The casino convinces you that playing slot machines is quite simple: you insert a coin or a bill, press one or two buttons to start the reel, and if the right symbols fall out, you win some money (or credits). If the winning combination doesn't come up, you lose your money and (as the casino hopes) try playing again. In the real world, however, things are not so simple, and this chapter discusses other aspects of slot machine play.

The Gaming Environment

Casino regulars know that when playing the various table games in casinos, there are certain rules of etiquette and protocol that need to be learned to avoid unkind looks from other players and remarks from the dealers. This is true to some extent with slot machines from book-of-ra-slot.co.uk as well. Although slot machines are played individually, it happens that you have to cross paths with other players. Obviously, the usual rules of etiquette and politeness apply in this case, but we need to be reminded of what those rules are.

Perhaps because playing the machines is different from other activities, the casino environment is also different from the usual. In order for you to know what is expected of visitors, we will explain to you the proper approach to situations that cannot be encountered in normal life.

When you're looking for the right machine to play, don't crowd the other players. Playing the machines is usually a very "personal" process, so many players don't like strangers standing behind them while they "spin the reels."

Before you sit down at a slot machine, make sure it is not being used. See if the person sitting next door is playing that machine. Ask if necessary. A cup, purse or sweater on a chair, an inserted slot machine card, or a burning cigarette are signs that someone just stepped away from the slot machine for a minute. You're right, it's silly to leave personal belongings behind to occupy the machine, but they do.

If you want to reserve a machine for when you go to the bathroom or get a snack, ask the man on duty and he will put up a sign that says BUSY for the period of your absence. If the casino is not crowded, the clerk on duty may even agree to reserve a slot machine for when you go to lunch. However, the casino will not like it if you take a slot machine and then leave to play another one.

However, if you sit down to play a free machine, no claims by another player that he has played it before, etc., are taken into account by international rules unless the machine has been reserved by the casino manager.

Although most casinos have a huge number of security representatives, don't let your vigilance be put to sleep and don't do anything stupid (for example, don't leave your wallet between two slot machines). Always keep your bag or purse on your lap or on your shoulder. The best approach is to carry everything in your pockets.

Finally, successful gamblers know that alcohol intoxication dulls a person. Consequently, most of them never drink alcoholic beverages while playing, leaving it until they are either celebrating a big win or mourning a loss.

Play only for the amount you can afford

When you come to the gambling hall, you should first decide on which denomination machine you are going to play. More lines would require proportionally more money given that you're making eight spins a minute and assuming a 90% return.

Then decide how many hours you would like to play in the casino. For example, assume that you start with an amount of 600 credits and would like to play an average of about five hours a day for three days. That makes a total of 15 hours of play. Dividing 15 hours by 600 gives you a rate of 40 credits per hour. Thus, you should not play machines with a value of more than a quarter credit and bet more than three coins. Of course, in reality you may win more often or lose more (that is, the return may be less than 90%), but at least you have a reasonable starting point.

Don't play more than one machine at a time

Slot machine managers know that some people like to play two slot machines at the same time, so they always place two "greedy" machines on the sides of the "generous" machine. In the best case the winnings on the "generous" machine are enough to cover the losses on the "greedy" one; in the worst case you will lose on two "greedy" machines. As you know, two "generous" machines are usually never bet together.

Never play on a machine that is next to the one on which one is winning

If the winning machine is "generous," the machines on either side of it are likely to be "greedy." Of course, the winning machine may just be a moderate payer who is "hot," but you don't know that for sure.

Stay on the "giving" slot machine

Never leave a machine that just paid a lot or gave away a bonus or JackPot . By definition, this is a "hot" machine that can keep paying. Don't walk away from a machine unless it has paid nothing after six consecutive spins.

Observe other players

Observe other players who win regularly, and watch out for those who suddenly break JackPot . For whatever reason, these people sometimes walk away while the machine is still "hot." If you see this happen (and your machine is "cold"), move to that slot machine before someone else gets to it. Why would a person leave a "hot" slot machine? Many players think that the machine "cools down" after the big JackPot payout. If the machine is still in the "hot" cycle, they will lose and you will be on the winning side.