players to win. Even if you win, illegal casinos may refuse to pay your winnings. Such illegal sites are hazardous for your personal and financial information. Playing at illegal casinos can lead to legal trouble, and even if rigged slots scam you, you have no legal recourse because you are participating in illicit activities. Shortly, there’s a high chance of being scammed, and you won’t have legal protection.
It is one of the most common slot mistakes you must avoid. Always research the legitimacy of the online casino you want to play in. It takes a little more time, but your safety is worth it. Check the casino’s license and who (authority) issued it. You can usually find licensing details on the casino’s website footer or “About” page. You can also check Online-gambling.io casino reviews. Play your favorite slots only in licensed casinos!
Not reading the slot rules and paytable
Ignoring the game rules and paytable before playing is one of the most recurring online slots mistakes. Responsible players should only wager on slots if they understand the rules to play, win, and claim winnings well. Besides, reading and understanding the slot paytable is a must. A slot paytable is a detailed chart or table displaying the winning combinations and the corresponding payouts for a slot game or machine. It is a reference guide for players, showing how much each symbol combination is worth and outlining the game’s specific rules, including special features like bonus rounds, bet levels, wild symbols, scatter symbols, and multipliers.
Avoid this slots mistake by always reviewing the game’s rules (general) and paytable (specific) to understand how the game works. Use this information to make informed decisions and know what to expect. Remember, there are many slot variants, so don’t assume that if you read a paytable, it will be the same for all slots. Read our Online Slots Guide to better understand the slots in general.
Not setting a budget
From all online slots mistakes, this one frequently happens the same to expert players and beginners. The reason? Slots are fascinating, and it is very easy to get carried away by the excitement to the point of overspending and compromising your finances.
Limiting and adhering to your bankroll is crucial whether playing online or in a physical casino. Never risk the money you need to cover your responsibilities and daily needs. Your gambling budget should be an amount you can lose without threatening your whole finances and peace of mind, as gambling should always be entertainment rather than a way to make money.
Keep a close eye on your spending and avoid letting a winning streak lure you into spending more than you intended. If you hit a jackpot, cash out immediately. It will give you a larger budget for your next session, allowing you to start fresh and maximize your long-term wins. Play responsibly, and you will enjoy a more rewarding gambling experience. Give a look to the best slot strategies. They can help you out.
Playing high volatility slots with a small budget
The variety of online slots is broad, and every game has rules. Some slots involve higher volatility than others. High volatility slots pay out less frequently, but when they do, the payouts are usually significant. They can have long, dry spells where you might not win anything, followed by occasional big wins.
High volatility slots combined with a small budget can lead to quick losses. The limited money you have for playing will allow you fewer spins so it can finish quickly without ever hitting the big win you expect. Fewer spins reduce chances to win and time to have fun, leading rapidly to frustration and dissatisfaction.
Avoid this slots mistake! Strategically choose which slot to play based on essential factors, such as your specific budget and expectations. Match your bankroll to the volatility of the slot. If you have a smaller bankroll, opt for low to medium-volatility slots that offer more frequent, albeit smaller, wins.
Failing to grasp the concept of RTP
At first sight, slots are only about pressing the spin button and waiting for -hopefully- a lucky result. If you play in demo mode (without betting), you can keep it that simple and have fun. But if you expect to obtain winnings, you must understand the Return to Player (RTP) concept. It represents the percentage of wagered money a slot machine will return to players over time. This figure is crucial to determine both potential player winnings and house profits.
Slot mistakes such as this mean playing without a compass. Avoid it! Always check and understand the slot RTP. Choose slots with a higher RTP, 95% or higher, as they theoretically pay out more over the long run. For instance, an RTP of 95% means that, on average, players can expect to receive $95 back for every $100 wagered. Remember that RTP is calculated over a long period and many plays, so it doesn’t guarantee short-term results.
Ignoring slots bonuses and promotions offered by online casinos
Not taking advantage of available bonuses and promotions joins the list of slot mistakes to avoid. Both give you extra funds to play more, which means more chances to try and win.
Regularly check for casinos’ recurring and one-time bonuses and promotions, such as deposit bonuses, free spins, and loyalty rewards. They can extend your playtime and increase your winning chances.
