Slot machines are one of the simplest and most exciting casino games you can play. These are fun and profitable, and all you need to do is place a bet and spin the reels. Back in the day, the mechanical slots included three reels, but today, there are digital slots with 5 or more reels that come with different prizes and various ways to win. However, the slots involve a lot more intricate workings, which is why the Gambling ‘N Go experts will outline all the essential things about how online slots work.
Quick Jump ⇣
In a Hurry? How Slots Work
The main objective when playing online slots is to win the prize. To do this, you need to place a bet and spin the reels. In online slots, you don’t pull a mechanical lever but press the Spin button, engaging the spinning of the reels. When the reels stop spinning, you will see the outcome and compare it to the slot paylines that are the predetermined symbol combinations.
Online Slots Basics
The modern slots that we find at the best online casinos are the advanced versions of the old mechanical slots. The online slots are digital games based on complex computer programs programmed to display a random result on every spin, ensuring a random outcome.
The main algorithm that runs the online slots is the Random Number Generator, or RNG, which works in the background by producing random combinations. Thus, online slot games are not rigged; instead, these provide an exciting pastime and plenty of objective winning chances, as winning these is based on luck and random chance.
Credit: 20Bet
✅ Main Online Slot Features
Apart from the RNG, all online slots also have reels, symbols, paylines, and so much more. Here is an overview of the main online slot features that you need to know when you learn how to play slots online:
- Reels – the slot reels are the vertical lines that display moving symbols when you “spin” them. Classic slots have with 3 reels, but today, online slots usually come with 5 or more reels
- Symbols – the symbols depend on the theme of the specific slot, and these are displayed on the slot reels and come with different values. Online slots come with a pay table that displays the value of the different symbols, so you’ll know what to hope for
- Wild Symbols – the wild symbols are found in many online slot games, and these can take the place of any other symbol and can help you complete a payline and claim a win
- Scatter Symbols – the scatter symbols bring higher wins when you are lucky enough to get one or more of these. In many highly profitable slot games, a scatter symbol will trigger a special round
- Paylines – these are predetermined lines with symbols that determine the winning combinations. The symbols will need to be lined up in a specific line, which will trigger a win, and most online slots today come with 25 paylines
- Slot Bonus Rounds – these are standard features at many online slots, and these award higher prizes and provide significantly more exciting gameplay. Here are the usual slot bonuses you can find:
- Free Spins – the in-game free spins feature will allow you to spin the reels without placing a bet and can boost your winning chances
- Re-Spin Bonus – this is a built-in feature that is awarded at random, and you get to do a do-over on your last spin
- In-Play Games – these are interactive games that you trigger when you spin the reels. Many of these are various extra games that add an extra layer of excitement
- Pick & Win – an in-game feature that allows you to select one from a selection of prizes that can be a money prize, a free spin, or a multiplier
- Instant Win – this slot feature grants an immediate cash prize
✅ Minimum and Maximum Bet
Every online slot game comes with a minimum and a maximum bet you can place. The different slot games have various limits that you can adjust in-game. We need to mention that the various slot games have varying rules that you need to learn, as some games require you to place a bigger bet to be eligible for the jackpot. Such is the case with many progressive slots that require you to place a bet of specific value to play for the massive progressive jackpot, while you can play for the regular prizes if you place only the minimum bet.
✅ Theme, Graphics & Sound Effects
All slot games follow specific themes. That said, these come in an incredible variety, and today, we can find slots with Viking-based themes, Ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire or Greek Mythology, mythical creatures, jungle themes, sports and fishing, fruits, space, and so much more, that we can’t list everything here. The slot’s theme is what will draw the player’s attention to the game.
Also, online slots now come with incredible graphics design and plenty of appealing visual effects and animations. Online game providers are constantly working on providing more and more advanced designs that attract players so that you can expect an impressive visual treat.
Accompanying the visual effects are the sound effects and soundtracks that usually follow the theme of the slot. So, expect to hear soundtracks and sound effects that correspond to and complement the slot’s theme perfectly.
Credit: Casinia
Online Slot RTP, House Edge, and Volatility
The above features are the main aspects of online slots, but there are other essential things we need to cover, and you need to know when you select an online slot game to play.
Slot RTP
The most important one is the slot RTP, which is a metric that determines the theoretical return of the money you’ve staked in the slot game. It is a theoretical metric that is calculated over millions of spins, which is why it is often disregarded for short play sessions. A general rule is that high RTP slot games tend to bring higher wins.
