Players in PA looking to get their game fix have been playing Pennsylvania Skill Games for several years. These skill-based machines are similar to slots, but the machines require a greater level of play and skill.
But is there a way to beat or hack a PA Skill game? We look at what players can do to increase their chances of winning with some tips and game hacks.
Of course, all gamblers know, even if some are reluctant to admit it, that games of chance, such as roulette and baccarat, are unbeatable over the long term. However, does the same rulebook apply to PA skill games? By definition, the player’s level of skill (in a specific area) will impact the outcome of the game.
Skill games in Pennsylvania have been in high demand for some time now, and their popularity continues to surge. While there are many types of PA skill games to choose from, with sports betting and horse racing being high on the list, this guide will focus on casino skill games, in particular.
How Do PA Skill Slot Machines Actually Work?
The majority of slot machines are ‘chance games’, which means as a player, you have no control over the result. Quite simply, you put your money in and let fate decide the outcome. Sometimes, you’ll win, other times, you won’t. There’s nothing wrong with games; in fact, they are extremely popular; just check out the PA mobile casinos for real money, where you’ll find hundreds of different titles to play.
However, many players want something different, and that’s where skill games come into their element. Let’s take a look at a few skill-based slot machines to better understand the differences between these games and traditional ‘chance’ slots.
These games of skill are a firm favorite with PA mobile casino players and were used by a lot of players at a time when online casino gambling in the state was not allowed. Unlike a mobile casino game, you need to sit down at a machine and play, whereas with a mobile casino, you can play on your smartphone anywhere in PA. Most of these new mobile casinos also offer a free play or welcome bonus to players as well, which you don’t get on a skill game.
Can you play Pennsylvania skill games online?
The popularity of games of skill, like PCH slots and Lotto games, has grown massively over the past few years. PA Skill games are not available to play online yet but there are some great alternatives like PA mobile casino games that can be played for and win real money. You can play table games, slots, and even against live dealers!
There are other games of skill you can play online, but the Pennsylvania skill machine games are not yet available.
How Do You Beat Pennsylvania Skill Game
If you search online, a question asked regularly on Quora is ‘How to best Pennsylvania skill game?’ The first thing to remember is that slot machine skill games have a built-in house edge, which will always favor the operator (in most instances, this is the machine developers).
Many years ago, there were folktales of magnets being used to manipulate the outcome of slot spins, but you’re unlikely to find those old cabinets around now to test this for yourself. With modern slots, how to cheat Pennsylvania skill games has become far more difficult.
The operator is running these games to make money, and while the skill element can make the game more rewarding for the player, the Pennsylvania skill games odds are only marginally better than those found on regular slot machines.
Tips & Hacks to beat Pennsylvania Skill Game
With casino game developers having wised up to the old school PA skill games cheats, the promise of guaranteed wins has been taken off the table. Still, that shouldn’t deter you from giving them a try – mainly because they are super interesting and highly enjoyable to play.
It would be fantastic if we had some insider knowledge and experts’ tips and how to overcome the house edge odds to increase our chances of winning. Fortunately, you can greatly enhance your chances of success if you have done all of your research and understand all of the rules and what is required to win a Pennsylvania skill game. With gambling expanding in the US and many bettors continuing to visit PA casinos, it is certainly helpful to have a grasp of which strategies to use to make some profits. This article covers some tips and steps to follow on how to defeat a Pennsylvania skill game.
Is it actually possible to overcome the odds and beat a Pennsylvania skill game? Follow the steps below and you will drastically improve your chances.
Hints & Tips to Beat a Pennsylvania Skill Game
- First, head to a PA casino which has the Living Large slot machine.
- Make sure you take a look at the prize viewer on the $0.40. If there isn’t a winner, the below steps apply.
- Spin 4x with a bet of $0.40 by choosing the middle tier every time. Even if you get frustrated because other tiles win, don’t let this affect you. You must keep choosing the middle tier.
- Up the stakes and bet $0.80 on your first spin, then choose the tile in the top left. On the second spin, go back to the middle tile.
- When you come to the third spin, choose the top right tile. Make sure you keep choosing these tiles even if they aren’t winning. Do not let anything sway your choice.
- Then decrease the amount you have been betting to $0.40. Consequently, you will now be wagering $4.00 per spin. Take another look at the prize view but don’t do anything.
- Reduce the bet amount to $2.00.
- Spin 4x by selecting the winning spins. If you are looking and spinning is not successful, select nothing then tap the bet button again. Then, the fifth spin will be a 1x,2x, or 3x bonus and you should receive a payout between $100–$240.
- You have the option to keep betting $2.00, with the free spins mixed in during the next five spins, which means you will get between $300-$1,200.
If you follow the above closely, you increase your chances of beating a Pennsylvania skill game.
Let’s also take a look at some other Pennsylvania skill game tips that are still relevant today that will enrich your gaming experience, and possibly with some good fortune, boost your bankroll.
