The most common misconception about slots is that luck is the main factor that determines the outcome of the game and there is no known strategy which the player can employ to hit the jackpot and make a profit. The ability to control the game and drive it towards the ultimate goal – winning the progressive jackpot or the maximum payout in a standard slot machine – is something that you acquire over time and with a bit of planning and self-discipline, you can make the most out of any slot.

In other words, there are strategies that you can implement to prolong your gameplay and eventually score the highest winning combination. Having in mind that time is of the essence when playing slots, the main skill a player can develop is learning to manage your budget – the same ability that will buy you more “game-time” and eventually help you in generating the desired profit. In slots, the saying Time is Money finds its true meaning, as every new spin brings you closer to the ultimate goal; mastering your funds and damage-control, as boring as it may sound, is in fact what draws the line that separates impulsive amateurs from experienced gamblers who actually invest their time rather than spend it.

Don’t play big, play smart!

Gambling, especially hitting the slots, has no place for ego and exhibitionism. There is nothing to prove to the world, so forget about irrationally high stakes and fantasies about becoming an overnight millionaire. There’s nothing wrong with dreaming big and you should always reach for the stars, but taking it slowly will take you there, not making rash decisions. Therefore, the first step would be to determine your budget and stick to it whatever comes your way.

One way to do that would be to decide on the total that you are willing to lose, in case things go south, and then divide that amount into smaller betting portions, which you will later distribute across different bets, platforms and slots – not all has to go on the same slot or be spent in the same online casino.  The trick is to never, under any circumstances, lose control and go over the predetermined budget, as this can take both a financial and emotional toll which can be difficult to recover from.

Run a tight ship!

You would be surprised how exceptional organizational skills can improve your game, despite the random nature of slots. The logic behind it is introducing order in the environment where the only certain thing is unpredictability, thus keeping a clear score of your balance fluctuations at all times. You may not be able to affect the outcome of the next spin, but you will stay in control of the game and know exactly what your next move should be – staying in the game or quitting while you’re ahead.

A simple way to achieve this is to keep separate accounts of your winnings and your game budget – or go as far as to keep any winnings intact, even after your budget for that session is already spent. This requires exceptional discipline, but it is worth every sacrifice as it allows you never to walk away from a machine defeated and empty-handed.

Push it to the limits while remaining in your comfort zone

Most slots will only reach their full payout potential when played on Max Bet – this does not mean that you will need to wager $20, $50 or $250 on a single spin. Reducing the coin value to the lowest possible amount and increasing the number of coins wagered on a single line will actually increase the odds of hitting the winning spins.

Often, a slot will offer higher multipliers for the maximum stakes, especially if you are playing progressives, which traditionally require high stakes to trigger the progressive jackpot. So, next time you see that Max Bet button, do not afraid to click on it – as long as you make sure that the coins are set to lower denominations.

Avoid the Gamble feature

As tempting as it may be, this feature introduces a high-risk element and should be avoided if you are on a budget and play strictly for profit. The entire progress could be lost in a second and you can find yourself right back where you started.

Of course, gambling on smaller amounts is a moderate risk and it is still allowed as long as it is within the self-imposed limits. For those who need some additional adrenaline rush, the best approach would be to set the loss limit that works for you and play on Gamble feature until that limit is reached.

Develop a betting system

A great way to successfully manage your budget is to select a betting system that you will use as you advance in a game. Determining an overall gambling amount for a certain period of time is one thing; how you will distribute it is a different matter altogether. As mentioned, once you decide on the amount, it is recommendable to break it into smaller pieces and devise a betting system.

Increasing your bets after a win and decreasing them after a loss is one way to manage your bankroll, but you can always adjust the system to your own budget and goals. Certain software developers integrate the betting systems in their slots and you can adjust the game settings to automatically increase or decrease the wager after every spin.

The importance of self-control

The golden rule of budget management is never to stray from your course and always to stick to the plan, regardless of the outcome. Even if the session was successful and you can afford to bet more than you originally intended, do your best to remain disciplined.

This does not mean that you will always use the same betting system or that you should not adjust your budget to your finances; as you start gaining profits from your slot time, your budget is bound to increase as well as your betting limits, but you should always honor the boundaries that you yourself set. As difficult as it may be, walking away from a slot machine at just the right moment will make you a winner, no matter what.