Casino Guide: Slots

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LESSON 1

Introduction To Slots

The "fruit machine" or "one-armed bandit" has been around for more than a hundred years. Liberty Bell, the first ever mechanical slot, was built way back in 1895 by a car mechanic. It had the infamous three spinning reels adorned with the traditional heart, diamond and spades symbols. Then in 1975, the first ever electronic machine was invented by the Fortune Coin Company. Since then, slots have become the most popular pastime for millions of players.Originally in land-based casinos and now on the Internet, any casino today will stock hundreds of slots games. Great fun to play and the fastest way to boost your bankroll, slots are a staple for every iGamer.

LESSON 2

How To Play Slots

There are literally hundreds of slots to choose from in the casinos online. Those from the biggest software developers will generally be found at the best casinos and some will even have exclusive deals to provide all of their games. Whichever one you choose, they basically all work the same way but will have variations in the features and bonus games available. You can normally try them for free in any good casino and there are also websites that just stock free play versions, for those just playing slots for fun. You can find nearly every theme possible, from comic book to space adventures, and everything in between. The classic slots have the original three vertical reels and are incredibly easy and uncomplicated to play. Most of the modern video slots will have five reels and an average of 50 paylines, on which to place slots bets, or even more. Each individual reel will have around 20-25 symbols related to the game's theme. The aim is still the same, to land winning combinations of symbols when the reels stop. Due to the many symbols and paylines, there can be literally thousands of possible combinations and chances to win. All slot machines use a random number generator and this also calculates the win once the reels stop spinning. Most of the video slots also incorporate a number of bonus game rounds, free spins and additional features. These rounds are normally triggered by a specified combination of symbols landing on the reels. They will usually be designed to create some extra excitement for players and follow the theme of the main game. All slot games will normally also include the chance of winning a great jackpot, and for the experienced player, there are also progressive jackpot games available. The jackpots in these games are linked over casino, game or developer networks and provide a pooled fund which can reach truly massive amounts.

  • Classic traditional 3 reel slot.
  • Video slots with 5 reels and multiple paylines.
  • Progressive jackpot slots with pooled funds.
  • Bonus games, free spins and additional features.
LESSON 3

Basic Slots Rules

While all slots have some very easy basic rules, each individual game will have its own unique design. The symbols, bonus rounds, free spins and features will all create a unique paytable for each different game. It is therefore important to research before playing. There will also be differing numbers of paylines and variances in the minimum and maximum bets allowed. The tactics in slots are not complex, like table games such as Poker or Blackjack, but without fully understanding that particular slot, it is easy to make the wrong slots bets. Read the individual slots rules and familiarize yourself with all the symbols too. Modern machines can have high paying symbols and extra symbols, such as wilds and scatters, which can bring some extra wins during play or trigger the special features. The paytable will also include information on the game's RTP, which will give a good guide to its payouts over time.

LESSON 4

Slots Strategies

There are plenty of slots strategies online, but it is worth remembering that they are all purely a game of luck. There is no way that the random number generator can be manipulated and the machines do not play hot or cold. However, there are some things that you can try, to ensure the best chance of winning, and having a fun time. Firstly, choose your casino well and find one with a good reputation and good payout odds, as they do differ slightly. Play the slots games for free to practice or watch a slots tutorial. Then find a really great welcome bonus and play with that and the free spins offer, which will increase your playing time considerably. There are many classic slot lovers around, but the video games do have some advantages over them. Although they offer some of the best odds, they do not have all the bonus rounds, multipliers and spins which can help to increase your winnings. 5 reel slots also have a wider array of betting options available. Their payouts are normally quite high, and the maximum payouts can be won more easily. Choose your favourite game wisely and be sure to research all the rules and the paytable. When playing for real money, set your own limits and know when to stop.

  • Choose a casino with a good reputation, odds and bonuses.
  • Choose video games and practice for free.
  • Research all the game's rules and paytable.
LESSON 5

Different Types Of Slots

Aside from the main 3 reel and 5 reel varieties of slots available, there are huge variations in the themes and gameplay. Video games today are also extremely popular because of the fabulous 3D graphics, animations and sound effects that come with them. Virtually every subject that you can think of has been incorporated into a slot theme, with software providers introducing new and quirky ideas every time they launch a new game. So if you love fantasy and fairy tales or football and fortune, there will be a game to inspire you to play. There are also slots based on well known and popular films like Ghostbusters, Star Trek, Terminator 2 and Tombraider. You can even find games where the software company has collaborated with the film company, so you get to watch clips from the movie and play with all the main characters. Players are really spoilt for choice, excitement and fun!

LESSON 6

Tips And Tricks For Slots Beginners

The best tip for new players is to remember that there is no real way to influence the gameplay in slots, so be sure to play for enjoyment while waiting for a lucky streak. Apart from researching the casino and games, one important concept to learn about is the RTP and payout percentage. This is the amount that each machine will pay out over time and it will also affect the volatility of the game. Slot machines with high yields tend to provide players with fewer chances to win during play, while lower-yield games pay out more frequently. It is good for new players to identify what they want and understand their own playing profile. Choose a slot that suits you, set a budget and enjoy!

LESSON 7

Glossary Of Common Slots Terms

  • Active Payline: A payline that is in play and will result in a payout if it contains a winning combination.
  • Bet Per Line: The amount being staked per line. Multiplied by the number of active paylines being played, it will determine the total bet per spin.
  • Payout Percentage: The RTP or the percentage of all stakes that a slot will pay out over time.
  • Winning Combination: Any combination of symbols that results in a payout.
  • Paytable: Indicates all the possible winning combinations on a slot machine, and their respective payouts.
LESSON 8

Frequently Asked Questions

What are slot bonus games and how do they work?

Bonus games are triggered in slots when certain symbols appear on the reels. During these games, you will usually receive additional prizes, free spins, multipliers or other special features. However, you might also spin a prize wheel or be awarded a 'pick me' type of extra game, where choosing will reveal a cash prize.

What are wild symbols and how do they work?

A wild symbol in a slot game is very similar to the wild card used when playing Poker. It substitutes and stands in for any other symbol in the slots game, meaning that it can create a winning combination. Some wild symbols also come stacked on top of each other and increase the amount that you win.

What are scatter symbols and how do they work?

Scatter symbols are special symbols that can create wins wherever they land on the reels. It does not matter which payline they are on, if you land a certain number across the screen, you will catch a win. In some slots games, every symbol in the game can be considered a scatter symbol.

The One Stop Platform For All The News: Aboutslots.com

If you are looking for new information relating to slots or are thinking about trying a different game, then aboutslots.com is the perfect place. You will find everything casino related including reviews, the best odds and the top casinos. There is a huge selection of casino bonus offers and tips on where to play for free. Add to that a casino forum and blogs, you will always be kept abreast of the online news.

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