As we’ve discussed here recently, some slots have been hitting with just limited pays when it comes to line hits. Part of why we’re discussing is players notice, and aren’t always happy about it:
I have noticed that some machines have dismal line hit payouts. One that comes to mind is the Quick Hit Link machines. You may be betting $6 on the $.10 denom, but the line hits come out to around $1-2. Why have these machines if the payouts are so dismal?
Brad B.
As it turns out, Quick Hit Link is one of Brian Christopher’s regular machines right now, often because it’s a lower volatility machine that often delivers decent size hits frequently, because there aren’t many massive payouts built in, so it’s giving you more along the way.
But let’s look at a couple of the key reasons why games like this might be coming out.
The Money is Somewhere
If a game has small line hits, the money’s likely somewhere else. Big Hot Flaming Pots has an open-ended bonus that can go on for awhile, so that’s the draw.
On Quick Hit games, it’s not just line hits, but the Quick Hit potential of enough of those symbols coming out and offering a prize that tends to outshine the line hits. In the case of Quick Hit Link, the addition of credit prizes can further amplify those wins, which take a bit more importance now (although they’ve always had some oomph).
Similar to other games that have taller reels in certain scenarios, when your line count increases in the double high reels in the bonus, that can add some weight to the payouts that are offset by smaller pays per line.
Players Like Them
You ask why have these machines, and the simple answer is: We as players play them.
At G2E we saw a follow-up game that adds a fourth upgrade option, not uncommon for the next wave of games that follow the three pot format. The games have remained a highly ranking game since their introduction, not the easiest feat when so many games are coming out over time.
Casino Floors Offer Variety
This and other games where the weight has shifted further towards bonuses indicate that’s what players want right now, and slot makers will make games to scratch that itch. But that’s not the only direction they go, because over time slot makers and casinos have come to realize there’s different types of players, with different types of wants.
There are still slots introduced with good line hits and less emphasis on the bonuses doing all the work, so it’s up to us to vote with our wallet based on what we want to play. You can’t always get a sense of what direction a slot goes just by looking at it, so exploring how a slot works through slot videos or write-ups on sites like ours is a great way to understand which games might be better for your taste.
Takeaway
It may seem counterproductive to sit down at a slot where the line hits are anemic, but sometimes that’s because the game is simply structured to deliver a more potent experience elsewhere, such as in the bonus. If that’s not your cup of tea, other slots will offer a more balanced experience, so it’s a matter of finding what you like on the casino floor.
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