Slot House Edge
The slot house edge is intrinsically connected to the RTP, as this is the casino’s take from every spin. It is also a theoretical value, as it is calculated over millions of spins. But, we can simplify it as the difference between the total stake and the RTP. So, if a slot game comes with an RTP of 97%, it means that for every $100 you bet, you stand to win $97, and $3 goes to the casino.
Slot Volatility
Another vital metric is slot volatility. The slot volatility shows the slot payout ratio. A slot that has low volatility will pay out more often but will award smaller prizes. Adversely, a slot that has high volatility will pay out less often but will award larger prizes. Also, the slots that have high volatility come with a high payout potential because of the chance to win massive jackpots; the slots that have low volatility come with a lower risk because of the increased opportunity to win. The balance between these is the medium volatility slots that come at a balanced level of payout vs. frequency.
Types of Online Slots
Now that we’ve covered the basics of how online slots work let’s outline the main types of slot games you can play online, whether by joining an online casino or using your preferred mobile casino app:
- Classic Slots – These are the simplest form of online slot games, as they are based on the outline of mechanical slot games. These usually come with 3 or 5 reels and have straightforward prizes
- Multi-Payline Slots – the multi-payline slots usually come with 15 to 25 paylines. It means you get more winning chances, as the symbols can end up arranged in different ways that can trigger different prizes
- Ways-to-win Slots – there are slot games that don’t have set paylines, but feature multiple ways to win. These can offer upwards of 200+ ways to win, but we need to mention that most of these provide small prizes
- Progressive Slots – the progressive slots don’t have a fixed jackpot; instead, the bonus amount rises progressively, collecting a small amount from every placed bet and accumulating massive amounts
- 3D slots – 3D slots employ 3D visual effects that provide a more pleasing visual experience where you see three-dimensional symbols
- VR Slots –VR slot games involve advanced VR technology and provide a more immersive playing experience by bringing the player into the game
Online Slots vs. Mechanical Slots
Online slots are basically computer programs where you click a button to spin the reels, while mechanical slots are complex mechanical machines where you need to manually spin the reels. Here is a comparison table between online and mechanical slots:
| Feature | Online Slots | Mechanical Slots |
|---|---|---|
| Design | RNG-based digital games, advanced graphics and sounds | Mechanical reels, limited visual effects |
| Betting | Flexible betting options and adjustable paylines | Simple paylines |
| Gameplay | Multiple paylines, interactive features, and bonus rounds | Simple play, usually a single payline |
| Jackpots | Fixed jackpots, progressive jackpots | Fixed jackpots |
| Interaction | Virtual interaction, touchscreen, immersive experience | Physical interaction with the machine, tactile feeling |
| Payouts/RTP | Higher RTPs, multiple winning combinations. | Lower RTP and limited winning combinations |
| Features | Free spins, multipliers, wilds, and more. | Very limited special features |
| Availability | Online, accessible almost everywhere | Only found in land-based casinos |
Conclusion
Online slots today have come a long way since their mechanical predecessors. These are digital games based on complex RNG algorithms that come with exciting themes, interactive features, immersive graphics and sounds. Online slots also come with flexible betting options and other appealing features, which is why online slots have become one of the most-played casino games worldwide today.
Credit: Wazamba
FAQs
How can I win an online slot?
There is no special formula to help you win online slots. In fact, slots are a game of chance, so you rely only on luck, but you can check out our tips and slot strategies that may help you boost your winning chances.
Are online slots rigged?
No, online slots are not rigged, as these are based on an RNG that ensures a random outcome with every spin.
Are mechanical slots easier to win than online slots?
No, nothing is pointing out that it is easier to win a mechanical slot rather than an online slot. In fact, mechanical slots usually come with a single payline and have only one way to win. In contrast, online slots come with multiple paylines, interactive features, and many ways to win.
What determines the payout in online slots?
The RTP or return to player determines the payout in the online slot game. This metric is given as a percentage, where you see the percentage you can expect to get back for every $100 you bet. So, if a game has a 94% RTP, it means you can expect to win $94 of the $100 you bet.
Where can I find an excellent online slot game?
You can find good online slot games at reputable online casinos that have impeccable reputations and enjoy good popularity online. We suggest you look for trusted, licensed, safe online casinos like 20Bet, Nomini, Casinia, Red Dog Casino, Wazamba, Spin Casino, or Slots Empire, as we’ve tested each of these and found their slot offers versatile.
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