How to Play Slots
At the online casino, there are some games that are timeless and will never go out of fashion. One of them is the slot machine, an immensely popular game type that has made the big switch from physical machines to online casinos. With so many available, it’s sometimes a little difficult to find your way through the world of slots. This guide will cover everything you need to know about this classic game and how to play it.
How do Slot Machines Work?
Modern online slot machines use a random number generator or RNG to determine the outcome and the symbols that display on the vertical columns or reels on the screen every time you pull a lever or push the spin button. This is the digital version of the original mechanical drums that created the cascading reels and winning paylines. In those old slots, you would physically have to pull a lever that would set off the mechanism within the unit, but today’s video slots are mainly digital, even in physical venues.
Step-by-Step Guide to Playing Slots
When it comes to playing online slots, if it’s your first time, you are going to want to be prepared for each step of the process. While that might make playing sound a little formal, it’s important that you make an informed decision when parting with money for a game. Here, we’ve broken down the most important points that we think new players could follow when picking out their chosen slot.
- Choose a game: Pick the theme, the number of reels, and the type of slot that appeals to you most.
- Familiarise yourself with the slot layout: While all slots are different, most will follow a similar layout, with the reels at the centre of the screen and the buttons to use at the bottom of the game.
- Understand reels: The vertical columns full of symbols on slot machines are known as the reels. These will rotate and form different combinations of symbols, with some potentially leading to wins.
- Get to grips with paytables: A paytable will tell you everything you need to know about the slot, including the symbols you need to watch out for, the winning combinations and their payouts, and the bonuses and extra features that can trigger.
- Know how wins are formed: The paytable will go a long way to helping you here. Different combinations of symbols, such as five cherries on one row, will form what is known as a payline. Clusters, however, take away the need for them to all be on one line. Instead, you simply need a set number of the same symbol anywhere on the reels to create a winning combination. Get to know what wins your slot offers before playing.
- Prepare for bonus rounds: Some of the best slot games now available will include extra rounds that switch up the gameplay and give players a chance to trigger the bonus feature. You’ll find bonuses like progressive jackpot rounds where a wheel is spun, instant wins, and free spins.
- Understanding Free Spins: If you unlock a free spins round, you’ll have the chance to keep the reels moving without losing any of your spins or using up your credit. Many online slot games incorporate a free spins round, and all will be different. The instructions menu will provide you with all you need to know about the free spins round in the game you are playing.
Understanding Bonus Features
Bonus features come in a wide variety, with every slot game bringing its own twist to gameplay. Before you begin playing a slot its worth looking at the menu to view information about game rules and how the bonus features work in your selected slot.
Terminology in Online Slot Games
Find all the common terms that are used in online slot games below.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 3-reel slot | A slot machine with three spinning reels |
| 5-reel slot | A slot machine with five spinning reels |
| Bonus | A special feature in online slots |
| Cascading Reels | When a win appears, it is removed and re-added |
| Casino Bonus | A bonus offered to players by their provider |
| Expanding Wilds | Wild symbols that substitute for multiple symbols |
| Fixed Jackpot | A grand prize of a set value, not progressive |
| Free Spins | A bonus feature where players can spin for free |
| High Volatility | Win less often, but those wins are higher value |
| Jackpot Slot | A slot game with a higher payout than most games |
| Low Volatility | Win more often but with lower values |
| Max Bet | The maximum amount you can stake per spin |
| Min Bet | The minimum amount you can stake per spin |
| Multiplier | The value that wins are multiplied by |
| Paytable | A table with all potential wins in the base game |
| Progressive Jackpot | A jackpot which gradually increases over time |
| Return to Player | The average value players receive per £100. |
| Scatter Symbol | A symbol used to unlock bonus rounds in slots |
| Wild Symbol | A symbol that substitutes for all icons except scatters |
Tips for Playing Slots Online
Like with any casino game, you should always go into playing slots with a clear understanding of how the slot works. There are some universal tips that players can keep in mind that can be applied to their gameplay.
Avoid Chasing Losses
Slots are a game of chance that is underpinned by random number generators. This means that you can never guarantee an outcome. Even if you have picked a slot with a low volatility and a high RTP, those details are based on testing over long periods of time and it’s possible that your return will be lower. As slots are entirely random, it is not certain that you will win or even break even, so don’t think that you have to increase your bets to recoup any losses. It’s better to select a budget for playing slot machines.
Bankroll Management
Knowing not to chase losses is one thing but good bankroll management is even more than just that. As mentioned, setting a budget that you are comfortable losing can help to avoid significant lossess. This should be your beginning bankroll. From then on, you need to know how much you would like to stake per spin.
Understanding Mechanics
Ultimately, the most important thing for you to understand when you choose to play slot machines is the game itself. Familiarise yourself with the mechanics of your chosen title, as some will have different features that might not be standard. Does your game have a re-spin feature? A nudge? Is it a modern slot, or is it a classic three-reel style? Knowing the ins and outs of the game will improve the gameplay experience, as you’ll not be taken by surprise with any of the mechanics.