Both newbies and experienced casino players alike often believe that certain days or certain times of the day make slots pay more, or pay more often. Gambling has always been closely tied with superstition and people that were lucky enough to win like to search for systems or “lucky signs” that would help them repeat their success.
There are many different beliefs and systems for more luck when playing slots - from choosing the best day to play slots to checking what music - slow or fast - plays at the casino when they visit.
However, modern slot machines and online slots are built on complicated math models, so it is very hard to increase their payouts, let alone influence the slot machine payout schedule. In this post, we look into the most popular beliefs about the best time to play slot machines.
The Best Time to Play Online Slots According to Astrology
CasinosHunter had researched together with a Canadian astrologist Elodie St-Onge Aubut, and Elodie confirmed that some people can indeed be luckier when it comes to online gambling. However, in her opinion, it has nothing to do particularly with gambling but the reason is the player’s own personal trend of being generally luckier than other people because of their horoscope.
If you believe in a horoscope you can learn more about your lucky days of the week, lucky numbers, and a general prognosis for 2023, in our extensive gambling horoscope research.
The Luckiest Time to Play Slots Online
Online slots, like any other slot machine or game cabinet, are built on complicated math models. They are rules by the Random Number Generator, Return To Player rates, and other mechanisms that we discuss further in the post.
The main thought here is that online slot games exist as they are, with certain characteristics and features that can only be changed by the software developer that made these games. And because of these mechanisms, slots always pay in a random way. There is no real best time to play slot machines or make them pay more often, or pay more than it was programmed to.
So, you as a player can only use secondary methods of increasing your odds, for example:
- Look for bonuses and promotions - some online casinos do a really good job of offering beneficial bonuses like wagerless Free Spins, Cashbacks, etc. Spinning slots with a bonus can be potentially more profitable than playing the same game without it
- Wait for tournaments - some casino sites hold tournaments for regular customers that play often at this casino and therefore are eligible for more perks than newbies. Tournaments usually have a prize pool and the top winners get bigger prizes that an average slot game can offer in a basic play
- Track new slot releases - when a new online slot game is released, both the game provider and most casinos that have already bought this game want to promote it to their fans and players. Therefore, additional bonuses, Free Spins, and other rewards can be offered for those playing a new game
- Consider the holiday season - some players choose a long-term strategy and look for the best time of month to play slot machines. In most countries where online gambling is allowed, months from mid-September to mid-June are the holiday season when casinos try to entertain their customers in the cold months of the year, and game developers create games to fit a certain holiday. Players, in their turn, can take advantage of the seasonal slot competitions and new releases
What Is The Best Time To Play Jackpot Slots?
When engaging in Progressive jackpot slots, it's crucial to learn what was the initial seed value of the jackpot, which represents its starting point. Let's take Mega Moolah as an example, where the seed value is set at $1 million, guaranteeing that this amount serves as the minimum winnable prize.
Determining the time since the last jackpot payout provides valuable insight. For instance, if the Mega Moolah jackpot reaches $4 million, you can deduce that it has been a considerable duration without a winner. Many players that ask when slot machines pay out interpret this as an opportunity, believing that the slot is overdue for a payout, thereby enhancing their chances of success.
While it's uncertain whether the odds are genuinely more favorable, it's rational to wait for the jackpot to grow substantially before investing any money.
There is also a new type of jackpot game called Hot Drop Jackpots. These unique jackpots come with a twist as they must be won within a specific timeframe. For instance, some Hot Drop Jackpots must be claimed by the end of the month, while others have a daily deadline.
These games often feature a countdown timer, indicating the remaining time before the jackpot must drop. By selecting games with limited time remaining, you can maximize your chances of winning. Unlike standard progressive jackpots, these Hot Drop Jackpots are guaranteed to be won before the designated deadline, so someone for sure hits the maximum win.
When to Play Slot Machines at Land-Based Casinos?
The question of when is the best time to play slot machines at a casino is extremely popular among casino players and has been for years. If you've been browsing the internet for tips on the best time to play slots, you might have come across the Inverse Correlation Theory. According to this theory, your chances of winning on a slot machine are higher when there are fewer players, and lower when more people are playing. While this theory may seem logical, it doesn't hold up when applied to online slots.
The Inverse Correlation Theory fails to consider a crucial aspect: the Random Number Generator (RNG) that determines the outcome of every spin. Both players and casinos have no influence over the RNG, making it impossible to predict or control when someone will win. So, while visiting a land-based casino during quieter times may offer benefits like more available machines and shorter lines, it won't affect your chances of winning.
Some players ask do slots pay more at night and believe that slots actually do, others believe they are luckier in the morning, and some will prove that weekdays are better than weekends for playing slots. However, when it comes to strategies for playing slots, it's important to separate fact from fiction. Superstitions like lucky morning or night hours, and "hot" or "cold" machines have no basis in reality and shouldn't be relied upon.
Whether you're playing at a land-based or online casino, slots operate using a Random Number Generator (RNG), ensuring that each spin is completely random. Your chances of winning are not influenced by the specific machine you choose to play.
That being said, if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere and easier access to your favorite slots, visiting a land-based casino during less busy times, such as early mornings, can be a good option. However, it's important to remember that this choice won't impact your chances of winning. Ultimately, the outcome of each spin remains purely a matter of chance, providing a fair and unbiased gaming experience.
