Pokie machines have long been a staple of casinos, offering excitement and the potential for big wins with every spin. While many players focus solely on pulling the lever or pressing the spin button, understanding the nuances of betting options can significantly impact your gameplay experience. One crucial aspect of pokie machine strategy is knowing how and when to change your line bet.
This article on Casinoz will explore the ins and outs of line betting in pokie machines, providing insights into why adjusting your bets can be beneficial and offering strategies to help you make informed decisions on the casino floor or while playing online.
First, here are several popular online casino pokies with high RTPs.
| Name | Return to player | Max payout | Variance | Soft | ||
| 99.07% | — | Low | | Play | ||
| 98.72% | — | — | | Play | ||
| 98.67% | — | — | | Play | ||
| 98.6% | — | — | | Play | ||
| 98.18% | — | Low | | |||
| 98.13% | x20 € | — | | Play | ||
| 98.12% | x500 $ | Low | | Play | ||
| 98.11% | x1500 $ | High | | Play | ||
| 98.11% | x7500 $ | — | | Play | ||
| 98.1% | x2500 $ | — | | Play | ||
| 98.1% | x2500 $ | — | | Play | ||
| 98.06% | x5000 $ | High | | Play | ||
| 98.03% | x15000 $ | Middle | | Play | ||
| 98.01% | x500 $ | — | | |||
| 98% | x2000 € | Middle | | Play |
Why Regular Gamblers Change Line Bets
A bet per line means the amount a player bets on a single active line. Players usually bet on multiple lines simultaneously when playing on modern pokies, and almost all online casino customers actively use this opportunity by choosing all of them. As a result, the total bet in the game made on spin usually varies by changing a bet on the line and not the number of lines.
- Many players prefer to bet following a specific pattern. It does not have to be any particular system.
- Some divide their bankroll and playing time into separate segments to match them.
- Then, they calculate the approximate size of a bet per spin they can afford.
After that, it only takes to divide this amount by the number of lines to determine how much they should bet per line.
Here many of them face a dilemma: whether to constantly make bets of one size or change them in gameplay?
To answer this question, let's try to explain the possible reasons for changing the bet per line.
Catch the Wave!
Many players change bets in trying to "catch the wave." They believe that good and bad periods come in stripes. They have just got a payout after the successful spin and hope it has been the beginning of a winning streak, so they raise the bet. Anyone slightly familiar with the random number generator understands that such actions are not justified logically.
Each reel spin is entirely independent of previous spins or subsequent ones.
However, this misconception is widespread, and many casino visitors use it for their game style.
Down with the Routine!
Other clients change the bet per line for different motives. They are tired of the same gameplay, so they try diversifying it. Their actions may seem unpractical, but they do not seek any benefit. Some may increase the bet for every spin, watching with interest what happens next.
In this case, we can say one thing: if the game becomes boring, it may help, but it will not increase the odds of winning.
Betting Systems Again!
Sometimes, players try to apply simplified versions of various well-known betting systems to pokies. For example, they double the bet after every loss, as the Martingale system recommends. Of course, such a strategy provides no more advantages than using these principles on roulette.
We have repeatedly stated in various articles on Casinoz why betting systems can not help you win, so we will not stop on this issue again.
Why Advantage Gamblers Change Line Bets
There are several strategic reasons why players might choose to adjust their line bets while playing pokie machines:
Bankroll Management
Adjusting bets allows players to extend their playing time when funds are low. Increasing bets can help capitalize on winning streaks or bonus rounds, while decreasing bets can help preserve funds during losing streaks.
Adjusting to Game Volatility
High-volatility games may require lower bets to withstand longer periods without wins. Low-volatility games might allow for higher bets due to more frequent, smaller wins. Changing bets can help balance risk and potential rewards based on the game's behavior.
Maximizing Bonus Features
Some games offer better bonus features or higher jackpot chances with maximum bets. Players might increase bets when they feel a bonus round is imminent. Adjusting bets can help qualify for progressive jackpots in some machines.
