5 Tips on How to Win at Video Slot Machines
Slot machines can certainly be fun and offer some nice entertainment, but most players would love to walk away as a winner. Whether playing in a casino or using a mobile phone at home, finding some winning spins on the video slot reels is always fun. Scoring a nice jackpot or big winning session makes for a nice day at the casino or online gaming platform. Paying attention to how a player receives a payout and what the symbols mean will help when looking for a slot win. How much a machine or casino pays back to players is also important in winning some cash from a slot machine. There are some other things to keep in mind when trying to find some wins. This article offers takes a look at all these aspects of slot play and more, guiding readers on how to collect some wins when playing video slots. Keep reading to learn everything about winning at video slots. 1 – Plan for Your Slot Play When heading to the casino, it's a good idea to have at least a bit of a plan. Set your limits and don't wager more than you can afford to lose simply as entertainment. Being smart can help offset major losses from getting too carried away. A few key things to remember: Set a budget and stick to it – Trips to the ATM machine can be costly in the long run and lead to bigger than expected losses. Don’t drink too much – Overindulging in cocktails can lead to wagering more than you planned. Drink if you like but beware – excessive drinks can lead to excessive losses. Join the rewards club – If you’re going to play slots, you might as well take advantage of casinos rewards. Comps, such as free meals, rooms, and other prizes, are based on the amount played, but don’t play strictly to earn rewards. These are extras, but they are worth cashing in on. One key part of shooing the right slot is to play within your limits. But also pick a slot that interests you and offers a chance to make your budget last longer. However, don’t plan to solely stay at one machine. If you’re losing, move somewhere else and try out another game. 2 – Choose a Video Slot Game that Suits You Another important idea is to choose games and stakes that are within your range. Higher limits usually mean a slightly better payout percentage, but don’t play high limits if you can't afford to. Play within your means and don’t be a quarter player if you’re more of a penny-per-payline player. Staying within your means can help players survive the ups and downs that go with slot play. Hit a losing streak? Take a break or grab something to eat. Get away from the machines for a bit and give it a shot later. Score a nice win? Pocket some of that money as winnings for that next trip to the casino. Also, pay attention to a game’s RTP (return to player), also referred to as payout percentage. This statistic offers players a look at how much of the money going into a casino is heading back out to players in the form of winnings. For example, if a casino pays back $96 out of every $100, that property has a 96% return to player or payout percentage. Casinos’ RTP can vary widely from low in the 70s all the way up to 96-97% in some really great circumstances. RTP may vary by locality as well and also differs depending on the machine. Much of this information is available online and some game-specific data can also often be found on the manufacturer’s own website. Some online casinos actually offer higher RTP than live casinos. Having a general idea on some nice machines with excellent RTP can offer players a better chance at winning on video slots. 3 –Know How the Payouts Work It's easy to simply press the “Spin” button and see what develops. But having an idea as to how a video slot game pays out is a good idea. Here are a few terms that one might want to keep in mind when heading to the casino. Pay Table – This is a table found on the machine that allows players to see what symbols payoff and at what stakes. The top of the table shows the maximum payoff for the best symbols. The bottom shows the minimum payoff and the symbols that need to show up on the reels. The Pay Table also shows payouts based on how many credits are played per line. The higher amount played, the greater the payout. Some games offer even bigger payouts for those playing the max credits. Jackpot – This is larger than normal payout and offers a chance at some big payouts. Many think of jackpot as a life-changing amount of money, but smaller jackpots are also possible. Grabbing some smaller jackpots along the way can make for a nice winning session. Progressive jackpot – These are games that feature shared prize pools among numerous machines across a certain area or jurisdiction. When players think of those life-changing jackpots, these are the video slots that reward those massive payouts. These games usually require players to pay at the maximum stakes, but also reward nice payouts below the mega jackpot level. Hitting it big on a video slot can bring plenty of excitement. Knowing how a payout is awarded can go a long way toward making that experience a bit more fun. Check out how to read a slot machine for more information 4 – Recognize the Symbols That Pay on Video Slots Having an idea of which symbols pay out on a video slot can make for some fun anticipation and be extremely rewarding when those lucky icons do roll up on the video reels. Symbols vary by game and some vintage icons are still regularly part of the mix such as playing cards and card suits, 7s, clovers, fruits, diamonds, and others. Slot developers also use special symbols that signify even bigger payouts and special features. These are what slot players are hoping to see line up on the reels when taking a spin. Some of those include: Wilds – These can be represented by various icons on a video slot depending on the machine. Wild symbols can act as any symbol on the reelers, bringing a player more opportunities at winning combinations. This can come in handy when other lucrative symbols make an appearance and a Wild just makes some nice connecting symbols across numerous paylines. Scatters – These are usually highly sought-after symbols that trigger klarger winning opportunities such as bonus games and free spins. These can be critical extra opportunities to rack up some winnings without paying to spin the reels again. These additional bonus games also offer opportunities at even bigger scores, such as minor and major jackpots. Bonus Games – As the name implies these are bonus opportunities triggered by lining up scatters in a certain way. Players are then directed to an additional game that may be completely separate from the main game. This could include extras like spinning a wheel for extra payouts or picking a card among several to reveal a varying prize amount. Video slot developers have gotten highly creative with these bonus games in recent years and these often include enhanced sound and graphics to ramp up the experience even more. Free Spins – These are similar to Bonus Games but involve a certain number of chances to spin the reels. These spins can rack up plenty of wins for players without even having to add credits to the machine. Some games allow players to earn even more sins during this bonus time. Some of the higher payouts and bonuses are often more likely to show up during this time as well. Respins – This is a newer feature found more on video slots in recent years and can add to the excitement of playing at a casino or online. These occur when a certain symbol makes an appearance on the reels. That symbol (and this goes for more than one of these symbols) then locks in place and the reels continue to spin a few more times, offering players the chance at additional winnings when more symbols show up. This can usually last a few spins and doesn't require a player adding more credits for these extra respins. Check out the slots terminology article for more information. 