Okay, so what do I mean when I say that you cannot build a bankroll on slots? Well as you probably realize, many slot and casino channels over the past year or so have published videos helping new or casual slot players have a better chance at going home a winner after a trip to the casino. Now there is no problem with that. Help goes a long way. However, the terminology used in some videos and in their titles is something that players should question. Think about it. What does it mean to “build a bankroll?”
When I see or hear that phrase, this is what I typically envision in my head:
- Making something higher; in this case, your bankroll
- Number go up!
- Make more money!
The problem with such a statement is that some people may come to the conclusion that your “bankroll building” method is a surefire way to win every time. Slot machines, like most gambling in a casino, are a negative expectation game. While you may get lucky in a single session or day trip, you will lose more often than you will win over the long term. That’s not “building a bankroll.” That’s decimating a bankroll.
Now some channels do correctly warn that you can still lose when attempting a “bankroll build,” which is good. Some also advocate building their bankroll on low volatile slots over high volatile ones. Personally, I think it does not matter whether the game is low or high in volatility. The casino still has the advantage. Recently, it has come to my attention that even high volatile slots are being promoted for bankroll building, which is even more insane!
So what am I trying to get at here? Well it’s word use. There are better words to describe your method without deceiving your viewers, either by accident or on purpose. Instead of “building a bankroll,” say “bankroll management” or “budgeting” instead. I agree that it is important to have a budget plan for the casino and to stick to it just like with any form of entertainment, especially since it can be easy to get carried away in a casino environment. However, I would never describe managing your entertainment budget as “building a bankroll.” If you want to build a bankroll at a casino, learn to play poker or learn to card count. Or just forget the casino and invest the money instead. Even with video poker, I will never tell you that any of my budgeting advice is a way to build a bankroll since most video poker games still have a house advantage. I just happen to prefer video poker over slots for the casual gambler because your money will last longer, making it a great choice for players with small budgets, say $20 or $50 per session.
I hope this video will inspire other influencers on YouTube and elsewhere to stop referring to budgeting on gaming entertainment as building a bankroll. Maybe I’m overreacting, maybe I’m not, but I’m trying my best to look out for the casual gambler. Let me know if you think I’m right or not. Keep it civil, but I definitely want to know your thoughts in the comment section of the embedded video at the top of this page.
Best of luck on your next casino visit.
Go make it happen!