How To Play Penny Slot Machines: a guide for the novice gambler
How much should you bet on a slot machine? How many lines should you play?

1. How To Play Penny Slots At Casino
2. How To Play Penny Slots In Vegas
3. How To Play The Penny Slot Machines
4. How To Play The Penny Slots

Because of how the cost per spin is calculated, penny and nickel machines aren’t always the lowest-cost way to play. Playing multiple paylines can cost upwards of $1 per spin on a penny machine – so a 50-cent machine might have been a better choice if you’re trying to spend less per spin. How to win more on penny slot machines: what you need to know for this and what strategies to use. Penny slots are a great gambling opportunity at no significant cost. You can play slots with very low bets.

by Paul Ace Diamond 'Huggy' Blow

A jackpot win on a progressive Copper Dropper slot machine.
If you are new to casino slot machine gaming this article is for you. Casino slot machines are fun to play but can be confusing what with the various lines and amounts you can bet per spin, plus the other variables such as scatter awards and bonus rounds. I still remember the first time I went to a casino with a five dollar bankroll and played the Copper Dropper slot machine, betting just one penny (one line) per spin. My five dollars lasted me two hours but I eventually lost it all and it was a boring two hours with few winning payouts (my biggest winning payout was twenty cents). I didn't know what I was doing! Since then I have learned how to play slot machines more effectively (with more payouts and more fun!) and here I will share this information with you, the novice slot machine player.

Most slot machines you will find in the casinos these days are the penny machines, which means the minimum bet is one penny per line played. There are also nickel, quarter, and dollar slot machines which are more expensive to play, but my advice for the novice or average player (who plays mainly for fun) is to stick with the penny slot machines.

Betting the Lines
Most slot machines feature either three tiers of five reels (15 stops or 'squares' total) or four tiers of five reels (20 stops total). You win when you get a winning combination of three or more of the same symbol in a row on a payline. The paylines are just that -- lines that run across the reels, left to right. The simplest 3-tiered slot machine games (such as Copper Dropper) may have only 9-15 paylines, while the newer 4 or 5-tiered slot games have anywhere from 30-100 paylines. The paylines zigzag across the reels in different combinations.

The 15 paylines available on a 3-tiered 'Catch A Wave' slot machine
On the older penny slot machines you can select how many lines you play per spin, with as few as just one payline (or one penny per spin). Most all of the newer slot machines have a minimum bet of one penny per available payline (meaning a minimum bet of 30 cents on a machine with 30 paylines). Most of the newer slot machines have 30-50 paylines and preset buttons for selecting your betting amount (in multipliers of one, two, three, five, or ten per payline). With all slot machines you can multiply how much you bet per payline starting with the minimum of one penny, up to ten times or more per payline. The 'max credits' is the maximum amount you can bet on a slot machine, which generally will be between $2.40 to $5.00 per spin on most slot machines.

You win money on a spin when you get three or more matching symbols in a row on a payline. Four or five matching symbols on a payline will get you much bigger payouts, and there will be different payouts for different symbols. The highest paying symbols, of course, exist on the reels in smaller numbers than the lowest paying symbols and come up in winning combinations more infrequently than the lowest paying symbols.

There are also some video slot machines such as the Aristocrat 'Reel Power' games that do not have dedicated pay lines, but instead offer '720 ways to win' or '1024 ways to win.' For more information on these games, read this article: 1024 ways to win slot machines

The 40 paylines available on a 4-tiered 'Wolf Run' slot machine

How much should you bet per payline?
Generally speaking, my advice is to bet one penny per available payline on each spin. If a game (such as Copper Dropper) has just 9-15 paylines I would multiply the bet to two cents per payline (18-30 cents per spin). Betting on all the paylines will result in more winning spins and a much more fun slot machine experience. Personally, when playing for fun I am most comfortable betting 25-50 cents per spin on the machines. While I like to stick with one penny per payline spins, if a game is paying out I may increase my bets to increase my wins, although I very rarely bet max credits on a machine. While betting max credits on a slot machine can give you very large payouts, it can also burn through your bankroll very quickly if you get a dry run. (More here on how to win BIG on the slot machines)

PAGE 2: JACKPOTS, BONUS ROUNDS, AND MORE...

