Who hasn’t dreamt of making the reels of a slot machine fall on the winning combination? In Lons-le-Saunier, Joa casino manager Bastien Camus reveals what goes on behind the scenes of the game and offers some advice on how to maximise your chances of winning a jackpot. He tells how luck can sometimes smile… on those who know how to wait for it.
When chance becomes a strategy
In Lons-le-Saunier, in the heart of the Jura, Bastien Camus, manager of the Joa casino, agreed to lift a corner of the veil on a subject that has always fascinated people: how do you hope to hit the jackpot?
From the outset, he calms the ardour of the most dreamy: there really is no secret to being sure of winning at the casino.
“All games, whether slot machines or table games, are governed solely by chance, and are subject to strict legislation prohibiting us from doing whatever we want.”
So should we give up hope? Not so fast. Behind this warning, the professional hints at a few ways in which luck could change for the better.
Small bets pay off big time
For a long time, slot machines meant that you had to bet as much as you could to win the jackpot. A bygone era, according to Bastien Camus:
“Slot machines have come a long way. Before, for example, if you wanted to win the jackpot, you had to bet the maximum. Today, on some slot machines, you can win up to €10,000 by betting just 50 cents.”
A change that gives hope to modest players. Far from the idea that only big bets lead to big wins, the evolution of machines seems to be opening the door to greater diversity in the profiles of winners.
A more generous redistribution rate
In addition to chance, the advantage also lies in the percentages. By law, casinos must pay out a minimum of 85%. The Joa casino in Lons-le-Saunier has chosen to raise the bar.
“Legally, the redistribution rate for slot machines is 85%; here we are at 91%. By comparison, at La Française des Jeux, you’re at 55%. So yes, you have a better chance of winning when you come and play with us.”
Bonuses and loyalty: the player’s true allies
Superstitious rituals have no effect on results. On the other hand, certain options built into the machines can make a difference.
“These are little games between games that allow you to choose, for example, mystery cards on a screen, which will offer you a certain number of free games in addition, for example. It’s still all about luck, but with a bit of interactivity that allows the player to choose directly.”
There’s also a simple but effective tip: use the casino’s loyalty card. Each game generates points that can be converted into tangible benefits, such as free meals or drinks. It’s a way of lightening the bill while prolonging the pleasure of playing.
In his explanations, the manager brings the player face to face with reality: the casino is entertainment, not a money-making scheme. But he also admits that with a little strategy, the line between dream and reality can sometimes be blurred… just long enough to hit a jackpot.