Advantage Play Key Terms & Definitions

Advantage player (AP)

A gambler who uses skill, strategy, and analysis to gain an edge over the house. Advantage players focus on opportunities where the odds are temporarily in their favor, such as exploiting +EV (positive expected value) scenarios.

Expected value (EV)

A measure of the potential profitability of a play. When a slot machine is in a +EV state, the player has a statistical edge over the house. However, this doesn’t guarantee immediate wins—+EV reflects long-term profitability, meaning consistent play over time should result in positive returns. Some opportunities offer slight +EV, while others, such as certain progressive jackpots or wild reel setups, can provide significant and sometimes guaranteed profits.

Persistent state machines

Slot machines with features that carry progress over from one player to the next, such as accumulating symbols or bonus triggers. These machines can enter +EV states when progress has been built up by previous players, creating opportunities for advantage play.

Bankroll

The total amount of money set aside for gambling. Proper bankroll management is crucial to mitigate losses and sustain long-term advantage play, especially when dealing with variance.

वैरिएंस

The measure of unpredictability or risk in a game. High-variance slot machines have large swings, with the potential for big wins but also significant losses. A sufficiently large bankroll is essential to manage the ups and downs of high-variance games, even when they are +EV.

Return to player (RTP)

The theoretical percentage of all wagers a slot machine will pay back to players over millions of spins. RTP generally ranges between 85% and 98%, with higher denominations often offering higher RTP. It’s important to note that RTP does not apply to short-term play, as outcomes are determined by random number generators (RNGs).

Progressive jackpot

A jackpot that grows incrementally as players make wagers. These jackpots can be tied to a single machine or linked across multiple machines. Some progressives, such as must-hit-by (MHB) progressives, are guaranteed to pay out before reaching a specific value, creating potential +EV opportunities when the jackpot nears its maximum.

Must-hit-by (MHB)

A type of progressive jackpot that increases incrementally and is guaranteed to pay out before reaching a specified dollar amount. For example, an MHB might start at $250 and be required to hit before $500. These jackpots often draw players as they approach their upper limit, presenting potential advantage play opportunities.

Denomination

The value of a credit or unit of bet size on a machine. For example, a 75-credit bet on a 1¢ machine equals $0.75, while the same bet on a 10¢ machine equals $7.50. Machines with higher denominations often have higher RTPs, making them more favorable for long-term play.

Coin-in

The total amount of money wagered on a machine, not to be confused with losses. For example, if $1,000 is wagered and the machine pays back 90%, the player’s actual loss would be $100. Coin-in is often used to measure a player’s activity.

Vulture

A player who targets obvious opportunities left behind by others, such as persistent-state machines that are close to triggering a bonus. Vultures often lack a deep understanding of +EV and rely on copying the strategies of more experienced players.

Camping

Sitting near a machine and waiting for another player to leave an opportunity behind, such as progress toward a bonus. While some advantage players engage in camping, it is generally considered inefficient and can draw negative attention.

PAR sheets

Confidential design documents provided by slot manufacturers to casinos. These sheets outline critical details about a machine, including RTP, volatility, hit frequencies, and jackpot odds. While not publicly available, some advantage players use this information to optimize their strategies.

Ploppy / Normie

A casual player who plays slot machines without understanding game mechanics or strategy. Ploppies / Normies are often responsible for building progress on persistent-state machines, inadvertently creating opportunities for advantage players.

Degenerate (degen)

A term used to describe someone with a gambling problem. In some contexts, it refers to a player who occasionally attempts advantage play but uses any winnings to fund unprofitable gambling.

Tilt

A state of emotional frustration that leads to irrational gambling decisions. Tilt often occurs after significant losses or bad variance. Advantage players should stop playing immediately and leave the casino if they feel they are losing focus or control.

Hustler

A general term for someone who plays slot machines with the goal of making a profit. Hustlers may range from casual players attempting basic strategies to highly skilled individuals using advanced techniques.

Unit

A standard measurement of a bet size. For example, a bonus paying 100 units would be $50 for a $0.50 bet and $500 for a $5 bet.

Nerfed

A term used when a machine’s settings are modified to reduce its profitability for players. This often refers to software updates that make +EV opportunities harder to achieve.