Are there any strategies that can be used successfully in slots at all? A logical question, given that slot machines, have virtually no way of predicting probabilities in the same way as, for example, roulette or blackjack. However, based on previous actions, it is possible to predict whether the following step is more or less likely to succeed in many gambling games. This cannot be done in slot games, as each subsequent spin is entirely independent of the previous and the next.
It is impossible to predictably calculate, after 10 unsuccessful spins, what is the probability that on the 11th spin, a line will fall that will lead the player to the jackpot area. Especially with computer-controlled reels, the likelihood of a realistic guess tends towards zero. So when we talk about strategies in slots, we are mainly referring to the way the funds are managed. Again, we turn to the well-known systems used in roulette and sports betting.
Equal bets
We'll start with the most straightforward tactic in slots, which is quite sensible and balanced. Allocate your budget for a given game to the number of spins beforehand. For example, you put 10 Euros into the game and divide it by 25 credits of 0.40 Euros (or 50 credits of 0.20 Euros). And you play each time with the same credit bet, without decreasing or increasing. This allows you to keep costs and losses under control, although many may find this approach boring.
The trick, however, is figuring out whether a given machine is "hot" (has entered a winning streak) or "cold" (negative line). These concepts apply more to physical slots in casinos and seemingly, to a lesser extent, to spaces on online platforms. However, there are still some dependencies and probabilities with computer algorithms. A strategy like Naked Pull means you set the number of spins, then quit the game if it hasn't brought you any wins. Experts recommend betting between 7 and 13. Let's take 10 as an average - if, after 10 spins with 40 cents-credits (4 Euros total), you don't have a single winning line, you can leave the slot in question and allocate the money left in your budget to another slot option.
Martingale
This strategy is so fundamental to gambling that we can't skip it in slots. Martingale is applied wherever there is betting and a prediction. Let us remind you of the basic rule of the system - every time we lose, the bet is doubled, and if we win, we go back to the first step. For example, if we start with a stake of 1 Euro on the first spin and it does not succeed, the next bet will be 2, and then 4, 8, 16, etc.
In theory, this strategy always wins, but it often leads to several problems in practice. The primary headache arises from the need to duplicate the wagering amounts if you lose. With a series of 5-6 failures, negativity accumulates, and the wagering amount increases exponentially. However, the slots usually have the opportunity to double it no more than 6 or 7 times - if, say, start with a threshold of 20 credits per spin (say, 20 credits - this is a conventional 20 cents, 0.20 Euro), then further options are 40, 100, 200, 400 and ... so on. That's 5 bets - if there's no winning line, then there's no more 'mega dan' for doubling. This is where the system takes a crack. Its most important advantage is not guaranteed - each win eliminates all previous losses.
In addition, the most minor winnings on slots are equal to half a credit - that is, a spin of 20 credits brings a win of 10. Correspondingly, a reel of 400 credits brings 200 - not enough to cover losses. So naturally, there are slots with a broader range when specifying bets, and there remains the additional possibility of a doubling game. But either way, Martingale obviously has its weaknesses in slots, although it does work in these games, as long as you don't hit a losing streak of more than 5 spins.
Anti-Martingale
This strategy is often used as the antipode of Martingale, which is clear from its name. The system, also called Paroli, is also used in roulette and sports betting. The principle is the opposite - the bet doubles when you succeed, not when you lose. It's not about doubling the pay line, which always exists in slots with a choice of cards (red or black). When a spin loses, we go back to step one.
Compared to Martingale, Paroli as a system sounds more logical. Here the losses in the total budget accumulate slowly. Still, even one lousy spin negates all the results achieved so far. Moreover, again, it can't be doubled indefinitely. Still, in this case, it can also be considered an advantage, as it hits the brakes. Anti-Martingale is better than the previous one in slots for this very reason.
Winning on the first spin
Another strategy that allows you to save is a budget that is predetermined. The idea is to go through different spins and escape from losing. It all depends on the first spin - if it's a winning spin, you continue it until you win back your winnings without touching your initial deposit. If the first spin is losing, you move on to another slot. If you run out of your first winnings, but your initial deposit remains, move on to another place again. Of course, you can't rely on your starting budget to last, so you have to add the condition that you know how much of it you're willing to risk when you change slots.
Zig-zag
A viral strategy in traditional casinos involves constantly switching slots and playing several games simultaneously. This system is also known as Chicken and is even easier to practice in an online version. You do not need to jump from chair to chair - just open up a few separate browser windows and alternate spins on different titles.
The zig-zag approach appeals to many players, as they can see which machine is 'hot' and leads them to success and which is rather cold. But here, too, as with previous systems, the game budget and level of risk must be determined in advance, which is the basis of intelligent play in the first place.