Slots Strategy to Win Money That Works

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Steve Chen, Author

Last Updated : 01/20/2025

Sweepstakes and social casinos provide an exciting way to play the best slots and casino-style games in more states across the US. You can use Gold Coins (GC) to play for free or redeem free Sweeps Coins (SC) for cash rewards. If you claim SC through promos, giveaways, and Gold Coins bundles, you can spin your way to cashable prizes.

Making the most of online slots and understanding how these games work can help you claim more SC. There are plenty of “slots strategy” guides out there, but most of them either make false promises or are too vague. So, we decided to do it ourselves with the ultimate slots strategy guide:

Play High RTP Slots

High RTP slots have the best payout percentages and return more money over time. The average RTP for slots is 96%, which means for every 100 Coins you stake, the game pays back $97 on average. While the measurement is taken over millions of spins and there is a lot of variance in outcomes, high RTP slots generally mean you have better odds of winning. We consider any slot over 97% to be high RTP, and it is always worth checking the game before you start.

Pay Attention to Volatility

Volatility is a separate measurement from RTP, and it is essentially how the game developer has tuned the slot. Volatility dictates how often and how much the slot pays out. If you choose a low-volatility slot, you will get smaller payouts that are more frequent. Alternatively, high volatility slots will not pay out regularly, but when they do, the wins tend to be bigger. Low-volatility games are ideal for beginners or casual players, while high-volatility games appeal to risk/reward players. Choosing the correct volatility for your budget and game style can help you control your bankroll and have more enjoyment.

Start With Smaller Bets

All slots are a game of luck, and there is no way to guarantee wins. Even a low volatility and high RTP game can burn through your bankroll if you are unlucky. If you are a beginner, casual player, or just someone who wants to preserve their bankroll, starting with smaller bets is advisable. You get to extend your game time and learn the mechanics of a slot without wasting your Sweeps Coins. Think of it as minimizing losses to increase your chances of a winning spin. Once you feel confident, consider increasing your bets in line with your affordability.

Aim For Smaller Jackpots

Progressive jackpot slots promise life-changing payouts on a single spin, and it does happen to lucky players. However, as exciting as massive jackpots are, smaller payouts are more attainable. Slots with modest jackpots typically have better odds, and wins will roll by more frequently. These smaller payouts may lack the thrill of bigger wins but can help to build a profit rather than aiming for significant risk larger wins. If you want a jackpot slot, consider a fixed or daily jackpot instead of a network progressive jackpot.

Understand the Paytable

All slot games come with a paytable, which is essentially a roadmap that shows you how to play the game. It will show all the symbols in the games, how many you need to form a win, and how much you will win for each combination. Also, in the paytable, there is information on how wins pay across the reels, bonus features such as Free Spins or Respins, and the slot’s RTP and volatility. Paytables are easy to understand and give you a cheat sheet for the slot, helping you to form a strategy that helps you make the most of your bankroll.

Set a Budget

So many players start spinning the reels by setting themselves a budget. It is so important to have control over how many Gold Coins or Sweeps Coins you want to use playing. Set a budget that you can afford to lose from your disposable income. If losing will put you under financial stress, reduce the budget to a more manageable amount. Using a budget helps you manage your time and control your bankroll. Just remember the golden rule: do not chase losses, and once your budget is gone, you must walk away.

Avoid Complicated Slots

If you are an experienced player, video slots with complex mechanics, multiple features, and confusing rules are exciting. However, beginners are better off avoiding these games as it can take time to understand the various modifiers. Also, these games often have lower RTPs and can eat through a balance faster. Instead, choose simpler slots that are easy to understand and offer straightforward gameplay. You will also find that less complex slots provide better overall value if you are trying to make your budget last as long as possible.

Know When to Quit

One of the biggest skills any slot player can have is knowing when to stop playing. Walking away at the right time can help build a positive gaming experience. If you are on a bad losing streak and are losing enjoyment, stop playing even if you have bankroll left. Of course, you should also always walk away if the budget you set yourself has gone to its limit. Chasing losses adds to your expenses and causes frustration, so it is always best to leave to play another day. Not only does it help boost your enjoyment, but it also helps you stick to the principles of responsible gaming.

Bet the Maximum

Let’s caveat this by saying this does not mean the maximum bet mount, which could be hundreds of coins. Betting the maximum means covering all paylines. Some slots, such as progressive jackpots, may require a maximum bet to activate the jackpot/bonus feature. Betting this way increases the chances of hitting bigger payouts, but it’s crucial to balance this approach with responsible gaming and sticking to your budget.

Pick the Right Slot for You

Picking a game that matches your preferences is crucial to enjoying sweepstakes casinos. Whether you prefer simple gameplay, engaging themes, or unique bonus features, finding a game you enjoy will enhance your experience. You can also combine some of the other points in this guide to find the ideal slots for you. For example, consider RTP and volatility in relation to your budget, but also look at game features such as jackpots or bonus rounds. If you play games you actually like makes your sessions much more enjoyable and immersive.

Play at Reputable Sweeps Sites

Selecting a safe and secure sweepstakes casino means you have a fair gaming experience. The trusted sweeps casinos we recommend offer a wide range of slots with transparent RTPs and reliable prize redemption processes. Alongside our reviews and recommendations, you can read customer reviews or research the licensing of the casino you want to join. The idea is to have a worry-free environment so you can focus on enjoyable gaming.

Slot Bonuses & Promotions

Because slots are the most popular sweepstakes casino games, most promos and bonuses focus on them. You can extend your bankroll and/or game time by collecting additional Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. And the great news is that sweeps casinos do not have the pitfalls of real money casino promotions. So, you can often claim a no-deposit bonus with only a 1x playthrough requirement, making promos easy to use.

Practice For Free

At the core of the sweepstakes casino experience is the ability to claim free Gold Coins through promotions. Using GC allows you to play for entertainment only and at no cost. You’ll still have the full gameplay experience of any slot you choose, but you will not be risking any cash bankroll. This is important because you can test new games and get to grip on volatility and features before you commit your own budget.

Play Responsibly

The principle idea behind responsible gaming is to set limits for your time and budget and not chase losses. Remember, sweepstakes casinos are meant for entertainment, and there is no guarantee you will win SC in exchange for cash. Take breaks and always set a bankroll within your means. Balance fun with management risk to enjoy your experience, and remember that top sweepstakes casinos have responsible gaming features such as purchase and time limits if you need additional help.

Slot Strategy FAQ

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