A nice cocktail, a few friends, and some time at a slot machine. That’s the perfect casino experience for many players. Whether in Las Vegas or playing slots online, a few spins of the reels provide a nice night of entertainment for many gamblers. When a player actually heads to play some slots may be a key consideration for that next trip to a casino. But should it? While today’s slot machines operate using random number generators (RNGs), making every spin unpredictable, there are some strategic times to play based on non-payout benefits like bonuses, crowd size, promotions, and more.. Keep reading to learn about the optimal times to play slot machines as well as some common myths and strategic advice on when to play to score some other benefits. Best Times To Play Slots at a Casino Playing slots can be a fun way to pass some time, whether in a live casino or playing online. However, there are some key considerations to note to maximize a player’s entertainment value as well as casino rewards that might be heading your way. For the most part, the best time to play depends on a player’s goals. Looking for some casino rewards like merchandise, free play, and comped rooms and meals? That may depend on the property. Some casinos offer special days and hours in which loyalty points can be multiplied. These times may come with other promotions as well. Players looking to accrue more points toward comps would be wise to research these times and plan their slot play accordingly. Slot fans looking for the best times for payouts and winnings may need to realize the nature of today’s slot machines. The computer’s software and the RNG actually determine winners, not mechanical inner workings or a certain time of day. That means players can’t really “time” their play to more likely rack up a big win. Having a grasp on that reality dispels the myth that certain times are more favorable than others when it comes to playing slots and winning. However, there are some considerations a player may want to consider when it comes to the best times to play slots. Understanding Slot Machine Mechanics A quick review of how modern video slots are manufactured provides some insight into why players can’t rely on certain times of day to record a nice win or jackpot. While early slot machines relied on mechanics within the device itself to reward wins, today’s games are highly complex pieces of technology. As noted earlier, the RNG in each machine actually determines the result of a slot spin. Every time a player hits the spin button, the machine instantaneously goes through millions of random numbers to determine the result of the spin. The symbols then just represent the result of that spin. This means there is no best time to play. A player is just as likely to hit a slot at noon as he would at 3 a.m. The idea that there are “hot” and “cold” slots is also a myth because the RNG is the sole determiner of when a machine pays off. The bottom line is simply this: if you are winning you may think the machine is hot; if you are losing you may think the machine is cold,” casino gambling Frank Scoblete writes. “As Hamlet said, “‘Nothing is either good or bad but thinking makes it so.’ Decoding Common Beliefs and Their Realities Despite the fact that the RNG determines all payouts on a slot, many players still believe certain days are the best for winning. A player who may find a couple of nice winning sessions or jackpots on Friday may then have a bias that’s the best day of the week to play. Another player may have won in the morning and then had a friend also find a nice jackpot in the morning hours. Does that mean the morning is the best time to play? Players may think this, but that’s just not the case. Many players believe in notions of luck as well, but some times of day aren’t luckier than others. The RNG may register a mega jackpot on Sunday and then another on Wednesday. Sometimes the RNG may actually register to major jackpots on Mondays. Slots are slaves to the algorithms and software inside the machines. Here are a few other myths regarding times to play slots: Days with player traffic can affect slot payout frequencies – This is another myth. Payouts are random based on the RNG. Players are more likely to win on a weekend versus a weekday (or vice versa) – These notions are also myths and the computer technology and RNG solely determine winning spins. Certain bonuses and features show up more at certain times of day – THis also isn’t true as the RNG determines all slot machine results. Return to Player (RTP) can change depending on the time of day – RTP stands for return to player and this is the percentage of all money gambled in slots that is paid out to players. This is also a myth and the RNG determines payouts. While the time a player spins slot reels may not determine a player’s chances of winning, there are some notions regarding the time of day that can be beneficial to players. Keep reading to learn about a few of those scenarios and what might be important to consider. Strategic Times to Play for Other Benefits Beyond simply hoping for winnings, players can enjoy some other fringe benefits from playing slots. That can range from entertainment to player rewards that can be earned from using a casino’s player card. While one should never play just to accrue rewards, if you are going to play some slots in a casino it’s worth it to join. Some casinos even reward players with some free slot play just for joining. This is a nice added bonus with the chance to win some cash without even wagering a dollar. Seeking out less busy times at the casino (such as in the morning) may mean a player won’t have to wait in line to join the loyalty program