Slots are one of the most famous casino games of all time. Accounting for more than 70% of casino games nowadays, you’ll see them everywhere in both land-based and online casinos. Since it’s simple to understand and easy to play, it’s no surprise that many players, beginner or not, tend to try out slots first before moving on to other casino games.
While slots appear straightforward to play, there are things you need to know and consider before playing that will increase your chances of winning. To know about them in detail, read on as Casino Days has gathered everything you need to know about slots:
How online slots work
To better understand and play slots properly, you have to know the basics such as RNG, rows, reels, pay lines, symbols and RTPs. Knowing each and every one of these slot aspects can give you a better idea of what you’re playing and dealing with.
- Random number generator (RNG)
This software is a built-in program for online slots that generates a random sequence of numbers that determines what symbols appear on the reels at the end of every spin. This assures you that every spin and game is fair. Plus, professionals generally double-check these to ensure that the results are random and unpredictable.
- Rows
In a slot machine, the horizontal lines that hold the symbols are called rows. The number of rows is something to consider since it can affect the chances of winning. For instance, the odds of getting the same symbols decrease as the number of rows in a slot increases. So if you want to determine your chances better, knowing the number of rows can be a great place to start.
- Reels
Reels are the vertical lines that contain symbols such as fruits, 7s, diamonds or bars. Depending on the game, the number of reels might range from three to five or more. Slot machines that use reels offer fewer bonuses considering the number of reels but the chances of winning are much higher compared to rows.
- Paylines
Paylines may seem confusing to a beginner but its concept is easy to understand: these are lines on the reels that determine where you should land matching symbols to score a win.
Each type of slots has its own set of paylines. For instance, classic 3-reel slots commonly have 5 paylines while video slots usually have 25 lines.
- Symbols
A slot game’s symbols vary depending on its theme. A great example is the famous retro-styled slots that usually have bells, diamonds, fruits, bars and 7s as symbols.
Knowing each type of symbol and what it means can help you determine your level of winnings. There are only 4 important types of symbols for you to consider when playing slots:
- Standard symbol – Regular paying symbols that determine the value of your payouts. They usually come in two groups, low and high-paying.
- Wild symbol – Substitutes standard symbols in the game.
- Scatter symbol – Triggers additional features during your game when a specific condition is met. It’s usually symbols of an icon that says ‘scatter’.
- Bonus symbol – Bonus symbols usually trigger a corresponding bonus feature.
Most online slots have pay tables that tell you what each symbol means and how much they pay, making it easier for you to play without being concerned about your potential payoff.
- Return to player (RTP)
An RTP is the percentage of total bets a game pays back to the player throughout its lifetime. Most online slot games have an average RTP of 94% and 96%. Most experienced players always consider and check the RTP before playing since this gives them an idea of which games are more likely to pay.
Type of online slots
There is a variety of slots with each having its own unique set of characteristics, functions and offers. Knowing each one individually and figuring out what works for you best can up your chances of winning and make your games more enjoyable.
- 3-Reel Classics
The 3-reel classics is the simplest of all types of slots since it only has 3 reels and one pay line, making this a great option for beginners. Unlike other types, this doesn’t have bonus features and only has basic paying symbols like fruits, bars, diamonds and 7s. So if you’re looking for an easy and fast-paced game of slots, you can always try the 3 reel classic!
- Video Slots
Video slots offer multiple numbers of reels depending on the machine but most commonly offer 5 reels. And unlike the 3 reel classics, this one features numerous pay lines, increasing your chances of winning. It offers a lot of fantastic images, sound effects, and themes available from a variety of software providers.
These also offer free spins, bonus rounds, multipliers and many more in-game features that can help you get a better chance of winning. Most online slot games are under this category so if you’re looking for a game of slots with great features, you can give video slots a try!
- Progressive Slots
Progressive slots are unlike any other of the types. Its payout increases with every bet placed on the game until someone wins the jackpot, which means the prize only gets bigger in time.
Winning the jackpot depends on the game rules and usually involves triggering bonus features and landing special symbols. Once the jackpot is won, it will return to its original price. This is the perfect type of slot game if you want a bigger payout.
- Branded Slots
The branded slots type is a new addition to the variation. They’re usually based on television series, movies, sports celebrities, popular games and even rock bands. They are created using content from originals and are developed through licensing agreements.