How to Use Electronic Slot Machines

The days of the one-armed bandit are pretty much over. Though you can still find some mechanical three-reel slot machines in casinos (and their simulations online), the vast majority of slot machines now are electronic, or VLTs (video lottery terminals). With many pay lines, these machines offer many ways to win, and are especially common in smaller denomination games, such as nickel slots.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Know that it is illegal to use electronic video machines in many states in the U.S. States where VLTs are legal include Delaware, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, New York, Oregon, South Dakota, Rhode Island and West Virginia.

2. Look for the eCOGRA seal when playing at an online casino. It indicates that the site has been accredited by eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance.

3. Choose your game. Players who use electronic slot machines usually have a choice among many different games on the same machine, including video poker, multi-line slots and keno.

4. Deposit the amount of money you want to wager. Online casinos require that you set up an account with them. Land-based casinos may accept cash, chits or gaming cards.

5. Choose your denomination. Electronic video games allow you to select your wager, usually offering choices from 5 cents to a dollar. You may change the denomination of your wager at any time between spins.

6. Decide how many lines you want to play and how many coins you want to wager on each line. Then press the "Spin" button and hope for luck!

Tips & Warnings

• If you're playing many lines, it can be difficult to know what your results are. The VLT will light up winning lines for you and total your wins.
• VLTs are hooked together to a central computer, governed by a RNG (random number generator). The odds of winning are set by the central computer.
• Remember that even wagers in small denominations can build up quickly. Often people who would shudder at the idea of playing a dollar slot machine will bet that much or more on a nickel game.
• Electronic slot machines are illegal in many states because of the high incidence of addiction among those who use them. They have been called the "crack cocaine" of gambling. If you suspect you have a gambling problem, visit the Gamblers Anonymous website for help and advice.

Resources

• Gamblers Anonymous