4 – Look Deeper at Payout Percentages Choosing locations, games, and properties that offer larger percentages of payouts to players can also help a player win at video slots. Perout percentage is the term for the total amount of coin-in that casinos payout to players. These statistics can often be found online and in some gaming commissions in certain jurisdictions. Some slot companies also publish the payout percentages for their own games right on their websites. Payout percentages can often be found for: Jurisdictions – Payout statistics may be available such as states, cities, etc. Casinos – Payout percentages are often available by individual casinos. Games – Payout percentages are often available for individual games. Varying stakes – Higher limit games often feature higher payout percentages and these can even be found via public sources on the Internet. Higher payout percentages, such as 90% or greater, can mean better chances at actually finding a nice score or event sizable jackpot. This percentage means 90% or more of all money into the slot machines is heading back out to players. Perhaps you’ll be one of those lucky enough to see your bank filled with credits after hitting a nice combination of symbols on that next night out at the video slots. 6 – Frequently Asked Questions What’s a video slot? These are slot games that make use of modern technology instead of actual mechanical reels. Manufacturers make use of modern graphics and sound effects. Many games mimic the spin of traditional reels, but have greatly expanded as well with numerous paylines, extra reels, and other bells and whistles such as bonus games. What are paylines? These are lines on a slot where symbols can line up to form a winning combination. Older games often featured a single line across the front of the traditional three reels. However, modern video slots often feature multiple ways to win with paylines seemingly in every direction across the reels. Luckily, video slots keep up with all these winning combinations on their own and display them after every spin. What can players look for on a video slot’s reels to win? Key symbols offer a better chance at payouts than more common symbols. When rarer symbols line up in winning combinations on the paylines, expect bigger payouts. Other symbols offer even bigger opportunities to win. Scatter symbols can trigger Bonus Games and Wilds serve as substitutes for other symbols, bringing additional opportunities for winning combinations. Free spins also allow players to spin the reels a certain number of times without adding any credits for each spin. What is payout percentage or RTP? RTP means “return to player” and offers a look at how much of the money paid in to a casino’s slots actually gets paid back out to players. Higher RTP, also known as payout percentages, in the 90% or higher range is considered a nice number for players. Higher payout percentages offer players a better chance at a winning session when playing video slots.

How To Win At High Limit Slots: A Strategy Guide
Most slot players have dreamed of winning it big when playing slot machines. While many play at lower limits, some ramp up the action even more and play at some high limit slots. As the name implies, these games feature larger limits than traditional slots generally found on the casino floor. Slot players will find these games often come with higher payouts and jackpots especially when maxing out the bet on each spin of the reels. For some slot fun, and if your bankroll can afford it, head to the high limit slot area or even at some higher-bet online games for some fun spinning those reels. Hopefully a nice reward awaits. Keep reading to find out more about high limit slots and what all goes into playing these games. 1 – What are high-limit slots? Those who enjoy playing slots in a casino will easily recognize many of the games and titles that can also be found at higher limits. The games may not vary too much from other slots found in the casino. The minimum and maximum bets, however, will be much higher than traditional slots which may have limits of a single penny. The games may be similar and just as simple as other slots found in a casino or online, but they’ll require a larger bankroll to play for a long time. The good news is that these games often pay out larger rewards for players as well as big jackpots for those who get really lucky. Many casinos make sure that these machines pay out in higher percentages to keep players at these higher limits. Playing at higher limits can also come with premium service at a live casino. Online casinos also offer players a chance to play at bigger stakes as well. Hitting it big on that laptop, tablet, or mobile phone can then come with some extra credits when those reels align just right. Playing some high limit slots can make for a fun gaming experience for those who can afford a few extra bucks in the process. Here are just a few things to remember about these games: Higher betting limits Bigger payouts to players Premium casino service for players High limit slots are also available at online casinos 2 – Where to play high-limit slots Many casinos around the globe offer high-limit slots, from Macau and Monte Carlo to Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Those looking to jump in the action at higher stakes will have numerous opportunities. Even smaller casinos often have some machines with higher limits than the others typically found on the gaming floor. And while online casinos and social gaming sites allow players to play at lower limits than can often be found in a traditional brick-and-mortar casino, higher limits can also be found when playing slots online. Many games allow players to easily adjust their bets and that includes going up to the max bet. In a casino, some higher limit slots can be found occasionally on the traditional gaming floor, but there is also usually a designated high limit slot area. These may even be referred to as the VIP area or by some other special name. Casinos often work to keep these areas exclusive and they often come with expanded services such as their own bars and sometimes even other perks like meals. Players may find that these rooms are considerably quieter than the main gaming floor. There are fewer people playing so there is less noise from other slots and table games. In Las Vegas, some of the higher-end Strip casinos may be the best place to head for