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A good gambler will find a good casino game everywhere. Most of my fellow readers have probably become interested in testing their luck at gas station slot machines. I was surprised to see them at a gas station for the first time. Yet, did you really think I haven’t mastered them meanwhile? 

Understanding Gas Station Slots

There are similarities and differences between gas station slot machines and the ones you can find in typical casinos. For starters, even if you know how to win at slots, playing unregulated and unlicensed casino games of this type is never going to be a good idea. No one guarantees you will manage to get a single penny out of it. 

What about the differences? Well, we primarily need to highlight that, in some states, gas station slots are in the grey zone. The developers behind these machines have “added a layer of skill,” allowing gas stations to keep these games legally. Today, instead of finding flippers, pegs, and similar games, you can play slots similar to Simon’s game for the late 70s and Shoot’em style affairs. 

Another thing you need to understand about them is how their RTP works. If these games are licensed by the responsible regulatory body in the state where they are legal, their Return-to-Player rate will be fine. It won’t be as high as it would be in real casinos, but it will be above the minimum determined by the law. 

The good news is that paying with cards is possible. Because of that, at some (small number) gas stations, you can enter the system and enjoy loyalty programs similar to those at US casinos. 

Can You Win on Gas Station Slot Machines?

Well, this is a tricky question. As I said, their RTP is lower compared to typical slot machines at casinos. Apart from that, the amount of money going through these games isn’t too big. Therefore, I have to be honest and say that the chances of winning are relatively low. 

Moreover, it may seem surprising that some of these skill-based slot games come with progressive jackpots. Unfortunately, they are not too big, and players can’t hit them too often. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t ever win. Applying certain strategies is a must! 

What is the Excitement to Play Slots at a Gas Station

Honestly, the excitement at casinos and gambling sites is much higher compared to the one you can get at a gas station. Yet, I can understand people who like to test their luck this way occasionally because it does come with certain benefits. 

Gambling at a gas station is a unique opportunity. You are not surrounded by crowds, noise, LED lights and all of those things. Some people are seeking places where they can gamble and relax in silence. At the same time, if you are like a manta ray, social and ready to entertain yourself at every moment, be sure there are a few players that you can hang out with.

Gas stations are more accessible than casinos, and people can find them in locations that are closer to their homes. Their working hours usually never end, which means they can have fun 24/7, which is especially meaningful if you can’t make a balance between your and traditional casino’s working hours. 

There are two more exciting reasons behind gas station gambling. Imagine yourself going to get some gas, and you grab some winnings after the slot session. Isn’t that a hell of a surprise? It is like getting gas for free. Of course, you can pay extra if you lose money. In the end, these places are good for socialization. Many people visit them during the night! 

Where to Find Gas Station Slot Machines Nowadays?

You need to research the local laws and confirm that slots are legal in your jurisdiction. That may not be the case! For example, Louisiana, West Virginia, Illinois, and Nevada are pretty flexible regarding slot machines. In these states, you can find slot machines in various places, including restaurants, bars, truck stops, and gas stations. 

The good news is that gas station slot machines in the mentioned states are more convenient. They are all regulated and licensed by the local authorities. That means their RTP must be above the minimum determined by the law.

For instance, the RTP of slot machines can be from 80% to 99.9%. Most gas station slots will have an RTP of around 80%, which differs from games you can find in real gambling venues. As I said, the chances of hitting bigger wins are lower, and you need to be aware of that. 

On the other hand, Texas, Florida, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania are states where these machines are not regulated. Even there, you can find gas station slots, but no one guarantees they are legit. Worst of all, their RTP isn’t exposed.  

How to Win at Gas Station Slot Machines: Optimal Betting Strategies

With gas station slots, the number of strategies you can develop is limited. Before everything, don’t expect massive rewards. It would be pretty dumb to raise your bets on these games. Instead, define the upper limit of each spin value before even coming to the gas station. 

Moreover, my recommendation is to determine the best time to play these games. Just like in real casinos, big rewards and jackpots are released when more players are participating in the games. I managed to hit a jackpot and several larger winnings during the night. However, this differs from one gas station to another, so analyze the patterns and payout cycles at your place. 

Ultimately, check the value of jackpots. Although they are rarely released, their value is often similar. Turning autoplay with smaller bets can raise your chances of winning. That’s how I got it! 

Recognizing Patterns and Payout Cycles

Yes, I am pretty sure you are not spending the entire day at a gas station. But whenever you have the chance, try to recognize patterns and payout cycles

From my experience, the biggest rewards are achievable between 12 and 4 AM. Logically, gas stations are most visited during that period, and most people want to test their luck. When more money enters the system, the algorithm will have more space to release some bigger hits. 

Moreover, the gas station slot machines let you see the history of jackpots. That’s how I got a silver (read: medium) one! I saw it is usually released between $1200 and $1700. When I came to the gas station, it was around $1650, so I gave it a try. After half an hour of playing, it was around $1680, and I got it! I turned on the autoplay feature to raise my chances. 

Managing Your Budget

As you can conclude from the previous part, gas station slots are not my cup of tea. Their RTP is low, and in some states, they are not even regulated. Consider this a source of fun, and don’t expect any larger wins. 

In other words, don’t spend too much money playing it. Spend only a tiny part of your bankroll on this cr*p with tips I shared in mind to raise your chances. Keep in mind — you are there to get some gas.

Gambling in a land-based or playing at an online casino is much wiser, though.