and hopefully enjoy some free play. Once you’ve joined the players’ club and are ready to play, some might be wondering when the best time to accrue player points. As noted, some casinos feature special “slot happy hours” where you can earn even more points or special bonuses, some nice bang for your slot bucks. Bonuses are an important factor when it comes to choosing the right time to play slots, ModernMan.com reports. Some casinos offer bonuses throughout the week while others offer them only on certain days or during special promotions, so it pays to do your research before committing any money. Bonuses can range from free spins and cash rewards for loyal customers, so check what bonuses are available before deciding when to play slots in order to maximize your chances of winning big! An examination of the casino’s loyalty tier structure may also show more favorable times to play. Take note of that and play during those hours if you’re going to gamble anyway. Some casinos offer special bonuses and promotions when playing on holidays. Those seeking to take advantage will want to head to those slots during these days. Responsible gaming should always be a consideration, however. Don’t wager money you can’t afford to lose. Stick with your bankroll and don’t exceed that amount. Those looking for some major payouts on progressive slots may be advised to play when the jackpot has gotten really big. This may give a player at least a chance at a major payout, but you won’t increase your odds of actually winning a jackpot with this advice. Again, the RNG determines all payouts on a slot. You just can’t get around today’s slot technology. When Not to Play: Times to Avoid Beyond strategy and winning considerations, there are some other ideas that players should keep in mind when heading to a casino for some slot play. These are more practical considerations that may make a player feel more comfortable and enjoy the experience more. Some of these include: Avoiding overcrowded casinos – Fewer people make for a more pleasurable casino for some. Less crowded casinos are often found in the morning or during the middle of the day. Players will then have more open machines and may not have to deal with some other things that might make some players uncomfortable – such as cigarette smoke and players who have drunk too much. A more bustling casino – On the other hand, some players like the vibe and feel of a busier, more bustling casino. These players won’t be deterred by busy gaming floors at night or on the weekends. These party animals will want to avoid less busy times of the day. Steering clear of machine maintenance – Some casinos are more prone to machine maintenance and repair during morning hours or daytime. Those who want to avoid maintenance may want to pick another time. Less profitable scenarios – While this may not be based on time, selecting casinos with higher RTPs is important. Those paying out lower RTPs may want to be avoided. When it comes to online slot play, players don’t have to worry about busy and smoky casinos. That favorite slot is always available as well. Players who jump on free-to-play slot platforms like Jackpot Party and QuickHitSlots.com don’t even have to worry about losing money. These slots are available 24/7/365 without having to spend a dime or even download an app (although players can download on Android or iOS). The best time to play slots ultimately depends on a player’s personal preference. But some of these concepts above are worthy considerations. No matter the time of day or playing scenarios, paying responsibly should be a goal of anyone visiting a casino or playing slots online. Browse through our slot selection below: Click here to discover all our complimentary free slots. Frequently Asked Questions Do slots really pay out more during certain times of the day? No. Despite what many players believe, all slot machine results are based on the random number generator (RNG). Time of day or a certain day of the week isn’t a consideration for payouts. How different is playing on the first day of the month versus the last day of the month? All payouts are based on the RNG and a slot’s technological inner works. The time of the month a player decides to play doesn’t enter into winning. The RNG could reward a jackpot on the first of the month. Last of the month, and anywhere in between. Players have no way of determining when these payouts might occur. Why do people believe in “hot” and “cold” slots? People often associate the best times to play with their own personal experiences. A player may notice a slot where players have won throughout the day and consider it “hot” while others may appear to be “cold.” However, the RNG rewards players at completely random times. While one machine may pay out several payouts over a short period of time, at other times the game may go long periods of time without paying out. It’s important to realize that all payouts are random. Are online slots more generous at specific hours or on certain days? A player who has won big a couple of times on a weekend might generalize and say that is the best time to play. Another player might have had some nice winning sessions on Tuesday and believes this is the best day to play. The fact is that there is no “magic time” to play either in a live casino or online. All payouts are rewarded randomly. Should I aim for progressive jackpot slots at particular times? Many players recommend playing a progressive slot when the prize pool gets really high. This may be worth a shot at winning a nice jackpot, but won’t change your odds of winning. Despite the rising prize pool, a winning spin is still determined by the computer’s inner workings and the RNG. It’s also important to remember that no matter the progressive jackpot or time of day. Conclusion Understanding how today’s slots work and the mechanics behind them is important when visiting a casino or playing online. Understanding how the RNG determines winning spins will help a player quickly determine that there is no perfect time to play slots when it comes to strategies for winning. However, when it comes to comfort level, entertainment value, and the chance at accumulating additional players’ club points, selecting certain times may prove beneficial depending on a player’s personal goals and preferences. Those slot machine adventures should always include considering responsible gaming strategies. Stay within your bankroll, don’t wager more than you can afford to lose, and don’t visit the ATM machine!