high limit slots. The Venetian and sister property Palazzo regularly earn high marks for the properties’ VIP high limit area. Players can expect high-end cocktails and quick service. The property even features ultra private rooms for those playing at even higher limits. Some other popular and elegant casinos also rank well with high limit players. Some of those include: Cosmopolitan Wynn Bellagio Aria Green Valley Ranch M Resort MGM Grand Some off-Strip properties offer some nice high limit areas as well. Players heading to Sin City have numerous options when hitting the higher limit games. However, the same can be said for other areas. Atlantic City properties like Borgata, Golden Nugget, and Ocean Resort also offer some nice options. The Seminole Hard Rock casinos in Florida (and one soon coming to Vegas with the redevelopment of the Mirage) also have a big slot gaming scene including at higher limits. Beyond these, numerous other great casinos around the world offer higher limit slots as well. Players looking to go a little higher when spinning some reels won’t lack for places to check out. 3 – What are the stakes at high limit slots? The limits a player can bet on at higher stakes slots will depend on the property or online casino. “High limit” may differ by casino and location as well. Obviously what qualifies as a high limit to one player may not be the same to another. However, “high limits” may generally refer to spins in the $5-$10 range. Those can go even higher, but those are around the minimum bets per spin depending on the property. The Venetian, for example, may feature games in the $10 per spin range in the high limit area, but most are around $20 per spin or higher. The Venetian offers even more private rooms for those looking to bet at the $100 per spin level. Those looking for even bigger action will find limits as high as the $2,000 per spin range. This generally goes for some of the other major casinos who go after those looking to play for big money. Chances are if you can dream up a number and have the bankroll, there’s a casino that will also allow you to play at those limits. As noted below, if you do play at these levels it’s important to take advantage of any comps and rewards that come your way. But don’t play just to accrue those comps and reward points. That could be a VERY expensive hotel room or meal if you’re betting thousands and thousands of dollars just to get there. 4 – High limit slot strategy Like other slots, even high limit games come with a house advantage. However there are some things to remember when playing. Some of these actually go for players of all limits. The first is to make sure that you can afford to lose at higher limits. Slot play should be for entertainment and make sure you have the bankroll to play at those levels. Another thing to remember is not to get in too big of a hurry. Take a load off and take it easy when you grab a seat at a slot machine. Spinning the reels as quickly as possible may turn that slot machine trip into a quick loser. A slow approach can make for a better trip and make your bankroll last longer. Order a drink or chit-chat with friends in between spins. There’s no need to get in a hurry. That also includes staying at one machine. Not winning at those higher limits? Maybe it’s time to switch machines and find another game that interests you more. There’s no reason to continue throwing good money after bad. Perhaps the entire session is turning into a loser? Maybe take a walk or head back to the hotel room. Perhaps it’s time to even take advantage of some great casino restaurants and grab a bite to eat. The slot machines will still be there later and a more positive slot machine session might be back in the picture now. Another great idea to consider when playing in a high limit slot area is the amount of money that a casino pays back to players. This concept on the amount paid back on certain games is known as the Payout Percentage or RTP (meaning return to player). A higher RTP means a casino or online gaming site pays out more of the coin-in (also known as credits) to players. This works in a player’s favor no matter what limits, but higher RTP for high limit slots is common, thus your chances of winning may be better on these games. However, it’s important to remember not to play above your own personal bankroll level. Pick your favorite online free slot games from Jackpot Party and play for fun: Some high limit slots may see payout percentages higher than 95 percent. These percentages can often be found easily online and players can also often find the payouts of individual games as well. Checking these numbers out is a good slot strategy when heading to a casino for some slot play. If you’re playing at higher limits, you might as well do some research and give yourself the best chance to win. Another important thing to remember is to join the casino’s rewards club. This often comes with free play as well as the ability to accrue comps at the property that can include free hotel stays, meals, and other rewards. Joining the club may be even more important for high limit players. The higher games will garner points quicker because most casinos base your rewards on how much you play. This gives you a chance at some nicer comps and prizes as you play. If higher limit slots are what you’re interested in playing, you might as well earn some nice prizes and rewards along the way. Take advantage of this nice extra. In review, here’s a look at some strategies to remember: Take it slow – Don;t play to fast, helping to make that bankroll last longer. Bankroll – Make sure your money is meant for entertainment and you can afford to lose it. Switch it up – Don’t be afraid to switch machines if one isn’t paying off. Drop down – If things aren’t going well, consider moving to lower-stakes games. Join the club – Take advantage of casino comps by joining the rewards club and using that player’s card. Plan ahead – Finding properties with the best payout percentages may help players find the best place for a shot at winning. 5 – High limit slot jackpots All slot players have dreamed of a jackpot at one point. Some big wins are certainly fun, but scoring that life-changing jackpot is fun to dream about even if it’s still pretty unlikely. Players jumping in the high limit slot action will still be finding bigger payouts just because they’re playing at such bigger bet levels per spin. As noted above, higher limit games also tend to have higher payout percentages, meaning a better opportunity to score some wins along the way. Those looking for a shot at some Minor, Major, or Grand jackpot will often find much bigger payouts on a higher limit game. However, it’s important to remember that a high limit slot game is still a slot. The casino has a built-in advantage and players will generally lose in the long run. Slot machines are meant for entertainment and even at higher limits players face some tough odds. Take those positive spins and book a winning session when they come your way. Some nice casino vibes are always nice. Hit a Major prize? It’s OK to put some of that cash in your pocket or bank some back into your account