Curious if online slots can be beaten? Some folks rely on so-called betting strategies. Others say you should play at a certain time to up your chances. But is any of it true?
I’ll share my take on what actually works.
Can You Hack Slots?
Slots are designed to be completely random. They use an RNG (Random Number Generator). This piece of code makes every spin independent.
But does that mean that you can do nothing to win more often? Or, at least, lose less often? I wouldn’t say so!
How to Improve Your Winning Chances (and Minimize Losses)
Below are the tricks and tactics I use to get better results — give those a shot too:
1. Time Your Play
As I said, slots are random. Despite that, I started noticing patterns in how they behave. I’ve found afternoons to bring me the most rewarding Hot Hot Fruit sessions. Pay attention to this — perhaps, you’ll find your own good time to play slot games.
2. Take Advantage of Features
Some games have mechanics that improve your odds.
- Special symbols landed on the reels can trigger bonus features like free spins. In Hot Hot Fruit, for example, you’ll need 3 or more Wilds to activate extra rounds.
- Hold & Win games let you collect special symbols for bigger prizes.
- Megaways slots give thousands of ways to win.
- Feature Buy lets you pay extra to skip straight to the bonus round. Great for those who cannot wait.
3. Pick the Highest-Paying Games
The first thing I check before playing any slot game? RTP—Return to Player percentage. It tells you how much a game pays back in the long run.
Say, a slot has a 96% RTP. What does that mean? For every R100 wagered, the game returns R96 on average. The catch? This is over millions of spins, not your personal session. You could get lucky and win big. Or, you might burn through your balance before seeing any returns.
Some games in South Africa offer RTPs above 96% (that’s what I usually go for). Others drop as low as 90%. I avoid anything below 95%. Those few extra percentage points make a difference over time.
Some of my favorites available in South Africa? Hot Hot Fruit (96.74%) and Narcos (96.23%).
4. Consider Volatility
Volatility dictates how often the game returns wins, and his big they are;
- Low volatility = frequent, smaller wins (good for stretching your bankroll).
- High volatility = bigger jackpots but long dry spells.
I like mixing things up. When in the mood for casual play, I spin the reels of low-volatility machines. And when I’m reefing risky? High-volatile titles like Hot Hot Fruit and Bonanza Falls await!
5. Play the Demo First
I always test games in demo mode. It helps me see how often bonuses hit and whether the game is even fun to play.
Titles like Hot Hot Fruit support a free-play mode. Start with it before putting real funds on the line.
6. Look at the Paytable
Most people skip this, but it’s gold. The paytable tells you:
- Which symbols pay the most.
- Whether multipliers exist.
- How often bonuses are triggered.
Some games only pay big when you bet max. If I see that, I either commit to higher bets or pick another game.
The Role of Luck vs. Skill
Unlike poker or blackjack, where skill matters, slots are 100% luck. But that doesn’t mean every game is the same.
Some games feel like they have skill elements. Take Dead or Alive 2 or Hot Hot Fruit. These are high-volatility, so they can pay massively when you trigger the bonus. But getting there can be brutal.
If you want more control, look for slots with interactive bonus rounds, where decisions affect payouts.
Final Thoughts: Play Smart, Not to “Beat” the Game
I won’t sugarcoat it—you won’t “crack” online slots. There’s no system, no cheat code. But you CAN make smarter moves.
RSA players looking for the best results should focus on:
- Optimal playtime.
- Titles with features that boost payouts.
- High RTP games (96%+ is ideal).
- Testing in demo mode before betting real cash.
Winning is never guaranteed. But you can still play the right way. Then, expect more fun, more action, and better chances of coming out on top!