1. Find the right skill slot
Whether you play skill-based slots or regular slots, you want to pick the right games, and most importantly, games that suit your bankroll. Among the things to consider is the RTP (return to player) percentage. This is how much the slot is programmed to pay out over an infinite number of spins. For example, if one skill game slot has an RTP between 92% and 97% and another is 93% to 98%, the second option will be better for your bankroll over the long term.
Also, check out the variance, most slot skill games are bonus rounds, but how often do they come around? If a slot has a low variance, this means it typically pays out regular small wins; therefore, your bankroll can go further in a single session. High variance games are the opposite. You can expect plenty of non-winning spins before a larger payout drops.
2. Skill beats luck
Although not a Pennsylvania skill slot machine hack, we want to highlight an important difference between these games. The skill category is quite broad. There are certain slots, such as Space Invaders, where you need to maneuver your spacecraft and fire at the oncoming aliens, whereas others may only require you to pick a certain box. The latter is more down to luck than any special abilities you might have. Always go for skill to put your fate in your own hands.
3. Practice makes perfect
Like anything in life, the more you practice, the better you become; this also applies to skill slot games. If you can master the skill element, then the rewards you’ll get will likely be greater than those afforded to regular slot players because you’ll be getting the maximum RTP (based on a lifetime average) from the game.
4. Try other forms of skill games
Slot machines are just one type of skill game in the Keystone state, so why restrict yourself? If you have an interest in football, baseball, or even horse racing, there are many opportunities to put your skill and knowledge to the test by placing real-money wagers. Furthermore, by betting online, you can pick up several bonuses, including free bets, to help swing the odds in your favor.
5. Have A Budget
This is an important rule when playing any type of game, including online slots and skill games. It is easy to get sucked into the fun offered by skill games and continue playing until you use up your bankroll. To prevent this from happening to you, it is important to have a budget in place even before you start playing. When you exceed this budget, it is crucial to stop instead of betting with money you can’t afford to lose. The same applies to wins too. Make sure you have a win limit, and stop playing when you hit your target amount.
What are PA Skill machine games?
If you have never come across a PA skill machine before, where have you been? Pennsylvania Skill games are not your typical gambling devices. Unlike a slot machine, where winning can come down to chance and is just a process of pressing a button or pulling a lever, Pennsylvania Skill games are completely different. The games require a level of interaction and skill. The more you play, the better you get and with this comes more chances to win.
These skill game machines are not a new thing and have been played across the US for close to 6 years. They do look like slot machines that you would find in a typical PA casino (or even a Vegas casino) but they are different in how to play them. A normal slot is mostly played with luck. A skill game requires a lot more practice, more concentration and there are things you can do to increase your chances of winning. Unlike slots, the Pennsylvania skill game odds are around 90% which is a good return to player (RTP).
PA games of skill need more involvement than just spinning reels. The games get you to tap symbols to playing fun bonuses on screen. They are designed and manufactured by Pace-O-Matic and are cleverly designed to avoid the normal gambling distinction and as such, can be played in places that don’t need a gambling license. Games like Ocean King are very popular arcade games of skill. They have been played in arcades for many years and although not available online, players would love the chance to play Ocean King Online for real money. Maybe one day it will be possible.
Are skill games legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes, playing skill games in PA is legal. A court ruling in 2014 in a Beaver County case ruled Pennsylvania Skill games are legal. This verdict was reached as, unlike a slot machine, winning depends more on skill than chance. There are a lot of locations across PA that offer gaming machines legally. Unfortunately, there are also several establishments where these machines are illegally available.
Pennsylvania skill game operators are requesting police shut down mini “illegal mini-casinos”, including one located in Beaver County. They have asked police to do this rather than single out Pace-O-Matic’s gaming machines, which are described as “presumably legal”. According to local law enforcement, illegal gambling operations are rare in the county.
Tom Marino, a former US Attorney who is now vice president of government affairs for Pace-O-Matic’s Pennsylvania Skill, has said that Keno and 777 Video Skill Slots found in the Hopewell Shopping Center operate as a “mini-casino”. He said that these games earn revenue via sheer luck, rather than from skill from a player.
Marino said they know it is illegal as they have been inside. He added that they are slot machines, and slot machines “can only legally be operated in casinos sanctioned and licensed by the state”.
According to Pace-O-Matic, a Pennsylvania skill game is separated from traditional gambling due to the mental progression players must follow before payout.
Final words
If you are yet to try a skill slot, we highly recommend them. For many players, including us, they are more immersive. The gamification modes add a whole new level and it’s cool that players can win a little extra from their own talent and ability.
You can find these games in many locations throughout the state, and some skill slots are now available online. This provides players with easier, more convenient access than ever before. Of course, if you do find an old 80s cabinet with a Pennsylvania skill machine hack, do let us know, so we can share it with our readers.
FAQ’s
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Skill machines work no differently from the modern slot machines existing today. The only major difference is the level of skill incorporated by these slots.
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Yes, according to a 2014 court ruling, it is legal to play Pennsylvania skill games. This is because winning a skill game is different from a regular slot machine since it is dependent on chance.
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While there is no certain way of hacking PA skill-based games, many tips can help improve your chances. These include finding the right slot, sticking with a budget, practicing, and aiming for skill instead of luck.