By: Ryan D

Slot machines are dead easy to play, but understanding what slots payback percentages mean could increase your chance of winning.

Slots are by far the most popular casino games, and it is no different online. Most people play slots for the entertainment value they offer, or for the promise of winning a life changing jackpot. Not many take much notice of slots payback percentages, and how understanding them could improve their winning opportunities. It is definitely worthwhile for every slots plays to understand these.

Payout percentages determine the percentage a slot machine will pay out in relation to the take, or the total amount wagered on the machine. The payback percentage of a slot machine game is directly related to the house edge, or the expected casino net win off that game. As an example, a slot machine that advertises a 94% payback percentage has a 6% house edge. The house edge for all online casino games are well know and published, including table games like blackjack.

There is however, a slight difference though in how a slot machine’s payback percentage applies to the player’s expected win when compared to the house edge of a table game. Let’s say for example you are playing a 5-c slots game, with a starting bankroll of $50, and after one playing session you end up with 60 credits on the machine. Your payback percentage during this session was 60/50=120%. Now lets say you continue to play with your $60, and you end up with a bankroll of $38 after 60 spins.

From the point where you started playing, the slot machine game has taken in ($50 + $60) and paid back ($60 + $39) which equates to a payback percentage of 99/110 or 90%. Now if you keep on playing with your remaining balance of $39; and end up with a balance of $35, the payback is calculated as (60 + 39 + 35) / (50 + 60 + 39) = 134/149 = 90%.

You will agree that this example is quite realistic if you play slots, and even more so as slots are quite a lot more volatile in most cases. Unfortunately with slots, you could keep on playing and actually experience a much lower payback percentage than in the example, and your back roll will diminish over time.

This does of course change as soon as you hit a jackpot, as the payback percentage will rise and could go well over 100%. The golden rule for slots players is to stop playing when this happens, which is of course very hard to do. Most people will believe that they are on a roll, and keep spinning away, based on the expected payback percentage of the game, you will invariably lose, the longer you play. People who make money from playing slots are those with discipline.

But the popularity of slot machines lies in this volatility, because there will always be players who hit a big jackpot The downside is that the volatility will have the opposite effect for most players who cannot exercise discipline. Sometimes you will play through your bankroll and lose the lot, but if you play regularly, you will probably make small wins as often.

Most people just keep going and that is why the casino just loves the slots games. Ultimately most of us who loves slots play them for the great entertainment they offer us. Why not play cautiously and over the long run protect your bankroll and hence increase your chance of hitting a bit jackpot?

Ryan is the editor of New Online Slots, a leading online slots guide.

Understanding Bingo Bonuses

By: Ryan D

Online bingo enthusiasts should always familiarize themselves with the concept of a promotional bonus and any special terms which may apply, before they make a deposit.

Bingo Bonuses

Most online bingo rooms offer bonuses in the form of free chips or credits, with the purpose of attracting new players and retaining them. There are many bingo sites vying for the same players’ business, so they use bonuses as a tool
to make their sites more attractive. Bonuses take different forms and players should make sure they understand the workings of a specific bonus, as the terms and conditions related to bonuses may vary between sites.

Types of Bingo Bonuses

Bingo rooms generally offer two types of bonuses: new player signup bonuses and “reload” bonuses.

New player sign up bonuses typically match your deposit up to a set maximum, for example 100% match up to $100. This example would give you $200 to play with. Bonuses like these apply only to new players, and cannot be reclaimed. The amounts and percentages vary greatly between bingo sites, but the principle generally stays the same. Some bingo sites will add special bonuses to celebrate special events so look out for those.

Reload (or retention) bonuses are offered to existing real money players. These are generally aimed at getting you to deposit more money. These bonuses take on different forms, although they all generally match your deposit up to a
maximum amount. Some bingo rooms offer you one bonus per month, while other will reward multiple deposits up to a set maximum. These bonuses are a form of loyalty rewards, thanking you for your business.

What’s Is Expected From The Player?

Players have a responsibility when it comes to bingo bonuses and, unfortunately, this is where some players get it wrong. Bingo sites won’t just give you free credits / money for northing. You are expected to hang around for
a while before you can cash out winnings (assuming you have take the bonus. If you elect not to, you can cash out at any time). This is where the play through requirements comes in. Generally, play through requirements will state that you have to wager a certain amount before you can cash out. For example, some bingo rooms will require you to wager through your deposit plus bonus a certain number of times, e.g. 10 times. This means that if you take the bonus, you have to wager through ($100 +$100) * 10 = $2000 in wagers. Some require you to only wager through the bonus, and not your deposit. Make sure you understand bonus terms and conditions before you make any deposit at a bingo room.

What’s Expected From The Bingo Operator?

It is only fair to expect a bingo site operator to pay out winning in a timely manner. That is an obvious requirement. To me, there is an equally important criteria: clarity of communication, and specifically terms and conditions. I use a very simple yardstick. If either I find it difficult to find the terms on their site, and / or I don’t understand them clearly the first time I read them, I simply don’t play there. It’s like the features of any product or service you buy: Clear communication of what you are getting, and any restrictions which may apply. If a bingo site changes their terms and condition and do not communicate changes, I just leave, and I recommend you do the same.

Bingo bonuses are a great way to increase your bingo bankroll, but you have to make sure you understand how they work at every bingo room you visit.

Ryan is the editor of Bingo Ace, your online bingo guide.