Click here to get 350 free spins and up to 500$ welcome bonus
GetOurBonus

How to win at the casino: practical tips, strategies and pitfalls to avoid

Last update 9 July 2025

image of game casino TombstoneSlaughter
Play in real

To hope to win real money at the casino, it is essential to understand how casino games and gaming machines are designed. Notably the most widespread electronic machines.

Because they are not equal: some rely entirely on the luck of hitting the jackpot, others allow a certain mastery thanks to rules or strategies. It is possible to apply some simple tips to maximize one's chances of winning and obtaining a gain.

Pure chance games and machines or with strategic component

In the majority of cases, clients choose games based on their visual appeal. However, there is an essential distinction between different types of games and machines:

  • Pure chance: like for slot machines or roulette. These casino classics rely on random draws whose results are unpredictable and independent of the player's decisions.
  • The strategic component: like for poker, where decisions can reduce the casino's advantage. In these games, applying a clear strategy can make all the difference.

This distinction is crucial to optimize one's chances of winning money. It also allows to better understand how to orient one's game choices according to one's objectives. For example, blackjack can offer a return to participant superior to 99% if the basic technique is well applied. Against less than 95% for certain slot machines.

The house edge and RTP

The house edge designates the margin that the casino statistically keeps on each bet. This percentage applies to all bets made by players over the long term. This data is inversely linked to RTP (Return To Player) which indicates the average percentage of stakes redistributed.

Game Average RTP House edge
Blackjack 99.5% 0.5%
Video poker 99% 1%
European roulette 97.3% 2.7%
Slot machines 92 to 97% 3 to 8%

Understanding these numbers allows to avoid disadvantageous machines and games. While reducing the impact of the casino's advantage on your results. Also this allows to focus on those that leave a real margin of maneuver to the participant, while limiting the casino's advantage and keeping a real chance of winning.

Reels of a slot machine displaying symbols of cherries, grapes, bells, BAR and number 7

Slot machines: operation and symbols

Slot machines are the most popular titles of games offered in online casinos and in any good physical casino. Simple to use, fast, visually attractive, they offer a smooth and accessible experience, ideal for beginner players.

Each machine has a unique style, which attracts a different type of player. But behind their apparent simplicity lies a rigorous mathematical logic, which is essential to understand to maximize the probability of winning real money and facilitate the payment of winnings.

An operation based on randomness

These machines work thanks to a random number generator. Each machine relies on a random number generator (RNG). This computer program guarantees that each spin is independent of the previous one.

It is impossible to anticipate a combination. The result of a spin is therefore totally random and each machine follows its own logic of distribution of winnings. Even if the machine seems to "spin empty" throughout the games.

Each spin can theoretically trigger a jackpot or a maximum win, but in a random way. These machines, like all other games of chance, have been designed to reproduce unpredictable behavior at every moment.

There is no cycle, no secret logic, and even less a machine that "must pay" soon. This myth of the "winning hit that approaches" is a classic trap that many players fall into.

The machines, symbols and winning combinations

Each machine has its own characteristics: visual elements, values, and special functions. The most common are:

  • The wild: acts as a joker and replaces other icons on the machines.
  • The scatter: often triggers mini-games on the machines with a bonus to win or free spins. Some machines integrate several types of scatters with varied effects.
  • The "bonus" visual elements: allow access to special functionalities often triggered by a special combination on the machines.

Winning combinations are varied. Some machines offer a fixed number of lines (e.g.: 20), others use a system based on multiple ways to win (e.g.: 243 or more), expanding the possibilities. The number of lines directly influences probabilities and bet sizes. It is important to know how these lines affect the game rhythm and potential winnings.

How to optimize your chances on slot machines?

Even if chance dominates, some good practices allow playing more efficiently:

  • Choose machines with high RTP (above 96%), particularly modern machines benefiting from good balancing.
  • Testing a machine for free is useful to understand its rhythm, especially if it's a complex machine with multiple bonuses. You can also watch a gameplay demonstration to better understand its bonuses and winning potential.
  • Reading the payout table and specific game rules allows better understanding of how money can be distributed. On some machines, these tables are complex and deserve careful consultation.
  • Managing your budget to know how to take advantage of features that are slow to trigger.
  • Understanding if a machine has high or low volatility, depending on whether winnings are frequent or rare but high, like a jackpot.
  • Experiment with different betting tactics according to the machine's volatility or similar machines. This will help you understand how your bet can adapt to the machine's behavior.

Slot machines do not allow developing true game patterns. Unlike other more strategic games, they leave little room for advanced optimization. But a better understanding of their operation allows knowing how to avoid costly mistakes and win more.