Popular Myths About Slots
Gambling luck has always been surrounded by myths and misconceptions. We look a bit more into the reasons why people believe in gambling luck myths further in this post. Meanwhile, this table explains some of the most widespread myths about best time to play slots at a casino for more wins.
| MYTH | FACT |
|---|---|
| Playing slots on particular days of the week or month, or at particular times of the day is more potentially profitable | In both online and land-based casinos, the games are driven by random number generators (RNGs). These sophisticated algorithms ensure that each spin or bet outcome is entirely unpredictable, with no influence from the casino. Reputable gambling sites strictly adhere to legal regulations, making it illegal for them to manipulate or tamper with the machines. Your chances of winning are solely determined by luck. |
| There is no way to increase the odds of winning | Not totally true. While no player can influence their odds, they can increase their chances by choosing a slot game or machine with a higher RTP rate and more in-game bonus features. |
| There are hot and cold slots | Among avid gamblers, there's a common belief that a recently paying slot machine (known as a "hot" machine) is unlikely to yield another win in the near future. Conversely, a "cold" slot is one that hasn't paid out or seen much activity. However, this notion is simply a prevalent casino myth. Since every spin's outcome is determined by a random number generator (RNG), the timing of previous payouts holds no influence over future wins. It's essential to approach each spin as an independent game of chance, devoid of any connection to past results. The only slot machines that have to “accumulate” the win are progressive jackpots; all other slots are triggered randomly. |
| Play a slot machine immediately after another player has played it unsuccessfully for a while | This is basically the myth about spotting a “cold” machine. However, this is not entirely incorrect in terms of slot machines at land-based casinos. The belief in "due" slots ultimately depends on whether you subscribe to the notion that slot machines can reach a point where they are more likely to pay out. If a fellow player has been spinning the reels for an extended period without a significant win, the prevailing thought is that the slot is bound to pay out soon. If you hold such beliefs, it might be wise to wait until a player completes a long and unsuccessful session before jumping in. |
| Casinos tend to pay more after holidays and weekends to keep the players gambling | Casinos physically cannot change the slot games’ or machines’ RTP rates, and eventually, the payout percentage or odds, because most casinos buy game software from providers that have to prove their games’ quality. Therefore, messing with slot machines is illegal and basically impossible because providers will remove the game cabinet from the casino. So this is a myth. |
| Casinos pay after they have made a profit like after a major holiday and raise the odds | Again, casino games, whether online or offline, are programmed by the game providers, and the RTP rates do not change depending on the casino’s profits. Unless the casino makes its own games, it cannot increase the slots’ payouts. But if they do, this is also illegal and therefore close to impossible in regulated markets. |
RNG, RTP, & Provably Fair Slot Games
Slot machines are designed by reputable casino software companies to ensure that they generate random outcomes through the utilization of Random Number Generators (RNGs). These RNGs are carefully regulated and regularly audited to maintain fairness and integrity in the gambling industry.
Moreover, casino game developers put special stress on the fact that their games are random and therefore fair; some providers even use the Provably Fair technology that shows the generated outcomes for the bet and therefore can prove that the bet result was random. Software developers are interested in proving the quality of their products in the market because if their games turn out rigged or easy to manipulate, no reputable casino operators will buy these games.
Therefore, since the RNG is in action, it’s crucial to understand that there is no specific time that guarantees better results when playing slot machines or any other casino games. The operation of slots is not influenced by the time of day, week, or month.
The randomness of an RNG means that every spin is independent of the previous one, making each spin equally unpredictable. The absence of memory in the system ensures that past spins have no impact on future results.
As a result, unless an online or land-based casino makes its own slots that it can alter for its own profits, slot cabinets or software are not easy to change. So beliefs that casinos change the bet outcomes for slots on certain days are myths.
Another important aspect regarding slot machines is the Return to Player (RTP) percentage of a slot. RTP rate shows how much of the invested money the player can theoretically return when playing this particular slot game long enough without hitting jackpots or huge wins. The higher the RTP rate, the better the slot pays, whenever you play it. Mind that there are no 100% RTP rates.
The Worst Time To Play Slot Games
Playing slots must be fun and this is an activity for entertainment, not a way of making money.
Don’t play slots for real money if/when
- You chase losses
- You are sad, angry, stressed, etc. - gambling for real money is not a therapy
- You chase luck
- You don’t feel well physically or mentally
- You are drunk or high
- You haven’t set your budget
- You are overwhelmed by the crowd and noise at the casino
Final Thoughts: Play Slots When You Can Afford It
So, is there objectively the best time to play slots to win? The short answer is no.
Even if you believe in a horoscope and follow your lucky days and numbers, the odds may still not be in your favor.
So, if you ask what is the best time to play slot machines, the best advice that can be given is “play slots any time when you can afford it without harming your budget”! Only bet the money you can afford to lose.
All other situations and rules about the most suitable day and time depend solely on your own preferences as a player.
Online slots became Steven's career passion, and today, his expertise encompasses all aspects of slots and other casino games for CasinosHunter. Steven ensures accurate reviews and recommendations for players. His dedication shapes comprehensive game explanations and guidelines.
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Many players like to believe that there are certain days or times of the day when their gambling luck is better and if they visit a casino in these periods of time, they will win more. While experienced players really claim that there are certain times in their gambling activities when they feel that the odds are in their favor, this mostly has nothing to do with particular days of the week or times of the day.
In Ontario, gambling has emerged as a popular leisure activity, and the realm of online gambling has witnessed a significant improvement in terms of accessibility and transparency after the updated legislation of the province in April 2022.