Slot Terminology

Slot Terminology

Slot machines are the most popular game played at online casonos. To help you understand slots in detail, we have put together a guide to slot terminology, describing many familiar slot machine definitions and meanings.

Reels

Reels are the vertical sections that spin when a player initiates a slot game. Each reel contains a set of symbols, and the number of reels can vary from game to game—typically ranging from three to seven. The combination of symbols that land on the reels after a spin determines the outcome of the game.

Paylines

Paylines are specific patterns that determine winning combinations in a slot game. They can run horizontally, vertically, diagonally, or in zigzag patterns across the reels. A winning combination occurs when matching symbols align on an active payline. The number of paylines can vary widely, from a single line in classic slots to thousands in modern video slots.

Symbols

Symbols are the images displayed on the reels. They commonly include fruits, numbers, letters, and themed icons related to the game’s design. Each symbol has a specific value, and certain combinations yield different payouts according to the game’s paytable.

Wilds

Wild symbols act as substitutes for other symbols to help form winning combinations. They can replace most standard symbols, increasing the chances of completing a payline. Some games feature special wilds with additional properties, such as expanding or sticky wilds.

Scatters

Scatter symbols typically trigger features like free spins or bonus games. Unlike regular symbols, scatters don’t have to land on an active payline to trigger a function. Landing a set number of scatters usually triggers a free spins round or bonus feature.

Multipliers

Multipliers increase the value of a win by multiplying it by a specific denominator like 2x, 3x or more. They can apply to a single payline win or the total win from a spin. Multipliers are often found in bonus rounds or free spin features and enhance the potential payouts.

Bonus Rounds

Bonus rounds are unique features that provide additional ways to win. They are often triggered by a specific combination of scatters or bonus symbols. Bonus rounds can include free spins, pick-me games, or interactive mini-games that provide extra prizes or multipliers.

Progressive Jackpots

A progressive jackpot is a prize pool that increases each time a slot game is played. A portion of each bet contributes to the jackpot, which continually increases until it is won. Progressive jackpots can be standalone for a single machine or linked across multiple machines or casinos.

Return to Player (RTP)

Slot RTP is the percentage of total wagers returned to players over time. For example, an RTP of 96% means that, on average, the slot returns £96 for every £100 wagered. RTP is calculated over a long period of time and does not guarantee individual winnings.

Volatility

Volatility, or variance, refers to the risk level of a slot game. High volatility slots offer larger but less frequent payouts, while low volatility slots provide smaller, more frequent wins. Understanding slot volatility helps players choose games that match their risk tolerance and gameplay preferences.

Bet Max

Bet Max allows players to wager the maximum wager per spin. It often activates all paylines and sets the bet per line to the highest possible value. Bet Max can increase potential payouts, especially in games with progressive jackpots.

Coin Size

Coin size determines the value of each credit or coin used in the game. Adjusting the coin size allows you to control each wager per line and spin. Coin size allows players to manage their total bet in accordance with their budget, providing greater flexibility in betting options.

Gamble Feature

A gamble feature allows players to risk their winnings for a chance to double or quadruple them. It’s basically a game of chance, like guessing the colour or suit of a hidden card. However, if you guess incorrectly, you’ll lose the winnings.

Auto Play

By choosing the Auto Play option, the game operates automatically for a predetermined number of spins. You set parameters such as the number of spins, loss limits, or stop conditions.

Free Spins

Free spins do not require additional wagers. They are often triggered by specific symbol combinations, such as landing multiple scatter symbols. Free spins can include additional extras like multipliers or wild symbols to enhance your winnings.

Sticky Wilds

Once they land on the reels, sticky wilds remain fixed in position for the next spin or multiple spins. This increases the chances of forming winning combinations during subsequent spins.

Expanding Wilds

When expanding wilds land on the reels, they expand to cover an entire reel and help form winning combinations.

Cascading Reels

Also known as tumbling reels or avalanches, cascading reels remove winning symbols from the reels, allowing new symbols to fall into the empty spaces. This can lead to successive wins from a single spin.

Bet Per Line

Bet per line is the amount wagered on each active payline. Players can adjust the amount to increase or decrease the total bet per spin. The total bet is determined by multiplying the bet per line by the number of active paylines.

Bet Level

The bet level increases the bet per line. By adjusting the bet level, players can raise their stakes, which can lead to more lucrative payouts.

Lines

Lines refer to the number of active paylines in a game. Often, you can choose to activate multiple paylines. The more active paylines increase the chances of winning and raise the total bet per spin.

Hit Frequency

Hit frequency indicates how often a slot machine will produce a winning combination. A higher hit frequency means players can expect to win more frequently, albeit possibly with smaller payouts.

Random Number Generator (RNG)

An RNG is a computer algorithm that generates random and independent numbers in a slot game. RNGs guarantee fair play and make predicting or manipulating the outcome impossible.

Denomination

A Denomination is the value assigned to each credit or coin in real currency. Slot machines offer various denominations to accommodate different betting preferences, ranging from pennies to high-limit amounts.

Nudge

After a spin, a nudge allows you to move a reel up or down one position. A nudge can help align a symbol into a winning combination. The nudge feature  is commonly found in classic slot machines.

Hold

The hold feature allows you lock one or more reels for the following spin. Holding reels increases the chances of completing a winning combination on the subsequent spin.

Re-spin

A re-spin feature allows players to spin one or more reels again while keeping the others static. Re-spins may require an additional wager and provide another chance to improve the outcome of a spin.

Payout Percentage

Payout percentage is another term for RTP. It represents the average amount a slot machine returns to players over time relative to the total amount wagered.

Skill Stop

Skill stop buttons allow you to manually stop the reels spinning. While they offer a sense of control, the outcome is still determined by the RNG. Stopping the reels does not affect the randomness of results.

Buy-in

Players have the option to buy into bonus rounds or free spins before they are triggered naturally. Selecting a buy-in option incurs an additional cost, which is often much higher than a standard bet.

Cold and Hot Slots

Cold and hot slot terminology describes the perceived performance of slot machines. A “hot” slot is thought to be paying out frequently, while a “cold” slot is perceived to have a slower, or lower payout rate. However, due to RNGs, these perceptions do not influence the actual outcomes.

The key is to master slot terminology. Once you gain a better understanding of how a slot works and slot lingo, you’ll soon be playing like a pro and winning like a champion.

 

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