if playing online. There’s no sense in throwing all those winnings back into a game hoping for an even bigger score. How long do you play high limit slots before you win? As even high limit slots are so similar to normal slots in terms of game play. That all depends on the Random Number Generator (RNG) within the game that actually determines a winner. For those who can afford to play at these levels however, playing the max bet may offer the chance to cash in for even more when you do hti it big. Many games pay considerably more on the pay table when betting the max. But don’t feel you have to do this if it’s going to eat into bankroll too much and don’t be scared of dropping down in limit if needed to fit more comfortably within your bankroll. Slots are meant to be fun and it’s not fun losing more money than you might feel comfortable to spend on entertainment. In the meantime, good luck and here’s to catching a big win! 6 – Conclusion High limit slots are slot machine games that generally feature limits that are higher than one might find on the normal casino gaming floor. These cost more to play but can also pay out more along the way. Casinos usually offer special VIP areas for high limit players and that can also include some nice comps and extras for players who spin the reels at these levels. Higher limit games also often feature higher payout percentages, which can offer a higher chance at winning sessions. Most casinos offer some kind of high limit play and the nicer Las Vegas Strip properties go out of their way to cater to these players. Those playing higher limits should still plan to play with a bankroll they are willing to lose as part of their entertainment budget. It’s important to remember that the house or online casino has an edge, but winning sessions at the slots are possible. Have fun and hopefully a win is in the works.
23 January, 2023

Guide to Slot Machine Reels
Most slot players can easily recognize whether they’ve won or lost via the front of the machine. When those symbols line up just right on the reels, these players may be seeing a major payout heading their way. Slot machines have become the most popular gambling options in the world. Walk into almost any casino and you’ll notice that the gaming floor is full of these popular games. A quick glance will see those famous reels spinning and spinning and spinning. Slots often drive casino revenues and profits with manufacturers offering newer and more creative games each year. Players can find games of every type, and style, and for every taste or interest. This article offers gamblers a complete guide to slot machine reels and their importance to these popular games. What are slot reels? Chances are you’ve at least seen a slot machine in some form. Most people know the general look and design of a slot. Players drop in a few dollars (actual slot tokens or coins in the old days) and then press the spin button or pull a handle. This puts the reels facing outward from the slot cabinet in motion. These spin vertically and eventually come to a stop, signaling whether a player has won or lost. The reels feature various symbols that relay the type of a particular spin. Players will often become accustomed to seeing some familiar symbols that may have been part of the world of slots since their invention in the late 1800s. Some of those common and popular symbols include: Bells Bars 7s Playing card hands (A, K, Q, J, 10) Playing card suits (hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades) Fruits These certainly aren’t all the symbols a player will find in a random slot. However, these classics are still found in numerous games from Las Vegas and Atlantic City to Monte Carlo and Macau. Modern slots make use of high-energy themes and unique narrative arcs, so many games have moved beyond these classic symbols on the reels. Some symbols also offer some extra winning power for players. Those include: Wilds – These can usually be substituted for other symbols on the reels, allowing for more winning combinations. Scatters – These unlock bonus features such as free spins and other bonus games. These can offer players extra ways to win including the possibility of some big prizes. Multipliers – These multiply a regular win by a certain amount. Most games feature three reels but more modern games have seen that expand depending on the game. As game manufacturers have innovated, additional opportunities to reveal symbols have been added. Some games even feature a completely separate set of secondary reels. But on older reels and even many still today, three reels is a popular combination. The general idea remains the same, however, more than 100 years after the first slot machines were unveiled for eager players. A player drops in some money and spins those slot reels, eagerly awaiting which symbols show up when those whirling reels come to a stop – hopefully a nice jackpot. How do slot machine reels work? Up until the age of computers and modern technology, slot machine reels would spin because of real mechanical engineering within the slot cabinet. A series of gears and levers were used to crank up those reels. The handle out of the side of the machine was used to “spin” the reels by releasing a braking mechanism and putting them into motion. A series of kickers and a stopper eventually bring the reels to a stop, leaving the gambler with a few symbols showing on the front of the cabinet. If they line up just right on the payline, the player is rewarded with a payout. Some of those can occasionally be massive jackpots, but those odds are long. Most modern slots however don’t even feature traditional mechanical reels, instead, players will find “video reels” that mimic those vintage slots of old Vegas. Obviously, these machines feature mostly computer and software components to make them function. These games use RNGs (random number generators) to make the reels spin and award wins and losses. Some machines may feature what seem like mechanical reels. However, these reels are spun by the computer and software in the cabinet and not from some mechanical movement generated by the user as they once were by a player pulling an external handle. In fact, the slot’s software has already determined the result of the spin when a player presses the spin button. The reels offer players just a visual representation of that selection with the bells, whistles, music, bonus games, etc. all part of the entertainment that comes with the machine. But those entertaining qualities keep players coming back for more of the action. Research firm Technavio estimates the industry’s compound annual gross revenue to rise almost 13% from 2020-25, topping out at almost $9 billion. Manufacturer creativity seems to be driving demand for more creative and better products. The growth of the slot machine market will be driven by the growing vendor involvement in the market,” the study notes. “The vendors in the market are launching new products. They are attracting more consumers by introducing slot machines with improved features. Digital slot machines are considered to be extremely user-friendly because they display all of the