I always play all of the lines on these type of machines...sometimes I randomly select 1x, 2x 3x based on intuition but always play all lines.

Again, there is no point playing all lines on a machine where you are not comfortable with the total bet per spin.

On the multiple line machines, always bet the maximum number of lines linked with the amount you are comfortable with. On reel machines I ALWAYS bet the max, as that play is needed for most jackpots.

I agree with gabby. I never bet more than I can afford to lose. That being said, I try to bet max when I can. Some machines have 30 or even 40 lines (or 50 to 100- like Bombay or Stinckin Rich machines)- then even on a penny machine it's more than I personally want to bet- I still do max lines, but not max coins per line. On some machines (hot hot penny or treasures of troy) where they advertise "243 ways to win!" you have to bet max LINE to be eligible for the "added bonus" like bonus respin feature, etc. All in all it's up to you, but I just hate that feeling when I get a bonus when betting 1 coin per line-- in my head I'd be going "I should have bet 3 coins!"

I always play max no matter what demonination.

Betting the maximum lines and maximum coin per line on a penny or nickel video style game is a sure way to go broke in a hurry.

Now on 3 reel machine with a progressive is a must. Betting max on a Blazing Sevens is a must. but on all the rest of the three reel machines, maybe yea, maybe no. its only the very top combination that will pay enough to make it worth playing max be.

You must read the pay tables and understand them. there is a lot of variation on three reel machines.

now to confuse the issue even more?

If you play quarter three reel machine, with 100 quarters to play, I personally think playing one quarter per spin gives me 300 spins to hit a jackpot.

If you play 3 quarters(max), you get 100 spins to hit a jackpot. Which gives you a better chance?

If the machine hits the jackpot, you only win the total jackpot if you've done max bet. I'd feel ill if I hit the big one and hadn't done max bet! And, if it were a machine where you couldn't do a bonus round if you haven't done the max bet, I'd be kicking myself forever. Nope, if it's me playing, gotta be max bet!

On the scatter pays I play all lines, number of coins per line is optional though since bases are already covered. But still, I even like max bet on those machines unless it's a $1 machine and max bet is $45 a pop! That's too rich for my blood!

I don't play slots - everything I've learned about them tells me it's a horrible bet, one I am not willing to make. I'm frugal - so want value for my money and slots does not give that to me.

I don't think there is any "ususal" bet, as you asked.

For expert advice on gambling read www.wizardofodds.com, it will help you.

bridge- no offense, but as a slot player I must say that some of us (slot players) play for entertainment purposes. Yes there may be a bigger chance for me to "lose" than "win" but then again I am not going to casinos thinking "this is going to change my life" or "I need my rent money"- I gamble whatever amount I can afford to "lose', if I win, I win. It's a personal choice, some like splurging on meals, some like to go see the shows, etc.