I was a beginner once. While I’ve been playing on iGaming platforms for several years now, we all have to start somewhere, and I remember being a bright-eyed newbie who really didn’t know what they were doing. Over the years, I learned more and got the experience under my belt, but I wish I’d taken the time to read up on some strategies that helped me through those first few months.
That’s why, if you’re a newbie yourself, it’s a good thing that you’re here, because it shows you’re more willing than I was to learn! There are so many strategies out there that are important to think about, especially when it comes to slots, which have steadily become one of the most popular online releases over the last ten years. Below, I’m going to talk you through some of these strategies, helping to make your experience as positive as possible.
First Off, Manage Your Bankroll Wisely
The first thing I should tell you is that your bankroll management is going to be the most important thing to get right, whether you are playing innovative and unique slots, or well-known titles as well as hidden treasures.
I can’t take the credit for this point – I got this from an engaging video slots pro-reviewer Anton Saliba – but you always need to set your limits before jumping into a session, including the maximum loss and the maximum win that would make you stop playing. If you don’t have those limits in place, you might find yourself trying to carry on a session when your bankroll simply doesn’t allow it.
Similarly, Think About Your Bankroll When it Comes to Bonuses
This is also important when it comes to bonuses. As a newbie, you’re going to come across a load of tempting bonuses and promotions, but you shouldn’t just pick the first one that looks good – you need to look deeper into it. Many bonuses, for instance, come with specific terms and conditions, including:
- Wagering Requirements
- Bet Limits
- Eligible Games
- Time Limits
- Minimum Deposit Requirements
In terms of wagering requirements, most will indicate how many times you must bet the bonus amount before withdrawing any winnings. You might get a $100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement, which means you’ll need to wager £3,000 before cashing out. So, you need to take the time to understand your bankroll, read through reviews from people who’ve tried them, and recognize the intricacies of any bonuses you consider.
Choose the Right Slot
This point sounds simple, right? But it’s actually one of the more tricky things to get right in the beginning. Across the web, there are countless casinos and titles on offer, so choosing the one that is right for you as a newbie is a bit of a challenge if you don’t know what you’re doing. Firstly, I’d make sure the platform itself works with your fintech solution – in other words, if you prefer making PayPal or blockchain payments, make sure it accepts them. I’d also recommend looking at the RTP. This is the ‘Return to Player’ percentage that will tell you the average return players can expect over time. Higher RTPs will provide better long-term runs, while lower RTPs will have less frequent but larger payouts – in other words, they’re more volatile. In my opinion, you should go for a higher RTP and set a very limited budget for yourself. This way, you can try a number of different titles without losing too much – and with a higher possibility of gaining money rather than losing, while you also learn what kind of title works best for you.
Bet the Max When You Can
Once you’ve discovered what kind of theme, gameplay, and RTP games you like to play, it’s time to try to maximize your winnings; what I didn’t know as a beginner was that many games have better payouts – or will unlock special features – only after you bet the maximum amount.
So if you’re playing a title with multiple paylines, make sure you keep that in mind – while also ensuring the max bet fits within your budget, of course. It’s a balancing act between risk and reward, but it can lead to good opportunities and – so long as you have a good combination of strategy, an understanding of the mechanics, and mindful bankroll management – could be worth a shot.
Engage With the Community
Lastly, I think it’s very important that newbies surround themselves with like-minded people who can help them with anything from strategies, reviews, tutorials, and responsible gambling. With that last point, when you’re a newbie, it can be hard to know when to take breaks and call a session quits. But chasing losses often leads to more frustration, and it can deplete your bankroll quickly, so having a community with you who can advise when you should stop can be particularly useful.
Not to mention, they will provide some invaluable insights and tips on the best iGaming gadgets, as well as keep you informed about new titles and mechanics. As I mentioned before, the iGaming space is large and complicated, so it’s not always easy to keep your ear to the ground and remain aware of what’s going on. If you’re part of a community, however, you always have an in to keep you updated.