Learn to play - Slots

[Eyeonhevn]

I have come home from most of my cruises never stepping into the casino - and realizing some (small) amounts have been put on my account for free play. The few times I've been in the casino and sat at a slot machine - and makes me feel like I'm in a different country looking at a different language. (Admittedly, I don't visit casinos off ships either).

But I'd like to think I could sit down at a machine and play 20$ worth and understand what I'm doing? 

I googled "Learn to play slots Royal Caribbean" and I'm given a rc.com page that says there is "learn to play sessions" on board. Will these show up on the daily schedule and we pick one and show up? or reservations required? My RC App is populating activities for my upcoming cruise - I've reserved all the shows. But I'm not seeing anything related. Is there a video I could learn? 

Thanks in advance!

 

[twangster]

Perhaps try Youtube.  There are videos about slots for beginners.  They work on ships the same as they do on land so don't focus on Royal Caribbean.  

 

[AshleyDillo]

The learn to play sessions in the casino are for the table games.  They are usually held 15-30 minutes before the casino opens on the first day

Each slot machine is different and yes, it can be very confusing. 

There isn't much skill involved, it's more of understanding how much you are betting per spin and how many payout lines you are playing.

Everyone gets at least $2 in freeplay loaded to their SeaPass card that's only available on days 1 and 2 of the cruise. That's always a good way to give it a try -- use the free money for a few spins.

[JimnKathy]

23 minutes ago, AshleyDillo said:

The learn to play sessions in the casino are for the table games.  They are usually held 15-30 minutes before the casino opens on the first day

Each slot machine is different and yes, it can be very confusing. 

There isn't much skill involved, it's more of understanding how much you are betting per spin and how many payout lines you are playing.

Everyone gets at least $2 in freeplay loaded to their SeaPass card that's only available on days 1 and 2 of the cruise. That's always a good way to give it a try -- use the free money for a few spins.

While I don't gamble much anymore, I always forget to take advantage of the Free Play credit on my cruises. Looks like I'll go down to the casino for a few minutes on our next cruise and donate my credit back to the gambling gods. LOL 

Can I do a "high roller" $5 hand on blackjack these days? 

[TexanTwoStep]

Hi,

There is really not much skill (actually, none) with a slot machine.  Think of it like an instant lottery ticket.

Once you press the spin button, the computer on the machine (random number generator)....from there your fate is sealed on whether you win or not.  The bells/whistles/animations are just for show.

However, if you need assistance I can almost guarantee you that a casino attendant will help you.  Have fun!

[Traveling Mike]

Be very careful.  I am not a gambler but I have played slots and tables for 45 years.  It is real easy to play a slot machine and think you are betting pennies and find out you are betting $7 at a time.  I would find someone you are cruising with that understands slots and have them show you how they work.

[Eyeonhevn]

2 hours ago, Traveling Mike said:

Be very careful.  I am not a gambler but I have played slots and tables for 45 years.  It is real easy to play a slot machine and think you are betting pennies and find out you are betting $7 at a time.  I would find someone you are cruising with that understands slots and have them show you how they work.

Yes! Exactly why I’m asking. I sat down at a slot machine and it was confusing. Claiming to be Penny - the multiple lines, the multiple bets…. I pushed one button and my free play was over. 
 

id like to understand the machines. I’m not a gambler but the casino is intimidating and the machines confusing. I’m not traveling with folks that have experience with slots.

[Tropix]

Look up slot play on youtube. Lots of "how-to" videos, some about specific machines - others about the types of games and so forth. 

You'll likely find the 'watch me play this' type a bit more useful just to get the layout of the machines and the betting options down. Better at home in your own time than at $2.00 a pull

[Rackham]

Here's one of the better overview videos I've seen on slot play.

Cowboy Slots, Why you LOSE at Slots How to Fix it! Demonstrated by a Slot Tech ️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmL95EfLRCY

Basic slot literacy with links to additional videos which relate to what's introduced in the video.

 

From the same channel about cruise ship slots, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_dwe5Ha2UA

 

 

[Traveling Mike]

On 5/19/2025 at 4:08 PM, Eyeonhevn said:

I’m not traveling with folks that have experience with slots.

I am a very forward person, so it is easy for me to say but...   Look around the casino for a couple playing one machine that looks like they are having fun.  Talk to them and ask if they will explain what they are doing.  Or sit at the bar and talk to people about slots.  

[bcarney]

Slots are pretty simple. Just put some money in the machine, hit the button or pull the lever, and repeat until all your money is gone.  At least that's my experience.

 

[Pattycruise]

You can ask just about anyone playing slots how that particular bank of machines work. I’ve done that-most slot players are friendly.

 Mistakes I’ve made
 Not checking to see the machine says 1 cent -if it’s a multi denomination machine.  
hitting the max bet button (instead of the play button)
not Clicking on the “game rules” or “help” button so I could read about “what’s what”
Checking that machine is indeed at 1 cent denomination but not checking what the value of my bet was 50cents, 100 cents, 150 cents etc.  One would think the machine would automatically reset to the lowest bet when someone is done playing.  That is not always the case.