Poker and online slots are really not that different; the only difference is that poker is a skill and judgment game, while slots are quick and luck-based. To the untrained eye, they may appear as completely opposite games, but the reality is that they are not that different from each other.
It is highly probable that the smart and well-organized conduct of poker gamers has the power to improve the results of slot playing in a remarkable way. When you participate in a game without any room to bluff or to pick up tells of your opponents, you can take tips from poker and employ them to manage your budget properly, take the right steps, and stay away from the possible risks.
Bankroll Management in the Way Poker Masters Do
In poker, deciding how to manage your bankroll properly is essential as the bankroll is your safety net. Every player makes a thoughtful decision on the amount they are ready to bet and decides on the worth of the respective hand. Taking all the risks at once and chasing the losses is probably the fastest way to go bust.
That same kind of self-restraint is highly recommended when playing slots. Instead of placing your bets as you go, or raising your stakes when you are frustrated, sit down and plan a budget and stick to it. Divide your playing time into a few wagers, just like a poker player would distribute his stack in several hands.
Game Selection: The Online Pokies Connection
In poker, the first thing successful players do is decide if the selected table equates their playing hand's value. You want to find games where you are in a green space – the players are the ones who are less skilled, the stakes are at a level that rhymes with your skills, and you are not at a structural disadvantage.
A similar principle of slot players in deciding what game to play can be adapted to poker. Instead of going headfirst into the slot with the most attractive reels and high-quality graphics, evaluate the following aspects:
• RTP (Return to Player) - Check games with a 96% or higher percentage.
• Volatility - In case of low volatility, the number of small wins is higher while high volatility gives out big prizes less often.
• Bonus mechanics - Multipliers, wilds, scatters, and free spins are different in relevance and occurrence.
This viewpoint is particularly valuable if we consider the realm of online pokies, which are slot games inspired by the Aussie market and resemble poker. Sometimes, they are also known for the classic slot mechanics that they use.
Most pokies-based games consist of features such as bet lines, holds, and themed gameplay that imitate the psychology of choice and make a poker player's reasoning meet the world of the reels and spinning.
Know When to Walk Away
Poker players usually operate with the fold equity concept: they fold often, they always have control of the situation, and they play according to their logic, no matter their feelings. This kind of clarity about one’s state can help slot players avoid making decisions fueled by emotion, which can also lead to significant losses in slots.
Online slot games are meant to be fast-paced and animated. One can easily lose track of time or money. And this is where it becomes necessary to make clear session limits. Decide in advance:
• How much are you willing to invest
• When will you withdraw money in case of winnings
• When will you agree to stop after a series of losses
When you are on a winning streak, you may become overconfident. You may want to chase your losses when you are on a losing streak.
In both cases, a player is in danger. If, on the other hand, a player follows a policy of self-restraint, for example, folding in poker when the pot odds are not in favor, the player is able to keep sane and at least his money; hence, he may stand a higher chance of getting back to normal.
Use Bonuses Properly: Freeroll Tournaments as an Example
In poker, freerolls are the best things that happen – with zero risks involved, you can win real money. Freerolls are always trendy because they are free and, still, one can get something in return.
Slot bonuses are to be utilized in the same manner as those above. From welcome promotions and no-deposit promotions to free spins and reload bonuses, these add-ons give you extra free or prolonged access to the platform without burning a hole in your pocket, just like freerolls.
But similar to poker you should always be sure to read entirely before actually cashing in the offer. Terms like these should always be under your care:
• Wagering conditions
• Games that can be played
• The maximum amount of money that can be cashed out
Think of bonuses as you would a tournament: play them as an opportunity to explore the game, build your skills, and increase your bankroll without taking any risk.