information in the form of comments and let players play without any aid or assistance. These characteristics have resulted in high demand for these devices in casinos. Changes and innovation in slot reels With that in mind, how is the industry appealing to more players? Obviously, the use of modern computer technology moves video slots well past what could be offered on a traditional mechanical slot. One of the best innovations is the ability for players to bet on numerous paylines. This offers players numerous ways to win. The technologically advanced offer numerous lines that can seem to crisscross across the reels. The slot’s ability to display all these wins also makes it easy for players. Beyond the gameplay, modern machines offer other unique properties such as: High-definition visuals Multiple screens Expanded number of reels Pop culture tie-ins and advanced gaming themes Interesting bonus games and extra features Advanced theater-like sound effects In recent years, some slot manufacturers have even introduced skill-based games, which offer players the ability to play a role in the game’s outcome based on their own skills and strategy. These games are meant to appeal to a generation of players brought up on video and mobile gaming options. Online and mobile game slots reels Speaking of mobile games, slot developers have moved beyond traditional casinos. Players in legal jurisdictions can find some of their favorite games available right on their cell phones, mobile devices, and computers. This has allowed players to compete for major jackpots right from their own homes. These reels spin on a player’s phone just as they would in a traditional casino. Those who find those slot symbols lining up just right can be in store for some big winnings as well. The largest online slot win came in 2021 in Belgium. One lucky player cashed in for $23.6 million playing a Mega Moolah machine on the Napoleon Sports & Casino platform. Obviously, the vast majority of players won’t ever experience a win like that. Still, many players enjoy some winnings and entertainment, spinning slot reels here and there from the couch, subway, or maybe even on a park bench. The mobile gaming fun carries over to the social gaming environment as well. Numerous platforms, such as Jackpot Party, offer players a chance to spin some reels without any real money on the line. Players can learn how to play and check out some of the various games with no real skin in the game, which means you can keep some of that hard-earned cash in your wallet. Many players see those slot machine reels and the symbols they reveal as just a nice way to have some fun, win or lose or even without anything on the line. The future of slot machine reels The slot industry continues to advance with unique options always around the corner. Advanced graphics, sound, and gaming options continue to make the casino floor quite a place for innovation. Players now can just use bills and no longer need to carry around buckets of slot tokens. Cashless play is also now becoming an option, with players setting up an account and not even needing to slide currency into a machine. More advanced narratives continue to gain steam as well. The technology just seems to ramp up every year, bringing more computing power and more fun to the slot area. Perhaps look for more skill-based games and more simulating of what players find in other mobile gaming environments. One thing is certain, slot machines’ popularity seems to show no signs of slowing down. Frequently asked questions What are slot machine reels? These are the vertical cylinders located on the front of a casino cabinet. They can be really moving mechanisms or simulated on video slots. These feature symbols can align in certain winning combinations. Players see the results on paylines on the screen or in front of the game. Do modern slots use mechanical reels? Most modern slots make use of computer technology and feature video reels Even those with mechanical-looking reels make use of an RNG (random number generator) to determine the result of a spin. The reels just display this result as seen in video slots. What are the symbols on slot reels? These vary by game and can display various icons and unique features. Some symbols award more winnings than others. Players generally hope to find the best symbols lining up, dreaming of a major jackpot.
3 January, 2023

Odds Of Winning Slot Machine Jackpot
It’s the dream of most slot machine players – seeing those reels align just right for a massive payday. Whether playing in a brick-and-mortar casino, online, or in a social gaming environment, seeing a huge jackpot is at least a goal to some degree for many players. Whether it’s a mini, major, or minor jackpot, landing some of those nice winnings can go a long way toward turning that time at a slot into a winning session. Players may face longer odds to winning those truly massive progressive six- and seven-figure jackpots, but it’s at least possible. But smaller jackpots happen more frequently and players face smaller odds in landing some of those less-stellar paydays. So what are the odds of hitting a slot machine jackpot? Do players really have a chance to win? Are there certain ways to play that might lead to a jackpot? This article hopes to answer some of those types of questions. Keep reading to learn more about what odds slot players face in winning a jackpot. What’s a Jackpot? 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 filling 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. 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 and 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 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 a slot games. As expected, players face larger odds at achieving this level. While on a penny machine a Mini Jackpot may be $50 to $100, a Major may bring a few hundred dollars. Minor Jackpot – This is the third tier of jackpot and sees that potential payout rise 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 really hefty payout as the name implies. A player hitting a Mega Jackpot has really 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 everyday for slot players. They are more difficult to achieve with longer odds. Progressive Jackpot – This are that 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. 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 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? There are numerous intricacies in each game that 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 at higher stakes. This gives a player an opportunity 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 actually 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. 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 in an online setting. There are numerous online sources that 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 games, and that can often be found online as well. A game or casino with a 96% RTP has a better shot at winning than at 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 really 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 bth 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.
