How do you usually play? (lines/credits per line)

[sotr1213]

As a relatively new member here, I'm just curious how you tend to play the slots as far as lines played and bet per line. I have a general impression based on the posts I've read, but I thought it would be interesting to discuss in general.

I always play the maximum number of lines, which is why I tend to stay away from slots with more than 30 lines. I can't stand seeing something come up knowing I would've gotten it if I'd been playing that line. And I almost always only bet 1 credit per line. I don't bring much money with me (generally) when I go to the casino and I want to make it last. Occasionally I'll bet two or if I'm really feeling wild, I'll max bet a few spins and then go back to one per line. I don't think I've ever gotten anything on those max bets to make it worthwhile, though.

For those who do regularly bet higher amounts (say, a couple bucks per spin on a penny machine), would you bet less if your bankroll was more limited or do you think yours is a better strategy in general? Obviously in the case of progressives, there's a huge difference in what you can win with a max bet vs. anything else, but I don't know of any games where betting more than one but less than the max affects you except that your wins are multiplied by the bet.

[Deb]

I always play all the lines. If it is a 100 line game then I play 1 per line. If it is a 50 line game I usually play 2 per line. All others I usually start out with about 3 per line. I am talking penny games though. I have a tendency to toggle back and forth with my bets but never the lines. I just cannot bring myself to play less than all the lines.

[waffle]

Hi, I always, always play all the lines. I've seen too many people miss a good hit because they didn't cover all the lines. I bet just like Deb, 100 lines just bet 1 credit, sometimes 2. 50 lines, 2 or sometimes 3 per line. Good luck at the slots.

[1ArmedPandit]

I stick to reel slots when available.... So couldn't care !

Except, even with reels I try to remember to start play with Max bet as i believe it does influence outcome.

[maxgirl]

Will give that a try for awhile, see how the machines going to play, if I get some positive activity I will bump to 3 bets hopeing I get the bonus on that bet. Thats expensive enough on machines with lots of lines. On a 1 cent machines I try and bet middle of the road because I feel to win a decent amount on those you have to ramp up your bet for the bonuses to pay at all. Honestly I really dont play 1 cent machines much anymore, the payback is so bad, makes for a boreing session in my opinion. Now some machines with 100 lines like Bombay, you can still win a really nice amount betting 50 lines on those, thats probably the only machines I would cut my line bets on, ones with a ton of lines like that one, other wise I cover all lines always.

[scooter]

I bet along the same lines as you do sotr1213. I like machines that have maximum lines of 20, 21 or 30 and I play 1 credit. If the machine has 9 or 15 lines, I play 2. Occasionally I play max credits, but that's because the button was right next to the repeat bet one and I hit it by mistake. :D The most I've ever played is 50 lines at 1 credit...but not for very long. :rolleyes:

[rockopera8]

I usually like to stay at 15 - 20 lines or less. If the machine has 40 or 50 lines, I will only choose about 20 lines, but I will bet more per line. Ya, you can miss a good hit because you aren't playing that line. But if the hit is on a line your playing, you win a lot more, since your betting more per line.

I'm still a fan of those older 9-line machines, so thats probably why I tend to play less lines.

Also, when you play more lines and bet less per line, you get more frequent but smaller wins. When you play less lines and bet more per line, you get less frequent but bigger wins. I prefer the bigger wins.

[wordguy]

Max lines, 1-5x bet, depending on bankroll - but always all the lines.

[slotsplayer]

Most of the time, I play max lines with one credit per line. Would play 2 credit per line for first two spins and when I feel that the machines get "hot". Never increase to a higher line bet as I want my bankroll to last long (around 8 hours or longer). The machines I play are mostly 2 cents machine.
When I try those machines with 100 lines like Bombay, I would only play 50 lines and also for short while only.

[ardee]

Some time ago I read that the best bet on most slots was a mid range high bet.

I am not sure if they felt it was a statistical reason but I have found it to be somewhat true.

Based upon what everyone seems to say and do, all lines at 2 to 3 credits per line appears to be the best, which is what is suggested.

[Jaseruckus]

When it comes to penny slots I usaully bet up to $1 plus. So depending on the amount of lines it can be 3-5x bet line. I noticed when betting the minimum, u don't really get much in return. And nothing drives me more crazy than play a slot and hitting a $40 plus bonus round knowing it could have been 3 or 4 times that amount. But when I do play 5 cent slots I usaully bet 1x only because my bankroll is usally only $100-150.

But I geuss in the end it's up to what your there for. If it's entertainment then play however you like, but understand hitting $100 plus on a 20-30 cent bet is rare as it is.

[oleslotguy]

I stick to reel slots when available.... So couldn't care !