The best games to win: comparison and basic tactics

All types of casino games do not present the same chances of winning. Some categories follow the current trend, influenced by offers or new releases. Everything is designed to maximize entertainment and offer more favorable statistics to players. Choosing your games well is therefore a rational approach, and often underestimated.

Comparison of game types according to their profitability

The table below shows how the most popular games are classified according to their average return %:

Game Average RTP Strategic level
Blackjack 99.5% High
Video poker 99% High
European roulette 97.3% Medium
Slot machines and other gambling machines 92–97% Low
Baccarat 98.9% Low

The most profitable types of games are those that combine a high "Return To Player" and a strategic action margin. Conversely, slot machines offer simple gameplay, but with a higher margin for the gaming room and no possibility of control. These machines are among the most played.

Basic strategies

  • Blackjack: It's the most interesting from a mathematical point of view. By applying this game scheme, accessible in the form of free tables, it is possible to reduce the casino's margin to less than 1%. This game scheme is based on optimal choices according to the dealer's visible card and one's own hand.
  • European roulette: Choosing the European version (with a single zero) is essential to impose a maximum margin for the gaming room. It is advised to favor simple bets (red/black, even/odd) and to avoid betting systems like martingale, risky and ineffective in the long term.
  • Video poker: Understanding winning hands and respecting the pay table are essential. The "Jacks or Better" or "Deuces Wild" variants offer very favorable redistribution rates to experienced participants.

To avoid for beginners

Certain very volatile slot machines or other machines with obscure functioning should be approached with caution. Those with progressive jackpots or certain complex poker variants are not recommended for new participants.

They require a significant investment and an advanced understanding of the rules. It is therefore preferable to start with simple and well-documented games. Certain ultra-volatile machines, or machines with obscure rules, can trap inexperienced players.

Choosing the right game or the right machines means knowing how to lay the foundations of a smarter gaming approach. By combining a good redistribution rate, mastered rules and a simple game pattern, it becomes possible to improve one's winnings.

Even in a universe dominated by randomness with the hope of really winning in the long term. This choice concerns as much the types of games as the specific models of machines available online.

An online player betting chips at blackjack on a casino table with a laptop

Efficiently managing one's game capital and budget

Knowing how to manage one's budget is a fundamental element for any client who wishes to register in a responsible and sustainable approach. A well-mastered bankroll allows to limit losses, to extend gaming sessions, and above all to avoid impulsive decisions. Still one must know how to establish and respect one's own limits.

What is the bankroll?

As already explained in numerous articles, the bankroll (or game capital) represents the total value that the participant chooses to dedicate to the game, over a given period. It is a specific game capital, independent of personal or professional expenses, and considered as entirely losable without serious consequence.

The basic principle is simple: never play money that you cannot afford to lose.

Game capital management techniques

A rigorous management of game capital rests on a few simple rules:

  • Set a daily, weekly or monthly betting limit.
  • Never engage more than 1 to 5% of one's game capital on a single game.
  • Split one's gaming sessions, to avoid losing everything in a few minutes.
  • Take a part of what you win when a realistic objective is reached. This allows to secure a portion of the money won.
  • Avoid any form of "tilt", that is to say playing under the effect of frustration or adrenaline.

These tips apply to both game types and high volatility machines, especially machines offering progressive bonuses.

The importance of knowing when to stop

A disciplined player knows how and when to leave the table. Whether after winning or losing. Setting stop thresholds is as important as defining the bet amount. It's one of the best ways to maintain control and not let emotions dictate choices.

Bankroll management is often what separates rather occasional participants from more loyal ones.

Online casino bonuses: how to use them intelligently

Welcome offers, free spins and other promotions have become commonplace in online casinos. Including for the most popular machines, whether classic or progressive jackpots. Well used, they can really improve the gaming experience and increase the chances of winning money. Misunderstood, they risk generating frustration, even losses.

Here are those mainly offered by each casino. We detail them in different articles dedicated to welcome bonuses.

  • Welcome offers on deposit: the most common. The online casino offers a percentage of the deposited amount (ex. 100%, 250%).
  • Free spins: free spins that sometimes allow access to hidden or random jackpots.
  • Cashback: refund of a percentage of net losses.
  • No deposit bonus: rare if you play without betting your personal money.

Most are always subject to terms and conditions, the most important of which is the wager.

Wagering: key condition to check

The wagering (or playthrough) indicates the number of times you must replay the amount corresponding to the bonus (and sometimes the deposit) before being able to withdraw the winnings.

Example: a bonus of €100 with a wager of 35x means you must engage €3500 in total before cashing out.