A big payout for a single cent is quite an alluring proposition for many slot machine players. Chances are that the majority of slots a player finds in a casino will be penny slots. High-tech modern slots allow for numerous options when it comes to game variety, theme, features, narratives, bonus games, and more. That list also includes the stakes a player can wager as well and the penny per payline variety is one of the most popular types of games with players either at a brick-and-mortar casino or when playing online. Keep reading to learn more about penny slots – how they work, why they are popular, and much more. What Are Penny Slots? Simply put, penny slots are slot machines or online slots that feature the lowest stakes one could find – a penny. Many players are certainly attracted to the idea of scoring a jackpot for a single penny. These games may feature low stakes, but further investigation shows that players don’t actually spin the reels of a slot machine for just a penny (more on that below). However, these games do offer a low-cost gaming option for slot fans, making them extremely popular with players. Modern slots also can be very entertaining with great graphics and sound, sophisticated storylines and narratives, fun themes, unique bonus games, and some nice jackpots. Playing penny slots allows players to experience these entertaining aspects at the lowest levels available. Players don’t have to be high rollers or even have a more moderate bankroll to play on these machines. There are numerous options in the penny slot category as well, so players can try out numerous games when heading to a casino. Here are a few things to remember that make slots so popular: Lower stakes Entertaining game options A good fit for many bankrolls High payouts still possible High-quality, entertaining games available Playing penny slots either live or online can be a fun way to wager with some fun games available and the possibility to find some nice payouts. How to Play Penny Slots Getting in the action of playing penny slots is an easy process. A player can walk into a casino (or head to an online platform) and be playing in only a few minutes. Here are some simple steps to get started. Find a slot machine that interests you and take a seat. Slide cash currency or a cash voucher into the bill acceptor. This is usually located at the right side of the slot. Players may want to take a look at the paytable to locate what the key symbols are on the game. These can often be found on screen or physically on the machine itself. After reviewing the pay table, go back to the main game to begin playing. You can then use one of the buttons on the machine to select the number of paylines that you’d like to play for. Many players max this out, but it is up to an individual player’s tastes and bankroll. Select how much you’d like to wager per line. Penny slots start at wagering one penny per line, but players who’d like to play bigger can also select more cents per payline. Hit the spin button to activate the reels and you can then check out the result of the spin. A winning spin will send credits back to your player bank and you can then spin again. Many machines also feature auto-spin, meaning the reels will spin automatically over several spins of the reels. When you are ready to leave or to move on to another machine, hit the “cash out” button and the machine will print out a cash voucher. This can then be inserted in the bill acceptor of other games or redeemed for cash at a kiosk in the casino or at the cashier’s cage. Much of the above also applies to playing on an online platform, although you obviously won’t be inputting cash into the machine and most of what is done above will be found on screen. Playing penny slots online is still a simple process. The Realities of Penny Slots While penny slots may feature smaller limits, it’s important to realize that gamblers still face the same realities of playing any kind of slot machine. First, the house always has an edge when it comes to playing slots. When it comes to penny slots, that may even be higher because the games allow players to wager at smaller limits. Some experts estimate that the average edge for slots at this denomination falls in the 10-15% range. That’s quite a hefty advantage for the casino or online platform. Games at higher limits can see that edge narrowed to as low as 5%. Despite the odds against them, many players continue dropping their dollars in penny slots to see if they can score some nice paydays. Are you new to these games? Here are a few concepts to remember when playing penny slots. Random Number Generator (RNG) – Modern slots don’t rely solely on mechanical reels as in the old days. The RNG inside the machine determines a spin as soon as the player hits the “spin” button. The symbols on the reels are actually a representation of