Best time to play online slots

Is there a best time to play online slots?

There is no ‘best time’ to play online slots - that is to say there’s no time of day where your chances of winning on an online slot game are greater.

However, some jackpot games might offer larger potential payouts at certain times and some promotions are also time-limited.

The reason there is no ‘best time’ to play is because of the way online slots work.

How online slots work

Online slots work by using random number generators (RNGs) powered by mathematical algorithms to decide which symbols appear when you spin.

The process doesn't depend on the time or day. RNGs work the same on a Monday morning as they do on a Friday night.

Furthermore, many licensing authorities require slot games to be tested by approved labs to ensure fair play and proper RNG function before they're launched.

So where does the myth come from?

Most of the myths about the best time to play slots are based on speculation about how mechanical/physical slot machines work.

For example, some people believe slots pay out more at night because casinos want to attract crowds, or that they can manipulate payouts when large crowds are present to encourage more players.

Whether that’s true or not, the RNGs used by online slot machines ensure every spin is completely independent, and online casinos are not allowed to simply change the algorithm depending on the time of day.

It’s also a common belief that a machine is ‘due’ for a win after a long losing streak. However, each spin of an online slot game has the same odds, no matter what happened before.

Many people assume that machines in busy areas, like near entrances, are programmed to pay more to attract players. While this might have happened in the past, it obviously isn’t a factor at all for online slots.

A final misconception is that if someone just hit a jackpot, that slot game won’t pay again for a while. Clearly, for progressive jackpot slots the payout will be much lower immediately after a jackpot is won, but every spin is random, and jackpots can still happen back-to-back.

When to claim the biggest jackpots

The best times to claim big jackpots are during busy periods like evenings and weekends, and just before deadlines on ‘must-drop’ jackpot slots.'

Play progressive jackpots during busy periods

If you’re aiming for a big win, playing progressive jackpot slots during peak hours might be a good strategy.

These jackpots grow with every bet placed, meaning more players contribute to the prize pool: The more players playing that particular online slot game, the faster the jackpot increases.

Since progressive jackpots can drop at any time, playing when more people are spinning increases your chances of winning before someone else does.

Keep track of must-drop deadlines

Some progressive jackpots, known as ‘must-drop’ jackpots, are guaranteed to pay out before reaching a certain amount or by a specific time.

Keeping an eye on these deadlines can give you an edge. As the deadline gets closer, more players jump in, hoping to grab the prize before it expires.

Claiming the best casino bonuses

The best time to claim casino bonuses is when you create an account at a new online casino.

If you already have an account, the best time to grab a bonus is during special promotions, like holidays or new game launches.

It’s also worth keeping an eye out for weekend deals and loyalty rewards. Always check the terms to make sure they suit your playstyle, though: some bonuses will come with large rollover requirements.

Responsible gambling - keeping a cool head

While there isn’t really a ‘best’ time to play online slots, there’s definitely a ‘worst time’, and that’s when you stop gambling responsibly and it ceases to be a fun leisure activity.

Online slots should be a bit of fun when you have some cash to spare. Nothing more than that.

You should immediately stop playing online slots if:

• It stops being fun, or
• You start thinking about chasing losses, or
• You consider depositing more cash than you originally budgeted.

Online slots are not designed for you to win every time, so play responsibly and walk away when the fun stops.