How to Play Slots and VLTs
Although the specific games differ from slot machine to slot machine and from VLT to VLT, and methods of payment vary from coins to tickets to account cards, the rules of play are the same. You insert your money, pull the lever or push the button, and wait for the game to tell you whether you've won.
Understand the Machine
Every game should have its winning symbol combinations and its payout schedules clearly posted. Always check to see whether the machine has one pay line or multiple pay lines. Be sure you know whether the machine will pay out the maximum on one coin or whether it requires multiple coins per play for the highest payouts.
If you don't understand how a game works, watch others play a while first, or ask an attendant to help you. There's no need to feel shy or uncomfortable about approaching an attendant; remember, the casino wants you to spend your money, so the attendants are likely to be very friendly and helpful.
Also ask about the payout percentages. Some states require that payout percentages be published regularly, but even those published figures are averages of all the machines at a given location. Payout percentages on individual machines within the same casino can vary widely. If you can, you want to play machines with a 95 percent or higher payout percentage.
Join the Club
Before you sit down to play, ask the cashier or an attendant whether the casino has a players club. Most casinos offer these clubs free of charge to help them track player activity. The advantage for players comes in the form of comps on food, lodging, and merchandise, based on level of play, which casinos offer as incentives for players to come back. You can (and should) join these clubs at every casino or slot hall you frequent; even if you lose money at the slots, you'll get some of your investment back in comps.
Don't fall into the “I'm just playing for the comps” trap. Sometimes people stay too long at the slot machines trying to score a “free” meal. Remember that comps are a nominal reward for your loyalty to a specific casino. You'll recoup some of the money you lose, but you will
Video Poker and Blackjack
Many of today's games allow the player to make some choices that can affect the outcome of the play. In video poker, for example, players can choose whether to hold the cards they're dealt or draw new cards, so a basic knowledge of poker is helpful. Likewise, games like blackjack and jacks or better require you to do more than wait for reels to come to a stop.
Most machines with these skill-based games have charts posted on or near the screen that describe winning hands. The rules for each game are the same as they are at the tables. For the novice player, the video versions might be less stressful because you don't have to worry about feeling rushed or intimidated by the dealer or other players.
Some machines with simulated card games let you play three or more hands at once. This can add to the excitement, but it also can be confusing for the newcomer. If you are inexperienced at blackjack, poker, or other card games, stay away from the multiple-hand games until you gain more confidence.
