Slots is the most popular casino game at both online and land based casinos. The reason for this is simple - playing the game is relatively easy, highly enjoyable and the payouts can be tremendous. In fact, some of the biggest payouts in history are thanks to slots wins.
On the surface it appears that there is nothing much to mastering the game of slots. You insert a credit and you press the button in the hope that the symbols on the screen will line up with a winning combination. However, there is more to slots than just inserting credits and randomly pressing the spin button.
How Slots Work
You insert a credit into the machine. You then press the button to activate the machine to spin. All machines operate on reels - some single reels and some multiple. Each reel is made up of different symbols and numbers. There are also pay lines that cross the screen. These pay lines can range from just one to over 20. If the right combination of symbols land in line with the pay lines, you will win a predetermined amount according to the machine's payout table.
Types of Slots
You get three main types of slots: Classic slots, video slots and progressive slots. Classic slots are modelled on the types of slot machines you will find at land based casinos. Video slots are slightly more complex in their graphics and experience, but function more or less the same way as classic slots. Progressive slots (both classic and video) are linked to a bigger jackpot which means that every time you wager a bet, a percentage of this bet will be added to the overall jackpot prize.
The Glossary You'll Need to Know
Reels and Pay lines: Most online casinos operate with the standard 3 reel, single pay line. However, due to the fact that online gamblers (as you know) keep demanding more from their online casinos, the software developers have taken slots to a new level in the last few years. It is not uncommon to find an online casino that offers up to 7 reels and 21 pay lines.
Coins and max bets: This refers to the lowest amount that you are allowed to bet. Most online slots start as low as 25c and can go all the way up to $5. Depending on the amount of pay lines, this will determine the amount of the maximum bet. For example, if the machine has 3 reels and 7 pay lines and the machine uses $1 coins then you can either play with a single coin, or max bet to play every line to take your maximum bet to $7. Most machines will have a "max bet" button.
The most important thing to remember in online slots is to have fun and to keep your head. There is no point in blowing your whole bankroll on a sequence of max bets in the hope of going for the jackpot. You need to protect your bankroll because the longer you hang in, the more chance you have of winning.
By playing conservatively when you start out, you will not only be teaching yourself discipline but also allowing yourself time to get more experience in what slots work best for you.