From tasty turkey and dressing to delectable desserts, players can now score some excellent rewards via Jackpot Party’s new Platter Gather event. Platter Gather allows you to spin and collect Thanksgiving dinner items for delicious rewards! Keep reading to find out how to grab your own share of these prizes and get in on the holiday excitement. How Does Platter Gather Work? Platter Gather offers players a chance to go beyond simply spinning reels on the slots. Those competing on qualifying slots can collect Thanksgiving items along the way. Players will see the following pop-up as an introduction to the event:  Which slots qualify? Simply look for the plate and silverware icon in the top left corner of the qualifying slots as seen here. This allows players to gather some delicious dishes for the Platter Gather Thanksgiving meal such as: Corn Pumpkin pie Canned goods Rolls Party pass Coins Players can live like the Pilgrims in Platter Gather with a nice winning Thanksgiving Dinner on the line. Those who score well may be giving thanks for their own good fortune at the slots. Winning Ways As you play and complete dinner sets to track your progress while spinning, a small icon to the right of your screen will pop out to let you know if a reward is ready to collect, share how much you’ve collected for a set and much more! The bigger your bet, the likelihood of earning a food item increases. As you collect more food icons, graphical pop-ups will let you know your progress in collecting these platters. Those who collect all of a certain items can then claim some big rewards – another reason for some Thanksgiving celebration. The Platter Gather Quest Isn’t Over Those who go all the way and collect all their platters can still get in on the fun. Once a player has collected all the food items, an even bigger Thanksgiving awaits. All food items then regenerate and players can continue their journey in collecting items for the perfect feast. Only now these items reward even more, allowing players to keep the fun going. Jackpot Party’s Platter Gather feature is the perfect addition to Thanksgiving for slot players. Look for those plate-and-utensil symbols on some of your favorite games – a hearty helping of rewards awaits. Good luck!

For many slot players, the ultimate dream is to hit a jackpot. Whether you're playing in a casino, online, or with friends in a social gaming setting, the idea of winning big is a common goal. Jackpots come in different sizes – mini, major, or minor – and they can turn a regular slot session into a winning one. While those massive six- and seven-figure jackpots are alluring, the odds of winning them are quite long, generally estimated at 50 million to one or even as high as 100 million to one. But it's not all about the huge jackpots; smaller jackpots happen more often with better odds. So, what are the actual chances of hitting a slot machine jackpot? This article explores those odds, the factors that influence them, and whether any strategies can increase your chances of winning. What’s a Jackpot in Slots? Those new to slots may not realize exactly what a jackpot is. A jackpot is generally considered a much larger payout than one might find on a normal spin of the reels. The pay lines on a modern slot machine offer numerous ways a player can theoretically win. However, not all of those are considered jackpots. These larger payouts are much rarer and may even require what is called a “hand pay” at a live casino. This means that a member of the casino staff has to pay out a player personally “by hand” because the jackpot is so high. That may also require a winner to fill out a tax form, although that may not be a major concern considering you’ve just hit it big. These jackpots mean that a player will usually see multiple symbols that occur less frequently on a single spin. A player faces much longer odds in seeing events like this happen. Sometimes these wins may also come in bonus games or free spins. These are extra winning opportunities a player receives by seeing certain symbols in the game to trigger these bonus opportunities. The chances of winning larger prizes may be better in these bonus games, but not necessarily for those much larger jackpots. Pick and indulge in our mesmerizing slots below: Click here to explore all of our free slots. Types of Jackpots Players hoping for a big jackpot always have a shot at a larger payout at least to some degree. But it’s important to remember that a casino has a house edge when it comes to slot machines. There is no legal way to overcome this such as card counting in blackjack or gaining a skill edge at the poker tables. Luck is a key factor in playing a slot machine, especially in winning one of those massive jackpots that make headlines. However, jackpots of various types are available for those who take a seat at a slot machine or play online. Here’s a look at a few jackpot types. Mini Jackpot – These are smaller jackpots one might find playing a typical slot machine in a casino. These usually come about by triggering certain bonuses or finding a certain number of key symbols on the reels. These may include multipliers that increase a player’s winnings. Mini jackpots are much more common than larger payouts. Obviously the higher the jackpot, the longer the odds are of hitting it. This is the first tier usually on a slot machine’s jackpot sequence. Major Jackpot – This is a larger jackpot than the Mini version and the second tier of larger payouts on slot games. As expected, players face larger odds of achieving this level. While on a penny machine, a Mini Jackpot may be $50 to $100, and a Major may bring a few hundred dollars. Minor Jackpot – This is the third tier of the jackpot and sees that potential payout rises even more. This is a more difficult level to reach because of the longer odds involved. This