On our basic slots strategy and slots tips pages, we discuss how slot game selection is one of the only reliable slot machine strategies. In this section, we'll explore the unique benefits of different slot game types, and the slot machine strategies that will help you to use each game's special features to your full advantage.
Traditional Slot Games
While video slots seem to take up the majority of the casino floor, some players still prefer the traditional three-reel slot game. If you like the classic lever-style slot machines, be sure to look for one with a generous paytable, and if you're gunning for the top prize know that it often takes the max bet (five coins) to qualify for it. Also be wary of older casino slots with shaky reels; should a loose symbol "accidentally" fall into place, you won't be credited with the combination unless the slots software also registers it.
Bonus Slot Games
The most popular online slots by far are the bonus slot machines. Many players sit at these machines entirely for the thrill of hitting their special bonus features. When you get a certain combination or hit a set number of bonus symbols, it will trigger a bonus slot game. These animated games have attracted a whole new crowd. Slot machine strategies for these games are pretty simple--just play until you win. If you want to join in the fun, just be sure to check each game's rules for the minimum bet necessary to qualify for the bonus feature. Sometimes you will have to make a second bonus bet on top of your regular line wager in order to be eligible for the feature.
Progressive Slot Games
Progressive casino slots can come in any of the other forms; it's their progressive jackpot that makes them so desirable. Progressive slots are a bank of similar machines that are tied to one jackpot. Every time a player puts a credit in one of the progressive machines, the slots software channels it through the bank, and the jackpot grows. These jackpots can be worth tens of thousands and sometimes can even get into the millions! As with bonus slot games, just be sure you check how many credits you have to play to qualify for the jackpot.
Free Slot Games
If you've ever walked out of a live casino and felt like you missed out because you didn't have the money to try every machine that piqued your interest, then you'll especially appreciate the opportunity that the free casino section of an online gambling site gives you to try every slot free. Like progressive casino slots, free slot games come in every form. Their one obvious distinction is that free slot games are, well, free. If you're unsure which slot game will suit you, then free slots are a great way to play the field before investing in a machine. Free slots are also a great way to get accustomed to slots software and to test different slot machine strategies.