the RNG’s result of the “spin.” Paylines – These are the lines on a machine that represent or show a winning combination. Early machines generally only featured a single or handful of paylines that ran horizontally. Today’s games, however, allow for numerous possibilities and paylines can run horizontally, vertically, and even diagonally. Free slots – This refers to a slot that allows players to choose the number of paylines that they want in play during their play. This is adjustable and offers players some flexibility in regards to their own bankrolls. Fixed slots – These games feature a predetermined number of paylines that can’t be changed by the player. You can still determine how much you’d like to wager on each line, however. Pay table – This can be found onscreen or even sometimes on the exterior of the game itself. The table offers a look at what the best-paying combinations are and how much they pay for the stakes levels available. Bonus games – These are extra games found on many slots, including those played at penny stakes, for finding winning combinations and symbols. Players can be rewarded with spinning a prize wheel, making a prize selection, free spins, and more. Players are awarded these games, often featured on a separate screen, without having to use any more credits. It’s also critical to remember that the term “penny slots” can also be a bit of a misnomer. While the stakes may be a single cent, players are actually wagering much more than a penny on each spin because they are actually wagering a penny per payline. For example, a game may allow a player to wager on up to 90 paylines. If you wager one cent per payline, then you’re actually spending 90 cents per spin. That’s quite a bit more – 90x – than a single penny. Players should be aware of this distinction and plan their bankrolls accordingly. Just as with any slot, play with money meant only for entertainment and that’s not needed for other bills or expenses. Take breaks and play slowly to make that bankroll last longer. Practicing this kind of bankroll management can make playing those penny slots a more entertaining experience. Where to Play Penny Slots Those looking to play some penny slots have no lack of options. Most casinos around the world, including gaming hotspots like Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and others, feature numerous penny slots available. Most casinos also boast many of these games as they are immensely popular. In fact, this area of the slot pit is usually where most players are testing their luck and hoping for a nice payout or even just a winning session. Just a few decades ago this wouldn’t have been so. Slots required actual coins and that would have made playing for pennies impractical. But today’s computer technology-driven slots, which no longer require or accept coins, almost make slot denominations irrelevant. “Gamblers say they like the machines — which were impractical before quiet paper payouts started replacing the tumbling bucketfuls of coins in a jackpot — because they can play longer for the same amount of money,” FOX News notes of penny slots. Slot fans have embraced these changes, despite the odds against them in actually booking a win compared to other casino games. To many players, penny slots signify one thing when it comes to playing in a casino or on an online platform. Penny Slots in Las Vegas Booked a trip to Sin City and looking to play some penny slots? There is no shortage of penny slots in Las Vegas – whether you're playing on the world-famous Strip or heading downtown. Gaming companies are in the business of making money and penny slots are extremely popular with players. Some might think that penny slots can only be found at more moderate or lower-end casinos. This isn’t necessarily the case and even many of the upper-end casinos found right on the Strip offer players a chance to play some penny slots. If penny slots are what you want to play, Las Vegas can certainly deliver with plenty of action and plenty of fun. Free-to-Play “Penny” Slot Options Casinos and real-money gaming sites are not the only places a player can enjoy some “penny” slots. Those looking to get in on the fun can check out free-to-play slot platforms like Jackpot Party and QuickHitSlots.com. These options actually allow players to spin the reels of some of their favorite slots with no real money on the line at all. Players will find the same games they’d find in a casino and don’t have to worry about losing their bankroll at all. Some of the advantages of playing on these types of free slot platforms include: No real money involved in playing. No need to book a hotel room or an expensive casino trip. Ability to test out some slots without losing some of your cash. Play on a mobile device (iOS or Android) or on a web browser with no download required. A wide range of slots is available including many favorite penny slots. All the features and bonus games available that you’d find on a traditional slot. Complete gameplay challenges not found on traditional slots (live or online) as part of the fun. The ability to play from anywhere. Learn the ins and outs of slot play without having to worry about losing any money. These social gaming options offer plenty of bang for the buck. Free slots offer a chance to get in the game with none of the risks or costs involved. Take a look at the slot options we have available: Explore our collection of free slots by clicking here. Penny Slots Strategy & Tips Just as with any level of slot machines, penny slots function much the same way as other games with reels, symbols, and payouts. The house always has an edge but there are a few things that players can keep in mind when