Adapting to Bankroll Fluctuations
Increasing bets after significant wins to leverage "house money." Decreasing bets to recoup losses more steadily.
Taking Advantage of Casino Promotions
Some promotions might require specific bet levels to qualify. Players might adjust bets to meet wagering requirements for bonuses.
Responding to Perceived Patterns
While pokie outcomes are random, players might adjust bets based on observed game behavior. This could include increasing bets after a series of near misses or decreasing them after a big win.
Managing Playing Sessions
Starting with lower bets to "warm up" and understand the game. Potentially increasing bets towards the end of a session to aim for a big win.
Aligning with Personal Risk Tolerance
Adjusting bets allows players to find a comfortable balance between excitement and risk.
By understanding these reasons and applying them thoughtfully, players can create a more dynamic and potentially more rewarding pokie machine experience. However, it's crucial to remember that changing bets doesn't alter the game's underlying odds or guarantee wins.
Here are several cool online casinos with huge selections of pokies.
When You Should Not Change the Pokie Line Bet
Periodically, you cannot change the line bet in a pokie machine. Let's highlight the most typical cases.
- In bonus rounds: Suppose you collected five scatters and were entitled to a certain number of free spins. They will occur at the same rate as in the last paid spin. It can neither increase (no matter how much you want to!), nor decrease. The same applies to respins and other prize draws.
- In casino free spins: Nowadays, many gambling operators award customers free spins on popular video pokies. This is one of the most common promotions in modern online casinos. In such cases, free spins are played strictly on the allowed bet.
- In pokie tournaments: Sometimes, the rules of pokie tournaments do not allow bet changes either. Don't forget to clarify all the points before you apply to participate. It's also worth remembering that the maximum bet gives additional benefits in some video pokies.
You can occasionally activate a bonus bet, which opens access to interesting features and increases the RTP.
The following casinos offer thousands of pokie machines.
Pros and Cons of Changing Pokie Line Bets
Changing line bets can significantly impact your pokie machine experience. Here's a balanced look at the potential benefits and drawbacks.
Pros
Potential for higher payouts:
- Increasing bets can lead to larger wins when lucky.
- Some jackpots and bonus features are only accessible with higher bets.
Improved bankroll management:
- Flexibility to adjust bets allows for better control over spending.
- Can extend playtime by lowering bets when necessary.
Adaptability to game patterns:
- Ability to capitalize on perceived hot streaks.
- It can mitigate losses during cold streaks by reducing bets.
Enhanced engagement:
- Changing bets adds an extra layer of strategy and decision-making.
- It can make the gameplay experience more dynamic and interesting.
Maximizing bonus opportunities:
- Some games offer better odds or features at certain bet levels.
- Ability to increase bets when bonus rounds seem imminent.
Cons
Faster bankroll depletion:
- Increasing bets without proper management can quickly drain funds.
- It may lead to chasing losses with higher bets.
Increased risk:
- Higher bets mean more significant losses per spin.
- This can lead to more volatile swings in bankroll.
Reduced playing time:
- Consistently higher bets may shorten overall playing sessions.
- Less entertainment value for the same amount of money spent.
Complexity:
- Constantly changing bets requires more attention and decision-making.
- It may detract from the relaxation aspect of pokie play for some.
Misconceptions about odds:
- Changing bets doesn't alter the game's underlying return-to-player (RTP) percentage.
- This may lead to false beliefs about influencing game outcomes.
Potential for regret:
- Lowering bets right before a big win could lead to disappointment.
- Increasing bets just before a losing streak can be frustrating.
Incompatibility with some games:
- Not all pokie machines allow flexible betting options.
- Some games may require consistent bet sizes for certain features.
It's important to note that while changing line bets can offer some strategic advantages, it still needs to overcome the house edge inherent in pokie machines. Players should approach bet changes thoughtfully and within the context of responsible gambling practices.
Conclusion
People may change the bet per line at online pokies for many reasons, but none can be a reasonable justification to recommend this strategy. Moreover, in some pokies (for example, with a progressive jackpot), you should always play at the highest bet because it allows you to compete for the grand prize.