Online slots come in a range of variations, with themes, bonuses and differing reels. Yet at their core, they all share the same principles. In this article, we discuss the basics of slots for those who are considering playing.
Online slots can be somewhat confusing. With a range of themes, different bonuses and special features, getting started with slot games can be intimidating. However, at their heart, all slot games share the same idea and once you understand this, you can attempt any type of game. Below, we provide the essential guide to getting started with online slot games.
Spinning the reels
The online slot industry generate over $60 billion in revenue every year. Part of their appeal lies in slot games, and the reels are the key to any slot. These are the parts that spin and contain various symbols. When you manage to align the symbols, then you win.
Some slot games add interest and differentiate themselves by changing the number of reels available to spin. By adding reels, they increase the ways you can win, known as the pay lines. They may also let you have longer combinations of symbols, resulting in higher pay outs. Some systems, like the Megaway slot games, will even add reels as you play.
Of course, before you can spin the reels you need to deposit credit. This is done by putting the money in the slot, or if you are playing online, depositing with your provider.
Slot game symbols
Symbols are the factor you will find changing the most in slots. They are generally divided into higher and lower-paying ones. When you align these in given orders, you will win money equivalent to the symbols and their payout.
You will also find that they change depending on the theme of the game. For example, a classic slot may have 7 and cherry symbols as its high-paying characters. Yet a game with an Ancient Egyptian theme may replace these with the pyramids or the sphinx.
There are several special symbols that games may also introduce. These are not paying symbols but will serve a special function.
Wilds
Wild symbols are very popular in slot games. They act as any other symbol in the game to help facilitate a win. For example, if you needed three lemons in a row, but had a lemon, wild and lemon, it would act as the missing symbol to get you a payout. In many games they even have multipliers attached, increasing the win you would normally get by a given amount.
Some games will take the concept of wilds even further. For example, they may have stacked wilds. They will appear one on top of the other, creating payouts on different reels at once. Expanding wilds are similar, but will expand across reels when they appear increasing the available pay outs.
Scatters
The appearance of scatter symbols will change depending on the theme of the game. However, their role stays the same. They don’t have to appear on active pay lines to be activated. As soon as they are visible, they will instigate a specific function. The most common of these are providing free spins and providing entry into bonus rounds.
Free Spins
Free spins are a major feature of slot games, and they are also used as bonuses by providers to reward customers and get people to sign up for their service. They do exactly what they say. Free spins allow you to spin the reels without making a wager. This will let you win without using your bankroll for a short time.
When using free spins, it helps to understand the terms and conditions that often come attached to them. In some cases, free spins will not allow you access to the bonus rounds in a game. This is where the highest amounts can be won.
If they are awarded as part of a reward or bonus from providers, you should also check the small print. Many of them have wagering requirements, so if you do win, you may need to deposit a certain amount before you can withdraw the funds. This often means they are not free at all, so check the game rules before you begin.
Live bonus games
When looking for a new title, you may come across live bonus games. These are a fairly new phenomenon in the realm of online gambling. They involve specialist bonus rounds that use streaming technology. Once you access the round, you are connected to a host in a studio who will play a game with you, much like a television game show.
Each game will operate differently, so you will need to check how the bonus round works before you begin. In most instances, you will be able to scoop large multipliers to boost your total. There are even well-known shows like Deal or No Deal who lend their license to these, so they may already be familiar.
Make sure you read the rules of the slot game. Check the high and low paying symbols, and what you need to do to get a payout. Start with an easy-to-play, low-reel game. From here, you can branch out to more complicated titles with expanding reels and lots of bonus symbols.
