Slot machines have always been incredibly popular. Now that slot machines have gained a digital format, they have gained an even larger fan base. The exponential growth in popularity means there is always something new for everyone to learn.
If you are new to the gaming world, you should know the main terminology of online casino games. This knowledge will help you navigate the gaming process by building proper strategies and making quick decisions.
Types of Slot Games
Players can access thousands of slot machines based on the type and the related complexity. These include:
3D Video Slots
Features high-quality graphics, providing the illusion of 3D visuals on the screen.
3-reel Slot
Features three reels and usually three rows of symbols. Symbols start spinning vertically upon pressing the spin button.
5-reel Slot
Represents a more modern type of slot, with five reels and three or four rows. A more complex structure represents a more complex gameplay.
Classic Slot
Traditional slot machines with three reels and one payline. An old-fashioned visual design imitates the classic gaming experience.
Progressive Slot
Known as progressive jackpots that increase with every approved bet. The jackpot continues growing until it is triggered by players.
Fruit Machine
Classic slot machines that use fruit symbols like cherries, lemons, and plums.
Mobile Slot
Slot machines are optimized for gameplay on mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets.
Slot Mechanics and Key Features
Slot machines have different mechanics that determine the gameplay. The key features include:
- Spin is the act of pulling an arm on the side of the slot machine or pressing the “spin” button, which makes the reels start moving.
- Auto spin is the slot feature that allows slot players to set a certain number of spins to run automatically. It removes the need to press the spin button each time players want to start gameplay.
- Payline is the line across the reels where similar symbols land to activate a win. These lines can be placed horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. They may also follow more complex zigzag patterns. Classic slots usually feature just one payline.
- Active payline on a slot machine is a line of symbols (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) that decides a winning result in a spin.
- Zig-zag is a set of complex or non-linear paylines that stick with a zig-zag pattern across the reels.
- Symbols are special icons that appear on reels upon spinning the reel. The most common symbols include bars, lemons, cherries, sevens, stars, etc. Symbols are used to build winning combinations that determine final payouts if any.
- Wild symbol is a symbol that replaces other game symbols and helps build winning combinations.
- Expanding wilds are wild symbols that grow to cover other positions in a slot game. These wilds can stretch to cover the entire reel for high winning potential.
- Multiplier is a special feature that increases the win amount after building a winning combination or as part of the bonus.
- Free spin is the bonus spin, mainly activated by specific symbol combinations or as part of bonuses. It doesn’t require users to place a bet.
- Cascading reels represent a bonus feature that appears each time you land symbols on the reels. Winning symbols disappear and new ones appear in their place, potentially creating more wins.
Slot Payout Terms
Slot machines are known for small but frequent winnings due to their simple mechanics. Players should know how to manage their winnings. The main glossary for payout terms includes:
- Maximum and minimum bets are the largest and smallest stakes that players can bet on any given market.
- Betting units represent a percentage of the total bankroll that you want to risk on a particular bet. For example, if you have $500 for betting purposes and you decide to spend 1% of your bankroll as a betting unit, you will place bets with a $10 value each.
- Jackpot is a slot machine that requires you to spin the reels and wait for the outcome. It can have a fixed reward or a progressive reward that grows until someone hits a jackpot.
- High or low variance determines the slot’s risk profile. High variance slots promise rare but large payouts. Low variance slots promise frequent but small payouts.
- Hit frequency is estimated by its volatility, not the bet size. The lower the volatility, the higher its hit frequency and the smaller the payout. The higher the volatility, the lower its hit frequency and the larger the payout.
- Return to Player (RTP) is the average percentage of wagers a game is expected to pay back to players over time.
New players should spend some time learning the terminology for slot machines. Knowing which game to choose, how to start gameplay, and when to make payouts can improve your user experience. Make sure to know the glossary before taking the first step.