TOP-5 penny slots

Experienced gamblers claim, mastery of the world of casino entertainment should start with an introduction to the best slot machines. We offer you the most popular penny slot machines to play 2017, according to its users, penny slots allowing playing at minimal stakes:

• Buffalo from Aristocrat Gaming – 40-line slot machine with extra reel higher icon, wild symbol and scatters. It is known among users as one of the most generous devices. According to reviews, this slot quite often collects expensive combinations and scatter sequences that trigger free spins. During the round, multiplier function is in action and respins, which allow getting large sums. Numerous videos posted on the youtube network serve as a proof of actual winnings.
• Starburst by NetEnt – slot machine with 10 lines. The features of the device are pictures designed in the form of multilevel symbols and the opportunity to count combinations in both directions. Because of this, it can please with the large payments even without bonus spins. However, there is also the option of re-spin. With a successful turnover, the user can receive up to 3 free spins with extra reels wild symbols.
• Quick Hit from Bally Technologies – slot machine with 30 lines endowed with classic symbols. Players are attracted by the combination of the advantages of one-armed bandits and penny video slots. Due to the presence of several types of bonus features and a high volatility, the game, as players say, gives pretty good winnings.
• Snake Slot by Leander – one more device with 30 strips. Bright graphics, wild symbol, an exciting bonus game are advantages that attract users. Interesting fact is that the software is often integrated into Leander Quickfire platform. As a result, you can see SnakeSlot under brand Microgaming. But the algorithm of the game remains the same and the minimal bet is still $ 0.01.
• Food Fight – progressive 9-kine machine from the RGT. For mega win, you have to play at the highest stakes. But due to the presence of several types of bonus rounds, entertainment can be profitable even if you bet $ 0.01.

It is worth noting, that penny slots Real Time Gaming as a whole have an excellent reputation. This company presents one of the most extensive series of progressive slot machines that allow playing at low rates. At the same time, you can even pick up a game that is not tied to the size of contributions and gives solid payments.

In addition, users are recommended to pay attention to the models of Aruze studio. This little-known manufacturer today offers slot machines the design of which is similar to the Novomatic games.

Distinctive features of Aruze slots are 9 lines, wild symbol, scatters triggering rounds of free spins. Developer models allow you to set the bet from $ 0.01 but the RTP corresponding to the common devices – 97-99%.

To play penny slots or not – what the experts say

There is an opinion, that playing at minimal stakes is an effective solution to minimise the risks. Not only the most amateur gamblers but many experienced players stick to this position. And this, according to experts and psychologists, is deeply misleading.

It is based on the dual nature of the American penny. On the one hand, cent is real money, the official means of payment. On the other... Well, who really takes so little copper coin serious if its value goes to zero.

Such an attitude to coins are used by casinos while actively involving visitors. Players psychologically take free penny slots as machines unable to lead to loss of funds. And sometimes, players lose very significant sums.

In addition, experts note an additional factor that speaks not in favour of penny slots, namely the low RTPs. The average return rate for such models varies in the range of 75-85%, while common machines are adjusted to 85-97%. In other words, when an unsuccessful game session, penny slots “take” 10-12% more than “expensive” models.

Such arguments do not speak in favour of penny slots. But this is the position of experts.

People say, penny slots are a great solution for those who take gambling as entertainment. This category of gamblers prefer to play online slot machines without too much risk and not for free but for real money. In the latter case, the emotions are stronger and, respectively, the entertainment brings more pleasure. To make sure that a visit to a casino does not turn into a tragedy, you need to follow a few simple rules.

How to play penny slots – tips for gamblers

In this chapter, we are talking not about the controls features or device settings. For more information concerning these issues, you can look at page Slots Rules.

Our main topics are how to play slot machines without too much risk, what secrets can be used to beat an online slot.

The first thing to note, the mysterious and effective techniques that can guarantee victory do not exist. There are techniques that allow, at best, increase your odds of winning. And you can see them in Slots Strategies section.

But if someone promises a magical secret to 100% beat a slot machine do not believe it! The operation of any device, including gambling penny slots, is based on the random number generator. The results of successive rotations are independent from each other. And the streak of empty spin does not mean that winning is about to happen. In contrast, bonus rounds can follow almost one after another with very short breaks. Playing slot machines is an absolutely unpredictable process. And this is its feature.

But if we cannot rely on the penny slots strategy, the rules of responsible gaming are irrevocable. And even if their use will not bring income, they will help to avoid bankruptcy.

