Gambling in Canada is a vast market, representing CA$13bn, and a large part of these revenues come from casino gaming. So it’s no wonder that slots are tremendously popular among Canadian players. However, this number can’t account for all gambling activities because Canadian citizens are allowed to play at offshore online casinos by Law, and this activity isn’t monitored.
Slots can be played at a land-based casino, or you can enjoy them online. Playing online at a Canada online casino offers more flexibility and more extensive game libraries, which is why many players prefer them. Yet, if you’ve never tried this kind of game, you may ask yourself: “How do I choose a slot that’s right for me?”. Worry not, for we have a few pieces of advice to help you see behind the flashing lights of these fun machines!
Five Tips to Choose the Right Slot for You
- Don’t Rush It!
The first piece of advice we can give you can apply to many aspects in life, don’t jump on the first game you see. It’s easier to take your time at an online casino because you can open tabs to research the games in the comfort of your home. However, you should try to do the same on your smartphone while at a land-based casino. Stroll through the alleys, look at the games on display and don’t fall for the pretty slot that’ll leave you with empty pockets (we told you, it works on several levels!).
- Beware of Progressive Jackpots
Progressive jackpots are very attractive. You’ll often see a bright sign attracting you to it like a bear with honey, but wait for a second. Do you know how they work? Sure, they can bring in huge winnings, but nothing is free in this world. When a game offers a progressive jackpot, it usually means you’ll have fewer chances of winning overall.
Moreover, some of these machines will require bigger wagers if you want a shot at bringing home the jackpot. The issue is that you can lose a lot of money really fast if you’re not paying attention, so we recommend you check the game’s characteristics before playing.
- Knowledge Is Power
Slots are games of luck, but it doesn’t mean you have nothing that can help you get better. Not every machine works the same, even if they’re random. There are two elements you should consider and correlate when choosing a slot to play: RTP and volatility.
RTP
RTP, or Return to Player, is a theoretical percentage that’s supposed to indicate how often the game is likely to give something back to the player. It’s not absolute because the game still uses an RNG (Random Number Generator). So, if a game has a 90% RTP rate, it doesn’t mean that if you spin the reels nine times, you’ll win the 10th time.
Volatility
Volatility in slots has a similar definition as in the financial world. You can find different classifications of it, but the most common admits three levels of volatility: Low, medium, and high.
Low volatility slots are, by definition, less risky, the game will reward you frequently, but you should expect smaller wins. On the other side of the spectrum, high volatility is more of a gamble. However, it can pay out substantially if you get lucky. In addition, medium volatility sits right in the middle of this balance.
In land-based casinos, you may not find any information about the volatility, but you can easily guess it by observing someone else playing the game.
- Consider the Game Mechanics
Once you’ve found a slot machine offering the RTP and volatility of your dreams, what’s next? Can we play yet? Not quite. Outside the progressive jackpots, each game can offer unique game mechanics to make things more fun and increase your winning chances, or not.
For instance, if you come across a game with Megaways in the title, you know it’ll offer cascading reels with winning symbols exploding to make room for more (Think, Candy Crush with money).
Some games can also offer bonus rounds with different gameplay, like Book of Dead. This bonus lets you bet your winnings in a “Guess the card” game, which is risky because you’re basically playing Double or Nothing but can also be extremely rewarding.
- Plan Your Budget Ahead
This one is harder to follow when you play online, but you should always have control over your spending. This means planning a budget and sticking to it, don’t go over it and lower your bet when you approach your limit. You’re not going to make a living out of this. The House always wins, so only spend what you can afford to lose.
One Last Advice: Have Fun!
These tips are just here to show you the way and ensure you understand what slots are. These are general rules and tips you can apply both at land-based casinos and online casino sites. However, the most important rule when you play any game is: to have fun!
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