type of jackpot could register a few thousand dollars for a lucky player. This may not be life-changing money, but any player would be happy to see the bells and whistles on a machine go off to advertise this type of win. Mega Jackpot – This is a hefty payout as the name implies. A player hitting a Mega Jackpot has accomplished something and can usually expect a payout of up to tens of thousands of dollars at least heading their way. These can be huge payouts and don’t come around every day for slot players. They are more difficult to achieve with longer odds. Progressive Jackpot – These are colossal seven-figure and higher jackpots that might even make headlines in the new media. A progressive slot is tied into other machines throughout a certain state or territory. With so many machines feeding money into the prize pool, these potential payouts can get truly astronomical. The odds of winning these types of jackpots can be astronomical as well. For an in-depth guide on mastering slot machine gameplay, click here. Some jackpots may also vary or have slightly different names than those above, but this is the general sequence and names for slot machine jackpots. Some players may also see payouts called Local Jackpots, which are similar to progressives but may include players in a pool smaller than a traditional progressive but still achieving larger jackpots than traditional games. Huge jackpots in these games can also be rare as well. Odds of Winning a Jackpot As noted above, hitting those massive jackpot payouts isn't easy. The reason those huge paydays make news is because they’re not only handing a player massive money, but they’re also extremely rare considering the number of players pumping credits into slot machines around the world each day. The largest jackpot in history came in 2003 at the Excalibur casino in Las Vegas. A software engineer played about $100 in a Megabucks, a popular progressive machine seen at casinos around the world. When three Megabucks symbols stacked up on the screen, this player struck gold – taking home $39.7 million. So what are the odds of actually winning a million-dollar jackpot, not even one at these gargantuan levels as won at the Excalibur? Numerous intricacies in each game can make this vary, but in general, many experts concede that the odds of hitting that kind of jackpot come in the range of 50 million to one or even as high as 100 million to one. Just as a comparison, the odds of getting struck by lightning are about one in a million, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. That shows just how difficult it is to win one of these life-changing prizes. Also, playing progressives to win at this level usually requires betting at the max-bet level and higher stakes. This allows a player to win, but those odds at huge payouts are still long. Here are a few pros and cons of playing progressive slots: PROS Chances at larger payouts Usually better RTP (return to player) Usually, better comps/rewards because of higher limits Better chances at smaller wins because of higher RTP CONS Can deplete a bankroll at higher betting stakes RTP may not be that much better depending on individual games May have more limited game options, depending on the casino or online site Does that mean a player shouldn’t hop in a casino for some fun or fire up the computer or mobile device for some online slots? Certainly not. Slots should be seen as a form of entertainment only with a chance that you could win some money on a gambling excursion. Players regularly win smaller jackpots and these are much more likely than a massive progressive jackpot. A few nice scores and a winning session can make for a fun night spinning those slot machine reels. How to win jackpots on slot machines Winning jackpots on slot machines primarily relies on chance, and there's no foolproof strategy for guaranteed success. However, you can maximize your odds by choosing high RTP machines, betting responsibly, understanding the game mechanics, considering progressive jackpots, and practicing responsible gambling. While some believe in optimal timing, the key is to enjoy the gaming experience while keeping in mind that it's fundamentally a game of luck. Jackpots: Online Versus Live Casinos As noted, the odds of hitting massive jackpots are long. Online slot players face similar odds, but there are some opportunities to win major payouts at a virtual casino as well. Players playing online or on social media platforms, such as at Jackpot Party, can expect some opportunities to see some major boosts to their credits if those reels line up just right. Do slots pay out better than live casinos when it comes to slot games? Probably not. Your chances of winning largely depend on the RTP of each game, whether in a casino or an online setting. Numerous online sources offer the RTP of individual casinos, whether in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, London, Monte Carlo, or some other location around the world. Many RTP rates are also available for online casinos. An RTP rate can also vary by game, and that can often be found online as well. A game or casino with a 96% RTP has a better shot at winning than a game or property with a 92% RTP. Players having some fun playing in a social gaming environment are usually playing simply for virtual coins and player rewards within the game. These types of games usually pay out more regularly than a real casino. The operator hopes to keep players at the games and there isn't any money involved. Frequently Asked Questions Do I have a chance at winning a huge slot machine jackpot? More than likely not because these levels of payouts are so rare and players face extremely long odds. You do have more opportunities at smaller jackpots, however, which can also come with nice payouts. What are the odds of winning a progressive