When to Switch Bet Amounts on Slots

Slot machines are games of chance, but the choices you make can still have an effect on your bottom line. So, you may be asking yourself what exactly you can do other than placing your bets (or putting in coins, in case you’re playing at an old-school slot parlor), pulling the lever (or pressing the ‘spin’ button, in case you’re playing in a real money online casino or newer land-based casino), and waiting for the symbols to drop and hopefully make a winning combination on the paylines?

Well, there are actually things you can do to manage and control your game session of land-based or online slots. One thing you can do is change how much you wager on each spin; this can change the rhythm of an entire session, altering your results dramatically. Again, keep in mind that a slot machine is a game of chance, and the outcome of every spin is totally random and independent. So you can never predict a winning spin, but you can control your overall session spending and gameplay experience by switching your bet amounts in critical moments.

How is it done? Below, our casino experts will give you practical, experience-based insights into when to change your bet, as well as tips on when to stay the course.

🎰 Slots 101: Things You Must Know

There are a few things that all slots have in common: RTP, RNGs, and volatility. RTP (Return-to-Player) measures long-term payback percentage. A 97% RTP slot will return $97 for every $100 wagered. However, note that the RTP is a statistical average calculated over millions of spins, and can never guarantee a win. 

Volatility measures win size and frequency. High volatility slots will have bigger payouts that happen less often, and vice versa for low volatility slots.

RNGs (random number generators) are internal engines that every slot machine has to ensure that every spin is fair and random.

Taken together, these factors matter much more than changing bet sizing.

💰 What Slot Bet Amounts Actually Mean

Bet amounts represent how many credits you wager per spin. Common bet amounts range from $0.01 to $5 and up.

These represent how much you bet per line or per spin. A penny slot with 25 paylines costs $0.25 per spin if betting per line. Bet amounts have a huge impact on your experience. Bet more, and you can be eligible for bigger wins and the top jackpots. Bet less, and you can play longer. Smaller bet amounts are good for grinders, while action junkies should stick to max bets.

If you’d like to give your bankroll a boost, you can visit free spin casinos that will award you with bonus spins on featured slots. While these bonuses are subject to the casino’s terms and conditions, free spins are similar to every other spin and can increase your chances of winning. 

🟣 Why Switching Bet Amounts Matters

Changing bet amounts won’t affect your chances of winning, but it can dramatically impact how a session feels. Dropping down in size will lower stress levels and provide hours of fun, while increasing wagers can give you an adrenaline boost at the end of a long session. Additionally, smaller bets are great for piling up comp points, while larger bets are necessary for hitting huge jackpots.

🟢 Signs It Might Be Time to Switch

Knowing you should switch bet amounts is one thing; knowing when to do it is another.

Here are signs that it’s time to make a change:

• You’re burning through your bankroll too quickly
• The machine you’re playing has special features only available to players who bet the max
• The machine’s volatility is too high or low for your current mood or goals
• You want to test new machines while minimizing risk

Some players switch things up when in a slump. There’s no mathematical basis for this, but give it a shot if it makes you feel better.

🔴 How to Switch Bet Amounts Strategically

As we’ve said before, the outcome of every spin is random, so you can’t control the amounts you win or lose, but implementing a strategy when playing slots can make things more fun. So if you’d like to mix your bets strategically, rather than by the seat of your pants, here are a few things to try.

• Plan your session: Have a plan before you start playing. Set limits based on time or loss amounts, then switch when you meet them. This keeps decisions logical rather than emotional.
• Practice Gradual Switches: You don’t have to switch dramatically; you can simply vary your bets for a few spins at a time.
• Observe the Machine: While bet amounts don’t affect a slot’s volatility, they can affect how that volatility feels. Higher bets make potential payoffs worth enduring dry spells, while lower bets reduce stress during losing streaks.
• Adjust How Much You Bet Per Spin, Too: Change your per-spin wager as well as your per-line bet. Betting more lines at a lower stake allows you to risk similar amounts while still affecting the dynamics of a session.

👀 Reading the Casino Floor

Think about a real-life casino and some of the scenarios you may be facing. Even if you’re playing at a real money online casino or a sweepstakes casino site, these are good examples to look at.

You’re a Conservative Bettor on a Win Streak

If you’ve just hit a few wins, ride the momentum by increasing your bet amount for a few spins.

Get lucky and you could have a huge night. Miss, and you’ll just be back where you started.

You Want to Play as Long as Possible

If your main goal is to play all night, dropping your bet amount can ensure you stay at your favorite machine as long as possible.

You’re Machine-Hopping to Chase Variety

When testing multiple machines, vary bet amounts to unlock bonus features and get a feel for each game’s volatility.

🔵 Conclusion

Switching bet amounts on your favorite slot machine is a tactical tool that belongs in your arsenal. However, don’t expect it to change game payouts or turn you into a winner overnight. Adjust your bets to match your momentum, and always think with your head, not your gut. And always remember that there is no way to control the outcome of the next spin, and slots are a game of chance that should be seen as entertainment only, and never as a sure way to make money. So keep your habits in check and always gamble responsibly. Good luck!