Except, even with reels I try to remember to start play with Max bet as i believe it does influence outcome.

Yup, had the same experience.

[pegg]

I like Treasures of Troy...on a .01 bet...half of the lines at .50 is more likely to give me a bonus round....other then that one an all lines x max on Quick Hit (one I play is only $1. total to get full progressive)different casino last week had $1.50 as max with same progressive amount...i learned my lesson a few weeks back when I got part of second progressive for $200 instead of $1000 when I hit one per line button..... other then those I play for four hours with the bus group so its always all lines x 1 at .o1 for me

[oleslotguy]

Will give that a try for awhile, see how the machines going to play, if I get some positive activity I will bump to 3 bets hopeing I get the bonus on that bet. Thats expensive enough on machines with lots of lines. On a 1 cent machines I try and bet middle of the road because I feel to win a decent amount on those you have to ramp up your bet for the bonuses to pay at all. Honestly I really dont play 1 cent machines much anymore, the payback is so bad, makes for a boreing session in my opinion. Now some machines with 100 lines like Bombay, you can still win a really nice amount betting 50 lines on those, thats probably the only machines I would cut my line bets on, ones with a ton of lines like that one, other wise I cover all lines always.

Hi maxgirl, we had some discussion on another thread about this. Shamus brought up the fact that a lot of slots will play the full 100 lines during the bonus rounds even if you play only 50. I was checking that out, and he is right. Some of the machines have it in the information/help, and some have it right on the front.

[88survivor]

I am a huge max better so I play with all 30 lines on either a 350 or 300 bet. People think I am such a risk taker and I am. But with my parents around, I lower my bet. But doing it alone.....I'll take all my chances.

[pappy]

Interesting question and responses. I personally play according to the game, my reason for playing and bankroll. My usual bet is between one and three dollars. I always cover max lines and adjust bet according to my bankroll to land between 1 and 3 dollars. For instance, if I'm playing a 50 line game I would bet 3 per line for a 1.50 bet. Playing a 100 line game, like stinkin rich, I would bet 3 per for a 3 dollar bet. My wife will play a scatter bonus game often for less lines but 2 or 3 per line. This still gives her shots at the bonus at a smaller bet but still have a line multiplier. She does not like to bet minimum per line.

[Joangca]

All lines and bet per line is depending on bankroll. Sometimes when you are on a cold streak I hate to chase the bet. If I am on a hot streak I will up it. We are 20 to 30 minutes from a couple of casinos so we go once or twice a week so I need to be a little conservative. If we are on a special trip to Vegas or Reno I will up my bet per line.

[ALLEN]

I generally believe it is a good idea to cover all the lines when you bet, HOWEVER, when a machine allows you to select ANY number of lines I sometimes will bet a few lines less for example 18 lines instead of 20 or 27 instead of 30. I only do this if the machine allows it as some machines only allow you to bet in increments of 10,15,20 etc. then I will only bet the full amount. I have no explanation as to why I bet fewer lines except that it is an option that the slot maker gives me and I believe in using all options available.

[maniacmikey]

I bet all the lines and when I get ahead I will bump my bets up to max bet and play with their money and back down to min bet when their money is used up .

[SlotstoIdrop]

I am a huge max better so I play with all 30 lines on either a 350 or 300 bet. People think I am such a risk taker and I am. But with my parents around, I lower my bet. But doing it alone.....I'll take all my chances.

Eventhough I can't always bet max, I usually bet the amount just under it. If my bankroll is doing well, then it is max baby. If not I switch to a different type of machine. I never piddle around and bet minimum. I can't stand seeing people bet a minimum bet of .30 and win .8. What a waste of time. Just my opinion.

[Patricia]

I bet all lines.

[maxgirl]

Hi maxgirl, we had some discussion on another thread about this. Shamus brought up the fact that a lot of slots will play the full 100 lines during the bonus rounds even if you play only 50. I was checking that out, and he is right. Some of the machines have it in the information/help, and some have it right on the front.

If theres more 100 line machines then I dont know of them. thats the major thing I like about these titles is that the bonus dosent care what the bet was.

[Deb]

If theres more 100 line machines then I dont know of them. thats the major thing I like about these titles is that the bonus dosent care what the bet was.Frog Princess and Vesuvius have 100 lines as well.

[oleslotguy]

If theres more 100 line machines then I dont know of them. thats the major thing I like about these titles is that the bonus dosent care what the bet was.

Hi maxgirl,

Due to DW's health we missed our regular trip this month, but when we get back there I'll look over the names of some.They may not all be 100 lines, but operate the same.

[inaminute]

to me, it depends on the minimum bet and its maximum payout.

I can sit next to someone playing all lines, max bet, and "catch up to them" playing less.

Or not.

Guess who always wins!