Some offers appear generous, but their conditions make withdrawals very difficult if they are not well understood. Knowing how to benefit from money won via a jackpot is crucial. This is why it is important to know how to read and interpret these conditions.

Recommended casinos for their attractive welcome offers

Here is a selection of the best online casinos, interesting and suitable for different types of participants:

Casinova

  • Bonus: 100% up to €500 + 50 free spins
  • Wager: 40x
  • Min. deposit: €20

Spinch

  • Bonus: 250% up to €600 + 250 free spins
  • Wager: 40x
  • Min. deposit: €30

Talismania

  • Bonus: 200% up to €500
  • Wager: No wagering
  • Min. deposit: €20

Kyngs

  • Bonus: 100% up to €1,500 + 300 free spins
  • Wager: 35x
  • Min. deposit: €20

Vincispin

  • Bonus: 100% up to €500 + 350 free spins
  • Wager: 35x
  • Min. deposit: €20

Casombie

  • Bonus: 100% up to €750 + 200 free spins
  • Wager: 35x
  • Min. deposit: €30

These platforms tend to offer both competitive redistribution rates, a good reputation and varied offers. Which makes them particularly interesting for players looking to win a casino jackpot.

Gallery of online casino game thumbnails, including slot machines like Nova Jackpot, Vinci Spin, Lara Bet or Talismania

The mistakes to absolutely avoid

Even the most experienced participants can make costly mistakes, often related to a lack of preparation, discipline or poor understanding of the platforms. Identifying these frequent mistakes tend to avoid unnecessary losses and adopt a more rational approach to gaming.

Not reading the rules or ignoring the Return To Player

One of the most frequent traps consists of playing without having read the rules of the game. Each game has its specificities, its payout tables and its own features. Not knowing them means giving up any form of tactics or control.

Similarly, ignoring the Return To Player amounts to betting blindly. Certain types of games or certain machines offer percentages significantly below average, which considerably reduces the chances of winning.

Betting without strategy or limits

Entering a gaming session without a clear objective, without a predefined gaming capital or betting tactics, often leads to irrational decisions. The main risk is doubling the bets to compensate for a loss or hit a jackpot. This is particularly true on the fastest machines, which encourage repeated bets without reflection. This is a risky approach that can quickly exhaust the bankroll.

Financial discipline is as important a skill as knowledge of the game itself.

Misusing bonuses

Poorly understood bonuses are another source of frustration. Many customers misread the wagering conditions, which can block a withdrawal or make winnings inaccessible.

Not understanding the conditions can lead to the loss of all money won through an offer. It is imperative to check the wager amount, authorized game types, bonus validity period and withdrawal limits.

Playing on unreliable platforms

Finally, signing up on an unregulated or non-transparent online casino can lead to payment problems, account blocking or non-compliance with conditions. It is advisable to favor licensed, well-rated casinos with accessible customer service.

Advantages and disadvantages of casino strategies

A methodical approach to gaming presents benefits but also certain limitations that should be known.

Advantages

  • Improvement of long-term winning chances

  • Better budget and risk management

  • Longer and more controlled gaming sessions

  • Deep understanding of game mechanics

  • Reduction of house edge on certain games

  • Limitation of impulsive and emotional decisions

Total: 6 points

Disadvantages

  • Learning time necessary to master strategies

  • Does not guarantee winnings, only optimization

  • Can reduce the spontaneous entertainment aspect

  • Limited effectiveness on pure chance games

Total: 4 points

Play and win with method

It is entirely possible to improve your casino results, provided you adopt a structured, informed and disciplined approach. As demonstrated throughout this article, games with an element of chance are not all equal.

Some offer better chances of hitting a jackpot especially when they are associated with a mastered game scheme and rigorous budget management.

Here are other tips: play with method, know how to choose the right types of games and the right machines. Also learn how to adjust your behavior according to game situations. Take advantage of benefits intelligently, and above all keep control over your emotions and your bets.

Each online casino today offers varied opportunities, including attractive rewards offered by modern machines with high potential. But only a well-prepared player will be able to really win real money.

Ultimately, the element of chance cannot be controlled, but the way to play, yes. And it is precisely there that lies the key to winning at casino games in a more responsible and sustainable way.

Author of this article Philippe Martin
Philippe Martin

Casino Writer ✅

Author of 18 articles

  • Poker

  • Slots

In 2021, Philippe joined our team with a clear vision for the future of games. Thanks to his years of experience in the sector, he brings a unique perspective that enables us to optimize our products and offer increasingly engaging gaming experiences. His expertise is a true treasure for our team.

getourbonus newsletter image 777