Slots are a much newer invention than many of the classic casino games, but that hasn’t stopped them becoming one of the most popular options in many casinos. Slot games feature simple core gameplay mechanics that make them simple to understand, with fewer rules compared to card games.
The rise of online play has only increased the profile of slot games, with even more varieties and variations around thanks to online Slots. There’s plenty to know before playing an online slot game, so read on to find out more.
Understanding the basics
Starting off with the basics, how do online Slots work? They’re essentially the same in principle as traditional slot machines, with players spinning the reels to see whether certain combinations of symbols line up on the payline.
But rather than using physical levers or internal mechanics, online Slots – and digital slot games in general – make use of something known as a random number generator (RNG). This computer algorithm is responsible for determining the outcome of each spin independently.
In any given second, the RNG generates hundreds to thousands of random numbers, with no distinguishable pattern. When the player activates the game, the current set of numbers are locked in, with each of them corresponding to the position of a symbol on the reels.
This is how slot games ensure that the result of every spin is completely random and unpredictable, so every player has the same odds of landing a matching combination.
The different types of online Slots
There are thousands of different slot games available online, so it’s good to know a few of the more general categories before deciding on a game to play.
Classic Slots are the closest you’ll get to traditional slot machines, often using just three reels and a small number of paylines. Usually, they’re also themed to match classic machines, using symbols like fruit, sevens and bells to match the more retro vibe.
Progressive Slots are defined by their jackpots, which grow over time rather than sitting at a set figure. Every time that a player wagers on one of these games a small fraction of that wager goes into the jackpot, pushing up the total jackpot figure.
Cascading reels Slots put a twist on the normal style of gameplay. Once the reels have stopped, the game isn’t over, as matching combinations will clear off the reels once counted and allow more symbols to cascade down into the available spaces.
Paylines and RTP
Two of the most important pieces of terminology to understand with online Slots are paylines and the return to player (RTP).
Paylines are the simplest of these concepts, as they are the lines that matching combinations must land on to result in a payout. Where classic Slots may only have a single payline there are online Slots that feature hundreds of potential paylines.
The RTP represents the percentage of all wagers that a slot game will return to players over time – hence the name. If a game has a 95% RTP, then it will return 95 out of every 100 wagered on average. But this figure is calculated over very long periods, so it is more of a guideline on odds and not a guarantee of short-term returns.
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We’ve only just scratched the surface of the subject of online Slots, but you should have a better understanding of some of the essentials now.
