Are playing penny slots worth your time as a gambler? This is a bit of a loaded question. It is hard to answer the question in two or three sentences.
Penny slots provide a simple way for players of all bankrolls to get in on the action and try to turn a few dollars into a big jackpot. However, they offer little strategy and don’t provide the best long-term return for most players.
We’ve compiled the top pros and cons of penny slots to help you make an informed decision for yourself before you step up to the wheel. Before we dive into them, here’s a quick overview with some tips.
Should I Play Penny Slots?
Recreational players who have a small bankroll and want to play slots for fun without taking big risks will enjoy penny slots.
However, players with a large bankroll should look to other real money slots titles because they offer a better return in the long run. Check out our top reasons to play or avoid penny slots below.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Easy to learn and simple to play | ❌ High house edge |
| ✅ Small bets, big wins | ❌ Penny slots can be addictive |
| ✅ Best comps in the casino | ❌ There is no strategy involved |
Pros of Penny Slot Machines
Let’s get into the pros of playing penny slot games. There are good reasons why penny slot machines could be worth your time.
Easy To Learn and Simple To Play
There are games in the casino that can be intimidating. Walking up to a table game can be tough for some people if they do not know how the game works.
Some games in casinos have a learning curve involved. You might need lessons on how to play blackjack, craps, and several other table games.
There is also pressure from other players at the table. If you are not a social person, this can be a huge turn-off. However, slot machines are easy to pick up and play in your own bubble.
The simplicity of penny slots on a small budget can be attractive. With penny slots, all the player needs to do is enter their money into the machine and hit a button.
From there, simply select your lines or bet size, hit the button, and hope for the best. There is no thinking or decision-making involved like in blackjack, sports betting, poker, and so on.
Small Bets, Big Wins
If you do not have a huge budget and want to beat the huge odds, penny slots might be worth your time. There are some penny slots with max bets of under $2.00 per bet.
Dollars In, Thousands Out
Going to the casino with a $20 to $50 gambling budget is possible. If you stick with small bets on penny slot machines, a small budget can go a long way on these games.
Conversely, it is going to be hard to come up with a meaningful return at the blackjack table with a $20 budget. You could be done in a matter of minutes on table games with a small gambling budget.
Best Comps in the Casino
Are you a casino comp hunter? Then, penny slot games are going to be your best bet in the casino. The casinos, land-based and online, will welcome your penny slot play.
Not only will casinos welcome your play, but they will ask you to come back again and again. The key to success is to bet with your entertainment budget and not chase comps. The comps will come.
As a result of a high house edge, it does not take as much gambling to earn good casino comps. As much as table games with low house edges, for instance, blackjack, craps, and baccarat.
There is not much of a reason to hunt for comps on a small budget playing table games. Meanwhile, getting room, food, and freeplay comps are common for penny slot players.
Online casinos offer free slot dollars to bet on their penny slots. The free bonus dollars are at no risk to the player.
Cons of Penny Slot Machines
Do the cons outweigh the pros? Slot machines are not for you if this is the case. Like everything in life, there are always cons that come with the pros.
High House Edge
Penny slots have the highest house edge of any slot denomination. Are you looking for the best slot odds? Then penny slots are not going to be for you.
Rule of Thumb
High-limit slot machines have the lowest house edge. However, a much larger bankroll is going to be required to play than the penny machines.
Penny slots have a house edge in the ballpark of 10% to 15% on average. The higher denominations are going to have closer to a 5% house edge.
In other words, penny slots are not for you if you are looking for the best odds. Playing a dollar slot machine with one line would be better than multiple lines on a penny slot machine at the same bet size.
Also, remember that playing for just a penny will make you ineligible for the biggest jackpots and special bonuses in many games.
Penny Slots Can Be Addictive
Any form of gambling can be addictive. Penny slot machines are regarded as one of the most addictive games in the casino, though.
Any gambling game that has instant results that trigger high levels of dopamine can be addictive. Slot machines are the king of immediate results, and in some cases, satisfaction.
According to the Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery, slot machines and video poker are known as the crack cocaine of gambling. The quick wins without much effort make penny slots attractive, but also very addictive.
If you have been addicted to anything before, slot machines are not going to be for you. They are not worth the time for somebody with an addictive personality.
There Is No Strategy Involved
Do you want a thinking man’s game? Slot machines are not going to stimulate your desires then. There is no strategy involved in slot machines.
Don't Listen To "Experts"
With no strategy involved, there isn’t much you can do to increase your odds of winning. This is unlike blackjack, poker, and sports betting.
The simple nature of slots can be a pro, but also a negative for players looking for something more engaging. Slot machines are not for players who want to have a gambling strategy.
Ready to Play Some Penny Slots?
If you’ve reviewed our list of the top pros and cons of laying penny slots and decided the ease of play, rewarding comps, and the chance to turn a little into a lot match with your playing style, then penny slots are for you.
With over a decade in the business and more than 500 slot titles to choose from, we recommend playing penny slots at Bovada. Remember to claim their exciting welcome offer for 100% and up to $3,000 for all new casino players before you play your favorite penny slots.
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