16 November, 2022

Ultimate Guide to Slot Machine Symbols
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 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 on each game. Designers also still work in classic slot symbols as well and that creativity carries over to online slots and social gaming platforms as well. Continue reading to learn more about slot machine symbols and their significance to these games. History of Slot Machine Symbols The first slot machines were created in 1887 in San Francisco by 29-year-old German immigrant Charles Fey. The machinist envisioned a fun game for patrons in saloons and gambling halls, reaching business deals with numerous establishments to split revenue his slot machines generated. The first game was called the Liberty Bell and the term “slot” machine comes from those early games that featured a slot to insert a nickel. Fey’s original games featured three reels and he was the first person to envision such a device. Liberty Bells paid out players in nickels, but certain combinations awarded a gambler with free cigars or drinks. These were the first “comps” sent a slot machine player’s way. That early machine may have been primitive by today’s standards, but the visionary inventor spawned what would become an industry worth billions of dollars with slots now the most popular games in a casino by far. Fey’s early machines used mechanical reels to determine winners’s chances of winning and symbols to show the result of each spin. Those Liberty Bell games used fruits, playing cards, and, of course, bell symbols to add to the game’s visual presentation and give players some images to associate with winning and losing spins. Fey’s devices were a hit. “His machines were an immediate success, and he couldn’t manufacture enough of them in his small workshop to supply the demand in and around San Francisco,” Scarne’s Complete Guide to Gambling notes. “Gambling equipment manufacturers soon discovered this and tried to buy the manufacturing and distribution rights, but Fey refused all offers.” Interestingly, some of those same early symbols remain on many machines found in casinos today. Playing cards and suits remain very common on many video slots of today, although may not be among the highest-paying symbols. Those looking to win at slots now are usually looking for more exotic symbols to appear. Those playing cards as symbols made a big impact on the games and became so popular in games in Australia and New Zealand that they became known as poker machines. That was eventually simply shortened by most to “pokies.” The fruit symbols must have become more common in England because slots became known as “fruit machines” or “fruities” in that country – and the term remains popular today. One other classic slot symbol is the bar. These may seem like an odd and rather dull item to see on a gambling device looking to draw players in to wager some of their hard-earned money. These horizontal stripes can make a solo appearance on slot reels or come in doubles and triples. So from where does this classic symbol derive? In 1907, Chicago’s Stephen Harper Mills began producing his own machines, adding more fruits and the black bar icons that many slot players still recognize today. His early games were known as Bell-Fruit-Gum machines and paid lucky winners with chewing gum to get around anti-gambling laws. The black bar icon is believed to have originally been a chewing gum packet logo from the Mills Novelty Company since a player could win some gum. As a few sticks of gum and other non-cash prizes faded away, that logo transitioned into the traditional bar seen today. One other early symbol remains extremely popular on many slot games today – the number 7. For centuries this number has been seen as lucky by numerous cultures and still seems as a common winning icon on many games. No doubt on that next trip to a Las Vegas casino or playing games online, you’ll find many gamblers hoping to see 7-7-7 show up on those reels. Here’s a complete look at early slot machine symbols that still often appear on games today: Playing cards Playing card suits Sevens Fruits Bars Bells 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 really 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 themes to choose from as well to choose from. 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. Special Symbols Beyond some of the simple simples listed above, slot developers also make certain symbols more valuable than others. When these line up they can bring more winnings than some of the more typical symbols in the game. Other symbols offer players more chances to win. A scatter symbol triggers something special, such as a bonus game or free spins. These are the types of symbols a player likes to see show up as there are more chances to win more money. These can also offer a chance to win a progressive to lucky players who see enough of them. For example, players can spin the reels on the popular game Zeus II at Jackpot Party. This game features the god who ruled the sky in ancient Greek mythology. As one might expect many of the symbols revolve around this mythological world, a common theme in the world of slots. As the scatter symbol, a symbol featuring a lightning bolt does the job in this game. A player lining up at least three of these symbols is awarded a free spins bonus. Why would you want that? Because these offer players a chance to spin the reels a certain number of times without spending any more credits. These rounds also often feature better chances of winning more and also even earning more free spins along the way. In Zeus II, you’re able to win as many as 150 free spins when five scatter symbols appear. Another key image on the reels that can also greatly benefit players are wild symbols. These can link up with other symbols to create more winning combinations. A wild symbol can act as any other symbol on the reels, offering a player more chances to win. Sometimes that can include numerous paylines being highlighted across all the reels because a few wilds made such a difference at turning a losing spin into a nice winner. For example, the Temple Wild does this function for players. The temple image can be used in place of all other symbols on the reels, except for the lightning bolt. A player seeing these show up has a much better chance at securing some winning combinations. Different slots may have different rewards for symbols that appear on the reels. Some may trigger other prizes, bonuses, and even respins. This last term refers to a feature in which a symbol is locked in place on the reels. The other reels may spin again a few more times, offering players a chance at some more wins if certain symbols appear again. As noted earlier, a random number generator actually determines the result of any slot machine spin. However, the average player may not even realize. The fun of the game is watching those reels and seeing if just the rights symbols make an appearance – hopefully awarding some riches along the way. Here’s a quick review of the key symbols on a slot game, whether playing in a live casino or online. Traditional symbols – Most regular symbols on a slot game. Some of these pay more than others and the paytable will spell this out. Scatter symbols – These are critical symbols that trigger other winning opportunities like bonus games and free spins. These offer more chances to win additional credits and are highly sought by most players. Wild symbols – Like a wild card in a poker game, these can be used in combination with other symbols to make winning combinations. They can replace most other symbols on the reels to better link up pay lines for winners. 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 on 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 some winning along the way when playing. However, players are really 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.