jackpot? The odds of winning a seven-figure jackpot may be as high as 50 million or 100 million to one. However, smaller jackpots can come with much lower odds and regularly reward players with some big payouts both in live and online casinos. What’s a way to reduce the odds against a player winning? Play games with higher RTP (return to player). This is the percentage of money in a slot that a casino pays out to players. The higher the RTP, the more likely a player has a chance at a winning session. How to Hit a Jackpot on a Slot Machine? While there's no guaranteed way to hit a jackpot on a slot machine, you can improve your chances by understanding the game's mechanics, betting the maximum amount if possible, and choosing the right machine with a high RTP (Return to Player) percentage. Progressive jackpot slots may offer larger prizes, but they often require maximum bets for eligibility. It's crucial to manage your bankroll wisely, practice responsible gambling, and remember that ultimately, hitting a jackpot is a matter of luck. How Often Do Slot Machines Hit the Jackpot? The frequency with which slot machines hit jackpots varies widely depending on the specific machine and game. Typically, slot machines are programmed to have lower odds of hitting the jackpot, as these are often life-changing sums. Smaller jackpots tend to hit more frequently, while the massive progressive jackpots have much longer odds and may not hit for extended periods. The exact rate at which jackpots occur can be influenced by factors such as game design and random number generation algorithms, making it difficult to provide a precise frequency. How to Tell When a Slot Machine Is About to Hit the Jackpot? Slot machines operate on random number generation algorithms, making it impossible to predict when a jackpot will hit. There are no reliable indicators or signs that can predict when a machine is about to hit the jackpot. Each spin on a slot machine is independent, and previous outcomes do not influence future spins. It's important to approach slot play with the understanding that it's a game of chance, and there are no foolproof methods to predict jackpot wins. Can You Win a Jackpot with Minimum Bet? In many slot machines, it is possible to win a jackpot with a minimum bet; however, it's essential to be aware of the specific rules of the game you're playing. Some slots have fixed jackpots that are not affected by the bet size, meaning you can win the jackpot with a minimum bet. Others, particularly those with progressive jackpots, often require players to place maximum bets to be eligible for the top prize. Always check the game's paytable and rules to determine the betting requirements for the jackpot in the slot machine you're playing.

A few things instantly stand out when taking a seat at a slot machine or grabbing that mobile phone to play online. The reels are certainly a key part of the game, but those symbols on each reel are also what many players are attracted to. Today’s slot developers work to appeal to a broad range of casino players looking to win at the slots. That includes plenty of high-tech sound and graphics as well as unique features that seem to offer players numerous ways to win. These manufacturers also feature every slot theme and character imaginable and make use of these as part of the symbols on each machine. Along with numerous characters and other unique images, designs, and patterns spinning on those reels, developers also work in some additional slot symbols to add even more fun and winning options to each game. Designers also still work in classic slot symbols, and that creativity carries over to online slots and social gaming platforms. Continue reading to learn more about slot machine symbols and their significance to these games. THE MEANING BEHIND SLOT MACHINE SYMBOLS Each symbol on a slot machine is not just for decorative or entertaining purposes; they have specific meanings and implications that can greatly influence a player's chances of winning. Over the years, as slot machines evolved, so did the variety and significance of their symbols. Fruits: Originating from the flavor of gum one could win, these colorful icons are often associated with traditional or classic slots. Cherries might pay out even if only one or two appear on a payline, whereas other symbols require a set of three or more. Bells: Originating from the Liberty Bell machine, bells often act as high-paying symbols today. Bars: Previously a representation of gum packets, the bar symbol is now synonymous with slots, with single, double, or triple bars indicating different payout levels. Sevens: Universally considered lucky, sevens in slot machines typically offer large payouts due to various cultural and religious beliefs. Playing Cards and Suits: Often denoting low-paying symbols, playing cards influenced the very names of slot games in certain regions. Wild and Scatter Symbols: Primarily seen in video slot games, wild symbols can substitute for others to create a winning combo, and scatter symbols can provide free spins or activate bonus rounds. Modern slot machine symbols also delve into realms of creativity and imagination. Many contemporary slots feature symbols aligned with a game's specific theme or narrative, enriching gameplay with special features, bonus rounds, and interactive mini-games. History of Slot Machine Symbols The creation of slot machines can be traced back to 1887 when German immigrant Charles Fey introduced the concept in San Francisco. His invention, the Liberty Bell game, featured three reels where players could insert a nickel to play. Symbols such as fruits, playing cards, and bells decorated these reels, with specific combinations offering rewards like free cigars or drinks, marking the birth of "comps" for slot players. Fey's designs, while elementary