How Much to Bet on Online Slots

Article by : Matthew Gover Sep 20, 2023

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The key to choosing the right bet size for online slots is to balance entertainment, potential winnings, and responsible gambling practices, considering the above mentioned factors.

Factors to Consider

• Bet Range: Online slots typically offer a wide range of betting options, from as low as $0.10 to as high as $5000 per spin. This range caters to low and high rollers, making slots accessible to a broad audience.
• How Long You Wish to Play: Your bet size should align with your desired playtime. Smaller bets can make your bankroll last longer, allowing for extended entertainment. Higher bets, on the other hand, can lead to quicker gameplay.
• Prizes You Hope to Win: Consider your expectations regarding potential winnings. Smaller bets provide more entertainment value but offer limited win potential. Some slots have maximum payouts based on your stake, so larger bets can lead to bigger potential wins.
• Volatility: Be aware of the volatility of the slot you’re playing. High volatility slots may require smaller bets to manage risk, as they offer less frequent but more significant wins. Lower volatility slots may allow for larger bets due to more frequent, albeit smaller, wins.
• Maximum Bets with Bonuses: Ensure you adhere to maximum bet requirements when playing with casino bonuses. Violating these requirements can result in the forfeiture of your bonus winnings.
• No One-Size-Fits-All: Your choice should be personalized based on your budget, risk tolerance, and gaming preferences.
• Skip Feature Buy: Avoid feature buy options in slots, as they can be expensive and may not provide good value. Feature buy allows you to trigger bonuses immediately but can be costly over time.
• Bankroll Management: Implementing a bankroll management plan is essential. This plan helps you decide how much you can comfortably afford to lose and sets limits on your betting. It ensures responsible gambling and helps you avoid chasing losses.

Example of Bankroll Management:

Let’s say you have a gambling bankroll of $500, and you’ve established the following limits:

• Loss Limit: $100 per gaming session
• Bet Size Limit: $5 per spin (1% of your bankroll)
• Winning Goal: Double your initial bankroll to $1,000

If you start a gaming session with $500 and lose $100, you stop playing for that session to avoid exceeding your loss limit. If you reach $1,000 in winnings, you consider ending the session and cashing out your profits.

Performing Calculations

To make an informed decision, you can perform calculations to estimate how long your bankroll will last based on your bet size. These calculations consider the house edge, the number of spins per hour, and your bankroll amount. By doing this, you can tailor your bets to your desired playtime.

Calculate How Long Your Bankroll Will Last

Hours of Play = Bankroll / Expected Loss per Hour

• Bankroll: Your initial budget.
• Expected Loss per Hour: Calculated in the previous step.

This calculation will give you an idea of how many hours you can play before running out of funds based on your bet size, house edge, and playing speed.

Example Calculation:

Let’s say you have a $500 bankroll, you’re betting $1 per spin on a slot with a 4% house edge (96% RTP), and you’re playing at a pace of 500 spins per hour:

Expected Loss per Hour = $1 x 0.04 x 500 = $20

Hours of Play = $500 / $20 = 25 hours

With this bet size and playing speed, your bankroll should last about 25 hours of gameplay.

Keep in mind that these calculations are based on averages and probabilities. Actual results may vary due to the inherent randomness of slot games. Setting limits, sticking to your budget, and practising responsible gambling are crucial to ensure an enjoyable and safe gaming experience.