7 November, 2022

How to Read Slot Machines
For those new to slot machines, sitting down to play can be a bit confusing. There are numerous symbols and buttons on the game and someone who has never played might not be able to understand everything. It all may be a bit of a shock to the system for new players. While the machine itself can tabulate winning spins, understanding the machine also makes for a more rewarding experience at a casino or when playing online. Learning a few of the essential concepts will help players as they spin those reels. Keep reading to learn more about how to read all key aspects of a slot machine. 1 – Reels Someone new to a slot will notice a set of three to five lines in the center of the screen featuring various symbols. These “reels” spin vertically on every spin. These are what a player is watching to see if they are a winner on the spin. These reels derive from original slot machines that featured mechanical working reels that actually determined the winner. Nowadays, a random number generator (RNG) actually determines a winner and most reels are now of the digital graphic variety. These are actually a visual representation of what the RNG determines for that spin. Slot manufacturers have improved this experience greatly since the days of actual mechanical reels. Players will see unique graphics, video, and other features on these reels in modern games. Slot machine reels are a key feature on a slot and display the result of each spin. The popular slot Zeus II, available on Jackpot Party, serves as an example throughout this article. Here’s a look at the 4x5 reels on this game. 2 – Spin Button Now that you know what the reels are, it may be time to give those reels a spin. The spin button gets the game underway, initiating the reels to spin after you’ve selected the number of credits you’d like to wager. Once that spin button has been pressed the reels spin and eventually come to a stop. Players will then be able to see if they won any credits on that particular spin. Once credits have been paid out to a player’s account, he or she can then hit the spin button again to initiate another spin of the reels. Online, players may find a spin button that is located on the game itself. For example, in this version of Zeus II, the button looks like a triangular “play” symbol typically associated with playing music online. Simply click this button to see the reels spin. Players on Jackpot Party will find a similar spin button on most games. 3 – Bet Button When taking a seat at a slot game, you’ll first insert some cash or a credit voucher. Online players can also select the amount they want to use on that particular spin of the reels. If you are playing a penny machine and insert a $20 bill, you’ll then have 2,000 credits to play and this should show up on screen. That amount will increase and decrease depending on your winning or losing spins. Players can determine how many credits they want to wager per line on each spin. More credits wagered per spin means you’ll receive more on each winning spin. Players can easily adjust the number of credits bet by tapping this bet button. At Jackpot Party, simply click the chips/coins icons above and below the play button on the screen to adjust your wager per spin. Click the top icon to increase and the bottom icon to decrease. An image will show up noting the total bet above the buttons as seen in this image from Zeus II. You can also click on the menu button to the left of the play symbol to adjust your bet as well. 4 – Pay Lines Pay lines are what visually show the ways that a player wins based on the reels on screen. On older slots, there was usually a single line across the center of the reels and paid out when certain symbols showed up. Eventually, that evolved into multiple paylines. With the advent of video slots, slot manufacturers were able to get even more creative. Most games now offer numerous paylines. That can include horizontal paylines as well as lines that seem to zigzag across the reels. Different games offer different ways to win. Some symbols may allow lines to link across the reels in seemingly random patterns. Players also have the chance to see multiple payouts with various paylines connecting across the reels. Multi-line payouts mean more winnings are possible per spin. However, don’t worry that you won’t be able to recognize which symbols align on each spin. Games now determine the winners via the RNG and display which symbols are connected to the screen after each spin. This makes it easy to see which spins are winners. Players will easily see winning lines and credits put in their bank before spinning again. This also allows players to start recognizing which symbols pay off at higher rates than others. Some symbols, such as Wilds and Scatters, can offer players not only winning pay lines but also higher payouts than they might earn otherwise. Modern slots, whether in a live casino, online, or in social media platforms, feature plenty of creativity and numerous ways to win. Players can also increase the number of credits paid per line to win even more. In the Zeus II game, here’s a look how the game shows how a person has won by highlighting the lines and icons which align to make the spin pay off. The game will also highlight multiple wins as well. 5 – Pay Table For more information about how a slot machine pays out, players may want to check out a slot’s pay table. This can be found on the exterior of the game itself sometimes, but can often be viewed on the screen of a video slot as well. The pay table shows the player the number of paylines on a certain machine as well as prizes and payouts. Players will find the betting requirements for the game as well as the symbol combinations on the reels and how they pay out. Obviously some symbols pay more and players will be able to observe these. The top row on the pay table will offer players some insight on the largest jackpot payouts. The symbol also shows how much each combination pays depending on the number of credits played. Most machines allow players to pay from three to five credits per line. The pay