Are playing penny slots worth your time as a gambler? This is a bit of a loaded question. It is hard to answer the question in two or three sentences.
There are certainly pros and cons to penny slot machines. The best way for us to draw any conclusions is to weigh the pros and cons of penny slots.
Slot machines come in multiple denominations. Penny slots are the most common slot machines in any casino. They are also the most popular amongst slot players.
The attraction to penny slots is pretty apparent. Slot gamblers are attracted to the big payoffs for a smaller risk. This is the same reason why lottery tickets are popular.
Most casinos would not survive without penny slot machines on their gaming floor. That right away should be a red flag that it probably is not the smartest bet in the casino.
For every big jackpot winner on slot machines, there are many more losers on slots. This does not necessarily mean that penny slots are not worth your time, though.
The biggest jackpots have happened on dollar Megabucks slot machines. That being said, penny slots have some big progressive jackpots, too.
The penny slots advertising million-dollar jackpots are the most popular in the casino. Note that online casinos have monster jackpots, as well.
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Are Slot Machines Worth Playing?
What we should note first is that if you have fun playing penny slots then good on you. Gambling is supposed to be a fun activity. If you enjoy penny slots that is the most important thing.
Of course, only gamble what you can afford to lose. Slot machines can be particularly dangerous for problem gamblers. They are designed to be fun for a good reason.
Pros of Penny Slot Machines
Let’s get into the pros of playing penny slot games. There are good reasons why penny slot machines could be worth your time.
Easy To Learn And Simple To Play
There are games in the casino that can be intimidating. Walking up to a table game can be tough for some people if they do not know how the game works.
Some games in casinos have a learning curve involved. You might need lessons on how to play blackjack, craps, and several other table games.
There is also pressure from other players at the table. If you are not a social person, this can be a huge turn-off. However, slot machines are easy to pick up and play in your own bubble.
The simplicity of penny slots on a small budget can be attractive. With penny slots, all the player needs to do is enter their money into the machine and hit a button.
Enter the money in the machine, select your lines or bet size, hit the button, and hope for the best. There is no thinking or decision-making involved like in blackjack, sports betting, poker, and so on.
Small Bets, Big Wins
If you do not have a huge budget and want to beat the huge odds, penny slots might be worth your time. There are some penny slots with max bets of under $2.00 per bet.
Going to the casino with a $20 to $50 dollar gambling budget is possible. If you stick with small bets on penny slot machines, a small budget can go a long way on these games.
Conversely, it is going to be hard to come up with a meaningful return at the blackjack table with a $20 budget. You could be done in a matter of minutes on table games with a small gambling budget.
Best Comps In The Casino
Are you a casino comp hunter? Then penny slot games are going to be your best bet in the casino. The casinos, land-based and online, will welcome your penny slot play.
Not only will casinos welcome your play, but they will ask you to come back again and again. The key to success is to bet with your entertainment budget and not chase comps. The comps will come.
As a result of a high house edge, it does not take as much gambling to earn good casino comps. As much as table games with low house edges, for instance, blackjack, craps, and baccarat.
Online casinos offer free slot dollars to bet on their penny slots. The free bonus dollars are at no risk to the player.
Cons Of Penny Slot Machines
Do the cons outweigh the pros? Slot machines are not for you if this is the case. Like everything in life, there are always cons that come with the pros.
High House Edge
Penny slots have the highest house edge out of any slot denomination. Are you looking for the best slot odds? Then penny slots are not going to be for you.
High-limit slot machines have the lowest house edge. However, a much larger bankroll is going to be required to play than the penny machines.
Penny slots on average have a house edge in the ballpark of 10% to 15%. The higher denominations are going to have closer to a 5% house edge.
In other words, penny slots are not for you if you are looking for the best odds. Playing a dollar slot machine with one line would be better than multiple lines on a penny slot machine at the same bet size.
Penny Slots Can Be Addictive
Any form of gambling can be addictive. Penny slot machines are regarded as one of the most addictive games in the casino, though.
Any gambling game that has instant results that trigger high levels of dopamine can be addictive. Slot machines are the king of immediate results, and in some cases, satisfaction.
According to the Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery, slot machines and video poker are known as the crack cocaine of gambling. The quick wins without much effort is what can make penny slots attractive, but also very addictive.
If you have been addicted to anything before, slot machines are not going to be for you. They are not worth the time for somebody with an addictive personality.
There Is No Strategy Involved
Do you want a thinking man’s game? Slot machines are not going to stimulate your desires then. There is no strategy involved in slot machines.
With no strategy involved, there isn’t much you can do to increase your odds of winning. This is unlike blackjack, poker, and sports betting.
The simple nature of slots can be a pro, but also a negative for players looking for something more engaging. Slot machines are not for players that want to have a gambling strategy.
Conclusion
Let’s go back to the original question: are slot machines worth your time? They are a complete waste of time if you want the best gambling odds.
Slot machines are one of the worst bets you can make for gamblers looking for an edge. The house edge is heavily skewed in favor of the casino. That being said, isn’t gambling all about having fun and a good time?
Are you somebody that can budget your gambling roll properly? If you answer yes, slot machines are certainly worth your time. Taking a part of your bankroll for a chance at a big score can be fun.
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