by modern standards, rapidly gained popularity, laying the groundwork for a billion-dollar industry. Many of the early symbols remain relevant in today's machines. However, during the Prohibition era, to sidestep gambling restrictions, slot machines mimicked vending machines. They employed symbols like fruits, which corresponded to gum flavors, as a covert means to indicate the flavor of gum a winner would receive. This clever disguise allowed these machines to operate as "trade stimulators" rather than gambling devices. For instance, Chicago’s Stephen Harper Mills in 1907 produced machines that added the bar symbol, originally linked to a chewing gum packet logo. Such innovations showcase how the industry adapted to circumvent legal challenges. Playing cards' prominence as symbols in Australia and New Zealand gave rise to the nickname "pokies." In contrast, England's affinity for fruit symbols led to the terms "fruit machines" or "fruities." Today, the number 7, imbued with its cultural reputation as a lucky symbol, stands as a testament to the early slot symbols' enduring appeal. Decide on your preferred slot from the choices below: Click here to enjoy our wide selection of free slots. MOST COMMON SYMBOLS ON SLOT MACHINES Slot machines have showcased a myriad of symbols over their long history. While many new symbols have been introduced, especially with themed slot games, certain symbols have withstood the test of time and are commonly seen across various machines. Here’s a complete look at classic slot machine symbols that still often appear in games today: Fruits: The quintessential symbols of many slot machines, fruit icons have a storied history dating back to the earliest slot games. Typical fruit symbols include cherries, lemons, oranges, plums, grapes, and watermelons. They're so iconic that slots are often referred to as "fruit machines" in the UK. Bars: The bar symbol, originating from the early designs of slot machines, is another staple. It often appears in various forms, like the single, double, or triple bar. Sevens: Holding a special place in many cultures as a lucky number, the number 7 is a recurring symbol in slots. It might appear in different colors, and in many games, landing a combination of sevens offers high payouts. Bells: This symbol can trace its origins back to the original Liberty Bell slot machine. The bell typically symbolizes a mid-tier payout and is a nod to the roots of slot gaming. Stars: A common sight in both old-school and modern slots, stars can be both standard symbols and indicators of special features or higher payouts. Playing Cards: Playing card symbols, such as A, K, Q, J, 10, and 9, are prevalent in many video slots. They generally represent the lower-value symbols in a game. Jewels and Gems: Symbols of opulence, diamonds, and assorted gems often find their way into slot games. They resonate with themes of luxury, riches, and treasure hunts. SLOT MACHINE SYMBOL TYPES Slot machines have evolved significantly over the years, and with them, the variety and functionality of the symbols they employ. While classic symbols like fruits, bars, and bells still make appearances, modern video slots offer a wider array of symbols, each with its unique feature. Here's a breakdown of some of the most common symbol types: Standard Symbols: These are the basic symbols that you'll see in most slot games, and they often align with the game's theme. In a pirate-themed game, for instance, you might see treasure chests, swords, or pirate hats as standard symbols. These typically offer payouts when matched in combinations on active paylines. Wild Symbols: Wilds are the chameleons of slot symbols. They can substitute for nearly any other symbol (except usually for scatter and bonus symbols) to help create winning combinations. Some slots also offer expanding, stacked, or sticky wilds, each with its unique functionality. Scatter Symbols: Scatter symbols are unique because they don't need to land on an active payline to trigger a win. They can appear anywhere on the reels, and if you get enough of them, they might unlock special features or bonus rounds, such as free spins or multipliers. The name "scatter" comes from the fact that they can be "scattered" anywhere on the reels and still count. Bonus Symbols: These symbols often trigger special bonus rounds or features when they appear in specific combinations. The nature of the bonus round can vary greatly, from simple free spins to complex, interactive mini-games. Multiplier Symbols: As the name suggests, these symbols multiply your winnings. For example, if you have a combination with a 3x multiplier, your winnings for that combination would be tripled. Expanding Symbols: These symbols can expand to cover an entire reel, increasing the chances of forming winning combinations. They are common in modern video slots and often come with impressive animations. Sticky Symbols: Once these symbols land on the reels, they stick in place for a predetermined number of spins or until a special event occurs, increasing the chances of a win on subsequent spins. Progressive Symbols: These symbols are typically found in progressive jackpot slots. When collected or matched in a certain combination, they can trigger a jackpot bonus round or contribute to an increasing jackpot pool. Symbols on Today’s Slot Games Any trip to a casino will include quite a sensory experience when checking out the slot games on the gaming floors. Today’s games have advanced well beyond traditional playing cards, fruits, and 7s on those reels. Those reels have also advanced as well to include even more options when playing. Games are also not based on mechanical reels anymore with most machines even featuring only video options. No longer do the machine’s mechanical inner works and the symbols landed on determine if a player wins or