When you sit down to play slots, the main focus is usually on the spinning reels in front of you and lining up winning combinations. But on some slot machines, you’ll also be presented with optional side bets that give you additional betting opportunities beyond the base game. Slot side bets are optional extra wagers the game allows you to place alongside or in addition to your regular spin bet. They essentially give you more ways to bet within the same round of play. Side bets range from simple 50/50 coin flips to predicting events like:
Specific symbols or symbol combinations landing on reels
Triggering free spins, wheel spins, or other bonus features
Hitting progressive or pooled jackpots
Gambling on the outcome of a minigame
The key defining trait of slot side bets is they are completely optional. You play the base game slot as normal without them if you wish. When the opportunity to make a side bet appears, usually on certain spins, you decide whether to place the extra wager or not.
Potential advantages of slot side bets
Gameplay sessions with side bets are more dynamic and unpredictable. You have more ways to win and more people to root for. This increases the excitement factor significantly. SOB77 offer the opportunity to win considerable jackpots above and beyond what you could normally score through base gameplay alone. Many side bets have huge fixed rewards or progressive prizes in the thousands. While side bet odds aren’t as favorable as the base game, the magnitude of the potential payouts is exponentially higher. Even a modest side bet investment on the right spin could lead to life-changing money. When you hit a cold streak during base game spins and can’t hit any wins, a well-timed side bet provides a nice boost. Even if your main spins are letting you down, side bets offer independent chances for wins that recoup losses and revive your bankroll.
Tips for using slot side bets effectively
Use Small Bet Sizes – The temptation is to bet big on side bets trying to maximize your chances at those huge jackpots. But it’s smarter to keep side bet amounts low about your base bet. Protect your bankroll and limit losses by wagering cautiously. Modest side bets still produce great rewards if you get lucky.
Focus on Simple Side Bets First – All those elaborate, multi-faceted side bets wait. Start with basic side bets like red/black, odds/evens, or symbol landings to get your feet wet. Simple side bets with clear binary outcomes are best while learning. Over time you graduate to more complex side wagers.
Study the Side Bet RTPs – Before embracing a side bet, check the RTP percentage. The higher the RTP, the more favorable the odds and returns to you. Most legitimate casinos disclose side bet RTPs somewhere in the rules or help section. Only play side bets with RTPs that seem reasonable compared to the base game.