You might shake your head with painful memories of large dollar amounts lost, and swear on a stack of Bibles that you’re going to never again be foolish sufficient to engage in a shoot-out with the One-Armed Bandit, but who are you kidding? Maybe, with a little luck, you will be able to resist the call of the slot machine for a couple of weeks, perhaps even a month or two. But you know damn well that you’ll be back for a rematch eventually. You cannot just let that Bandit win so quickly, can you? No way.

It is just a machine, in the end, with a “brain” comprised of wires and microchips. You, however, are a living, breathing entity with the capacity for critical thinking and self-reflection. If humankind is to possess any hope at all in surviving the global war against machines that surely will come some day, we would better at least be able to beat the slots. Think of the matter in this particular kind of sweeping historical context and you shall see that it is not simply a choice but an obligation for you to get back on the horse right away.

Before launching on your noble quest in defense of humanity, it might be wise to review some basic information and arm yourself with five crucial tips to success.

You may not know that the slot machine goes on different names in overseas nations. For instance, in the United Kingdom, it really is called a fruit machine (no jokes about British drag queens, please.) In Australia, the slot is described as a “poker machine,” which is much more confusing, but what can you expect from a culture that gives outdoor grills the name of a little girl’s toy? (Let it sink in for a minute, you definitely will get it.)

Anyway, traditional American slot machines are coin-operated and contain three or even more reels, which spin when a lever on the side of the equipment is pulled. The machines include a currency detector that validates the money inserted to play. The machine typically pays off according to patterns of symbols visible when the reels stop.

OK, enough for the description. Basically, onto those tips which were promised several paragraphs ago:

Become intimately acquainted with each slot machine’s payout schedule. Two identical slot machines will often have radically different payouts. This matters, people.

Look for advertised slot machines offering 96-98% paybacks. Most casinos usually have several banks or carousels of high percentage payback slots, which is where you should play.

Join the casino players club wherever you gamble regularly. Casinos reward players for money and time spent. Even when you do not hit the jackpot, you may still receive comps like meals, discount hotel rooms, as well as other perks.

This certainly will be a no-brainer, but only play the slot machines you can afford and only spend money you can risk losing. Seriously.

Walk away when you’re losing and become irritated. Playing slot machines is supposed to be an enjoyable pastime, not really a source of ulcer-inducing frustration. When it’s no longer fun, go get a drink and additional resources some fresh air.