loses. Instead, the machine’s random number generator creates a completely random result which is then represented by the reels on the machine. No doubt gamblers aren’t thinking about this as they look to see those key symbols show up in front of them, but a modern slot is just a computer with the software determining wins and losses. But that doesn’t mean the graphics, video, and slot symbols can’t make playing a fun experience. Quite the contrary, slot machines have advanced to almost becoming video games that involve a bit of gambling along the way. Manufacturers offer something for every taste and interest from movies and TV shows to rock bands, mythology, and fairy tales. Online and social slot games are equally as creative and a quick scan of the games offered at Jackpot Party and you’ll find games focused on: Luck of the Irish Wild animals Gold mining Greek mythology Cute and cuddly puppies and cats Cowboys Aliens from outer space Dragons There are numerous other games and slot themes to choose from as well. As one might expect, some of the more important and interesting characters, images, or animals associated with a game’s theme or storyline are usually some of the most important symbols in a game. These tend to offer players bigger payouts and some even offer opportunities for bonus games, free spins, respins, and maybe even a huge progressive jackpot. Knowing a game's symbols is fun and can add to the excitement and anticipation of seeing which ones appear on those pay lines, but a machine will guide players who can’t keep up with it all. Today’s games highlight those wins with coins/credits hitting your bank on the machine with no need to worry about coins at all. Pop Culture Slots and Symbols What’s great about modern slot machines might just be the sheer number of gaming options available not only on a casino floor but also online, where you can also play for free or even real money depending on your location and jurisdiction. A trend over the last decade or so has been to add even more links among slot games and pop culture. As noted earlier, slot developers also work to appeal to numerous slot players by making use of classic characters from movies and TV shows as well as rock bands, celebrities, and more. As an example, Jackpot Party also includes James Bond Casino Royale, The Flintstones, and Cirque Du Soleil: Kooza. This is just the tip of the iceberg on what is available for players looking for something unique or maybe just for a bit of slot-playing nostalgia. Many symbols in this game of course revolve around Bond and the film itself. For example, fans of 007 will get a kick out of James Bond Casino Royale. In this game, players will be hoping the international superspy helps pave the way for some winnings while on Her Majesty’s secret service. The game features five reels, 25 pay lines, and clips from the film as part of the fun. Conclusion Symbols are the images that appear on a slot game’s reels. While the exact result of a modern slot game may depend on a random number generator, the symbols offer a visual interpretation of the slot’s computer-generated result. Game manufacturers offer plenty of creativity when it comes to themes and storylines and the symbols of the game will represent this. Some of the traditional symbols will pay more than others and offer a chance at winning along the way when playing. However, players are hoping for more key symbols to make an appearance. This can include items such as wilds and scatters. Wild symbols can replace other symbols and offer extra chances at winning combinations. Scatter symbols give you a shot at bonus games and free spins, also meaning more opportunities at winning. Slot machine technology has come a long way from those early days in Charles Fey’s machine shop. Players can now even play right on their mobile phones at sites like Jackpot Party. The games may have changed considerably, but plenty of fun remains. Frequently Asked Questions What are slot machine symbols? Slot machine symbols are the images that appear on the game's reels. They can be traditional symbols such as fruits, bars, and sevens, or more exotic symbols that reflect the game's theme or storyline. Symbols are an important part of the game's visual presentation and can offer players opportunities to win. What is the history of slot machine symbols? The first slot machines were created in 1887 by Charles Fey, and they featured symbols such as fruits, playing cards, and bells. These symbols were used to show the result of each spin and add to the game's visual presentation. Some of these classic symbols, such as playing cards and suits, are still popular on many video slots today. What are the special symbols on a slot machine? Special symbols on a slot machine can be more valuable than other symbols and offer players more chances to win. Wild symbols can act as any other symbol on the reels and create more winning combinations. Scatter symbols trigger bonus games and free spins, which can lead to more opportunities to win additional credits. What are pop culture slots and symbols? Modern slot machines often feature pop culture themes and symbols to appeal to a broad range of casino players. This can include classic characters from movies and TV shows, rock bands, celebrities, and more. These symbols can offer players bigger payouts and add to the game's excitement and anticipation. What is the significance of slot machine symbols? Slot machine symbols are an important part of the game's visual presentation and can offer players opportunities to win. They can also add to the game's excitement and anticipation, and special symbols can trigger bonus games and free spins. While the exact result of a modern slot game may depend on a random number generator, symbols offer a visual interpretation of the game's computer-generated result.