table shows how each jackpot pays out for these varying bets. Players at the max bet will often find some of the higher payouts that are multiple times better than the other payouts on the same line at smaller levels. A pay table is key to learning more about the possible wins and payouts on each game. These pay tables are also available for online games at Jackpot Party. For Zeus II, click the menu button (three horizontal lines) to the left of the play icon. This brings up a small box in the middle of the screen. There are five more icons at the top allowing players to adjust bets, volume, and more. Click on the “i” tab at the top to see more information on the game and scroll down to the pay table, which looks like this. 6 – Scatters Slot developers have gotten creative through the years, moving beyond just allowing players to win with certain symbols that show up on screen. Some symbols can be used in multiple combinations to produce wins and even trigger bonus games. The scatter symbol is just one of those. These act as triggers and their exact use depends on the game a player is playing. Seeing some of these may bring about different types of bonus features including free spins and other bonus rounds (more on those below) as well as other interesting gameplay aspects. These are typically some of the highest paying symbols and players traditionally need to see multiple symbols appear on the reels to reap some real rewards from them. In Zeus II, the lightning bolt serves as the Scatter symbol. When lining up at least three of these scatters, players will earn a free spins bonus. In this game players can earn up to 150 free spins when five scatter symbols show up. Here’s a look at one of the symbols, located in the upper right. The symbol is pictured in the informational box as part of the pay table. 7 – Wild Symbols Slot manufacturers work to make their games fun and exciting. Adding more ways to win helps accomplish this and wild symbols go a long way in accomplishing this. These symbols are similar to the Joker in a wild-card poker game, they can serve to substitute for other symbols to make a winning combination. A player finding a few symbols on the reels will find that a wild often helps reward them with some winnings. In Zeus II, the Temple Wild symbol accomplishes this task. These can replace all other symbols, except for the lightning bolt, to form winning combinations. Here’s a look at the Temple Wild in Zeus II, located in the upper left via the information box. 8 – Bonus Rounds/Free Spins To make games more exciting, slot manufacturers build in differing features that can be triggered through various means. This may range from making a pick for a prize, free spins, respins, and more. Some games even feature a completely different screen video clips and other exciting features as part of a bonus game. These offer players a chance to win even more in the game. Winning free spins is a common bonus game. This means players earn a number of spins that don’t take away from a player’s credits. Free spins offer players even more chances to win and those awarded can range from just a few to 100 or more. In some games, the most lucrative symbols appear more often during the free spins section. Additionally, players can often earn even more free spins during the free spins bonus. This means the round gets extended and gives you even more opportunities to win. In Zeus II, players have a chance at a free spins bonus. This happens when you find three lightning bolt symbols on reels one, two, and three. Players will earn 10 free spins for accomplishing this and can earn even more with scatter symbols and wilds showing up as well. Zeus II also includes another bonus, the Hot Hot Super Respin. Respins occur on this game during the free spins bonus. Respins occur when certain bonus symbols appear, locking them in place and spinning the other reels again for a shot at more winnings. The Hot Hot Super Respin occurs when a Zeus symbol appears on reel one, triggering a few respins to the free spins bonus. The Zeus symbol locks in place while the other reels continue spinning, with some wild symbols hopefully showing up to add even more winnings to your bank. Here’s a look at the free spins feature on Zeus II. 9 – Conclusion Slot games, whether playing in a casino or online, may be intimidating at first but learning just a few of the key features will help a player understand what they are doing. Here’s a quick review of some of the key concepts to remember. For a full list of slots terms, please visit our slots terms page Reels – The vertical spinning sections of the screen with numerous symbols a player watches to see if he is a winner. These are the key part of the game and are now mostly in digital video form rather than mechanical. Spin Button – This is simply a button that can get the reels spinning each time a player wishes to wager. This is usually an icon of some sort of icon that a player will click on a computer or tap on a mobile or tablet device. Bet Button – This is a button or icon in which a player determines their bet per spin. Players determine how much they want to wager per line Pay Lines – These are the lines on the reels that determine winners depending on which symbols appear. On modern slots, these don’t have to line up straight across but can run in random directions depending on the game and symbols that appear. Pay Table – This is a table that shows what prizes a player can win based on what symbols appear. This also shows the highest jackpot on the game a player can win. Scatters – These are distinct symbols on the game that can trigger bonus features when they make an appearance on the reels. Wild Symbols – These are certain symbols on a game that can substitute as other symbols on the game and help create added winning combinations. Bonus Rounds and Free Spins – A bonus round is an extra game a player wins that allow for opportunities to win extra credits. Free spins are a common bonus in which a player gets to spin the reels multiple times without it affecting their credits and giving numerous extra chances to win.
2 November, 2022