Regarding money management, I recommend changing denomination instead of playing less than 5 coins. The multi-denomination games make it easy (if the casino has them set up this way) to play nickles, dimes, quarters, halfs, and dollars all on the same machine.

We’ll often start out at the highest level our bankroll allows, then drop down one or even two levels if we’re losing and want to keep playing a little longer.

Of course, you often find that pay tables for lower denominations are worse, but it’s usually not as bad as losing out on that royal when it comes. Depending on the game, the RF makes up around 2% of your total payback over the long run.

Happy travels and good luck!

Mac

I’ve used the progressive betting strategy to maximize my time at the machines. Bet 1 lose, bet 2, lose, bet 3, win, go back to 1. Always go back to 1 on a win.

Dunno if it helps much, but sometimes I enjoy the time playing as much as winning. If I win in 5 minutes I tend to keep playing and put it all back!!

People generally look at the big payouts for bonuses on Four of a Kind etc. However, what takes most of your money are the hands that occur most frequently, 2 pair, flush, full house. That’s where the casino makes $$$.

Looking at Bonus Poker, if the casino has 1/1 on 2 pair vs. 2/1 — all else being equal — the return will only be 86.3% vs. 99.1% That’s a HUGE difference.

Changing the payback on the Full House is more common. Bonus Poker that pays 7 on the Full House – vs. 8 – and everything else is the same only returns 98% vs. 99.1% with correct basic strategy play.

Mac

I always look for machines that pay 2/1 for two pair instead of 1/1. If you play machines with 1/1 odd, that little bit wears you down more quickly. You make hands with 2 pair way more often than trips.

I could be all wrong on this, but it’s sure kept me at the machines longer to try and hit the 4 of a kind.