Before you start playing, set a budget and a time limit, and stick to them. Log off (or walk away) when you hit the limits to prevent play from negatively impacting other areas of your life. Discipline ensures that online gaming remains pleasurable. Likewise, if the fun stops, stop. To coin a phrase. Even if it’s before your allocated limit. Why play if you’re not having fun? Knowing when to stop is an underrated skill that, ultimately, you teach yourself.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve told myself, “Just one more spin.” We’ve all been there. At some point, you’re still going to have to call it quits. So be prepared to call it. Keep an eye out for these flags so you don’t get sucked into a slot vortex.
- When you’re tired.
Although online slots are easy to play, the last thing you want is to continue playing when you are tired. You want to be alert and ready to take advantage of any winning chances. This is particularly true for bonus rounds, sticky symbols, and other special features that may pop up on the reel.
- When playing stops being fun.
Playing online slot machines is fun and exciting. It’s entertainment, not a source of income – like watching a movie, reading a book, or playing pool games with friends. So do it for enjoyment.
Quit playing slot games when they stop being fun for any reason—be it too many losses, weariness, or just mental distraction. Log off and take a break.
- When you reach your betting budget limit
Before you start playing online slots, set a budget. Set aside money exclusively for playing the slots. Never use money you cannot afford to lose. When you hit your limit, stop playing. Take a break, do something else and remind yourself why you set the budget.
- When you are making too many losses
If you keep losing money, take a break. Log out of your online casino account. Step outside for a walk. This is why you set your loss limit. You can have one set for each session. And an overall budget for the month.
- When you have reached your win limit
Most people set the maximum amount of losses they can take from a slot machine. However, not everyone sets the win limit. Decide on your session win limit before you start, and stick to it. For instance, you could walk away once you’ve won $250. Don’t let the excitement of winning cloud your judgment; take a break and enjoy being up on the session.
- When you’re intoxicated
Don’t play real money slots when you’re under the influence. Most drugs, beit alchohol, cannabis, or any other, are going to impair your judgment. Chances are you’ll start making mistakes. In fact, casinos give out alcoholic drinks for that reason – you’re more likely to bet more and riskier decisions when intoxicated.
- When your internet connection or device is unreliable
Online slot machines are full of features, graphics, animations, and other elements that rely upon a stable internet connection and devices working well. If the slot machine is lagging you should stop playing because you may miss out on features like bonus rounds, free spins, and wild symbols.
- When you’ve done your bonuses and rewards
If your objective was to use your welcome bonus, free spins, or other casino rewards, take a break when you’ve finished them.
- When you’ve won the jackpot
It doesn’t matter if the jackpot is worth millions or thousands of dollars; Celebrate.
- When it turns into problem gambling
If you have been playing online slots obsessively and impulsively, you may be addicted to gambling. You will probably continue to play despite losing. A gambling problem can affect your financial, psychological, emotional, and physical health, not to mention it will damage your friendships and relationships. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Do you borrow money to fund your online slot play?
- Is playing slots affecting your health?
- Are you preoccupied with playing slots all the time?
- Do you feel anxious, irritable, or restless when you stop or reduce gambling?
- Do you need to increase your bet amount to enjoy playing online slot machines?
If any of the answers are yes, you may have a gambling problem. It is time to walk away from the online slot machine and seek help for the problem. You can get help, support, and resources from:
- National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)
- The National Council on Problem Gambling Helpline
- Gambling Help Online Helpline
- GamCare
- Gamblers Anonymous (Gam-Anon)