Should You Use Autoplay in Slots? 6 Pros and Cons of This Feature

They say time is money. This adage applies to many situations, including gambling. The more gambling you can squeeze into less time, the more money you stand to make (if you’re lucky enough, of course).

That’s why casino game makers created the autoplay feature in slot machines. Instead of having to hit the “spin” button each time, you can set your wager and spin over and over again with just one press of the button. And you don’t only find this feature in land-based casinos — online casinos also have slots with autoplay, too!

Let’s explore what makes autoplay in slots so great and review the pros and cons of using autoplay so you can decide if it’s right for your gambling strategy.

What Is Autoplay?

Autoplay is exactly what it sounds like — a feature where the game automatically plays for you. With the autoplay feature, you can complete dozens of spins without having to press the “spin” button each time. All you have to do is set a base wager for each spin, hit the “autoplay” button, and watch as the game plays over and over.

What the autoplay feature doesn’t do is affect the outcome. You won’t be more or less likely to hit a winning combination when using autoplay. It’s just about how many spins you get.

Types of Autoplay in Slots

Not all autoplay functions are the same. Some allow you to choose how many spins you want to go for at that wager, and then it spins until you’ve hit your set number of autoplays.

Other slots have autoplay features that have “never-ending” spins where you just set your wager, hit autoplay, and then stop the autospin when you decide to. These autoplay slots may let you choose a stop number, which is the maximum amount of money you’re willing to lose using autoplay, or have a built-in stop number that halts the auto spins when you’re on a losing streak.

All autoplay features in slots should let you stop the feature at any time simply by pressing the autoplay button (or another button) at any time.

For some, autoplay takes the fun out of playing slots. For many others, autoplay helps them optimize their slots play and maximize their winnings. But there are pros and cons to using autoplay that you should keep in mind.

Pros of Using Autoplay in Slots

There are many benefits of autoplay in slots, including:

• Can increase how much you win
• Can increase your chances of hitting the jackpot
• Allows you to multitask while gambling

Can increase how much you win

You can shave seconds off each spin by using the autoplay feature instead of manually hitting the button. Again, the more you spin, the more you stand to win. But that also means the more you can lose, too, if you’re not careful.

Can increase your chances of hitting the jackpot

While some people hit a jackpot on a single random hit, jackpot wins typically occur because the player played many rounds before finally scoring. That’s because the more chances you take at a jackpot, the more likely you are to get it.

Now, this doesn’t guarantee that it will happen for you if you have autoplay on for hours at a time. It just means that you’re betting more often than someone who only makes manual spins.

Allows you to multitask while gambling

When you’re playing slots at an online casino, you can set your autoplay and go about your business around the house or even watch TV while the game plays for you. That’s a key difference between slots and other online casino games, like blackjack and poker, where you really have to pay attention to play effectively.

This benefit is pretty much reserved for online casinos. Multitasking is against gambling etiquette at land-based casinos no matter what you play. Even if you’re using autoplay, it’s best not to be on your phone or get up to take a break, which could result in someone taking your machine (and your winnings!).

Cons of Using Autoplay in Slots

Autoplay can be a game-changer, but not for everyone. Here are some cons to using autoplay in slots:

• Can be bad for bankroll management
• No control over bet sizing
• Makes the game less exciting

Can be bad for bankroll management

With autoplay, you’re not in control of each spin. You sort of set it and forget it. That means you can easily go through dozens and dozens of spins on one bet amount. This can make bankroll management tricky because it’s harder to keep track of how many spins you’ve had and how much you’ve lost. In fact, you may end up losing more during an autoplay session.

That’s why it’s best to use autoplay in spurts and switch to manual bets to bring your focus back to the game, especially if you’re not having much luck.

No control over bet sizing

Some slots strategies call for players to actively change the bet lines and wager amount based on previous outcomes to best manage how much you have in your bankroll. Autoplay goes against this strategy completely. So it may not be a good strategic move for professional gamblers, especially those who rely on bet sizing.

Makes the game less exciting

The randomness of slots is what makes it so exciting. When you’re pressing the spin button each time, you’re actively engaging in the game. You’re eagerly waiting to see the results. But when you have autoplay on, the outcomes flash by very quickly and blur together with each spin. Plus, if you’re playing slots online and doing other things at the same time, you’re less engaged and might not have as much fun.
Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of using the autoplay feature can help you create the best slots strategy for your play style and budget. Now that you understand how this feature can transform your slots play, try it out at an online casino in New Jersey!