Published: 22.08.2024, 10:24
7 min read
The question above is as old as time. Ever since the first online slot hit the market, gamblers have been trying to figure out when to bet it in order to land frequent and more substantial wins. In this short guide, we provide you the answer to when is the best time to play online slots!
Understanding Slot Machine RNG and Timing
Before we proceed, let’s see what online slot machines are all about and how they pay. Knowing this can be very beneficial for players who are trying to target the prime time to enjoy them!
How Random Number Generators Work?
A slot machine is a game based on reels and symbols. The gambler has to land a specific combination of symbols on the screen to win. The random number generator (RNG) is in charge of generating outcomes and can simultaneously release as many as needed. All outcomes are random, and seemingly, it is impossible to predict them.
That being said, some patterns may help players predict when the game will pay more often. Although it is impossible to precisely point out the winning spin, knowing when there are higher chances to win in a slot can definitely be of great help.
Myths vs. Reality: Timing Your Slot Sessions
Before we proceed, let’s confirm some urban legends about timing your slot sessions and bust some myths about when is the best time to play online slots.
Reality:
- It is possible to predict the time when a game will pay more frequently;
- The RTP rates also affect the way RNG works;
- Low-volatility games pay more often, but the prizes are smaller.
Myth:
- It is possible to predict winning spins;
- Some games simply don’t pay;
- The house always wins.
Long story short, all games release prizes, but some do that more often than others, and it is impossible to provide detailed information on when a certain prize will drop. Also, the mere fact that plenty of players enjoy smaller wins regularly proves the house doesn’t win 100% of the time.
Peak Hours for Slot Players
One of the most popular strategies for deciding when is the best time to play online slots is focusing on peak hours. Peak hours are those when most players are active.
Benefits of Playing During High Traffic Times
The main advantage of playing during peak hours is that you push that RNG mechanic into overdrive. The fact that it has to release many outcomes at once also means it will make bigger wins more frequently. From then on, it is all a game of patience.
Identifying Peak Hours at Popular Online Casinos
How to identify peak hours, and when is the best time to play online slots? It’s easy. First, focus on which markets the casino operates. The peak times are usually in the morning and the evening. If necessary, adjust your timing to those time zones to start their session during peak hours: around 7 AM or after 8 PM.
Seasonal and Holiday Patterns
The time of year is just as important as the time of day when it comes to playing online slots. Just like in any other business, online casinos have busy months and months when the traffic is a bit slower. It is time to figure out what the most fruitful casino seasons are for gambling fans.
Holiday Seasons: A Window of Opportunity
Although the holiday season is longer than ever, December and early January are the best time of the year to stake some money on slots. There are many reasons why people play during these months:
- To take a breather from all social gatherings;
- To avoid boring relatives;
- They see this time of the year as a new beginning;
- They want to take advantage of seasonal promotions and Christmas bonus deals;
- Because the optimism is higher than ever.
Summer vs. Winter: When to Spin the Reels?
Winter might be the peak season, but summer comes close second. There are a couple of reasons behind this:
- A constant influx of exciting new slot machines;
- Attractive limited-time deals and summer promos;
- Convenience of online gambling that doesn’t limit play to indoors;
- Players are vacationing more often during summer and have more time on their hands;
- It is a great way to pass some time when waiting to board a train or a plane.
Strategic Times to Hit Progressive Jackpots
Out of all games at online casinos, the global progressive jackpots have the biggest prizes. Typically, a progressive jackpot has up to five prizes, with the biggest one being able to reach billions. Also, every prize has two important elements to it:
- Seed value: the prize value at which the prize resets after being triggered;
- The must-drop value: the prize value that, once reached, must be won.
These two numbers directly affect the chances of winning the jackpot.
Tracking Jackpot Sizes and Timing Your Play
Tracking jackpot prizes is crucial to knowing when is the best time to play online slots. If the value of the jackpot prize is close to the seed value, that means it was triggered recently. It will take some time for it to drop again, especially if you are targeting more impressive jackpots.
If the jackpot is reaching the must-drop stage, that is when you should play it! It can be triggered anytime, but keep in mind that in many games, the bigger the bet, the higher your chances of landing a big win.
Case Studies: Winners and Their Timing
Judging by the stats available with some of the biggest jackpot networks, the best time to play global progressive jackpots is summer and autumn, with winter coming close third. This information is provided based on the biggest jackpot levels, as smaller ones are triggered almost every day.
Leveraging Casino Promotions
Casino promotions are a great way to boost your chances of winning big. After all, they boost the playing balance and let you stake more bets than you could with nothing but a deposit on your bankroll.
Timing Your Play to Align With Promotions
The calendar year has four seasons, but the casino year has much more. Take advantage of them to claim the best deals. Most online casinos will offer special deals for:
- Christmas
- New Year
- Valentine’s Day
- St. Patrick’s
- Easter
- Summer
- Halloween
Examples of Timely Bonus Offers
Your casino of choice may publish a special Christmas bonus to keep you entertained throughout December. Also, it is common to see bonuses related to summer games in July or spooky competitions in October. Marketing teams tend to get very creative with these!
Responsible Gambling and Time Management
No matter when you play and what your budget is, always make sure to keep gambling nothing but fun.
Setting Play Limits: Why Does It Matter?
Setting a playing limit is the first step in staying safe and responsible. Knowing how much you can afford to play, as well as how much you can afford to lose, will help you take a break when needed and avoid pushing things too far.
Tools and Tips for Responsible Slot Play
Here are some tips and tools that can help you stay in the game for longer:
- Always play at safe and reliable casinos, such as Bob Casino;
- Take advantage of bet limit, deposit limit and loss limit tools;
- Understand that betting is not a source of income;
- Before playing, make sure to cover all your living expenses;
- Don’t try to force wins, as that is the road to ruin;
- If things aren’t working, take a break and try again once you are calm and focused.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Best Time to Play Online Slots
What Is the Best Time of Day to Play Slots Online?
Generally, the best time to play online slots is between 8 PM and 2 AM. That is when most players are online and when most prizes drop.
Does Playing Slots During Busy Hours Increase Winning Chances?
Yes, it does. Because the RNG has to release more outcomes, you have a higher chance of hitting it big during busy hours.
Are Holiday Seasons Better for Playing Online Slots?
Playing during holidays allows players to take advantage of amazing bonus deals and high traffic. It is the most wonderful time of the year to target substantial prizes.
How Can I Track the Best Times to Play Progressive Jackpots?
Avoid playing this type of game after a massive jackpot has just been triggered. The chances are close to nothing it will drop again soon. However, if it has been quite a while since it dropped, you should definitely play it, especially if it has already reached the “must drop” stage.
What Strategies Can I Use to Manage My Time and Budget While Playing Slots?
Try to play at peak hours, yet even so, avoid spending more than you can afford. Don’t force wins to happen, and always keep in mind gambling should be all about fun and not making money.
