How to Choose the Best Game Machines to Play

Deciding which slot machine is best to play can mean the difference between pulling the handle aimlessly and finding yourself with winners…

Players will sit down at whatever slot machine is nearby without thinking twice. Then they stare down at their chip tray wondering why they’re losing.

That’s gambling. Not strategy.

Here’s the thing: There are specific signals to look for when picking slots. When you know what they are, playing smarter is easier than you think.

Inside you’ll learn:

1. How Slot Machine Selection Impacts Winnings
2. RTP Explained (& Why It Matters)
3. Using Volatility To Your Advantage
4. Paylines, Reels and Jackpot Considerations
5. Bonus Features To Keep An Eye Out For
6. How-To Recap

Want to start at the end? Click here to jump straight to the process.

Why Picking The Right Slot Machine Matters

Let’s start with why slot machine selection is important.

Slots are the foundation of every casino. Slot machines account for roughly 70% of all casino earnings after all. They’re popular because they’re quick, easy to understand, and available nonstop.

So if every slot machine game is simple to play, why does it matter which one you choose?

While knowing how to play online slots isn’t complicated, how they’re designed isn’t always obvious. If you better understand the individual mechanics — like RTP, volatility, and paylines — you can enter every session sharper.

You have an opportunity to win every time you spin. Make sure your odds are in your favor by learning what matters when picking slots.

What is RTP? Why should you look for higher percentages?

Return to Player (RTP) is the term used to describe the percentage of all wagered money a slot pays back to players over time.

Here’s a simple example:

If you play a slot with an RTP of 96%, it should give back $96 for every $100 wagered… over the course of millions of spins. The higher the RTP, the better chance players have at winning.

RTP percentages to know:

• Below 94% RTP = worse than average (avoid these machines if possible)
• 94% RTP to 96% RTP = decent range
• 96% RTP + = ideal, always play these slots if you can find them

Most reputable online casinos will list a slot’s RTP in its game information section. If you can’t find it, walk away.

Pick Slots With the Right Volatility for You

Volatility describes how a slot pays out winning spins.

This is easily the most misunderstood (and damaging) part of slot machine selection. Understanding volatility completely changes how you approach a slot machine game.

Slots with low volatility offer smaller wins that happen more frequently. These types of slots allow you to play longer on a smaller bankroll.

High volatility slots are less forgiving. Players can expect longer periods without winning but are rewarded with larger hits when they do win.

Neither option is right or wrong. However, choosing a high volatility slot machine with a low budget is one of the quickest ways to run through your bankroll fast.

Instead: Match the type of volatility to your budget, not the other way around.

Progressive vs Fixed Jackpots & Slot Machine Reels

When you’re choosing which slot machine to play, pay attention to reel layout and jackpot types.

Number of Reels & Paylines

Old school slot machines have 3 reels with 1 payline. This is where many new players start their education, so it’s important to note that slot machines have evolved over time.

Now you’ll find video slots with 5 reels and up to 1,024 ways to win. More ways to win = more chances to trigger a winning spin. Don’t forget more paylines means higher minimum bets to activate them all.

Here’s a pro tip. Always bet max on all available paylines. If you limit active paylines you’ll save money per spin but lose out on winning combinations that appear on those inactive paylines.

Progressive vs Fixed Jackpot Slots

Deciding between a progressive or fixed jackpot slot machine is often the most important decision you’ll make when picking slots.

Fixed jackpot slots provide set amounts that are paid out when you hit a winning combination. These jackpots are usually smaller, but hit far more often than progressive slots.

Progressive jackpot slots don’t have a set prize amount. The slot machine market hit $16.8 billion in 2024. Machines with progressive jackpots make up a large percentage of that profit…

Why? Because players are more likely to keep pulling the lever when jackpots can reach millions.

Because of their popularity, progressive slots often carry a lower RTP % to balance out the occasional massive jackpot.

Bonus Features To Look For

Slot machines these days are chock-full of bonus game features. Knowing what bonus features are useful can help when comparing slot machines.

Below are my favorite features to look for when picking slots:

Bonus Features Every Gamer Should Know

Picking Slots: Putting it all together

Follow these 6 steps to pick your next favorite slot machine:

1. Establish a bankroll before sitting down to play. Use that to determine volatility level.
2. Locate the RTP % and make sure it’s 96% or higher.
3. Choose your desired volatility level based on step 1 (small bankroll = low volatility).
4. Do you want to play a Fixed or Progressive jackpot slot?
5. What bonus features does the slot offer? Free spins, multipliers, and wilds are always a big plus.
6. Play in demo mode first. Better to know the feel of a slot before you start betting real money.

Wrapping Things Up

Picking the best slot machine begins long before you push any buttons.

It starts by looking for these signs:

• Always check RTP percentages and only play slots with 96% or higher
• Match your desired volatility level to your bankroll size
• Understand the difference between fixed jackpots and progressive jackpots
• Bonus features are game-changers. Learn which ones are best

Slot machines are meant to be fun. But fun doesn’t have to come at a bad gambling rate.

Use this guide to pick your next slot machine, and you’ll go from losing guesswork to a winning strategy in no time.