How to Play Penny Slots

Most casinos used to have only dollar and quarter slots with the nickel slots as progressives. Today, multi-line penny slots appear in most casinos across the country. Many casinos contain a high percentage of penny denominations so you can play penny slots all day long, if you choose. Here's how.

Instructions

1. Check for the denomination. Penny slots are often marked on the screen of the computer, but many times you just need to look at the light on the top. The bottom light designates the denomination. Often, penny slots have a white light.

2. See if the machine is multi-denominational. Some machines have the capability of changing denominations. This tricks many people. They see 1 cent on the screen only to find their money is gone quickly. Those machines allow you to change the denomination between 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents or 25 cents, depending on the format. When you play penny slots, make sure the denomination is a penny.

3. Study the machine before you begin to play. Each penny slot has different rules, bonus rounds and number of lines to play. Even if you are a veteran player, stop before you play and scan the machine. Sometimes players leave and have it set for only a few lines of play.

4. Look at the location of the lines and at the buttons on the top row. Press one coin, the button at the far left. All line identifiers at the side go dark except the one in the middle. On some varieties of machines a gray shadow covers everything but the first row and middle line. These machines don't have lines but count anything in the next row as a match.

5. Determine whether you need to play all the lines plus. Many machines offer a bonus that costs additional money to play. The last button on the top row of the machine usually includes the amount of the bonus. Frequently bonus rounds are the highest pays on machines.

6. Calculate the amount you really play. When you play penny slots, you play as many as 20 coins per line. If the machine has 100 lines, your bet is $20. Don't hit max play until you make the calculations. $1 and $5 machines have a higher payout ratio if you play that much. If you play penny slots, play sensibly.

7. Mess around. If you're low on money, play machines that don't require max play to get the bonus and play fewer lines. Sometimes playing one coin gets a bonus round that pays enough to let you play penny slots the rest of the day.

Tips & Warnings

• Only play with money you designated for entertainment. You can't make enough to pay your monthly bills, so don't use that money to play.