In particular, it is important to determine the size of your bankroll. The amount intended for the game should not exceed actual financial capabilities. With penny bets for entertainment, it’s enough a relatively small amount equal to the costs for visiting a cinema or restaurant. At the same time, you can spend a long time for a favourite entertainment. And even after a loss, you will not worry much.

How to choose a penny slot

Specialists of our portal are ready to provide a few tips for choosing penny slots. If you are going to have fun on penny slots for real money, it is important to determine right:

• The model to play. Many users consider purely “external” characteristics: the genre, plot, setting, quality graphics. And it is right. Only games that match the preferences give pleasure. But most importantly, evaluate the multipliers for combinations. Take a look at the payout table! If the minimal sequence is capable to compensate the bet per spin, that is a penny slot recommended to play. If the device can hardly return one fifth of the fee for a turnover, you may want to look for other options.
• The prize options – one of the fundamental factors. Bonus games are the exactly secret that allows you to beat penny slots with no download. The number of bonus rounds can be low, but if there are factors or additional symbols, the odds of winning increase dramatically.
• The RTP. It is necessary to assess the rate of return declared by the manufacturer. Today, the possibility of playing at the minimal rates is provided not only on machines with low RTP. Many producers that present model with RTP higher than 95% offer to play cent contributions.

And finally, look at the slot machines with jackpots. Many penny slots are connected to progressive systems. Thus, it is possible to hit quite a large sum even with a little money at stake.

The biggest victories on penny slots

Interestingly, although the really big payouts are rare on penny slots, but they still happen and cause a wide resonance.

Meet! Top 5 most stunning penny slots jackpot winners:

• More than $ 1 million in 2012 was won by an American builder Alberto Lopez in casino Jackson Rancherio. The total amount of the deposit was only $ 100. Several bets on penny slots allowed the man to get the jackpot – $ 1,129,009 20.
• In 2010, penny slot granted nearly $ 3 million to Dorothy Reynolds – a resident of California. A trip to Las Vegas was the special Christmas event for her and her family. `in the Planet Hollywoodn Resort, the woman managed to make a few bets on a penny slot The Wizard of Oz when the machine issued a jackpot prize – $ 2.9 million.
• More than $ 3 million was won by the Borgata Hotel (Atlantic City) visitor in 2011 who asked to remain anonymous. Playing at cent stakes on the penny slot Wheel Fortune, he got a $ 3.5 million jackpot. An interesting fact is that the same day in the same venue and on the same machine, another player has managed to get $ 700 thousand.
• The last major victory was in August 2016. The visitor of Wynn Las Vegas who came from Hawaii won on the IGT Megabucks machine $ 10 777 279.51 – a truly stunning victory. Before getting the jackpot, the woman managed to put a total of only $ 3.
• But the fame of the largest jackpot in the history belongs to 25 years engineer from Los Angeles. The programmer who played on the penny slot Excalibur just for fun got an incredible amount of $ 39,713,982.25.

How To Play Penny Slots At Casino

Frequently asked questions

Do you want to get the most complete and current information regarding penny slots? We decided to give answers to the most frequent questions from our visitors. They concern a wide range of subjects and may correspond to the information set out above, but it will help to get the most useful data.

Is it possible to win on penny slots

Certainly. Fans of gambling entertainment daily receive rewards. But this does not mean that you will always win. Like other machines, free penny slots are set so that casinos could have some profit. Do not expect just winnings. This does not mean you have to completely abandon the game machine if it's fun. But we must follow the rules of responsible gaming as set out above.

What is RTP of a penny slot

As mentioned, the majority of slots return in the range of 75-85%. In some cases, manufacturers set higher rates – up to 95%.

Is the penny slot pays more

We remind, that the size of penny slots wins depends on the multiplier of a combination. You can view the data in the payout table of each unit. Those slot machines capable to return at least half of the bet but rather a full rotation cost with the shortest sequences are worthy.

How much can you win on online penny slots

There is no clear answer to this question. Amounts of winnings depend on many factors including payout ratios mentioned above. But we can say, that the more lines are involved in the game, the more chances to collect combinations. In this case, you need a little bit more significant investments.

A separate category includes machines with a jackpot. Those who wish to receive the mega-prize have to remember that most devices calculate sizes of rewards regarding bet sums. The possibility of winning the jackpot of many thousands at low rates is a rare exception. Carefully read the rules of the machine to specify the conditions for calculating and producing a super prize.

What kind of penny slots to prefer

It all depends on subjective tastes of players. The theme, the number of lines, the presence of bonuses and special functions – factors that should be considered when choosing the device if you play for fun.

