Slots are a universal casino favourite, thanks to their simplicity and the big payouts they offer. The machines themselves can look a little snazzy, too, with bright video screens, high-definition displays and quirky themes. But you’ll need to know a few basics before playing slots online or in a land-based casino.
Pay Tables
The slot machine pays out if you hit matching symbols in a line of reels. The symbols are often arranged in groups of three or more, and they’ll be shown on the slot’s pay table – a list that shows what you’ll win if you hit certain combinations.
RNG Explained
The Random Number Generator (RNG) is the computer chip inside every slot machine that makes a thousand mathematical calculations per second. It generates a sequence of numbers that will trigger the bonus feature, such as free spins or a mystery pick game.
If you’re lucky, the slot’s random number generator might also pick a winning combination for you. That’s why it’s so important to choose a machine that offers good odds – if you get a lucky streak, you could win huge amounts!
A slot machine’s paytable is an essential part of any gambler’s education. It shows how much you’ll win if you hit the right symbols, and it also highlights any special symbols, such as wilds or scatters that can boost your chances of hitting big.
Getting Started
The first step in playing slot games is to sign up at an online casino and deposit funds into your account. Once you’ve done that, you can select the slot machine you want to play and place your bet. You can then click ‘Spin’ to start the round.
When the slot machine’s wheels stop spinning, the corresponding symbols in its paylines will be displayed and you’ll receive a payout based on the values listed on the paytable. Some of the symbols can be wild, meaning they can represent several other symbols to complete a payline.
Symbols in the Machine
A traditional slot machine has five reels and three paylines, but some modern machines have more than one payline or a different number of paylines. This can increase the odds of triggering a bonus feature or hitting a progressive jackpot, but it does mean that you’ll have to wager more money to play these features.
Choosing an Online Casino
As more and more casinos move to online betting, players are finding it easier than ever to enjoy slot games from anywhere in the world. While it’s true that live casino favorites are easier to find in an online casino, it’s also possible to discover a whole host of new slot titles from game makers you might never have played before.
Bonuses and Promotions
The biggest perk of playing online slots is the plethora of bonuses available. Many online casinos offer a small sign-up bonus to new players, and others will give you a larger bonus if you make a deposit.
