My Experience with the Shaving System on Slots – Any Tips or Thoughts?

Mar 18, 2025
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Hey everyone, just wanted to drop into this thread and share a bit more about how I’ve been using the shaving system with slots lately. For those who haven’t come across it before, the idea behind shaving is pretty straightforward—you gradually adjust your bet sizes based on wins and losses to try and stretch your bankroll while chasing those bigger hits. I’ve been tinkering with it for a few months now, mostly on slots like Starburst and Gonzo’s Quest, and I’ve got some thoughts to share.
What I like about the shaving system is that it gives me a sense of control, even when the reels are doing their random thing. I usually start with a smaller bet, something like $0.50 or $1 per spin, and if I hit a decent win—say, 10x my bet or more—I’ll bump it up a bit, maybe to $1.50 or $2. If I’m on a cold streak, I dial it back to the minimum to ride it out. It’s not foolproof, but it’s helped me avoid those moments where I burn through my balance too fast. Last week, for example, I was playing Book of Dead, and this approach let me stretch a $50 deposit into a three-hour session. Ended up walking away with a small profit after a bonus round finally triggered.
One thing I’ve noticed, though, is that the system works better on slots with medium volatility. High-volatility games like Dead or Alive II feel too swingy—either I’m waiting forever for a win, or the payouts are so big I don’t need to adjust bets much anyway. Low-volatility slots, on the other hand, give me too many small wins, and I end up second-guessing when to raise or lower my stakes. Has anyone else found certain games that mesh well with this approach?
I’ve also been watching some casino streams to pick up ideas, and it’s interesting to see how some streamers manage their bets in real time. It’s not quite the same as playing yourself, but it’s helped me think about pacing and when to stick with a machine versus moving on. My biggest challenge is sticking to the plan when a slot feels “hot”—it’s tempting to just keep betting big and chase the next win. Curious if anyone’s got tips for staying disciplined with shaving or maybe tweaking it for slots specifically. Also, how do you handle those moments when a game just isn’t paying out? Do you switch slots or stick it out with lower bets?
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and any experiences you’ve had with this system or something similar. Always good to learn from the community here.