How do penny slots work

Penny slots work explained similar to other models of slot machines. It is based on the random number generator – a special software guaranteeing the unpredictability of a rotation. Click on the Start button to activate the RNG, creating hundreds of different digital combinations per second. Last generated number determines the outcome of a spin. Through the use of this software, casinos do not have the possibility to temper slots or affect the outcome of the game in other ways.

How to play penny slots

The launch, setting, management is done in the usual manner, as in any other machines. You don’t need a special penny slots guide for this. To start, you must click on the icon. After a few seconds, the device is ready for use. Before the start of the game, you are offered the opportunity to determine the size of the bet and the number of lines (except models with fixed strips). Configuration is made in the corresponding sections of the control panel. Launch the reels with the Start button. There can be the opportunity to play automatically.

Are you interested in more detail? Our portal makes a detailed Review to each slot machine including penny slots. Just go to a gaming machine page and discover further information.

Can I play penny slots near me

Everything depends on the legal provisions and the requirements of your state. For residents of countries where gambling is prohibited, such a possibility is not available.

But in those countries where gambling industry is legalised, it’s not difficult to find an institution close to home. In particular, in Spain, there are several hundred rooms equipped with penny slots. A similar situation is observed in Poland and the Czech Republic.

Cheap machines are installed in Macau gambling venues. The main objective of the low stakes (a few cents) is to attract tourists. But locals regularly visit these places for entertainment.

And in any case, you can try to play for free or for real money on online penny slots.

Are online slot machines secure

Yes, for the most part. Original machines from well-known manufacturers are not able to influence the outcome of a session. It is important to choose the right gambling portal.

Quality software, fairness, transparency entertainment can be offered only by licensed online casinos. Their websites present devices that imitate free Vegas slots machines supplied directly by manufacturers. Monitoring of the work of casinos is regularly done by state regulators and independent auditing companies with the appropriate authority.

How to choose reliable penny slots

The main indicator is the presence of licensing documents to conduct business. Trusted gambling clubs place such information directly on the main page (typically in the bottom). The best option is when you can see the license number, scanned copy of official logos of regulators.

You can make sure of the veracity of the information available on the site by the data submitted directly by regulators. Government agencies involved in the licensing, supervision of the online casinos activities always place a list of qualified operators on the official website.

The easiest and fastest option is to choose a casino from the list posted on our website. Analysts of the portal have already done all the above mentioned checks. In the Best Online Casino section, we present a list of licensed institutions offering favourable playing conditions.

Is it possible to play online penny slots from the phone

From the phone, from the smartphone, and tablet – you can play online casino from any mobile device. Modern manufacturers provide gambling software using a special technology – html5. It easily works with all operating systems installed on devices including Android, Windows and iOS. `due to this, you can go to an online casino and start free penny slots with bonus rounds directly through the mobile browser not puzzling yourself with downloads.

However, you can install slot machines on gadgets. This solution will provide a smooth access to gambling portals.

Detailed information relating to the issues of mobile casino games is provided in the section Platforms.

Is it possible to play penny slots for fun

Certainly. This opportunity is provided by the majority of licensed casinos. A wide range of machines is represented on the pages of our portal. Just go to the Free Slots and click on the icon of a slot machine you like. Penny slots download takes no more than 30 seconds.

Where to play penny slots with a progressive jackpot

In any licensed online casino. The range of free slot games brings together a wide collection of devices. Progressive machines are usually located in a separate category.

Regarding the choice of a slot, you should pay attention to penny slots of Real Time Gaming (RTG). A detailed overview of the company can be found in the developers section. The portfolio of the manufacturer includes the list of progressive slot machines. Moreover, in many of them, the prize fund does not depend on the bet size.

Is it worth to play online penny slots, how good are they compared to devices in real vegas casino

How To Play Penny Slots In Vegas

In fact, playing slot machines on the web is more favourable in many ways than in the land-based venues. The expenses of online casinos are lower compared to common halls. As a result, gambling clubs in the Internet are able to give higher rates of return in an effort to attract customers.

How To Play The Penny Slot Machines

For this reason, online casinos frequently offer interesting bonuses and promotions allowing playing free online penny slots.

How To Play The Penny Slots

Finally, Internet entertainment is much more comfortable. You can play free penny slot machines at any time convenient to you and in any form. Do you want to run a slot machine at night? In pajamas and without makeup? You can do it easily!