I’ve done a bit of research to decide for myself.
As you know – if you’ve been following my blog or following me on one of my social media channels (thank you!😊) – my favourite casino game to play is slots. So, like most online slots fans, I’ve been wondering more and more if there is a best time to play online slots. Some people seem to think that there is and others say that there is no best time because of the RNG software that the games use.
To be clear, what I mean by “best time to play online slots” is if there is a specific time of the day, night or year that playing an online slot is more likely to lead to increased chances of winning big.
What those who believe there is a best time to play online slots say.
Some hardcore online slots players and experts say that there are best times to play online slots to increase your winning chances. According to these individuals, the consensus is that the best time to play online slots are:
- Winter (especially around the holidays) – One of the common beliefs is that the online casino industry runs in a seasonal cycle. Players tend to play more in the colder months, such as fall and winter when they’re likely to spend more time at home. As such, some believe that the best time to play online casino slots for increased winning chances is during the seasons when more players are playing. The busier the casino, the more chances to win big or hit a jackpot, especially one that hasn’t be struck in a long time.
- Summer – Although fewer people play in the warmer months – due to travelling and being outdoors more – apparently, these slower times of the year for casinos leads to these businesses supposedly offering more bonuses and promotions to draw in players. Additional perks like deposit bonuses, free spins and cashback can also make it a best time to play online slots for some players.
- The peak playing time – According to an article I found on The Sports Economist, the peak playing time is 8pm to 2am in most online casinos. The logic behind this theory is that if slots collect money in the morning, the chances of winning are higher in the evening.
- Playing at the end of the month – This same article noted that most experts will agree that playing slots on the first day of the month is the worst time to play online slots because this is the time when casinos reportedly reset the prize pool on all their games. However, the pros say that the last few days before the end of the month is when most of the action occurs.
All that said, it is important to note that experts who believe that there is a best time to play online casino slots agree that whether a player wins a slot game ultimately has to do with luck.
What those who don’t believe there is a best time to play online slots say.
Those who don’t believe in a “best time” point out that there is no sufficient evidence to backup the claims of those who say that there are certain times to play these games to increase winning chances.
Ultimately, non-believers firmly state that the outcome of every spin is determined by the RNG (random number generator) software that is used by the game and not what time of the day, month or year a player may choose to spin the reels. These individuals strongly encourage players to play only the game they enjoy at a time – whenever that time may be – when they feel the most comfortable and confident.
An article from Scams.info also points out popular slot machine myths that can lead people to erroneously think that they might have higher or lesser chances to win when they spin. These common slot myths include:
| SLOT MYTHS | SLOT REALITY |
|---|---|
| Myth: RTP (return to player) represents the amount of money you will win back from your bets. | Reality: RTP is a percentage that represents the theoretical amount that is returned to players over the long term. It does not guarantee a specific return of investment every time you spin. |
| Myth: If a slot has not paid out in a while it’s bound to pay out soon, so keep playing. | Reality: The outcome of every spin is 100% random. You do not have any higher of a chance at winning on your next spin than you did on the spin before. Don’t chase your losses. |
| Myth: You are not likely to win a jackpot if it was recently triggered. | Reality: Each spin is random. A jackpot can be triggered at any time. |
| Myth: If you use casino bonus money instead of the money you actually deposit, you have lower winning chances. | Reality: Payout rates are fair at a legitimate and reputable online casino, regardless of whether you play with a bonus or your own money. Just remember that some casinos have wagering requirements linked to wins won with bonus money. These requirements must be met before you can withdraw bonus wins. |
Myths aside, those who don’t believe there is a best time to play online slots do think that certain factors could influence your winning odds, including:
- A slot’s RTP rate.
- It’s volatility and variance.
- Knowing the rules of the games you play, how the features work and how they are triggered.
If you’d like to learn more about the above slots terms and others to improve your understanding of the game, check out my post on online slots terms.
What do I believe about there being a best time to play online slots?
I’m firmly with the naysayers on this one. I honestly don’t believe that there is a best time to play online slots that results in greater winning chances or hitting a jackpot. I also don’t believe legitimate online casinos reset prize pools at the start of the month on their slot games.
What I do believe is that the result of every spin I make is random. The outcomes of RNG software are not affected by the number of players playing the same game as me, the time of day I’m playing it, or if it’s the Christmas holidays.
Thinking that there is a best time to play online slots to boost your winning chances sounds to me like a fast way to fall down a problem gambling rabbit hole if you’re not careful, including chasing losses and betting beyond your means.
I think it’s far safer to face the fact that slot outcomes are 100% random. No spin is a guaranteed win. As such, the best time to play online slots is at a time that best suits me, at a legitimate and reputable online casino that offers the games I like and that guarantees fair payouts.
At least, that’s the best time for me to play, anyway. What about you? Do you think there is any proof to what some experts say about there being a best time to play slots online?
Until next time, good luck and have fun!
Mia 👩💻
*All links and images in this post are for information purposes only.
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