Overlooking slot bonuses’ wagering requirements
Wagering requirements (WR) are conditions set by online casinos that specify how many times you must bet your bonus amount (and sometimes the deposit amount) before you can withdraw any winnings earned from the bonus. For example, if you receive a $100 bonus with a 20x WR and 30 days to use it, you need to place bets totaling $2,000 ($100 x 20) before you can withdraw any of the bonus money or winnings from it. Can you achieve that on time? Because conditions also include time limits, eligible games, maximum bet sizes, and more.
Ignoring WR is a slots mistake that directly leads to unrealistic expectations and more mistakes, such as thinking you can immediately withdraw your bonus and any associated winnings. In most online casinos, if you try to withdraw before meeting the WR, they usually void your bonus and any winnings. Disappointing, right?
Avoid it! Read carefully the terms and conditions of any bonus to understand the wagering requirements and other vital details. Ensure you can meet them before claiming a bonus. Be strategic while using this information. For instance, if you are a casual player, look for bonuses with lower WR. It makes it easier to meet the terms and enjoy the benefits of the bonus.
Chasing losses
Losing is frustrating, but it is a part of the game, and it can happen many times in slot games since it is luck-based. You might face several disappointing rounds before hitting a win. If you can’t handle it, better don’t bet. Trying to recover losses by continuing to play, perhaps under strong pressure and anger, and increasing bets is one of the most dangerous online slot games mistakes. It can lead you into a spiral of more and more significant losses.
Gambling should be enjoyable and entertaining. Always set a budget -money you can afford to lose– and stick to it. Study slots’ rules to maximize your chances of winning and know when to stop. Spending more just because you have already invested a lot does not guarantee a win. Accept that losses are part of gambling, take a break, and try your luck again another time.
Betting the minimum on progressive jackpots
Progressive jackpots are a thrilling variant of traditional slots, so they have their particular rules and astonishing high jackpots! Among online slots mistakes, betting the minimum amount on progressive jackpot slots is a very painful one!
Imagine the beautiful scenario in which you get the winning combination, so you are the luckiest guy who just hit a millionaire jackpot! Yes, you have become rich in seconds, and your complete life has changed, offering you a bright future without financial worries. Your next move is obvious: claiming your winnings, right? You contact the online casino, and the fantasy gets broken even faster than you won. The casino representative informs you that you don’t qualify for that massive jackpot because you bet the minimum amount.
It is a very depressing situation! Sad for any player, but real! Most progressive jackpot slots require players to bet the maximum established to qualify for the jackpot. Often, betting the minimum means you are not eligible to win the progressive jackpot. It is in the rules.
You can still get a payout because you hit the winning combination and bet, but the prize will never compare with obtaining the jackpot. Generally, the payouts for all winning combinations -not just the jackpot- are often lower when you bet the minimum.
Please avoid this gambling tragedy! Make a plan based on your expectations. If you are okay with having fun and getting a regular prize -that still can be an attractive amount- betting the minimum is a good and responsible decision. But if you are all in playing progressive jackpots to try to hit a massive jackpot, ensure you bet the maximum amount to qualify. Check the slot’s rules and payables to understand the requirements for winning the top prize. You can learn more about progressive jackpots here.
Overplaying slots
Playing online slots can be captivating, and it is easy to become absorbed in the game. Playing for extended periods without taking breaks is another big mistake. When the first spin results in a loss, the desire to keep playing until winning can take insane time and money spent on the game. Conversely, after securing a win, the urge to continue playing in hopes of winning again is strong. Many players fall into this trap and end up losing their initial winnings.
Take it easy! Allocate a specific amount of time for playing. Once this time is up, whether you have won or lost, stop! Program regular breaks to prevent fatigue and maintain a clear mind to make better decisions and enjoy the game more.
Conclusion
Slot mistakes can be dangerous and painful for players, but now you learned how to avoid them! Keep them in mind every time you make your next strategy. You will make the best out of your budget, improve your online slot gambling experience, and potentially increase your winning chances. Have thrilling slot sessions, have fun, and we hope you win!
If you are a slot enthusiasts, you can also read about the slot tournaments.