Slot machines can sometimes get a bad rap. This is especially true because table games have more skill involved and typically have a lower house edge.
So, advantage gambling blowhards will condemn the slots enthusiast as foolishly unaware. Many slot machines indeed have worse odds for the player than games like craps and baccarat.
That doesn’t move the needle for some gamblers. After all, gambling is supposed to be fun. If you’re having a blast on any game, that’s a win in my book.
Instead of bashing the spinning reels, let’s look at 12 things to love about slot machines.
1 – All the Freebies
One of the most obvious things to love about real money slot machines is all the casino freebies you can earn playing the spinning reel games.
The casino loyalty programs calculate how much money you are putting into action every hour. The casino doesn’t care whether you’re winning or losing.
Their only consideration is how much you’re betting per hour. Slot machines are fantastic because you can make an incredibly high number of spins per hour.
That means the casino comps add up much faster on a slot machine than a game like a blackjack, where the hands take much longer to play out.
2 – Slot Machines Give a Subtle Rush
When a player sits down and starts watching an electronic slot machine’s frantic action with the flashing lights and loud sounds, something unique happens.
The brain speeds up the production of dopamine. The chemical within our brains is associated with pleasure and creates euphoria.
You go to the casino first and foremost to have a great time. So, the games that create such a sensational experience that our brains begin to work with us are a fantastic find.
Each small win when playing in a casino causes the brain to produce more and more of the happy chemical, which gives gamblers a very organic high.
3 – You Won’t Have to Talk to Anyone
Not all of us are what you could call social butterflies. In fact, many casino patrons would much rather not be forced into making small talk with anyone.
Slot machines provide the perfect escape for players that prefer to be left alone with their thoughts.
You can pop in your headphones, launch your favorite podcast or playlist, and spend hours in your little bubble of solitude. Occasionally, the cocktail server will swing by to drop off your favorite beverage.
That’s about as much conversation as you’ll be forced into.
Fortunately, there will always be someone nearby to chat with if that’s your preference. Slot machines really offer something for all gamblers.
4 – You May Need Some Skill Play Tactics
Slot machines are often dismissed as basic games of pure chance where luck reigns supreme and skill is entirely out of the equation.
It’s true that slot machines don’t require the level of skill that the poker rooms or blackjack tables do. Still, millions of players sit down to those games without an ounce of skill and have hours of fun every year.
So, the skill argument really only holds merit if you’re a skilled player. Still, there are many slot machines where skill plays a critical part.
The skill-based slot machines are becoming a more significant part of the casino’s lineup by the day. You’ll need quick reflexes and an abundance of wit to maximize your winnings.
5 – You Can Turn Pennies Into Thousands
The slot machines offer something very unique to casino gamblers. That is the potential to turn a single bet worth pennies into a massive jackpot.
I’m not talking about the chase for the elusive jackpot; I’ll get to that shortly. I’m referring to the potential return on investment.
You can’t walk up to a roulette table, toss a quarter on the table, and win a five-figure jackpot. Slot machines afford you that very luxury.
I’ve seen people walk into a casino with $20 in their pocket and walk out with over $2k in a matter of hours.
6 – The Return to Player Varies From Game to Game
Spend much time listening to the casino gambling experts, and you’ll hear a lot of chatter about RTP. The return to player refers to the amount of money a machine is designed to pay back for every dollar played.
For example, a machine with an RTP of 95% is going to keep $0.05 of every dollar played on the device over a long period of time. Sometimes, this is paid out regularly via small wins, and other times, it may be fewer, more significant wins.
That equation speaks to the volatility of a machine and is an entirely different matter.
Look for the games with the higher RTP; this will keep you gambling much longer as the machine pays out at the highest rate possible.
7 – Slot Machines Have Much Lower Minimum Bets
Walk into most Las Vegas casinos, and you’re going to see a wide range of tables where the minimum bet is $25. That can be pretty intimidating to the first-time casino gambler.
On the other hand, slot machines have many games for as little as a penny per spin. That’s a much more manageable number for most casino newbies.
Even if the house advantage is much lower on baccarat, playing for those stakes can be somewhat frightening. Slot machines are a fantastic opportunity for rookie gamblers to get their feet wet on the casino floor.
8 – You’ll Be Entertained for Hours
The dreaded slots trance may not be as bad as you’ve been led to believe. You’re in the casino to be entertained, right?
Have you ever left a concert or a movie and felt short-changed because the performance kept you fixated on the stage or screen for hours?
Not likely. Still, it’s essential that you don’t fall into the trance of blindly shoving money into the slot machines.
The notion that slot machines are evil for doing their job is ludicrous. Ensure that you are paying attention to your bankroll while playing slots, and you can dive deep into the games hypnotizing characteristics.
9 – Online Casino Bonuses Favor the Slots Enthusiast
Online casinos have exploded onto the casino scene. These virtual casinos bring more gaming choices, and a convenience factor never dreamt of to gamblers.
Every one of the online casinos offers lucrative welcome bonuses for new customers. These bonuses are often matching bonuses of your initial deposit.
However, many also add free spins for slot players. You’ll also be able to add tons of free spins by playing and meeting specific daily criteria.
These free spins can extend your bankroll as you trudge towards your next jackpot.
10 – Massive Variety of Games
Play blackjack, baccarat, or the poker derivative casino games, and you’re going to find a mix of rules. There are subtle differences between games, but essentially, they’ll have the same feel and vibe about them.
On the other hand, slot machines come in a tremendous variety of styles, feels, and overall experiences. There’s no mistaking the traditional one-arm bandits with three reels and a handful of symbols with the immersive 3D slot machines with seven spinning reels and dozens of pay lines.
The games also have a wide variety of themes. These can range from the tried-and-true sports themes to those based on the biggest Hollywood blockbusters.
This wide array of themes ensures that players from all backgrounds can find the perfect game.
11 – Slot Machines Offer Countless Added Features
Today’s slot machines are immersive experiences that draw players in with exciting side quests and bonuses.
Sometimes, the added features shower the player with multipliers that dramatically increase their winnings. Others gift the player a load of free spins where the player’s fortunes can shift on a dime.
The casino industry is incredibly competitive. This means that the players are more discerning than ever, and casinos must be on their A-game to attract gamblers and keep them playing.
The software developers are constantly trying to stay one step ahead of the competition. This competition makes right now the best time in history for slots lovers.
12 – Slot Machines Are Less Foreboding Than Table Games
The plain truth is that casino table games can be overwhelming for some casino gamblers. That may result from the gambler being unfamiliar with how a game is played or merely incredibly shy.
Regardless, many players are far more comfortable hiding out in the massive banks of slot machines spinning reels than sitting with their fellows.
You’ll never have to worry about making a silly play or massive error in front of your fellows while playing the slot machines.
Conclusion
These 12 things to love about slot machines prove that you should focus on the games you enjoy playing. Not all slot machines are suitable for the player, but neither are all table games.
What’s of paramount importance is that you focus only on the games that provide you with the most enjoyment for your entertainment dollar.
Michael Stevens
Michael Stevens has been researching and writing topics involving the gambling industry for well over a decade now and is considered an expert on all things casino and sports betting. Michael has been writing for GamblingSites.org since early 2016. …