trying to book a winning session. Here’s a look at just a few of those. Take it slow – Playing slowly can make that bankroll last longer. Chat with friends or sip a cocktail or cup of coffee to savor the experience a little more. Don’t play too high – This article is about penny slots, so it’s a good bet your bankroll may not be huge. Therefore, play at limits that best fit your bankroll – pennies in this case. Check out the RTP – RTP stands for return to player and is a percentage of all coin-in to a machine, casino, or slot stakes level at a property that is paid back out to players. The higher the RTP, the better that is for players. In live casino, an RTP over 90% is good for players and an RTP over 95% is good for players online Play for free – If you’re new to the world of slots, playing online for free at sites like Jackpot Party and QuickHitSlots.com can be a great way to learn how to play and how the games work. You won't have to risk a single dime (or penny) playing on these platforms. Take some breaks – Spending long hours at the slots isn't always a recipe for success. If those spins aren't going your way or even if you’ve found a nice winning session, take a walk or grab a bite to eat. Some time away from the slow pit can help that bankroll last longer. Those slots aren't going anywhere and you can give it another shot later. When heading to a casino or playing online, players should also be aware of some myths that often come with playing slots. Players have many beliefs about slots and how they pay off, but those aren’t always rooted in reality. Here’s a quick look at a few of those slot machine myths: Hot and Cold – Some players believe some penny slots are “hotter” than others and pay out more often than others. These players may believe some games are also “cold.” These are myths and all payouts are solely based on the RNG and the game’s inner computer. Some slots may pay out quickly between jackpots or see a significant delay between major payouts. A Slot is Just “Due” to Pay Out – Some people believe a slot that hasn’t paid out in a while is “due” to reward a jackpot. This is also a misnomer and players should realize that modern slots pay out at random. A Slot’s Location in the Casino Is Important – Some players mistakenly believe machines in certain locations in a casino pay out more than others. This is also untrue. Casinos “Rig” Their Slots – Casinos must adhere to stringent gaming regulations and wouldn’t risk losing their licenses. Players face a hefty casino edge anyway, and it’s not worth a casino to rig the machines. Slots have an RTP (return to player), which is an overall percentage that is returned to players. The higher the RTP, the better that is for players. An RTP of above 90% is a nice fit for slot players. These figures can often be found online. Are Penny Slots Worth It? Value is certainly in the eye of the beholder and determining whether a type of slot is “worth it” can be a pretty broad question. There’s no doubt that there is a considerable house edge among all slot machines. As noted, penny slots come with even longer odds. This house edge can range from 10-15%. That’s a massive edge – much more than many other more sensible wagers in a casino, such as a pass line on the craps table or using the basic strategy at the blackjack table. However, it’s also worth noting that penny slots feature low stakes and players do indeed overcome those odds to come away with some winning sessions occasionally and even some nice jackpots. Players who take their time, play within their bankroll limits, and don’t bring unreasonable expectations can have an entertaining night at the casino while playing some penny slots. Frequently Asked Questions What are penny slots? These are games that feature the lowest stakes in a casino, one cent. Penny slots are some of the most popular in a live casino or online. Modern video slots offer numerous themes, high-tech graphics and sound, interesting bonus games, unique narratives, and much more. Do penny slots really offer chances to win for only a penny? The term “penny slot” is a bit of a misnomer as players are actually wagering a penny per payline. Many games feature numerous paylines, so players can have much more than a penny on the line per spin. However, these games do feature some of the lowest stakes in the casino, making them extremely popular with players. What is a slot’s RNG? This stands for random number generator and is what actually determines the result of a spin. Spins are completely random, meaning notions of “hot” and “cold” slots are mere superstitions. What are “free slots” versus “fixed slots”? These terms apply to the paylines on a slot machine. A free slot allows players to “freely” choose the number of paylines they’d like to wager on per spin. To the contrary, “fixed” slots feature a predetermined number of paylines that are active per spin. However, both of these game types allow players to determine the amount they’d like to wager per payline – starting from a penny and going upward. Conclusion Penny slots have grown in popularity over the last decade-plus, offering gamblers of all bankrolls a chance to play some of their favorite games with a minimal amount wagered. Today’s video slots offer plenty of entertainment value, although casinos still hold a hefty edge over players. Those looking to get in the penny slot action will find numerous options in both live casinos and online. Major slot manufacturers and casinos offer plenty of penny slots and these are usually the most prevalent type of game available. The popularity of penny slots shows no signs of slowing down. That next cent you wager just might turn out to be a lucky penny.