Invented in the nineteenth century, slot games are casino staples that offer simple game mechanics and generous winning opportunities While the payouts can be impressive, it's important to understand the basics of how slot machines work before you play There are a number of common misconceptions about these machines that can lead to bad gambling decisions The sixties shook up many industries, and casino gaming was no exception The decade brought new technologies and changes in casino operations, including the introduction of video slots that were more convenient to use and had greater payout potential These games were also more popular than the mechanical reel machines that still existed at the time Charles Fey is credited with creating the first coin-operated slot machine in 1894 His invention featured a handle that set the reels in motion and playing card suitmarks that lined up to form poker hands Fey's machine was a success, and by the early 1900s it had become widely used in saloons and other gambling establishments Getting greedy or betting more than you can afford to lose are the biggest problems when playing slot games The best way to avoid these pitfalls is to learn about bankroll management and choose lower stakes per spin or line This will help your money last longer and reduce your chances of a big loss It's also a good idea to avoid choosing a favorite machine If you're too attached to a certain machine, you might be reluctant to leave it when it stops paying out A better strategy is to play multiple machines at once, as the belief is that loose machines are situated near tight ones https//wwwpowdernshinecom/ may not always be the case, but it's worth a try You should also pay attention to the machines' lights The color of the light indicates the denomination of the machine, and it will flash in specific patterns if a service call is needed In addition, the machine will display an indicator that tells the player if it is ready to accept coins or cash, jackpot information, and more If you see a jacket on a chair or other indication that someone has left for the restroom, don't sit down to play that machine The person will be back later, and you could end up in the middle of a nasty confrontation The best way to prevent this is to look for a machine with a HELP or INFO button that will explain the game's payouts, play lines and bonus features It's a lot easier than trying to guess how a machine works