Slots, or “one-armed bandits” have recently enjoyed popularity, although they began to appear quite a long time ago, in the 90s of the last century. In this article we will talk about how to play real slot machines online, as well as the general rules and principles of playing slots.
What is and how do slot machines work?
Slot machine is a special type of equipment that is installed in a land-based or virtual institution and is used for gambling in demo mode or for real money.
Some time ago, gambling slots were exclusively online casino real money. The player had to pull the handle and transfer momentum to the drums. Modern systems are not like them, as the generation of results is according to other technologies. An electronic system is responsible for the result in the form of winning or losing. In the end, huge shafts and gears were able to replace a small board.
How to play slots: a step-by-step guide
The rules of the game in classic slot machines are simple and understandable, if you follow the simplest instructions.
- Find the right casinos
They can be land-based and virtual. An important role is played by paying attention to the experience of the organisation, the degree of its prestige, the amount of entertainment and reviews of real customers.
- Choose a slot machine
At this step should take into account the return rate of the slot, the relevance of the plot and the degree of complexity of the game.
- Familiarise yourself with the rules and payout table
To win, it is not enough, barely familiarised with the list of gambling devices, immediately get down to business: it will take time to study the conditions – deposits, bets, “output”, as well as familiarising yourself with the payout table, which indicates the ratio of symbols falling out on the reels and bets.
- Place a bet
The minimum size is determined by the casino, the decision on the final amount is made by the player. You should not bet little if you have confidence in yourself. But also should not bet too much if money is “in short supply”.
- Start spinning the slot
Start the drums by pressing the “Start” button, which is on the scoreboard of each “one-armed bandit”.
- Keep an eye on your bankroll
In order not to give in to emotions and act according to common sense and reason, it is recommended to monitor the ratio of won and lost money and control your own budget.
Basic rules of slots
To play slots correctly and not face major losses and disappointment, it is necessary to adhere to several basic principles. The player’s task comes down to putting money into the machine. In land-based casinos accept cash or club cards, in virtual platforms – bank “plastic”, electronic money, sometimes – cryptocurrencies, transfers.
At the very beginning of the game, the participant determines the amount of the bet, selects the number of lines, presses the “Play” button. After stopping, a random combination of symbols appears. If it is paid, the amount is credited to the account. If not, the money is lost. When receiving the bank, it is possible to take a risk or play a bonus by pressing the corresponding button.
Payouts are made in situations when winning symbols appear on the field – vertically or horizontally in a line, zigzag, diagonally, etc. The falling out of bonus symbols leads to the launch of the bonus game, involving spins, prizes, jokers and so on. Catch the bonus is difficult, the probability depends on the chosen strategy. The number of paylines depends on the specific slot and its rules. The amount of winnings depends on the bet made and the combination that fell out.
The largest prize is the jackpot, it is not in all slots, and can be fixed or progressive. In the first situation, the payout is made according to a strictly set amount. In the second situation – in the case of falling out of specific combinations. Familiarise yourself with the rules of the game can be found on the casino website, the slot itself or in a detailed description of the machine.
Terms in slot machine
Elements of terminology in slots come in different forms, and it is recommended to familiarise yourself with the theoretical block before starting the gambling process.
- RTP
Assuming that the average player visits all slots and bets, he will lose about 10% of the total investment. The remaining 90% is the return to player, i.e. Return to Player, or RTP. In classic slots it ranges from 91 to 97%.
- Volatility
The most difficult indicator to determine the presence or absence of dividends for the formation of successful combinations. In simple words, it is income in theory, not in practice. This parameter depends on the final winning rate and its size. People who are experienced in this business, accustomed to risk, choose devices with a high level of volatility. Even if losses happen, and they will happen, they can be compensated by a large amount of winnings received in the end.
- Payout line
One of the main terms that characterises the line on a slot on which a combination becomes a prize. In classic devices prizes were given for the formation of combinations in the centre of the field, users had to collect the same signs. With the development of the virtual sphere and the expansion of the range of machines began to use more complex schemes with straight lines, zigzags, diagonals. The player has the right to independently choose the number of lines for the game, which is counted in tens and hundreds.
- Payout table
It is commonly understood as a set of conditions that need to be studied to understand the values of symbols and their practical value. From these characteristics depends on the size of the expected win or loss.
- Minimum bet
This is the minimum amount that can be bet on a particular event, in the case of one-armed bandits – the falling out of winning combinations. The more experienced the player, the larger the initial bet he can afford.
- Maximum bet
This is the maximum amount available for creation in one-armed bandits. Large bets are usually made by players with experience and excitement.
- Wilds
“Wild” symbols that represent the simplest possible bonuses. If repeated signs line up in one line, and among them there is a Wild, the player receives a large win provided in a particular machine. If there are several Wilds, the amount increases even more.
- Expanding Wilds
This is the same wild symbol, but it expands and allows players to get large sums of money within the entire line of symbols.
- Stacked Wilds
The essence of the element is the manifestation on multiple cells and the possibility of collecting a rare combination. The profits are higher as opposed to the player’s expectations.
- Scatter
Occurs rarely, allows you to earn larger sums of money in the bonus game.
- Jokers
This is the image of a joker, the card, like the pattern, can take on any role according to specific rules. Some games have multiple jokers, varying in colour and graphics. The designation is the letter “J” in Latin.
- Jackpots
The secrets of slot machines are that they allow you to win millions of dollars due to jackpots – the main prizes. The chances of them are lower in contrast to the regular payouts, but they are there. All you need to do to get them is to play regularly and make large bets.
