Slots are among the most enjoyable yet simple types of entertainment in casinos all over the world. However, what might seem like a straightforward thing on the surface uses some complicated mechanisms to work. They have also gone through many changes since they were first introduced, being constantly improved to work better and attract more players, especially since the appearance of online games.
Since they’re so convenient and easy to play, no wonder they’re also one of the most popular forms of online gambling – you can just click here to see the abundance of options and diversity the world of online slots has to offer. And it doesn’t seem like their popularity can decrease anytime soon.
Even though your chances of winning will always depend on how lucky you are at a given moment, taking time to learn how these machines work can give you some advantage. Knowing what you’re dealing with makes it easier to have some control over the whole experience and manage your money better. Below, you will find all the basic information to know before you start putting your money in online slot machines.
How to Play Online Slots
Getting started with online slot machines is incredibly easy. All you need to do is make a deposit using virtual coins, hit the spin button, and wait for the outcome. Each spin is a chance to win money, but you shouldn’t expect to win too frequently. Sometimes, you’ll get a bonus round, provided you’re playing on a machine that offers bonuses.
Before putting your coins into any slot machine, remember that you should try to play in the free mode, which is allowed by most reputable casinos. This way, you won’t have to spend any money – you can first try out the game and see if you enjoy it. In a situation where you find that it’s not exactly your cup of tea, you can simply leave and move on. It’s a great way to learn what works best for you and explore your preferences.
Reels
Slot machines consist of reels. Interestingly, their number is almost always odd – most often, you can play machines with three, five, seven, or nine reels. Each of the reels has different symbols. After you spin the machine, the reels will eventually stop, and if the same symbols align in a row, you win. If not, it’s either time to try your luck again or take a break and come back later with a refreshed mind.
Symbols
The symbols on the reels that need to align for you to win are related to the machine’s theme. Themes often help bring in more players, make the relatively straightforward game more interesting, and serve as a great way to advertise the slots. For example, you can stumble upon a machine that’s themed after Greek mythology. The symbols will include characters such as Zeus, Athena, Hades, and other Greek gods.
Some symbols will have special properties, such as scatter, wild, and bonus symbols for free spins. Some machines offer free spins if, at one turn, you manage to get two or three designated symbols. When it comes to wild symbols, their purpose is to complete paylines as they are able to become any other symbol. Bonus symbols will give you a bonus round, while scatters may work in several different ways. Usually, they indicate the start of your bonus round or how many free spins you can win.
Jackpot
A jackpot slot is a slot machine that has a jackpot prize – the biggest potential payout. Some players tend to recommend choosing slots with progressive jackpots, as long as you can afford to make a maximum bet. Progressive jackpots offer incredibly high prizes, but these are hard to win, so you need to stay careful and know when it’s time to call it a day if you ever decide to aim for the biggest prize.
How to Choose a Slot Machine
With so many options available, you might find yourself quite overwhelmed when trying to choose a slot you want to play. Luckily, there are a few questions you can ask yourself and base the final decision on your answers:
- Do you like the theme of the machine?
- Does it make you feel excited?
- Are there any bonus rounds so you can win more?
- How many reels do you prefer to play on? (It’s recommended to start low and gradually increase the number of reels).
- Can you afford to play the maximum bet?
- What are the paylines?
- What is the payout ratio?
How to Play and Win
While it’s true that slots are mostly a game where winning depends on how lucky you get with each spin, there are a few things you can do to improve your odds of winning:
- try to stay focused on the moment;
- spin around 15 times for one game – if you can’t win, consider moving on to a different machine;
- set a monthly budget and track how much you’re spending on slots;
- when you get to your limit, stop playing;
- if you manage to win a substantial amount of money, take a break;
- don’t play solely to make money or be able to afford the rent – slots are safest when you play for fun.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you’re a beginner and want to start playing slots, you have no reason to be worried. The rules are pretty straightforward, and when you learn what the reels, symbols, and jackpot mean, you should be good to go.
However, even when you already understand the mechanics of the slots, you should still pay attention to the best practices to follow when choosing a slot machine. While this game relies on the player’s luck, and unless you play with progressive jackpots, big wins might be hard to get, it’s still worth remembering a few principles you should stick to when gambling.
That being said, good luck and don’t forget to have lots of fun!