Truths, myths, and the real reasons timing matters
Is there an ideal time to play slots?
You’ve probably wondered that yourself a time or two… and googled it.
LOTS of players have.
And honestly… it’s both yes and no.
Yes, because when you factor in simple things like ongoing bonus promotions, progressive sizes, and game selection — finding the best time to play online slots really can matter.
But no… because there’s no hidden “magic hour” where slot machines are rigged to give you more winnings. No matter how much you wish that was the case!
Instead, let’s take a look at what DOES affect your slot timing. When the smart play REALLY is to hop into your session and spin away.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Does the Time of Day Affect My Chances at Slots?
- What Really Matters More: RTP
- Ideal Timing: Playing Slots Online vs. in Person
- Use this checklist to help decide on slot timing
- Slot Timing: 5 Tips To Improve Your Play
Does the Time of Day Affect My Chances at Slots?
Here’s where we get real for a second…
It doesn’t matter what time of day you play slots — each spin you make is its own individual event.
Because of this, the actual “time of day” doesn’t affect your chances one bit. The slot machine pay table doesn’t change at midnight just because it’s funnier that you thought it would.
Random Number Generators never sleep. They never take a break. They don’t become “hot” because it’s 3 in the morning and everyone has been playing the same machine for hours.
The RNG resets with EVERY spin. End of story.
But… I’m going to flip the script on you here. Timing absolutely does matter when you’re looking to play your best — you just have to look at the question from the right angle.
There are a few key reasons why playing NOW can be significantly better for your bankroll than playing ANY OTHER time.
Like:
- Making the most of bonus offers
- Choosing slots with higher progressive jackpots
- Playing the highest payout machines
- Betting with a full and comfortable bankroll
- Starting your gaming session while undistracted and clear-headed
We’ll expand on all of these points below. For now, just know that WHEN you play slots absolutely does matter… You just have to look at the question the right way.
What Really Matters More: RTP
RTP, or Return to Player, is by far the most important metric for slot timing.
Return to Player is the average % of all wagered money a slot pays back to players over time. While this number can vary wildly from slot to slot, the average RTP for any slot machine hovers around 96%, meaning for every $100 spent on a slot, $96 of that will be paid back TO the players… Over millions of spins.
Here’s the kicker.
Slot machine RTP doesn’t change. Not at 9am. Not at 3pm. And definitely not at 2am on a Saturday.
Sure, the denomination of a slot can change. Nevada recently reported higher win rates on higher denomination slots. Foot traffic in a brick and mortar casino can change. Players on a particular slot can change.
The slot’s RTP does not. It stays locked solid at around 96% no matter what.
With that in mind, let’s look at how different factors affect your best slot playing times.
Ideal Slot Playing Times: Playing Online vs. Offline
When you’re looking for the perfect time to play slots, things change slightly depending on whether you’re playing at home or in person.
Playing Online
Of the three scenarios, playing online offers the biggest advantages for slot players when it comes to timing.
Why?
Here are a few things to consider:
- Online casinos LOVE offering bonus promotions. From free spins to deposit matches and reload bonuses, there’s almost always an offer available if you’re looking for it. Playing while one of these promotions is active guarantees you’ll be playing with more “money” than you originally started with.
- Progressive jackpot sizes are player-made. The more active players jumping on a progressive slot, the quicker that jackpot will grow. Playing after that jackpot has been building for a while is always smarter than getting in line behind the first player coming out of the restroom.
- Nobody can distract you at home. Whether you’re at a kitchen table or in your underwear on the couch, at-home gaming sessions are played far more strategically than ones in a casino.
Playing at a Real Casino
Some of the same advantages apply to brick and mortar casinos, but there are a few more things to consider when playing offline.
Peak casino hours fall on the weekends. More players in the casino = more people spinning progressive slots = faster-growing jackpots.
If you prefer (faster) busy environments, noon on Saturday is about as ideal as times get.
But…
Player volume has zero impact on your chances of winning. Seriously.
Slot machines cannot be physically cheated. PERIOD. The RNG does not care if there are 5 people playing a slot or 500.
Some players love peak hours. Some players prefer quieter times and less crowded casinos.
Similar to online timing, as long as you have a plan and know WHY you’re playing at that particular time it doesn’t really matter.
Use this checklist to help decide on slot timing
Don’t overthink it. Use this simple checklist to decide if it’s the ideal time to play slots:
- Am I playing during an active bonus or free spins offer?
- Have progressive jackpots I’m interested in playing been growing for a while?
- Is my bankroll prepared and waiting for me?
- Am I starting this session undistracted and ready to play?
- Am I playing a slot with a high RTP (97%+)?
If you answered yes to most of these questions, congratulations! Your timing is good and it’s smart to start (or continue) your session.
If not, wait until it is. Trust me, there will always be another time.
Slot Timing: 5 Tips To Improve Your Play
Of course, timing is just one piece of the slot winnings puzzle. Here are a few more things you can do to up your game:
- Always gamble WITH your bankroll. NEVER spend more than you initially allocated for your gaming session.
- Choose slots with the highest RTPs. Not all slots are created equal and your odds of winning are drastically better on slots with higher RTP percentages.
- Look for bonuses. Bonuses like free spins and bonus cash can help prolong your session at no extra cost to you. Make sure to pay attention to wagering requirements when claiming bonuses.
- Avoid the gamble chase. Trying to win back lost money is where players do the MOST damage. A string of losses is NOT indicative of a future win.
- Set win goals. Just as it’s important to know WHEN to start playing, it’s equally as important to know when to stop. If you double your bankroll, congratulations! Enjoy your winnings and walk away.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Slot Machine Playing Times
There is no “best time” to play slots.
Sure, you could wake up at 4am and play all day but why would you do that to yourself?
Timing can matter in a lot of different ways. Taking advantage of bonus promotions, choosing slots with higher progressive jackpots, betting with a full bankroll, starting your gaming session undistracted… these are the things that matter.
Combine a few of these things together and your slots sessions can instantly go from hoping for the best to knowing you’re playing at the ideal time.
And isn’t that a better feeling?
