Managing your bankroll is key to playing online slots for a long time. Your bankroll is your available gambling budget to play slots within your means. With so many enticing games offering big payouts, it’s easy to overspend and drain your bankroll. Implementing smart slot bankroll management strategies will help you stretch your funds, ride out downswings, and hopefully grow your bankroll over time.
Set a slot bankroll
Establish a set amount you comfortably afford to gamble with as your allotted slot bankroll. Make sure it’s money you potentially lose without affecting finances needed for bills, living expenses, or savings. Many experts recommend starting with a bankroll equal to at least 200-300x your minimum bet size. So if playing $1 slots, have at least $200-300 bankrolled. Initially err on the conservative side so you have funds to weather inevitable losses in the volatile slots world. Also have a clear loss limit where if your bankroll dips that low, you cease playing to prevent completely busting. Leave room to recover from downswings.
Use proper bet sizing
Maintaining your slot bankroll requires proper bet sizing. As a general rule, wager no more than 1-5% of your total bankroll per spin. So if your bankroll is $500, bet $5-25 per spin. This gives you enough time to play while absorbing losses. Those playing jackpot slots with max bets of $500 can’t apply this rule. But most online slots have low minimums allowing conservative bets. Varying bet sizes keep playing affordable during cold streaks while optimizing wins on hot ones. Have a minimum and maximum wager you stay within based on bankroll size.
Bonuses
One of the best ways to extend a slot bankroll is by taking advantage of bonuses and promotions. Welcome and reload bonuses give you extra funds to play with on top of your deposited bankroll. You stretch bonuses over multiple gaming sessions when using smart bet sizing. Cashback offers, loyalty programs, and competitions all boost bankrolls. The key is wagering bonuses on appropriate games to abide by playthrough rules without negating the bonus value through excess losses. Reading terms and playing tight make bonuses a lucrative bankroll asset.
Quit while you’re ahead
When having a notable winning streak that grows your bankroll substantially, don’t get greedy. Know when to call it a day and bank some profits instead of playing them all back. Gambling after a big win often leads to giving back gains when your luck turns. Protect slot bankroll profits by regularly withdrawing portions to guarantee to keep the money won. Even after big losses, end sessions once you reach your stop loss limit to prevent anxiously chasing with the few remaining dollars. For more info, check my blog.
Playing slots while impaired by alcohol or other substances often wreaks havoc on bankrolls. Intoxication impairs judgment leading to rash all-in bets, site chasing, and loss of discipline. Never play slots while drunk or high. You’ll have substantially more losing sessions. Many sites even display responsible gambling messages indicating the dangers of intoxicated play. Wait until fully sober so you make rational choices protecting your bankroll.