I find I like the machines with video game like bonus rounds like Gone Fishin, Battleship, and the one with the jewelry boxes - I think it's called Double Diamond... I look for those and then I just pick one kinda by instinct. If it doesn't work out I move on after awhile. I also watch the others and if someone has just won big on one I stay away from it - lightning not striking twice and all. I don't play progressives because you usually have to play too high a bet against too many other people. I know the jackpots could be life changing, but the odds are so low it's not worth it to me.