Page 17 - Southern California Gaming Guide • April 2020

a small entry free, often $20 or $30. There are sometimes re-buy-ins for slot tournaments, as well. What Are the Odds of Winning? To determine the odds of winning in a slot tournament, you need two pieces of information: how many prizes are offered and how many players are taking part in the tournament. For example, if there are 200 players in a tournament and there are prizes for the top 50 players, you have a 1 in 4 chance of at least winning something. You have a 1 in 200 chance of winning the top prize. Slot Tournament Winning Ways What can you do to increase your chances of winning? Luck plays a big part in winning a slot tournament. However, speed and concentration are the two most important skills you will need. Since you must play within a certain time period, you must play fast. Each winning spin increases your total score. The TournEvent system has the added feature of on-screen bonuses where players can press an image to receive big bonus points. All tournaments have a time limit, and to have a chance of winning, you need to play the maximum amount of spins. This means you have to keep pressing the spin button as soon as the tournament session begins until it stops. One way to maintain speed is to keep your fingers on the spin button and continue tapping it to spin the reels. A few seconds of delayed hit on the spin button can create a big difference of earning more credits. Don’t waste time counting credits, and don’t waste time getting annoyed on near-miss spins. Keep tapping the spin button or screen, and don’t let anything distract you. Some players often cheer when they hit a big win, but each second of lost time will allow other players to gain on your scores. Every fraction of a second can add a few more points. It’s not unusual in slot tournaments that only a few points can separate first and second place winners. The elements of speed and concentration are vital factors required for a good slot tournament strategy. It is also important to concentrate on what you are doing and not let other players distract you. While you may want to see and compare your points to other players’, don’t. It wastes time. Wait until your session time is completed to see your score. And turn off your cell phone! Don’t let anything disturb you from your goal: pressing that spin button and racking up points! Join a slot tournament party at a Southern California casino, and who knows? You just may end up being the best slot tournament player! APRIL 2020 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAMING GUIDE PAGE 17