slots strategy

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 is 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 in 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 of 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 it. 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 of a slot game, whether playing in a live casino or online. Traditional symbols – Most regular symbols in 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. 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 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.

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 visual representations 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 the 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 classic 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 slot 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. Here are a few of Jackpot Party's most famous Vegas slots: 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. 10 – Frequently Asked Questions What are reels? Reels are the vertical spinning sections of a slot machine screen that feature various symbols. They determine the winning combinations for each spin. What is the spin button? The spin button is an icon or button that initiates the spin of the reels after the player has selected the number of credits they want to wager. What is the bet button? The bet button is a button or icon that allows the player to determine their bet per spin. They can adjust the number of credits they want to wager per line. What are pay lines? Pay lines are the lines on the reels that determine the winners depending on which symbols appear. They don't necessarily have to line up straight across, but can run in random directions depending on the game and symbols that appear. What is the pay table? The pay table is a table that shows what prizes a player can win based on the symbols that appear on the reels. It also shows the highest jackpot on the game that a player can win. What are scatters? Scatters are distinct symbols on a slot machine that can trigger bonus features when they appear on the reels. They are usually the highest paying symbols on a slot. What are wild symbols? Wild symbols are symbols on a slot machine that can substitute as other symbols on the game to create winning combinations. What are bonus rounds and free spins? Bonus rounds and free spins are extra games that a player can win, giving them extra opportunities to win credits without affecting their balance. Bonus rounds can offer various features such as pick-for-a-prize, respins, and more. Free spins give players more chances to win with every spin.

Many gamers may have an interest in playing slot machines, but don’t know quite where to get started. If you have questions about how slots work, payouts, jackpots, how a player wins, and other topics, this article may help you become more familiar with these popular games. Slot machines can mean a fun night at a casino or simply passing some time on a mobile phone or tablet device with some free social gaming. The chance to win some money can only add to the experience. Free-to-play online games can also be quite entertaining and have become extremely popular as well. Want to learn the basics of playing slot machines? Here's a more detailed look at what every potential player should know when heading to a casino or even using a mobile phone to play, including every aspect of a slot machine explained in full. How Slot Machines Work A slot machine is a game making use of vertically spinning “reels” that may line up in a certain pattern to potentially determine a random prize for the person dropping money into the machine. That money is collected into a pool and slot machines pay out a certain percentage. Prize amounts vary depending on each machine. The first slot machine was invented by Charles Fey of San Francisco, California, in 1899. That first machine featured three spinning reels containing a total of five symbols: horseshoes, diamonds, spades, hearts, and a Liberty Bell. The machine became known as the Liberty Bell and Fey spawned a growing industry. Those first machines were placed in bars and restaurants throughout San Francisco and paid out not in cash, but with prizes like chewing gum and cigars. Competitors followed with different symbols and many of the symbols one might see on a modern slot trace their roots to these early games. Those first machines paid out based on the mechanical functions of the machine. There were real reels and how they spun actually determining payouts. However, modern machines not only often use video reels but also make use of random number generators instead of mechanical workings to determine winners. Modern slot machines have become high-tech machines with advanced video, sound, graphics, and gameplay. A player has numerous games to choose from, something for every taste and interest. In recent years, slot developers have embraced licensing popular movies, celebrities, TV shows, sports teams and leagues, and more. Online slots and social slot-style games have also become extremely popular, with big payouts also coming to players using computers, mobile devices, and tablets. Slots remain the most popular form of casino gaming and are a multi-billion dollar industry. Bottom Line: Slot games date back to the late 19th Century and have become a multi-billion dollar industry. Most modern slots are now high-tech machines with high-tech graphics, sound, video, and more. RNGs (Random Number Generators) A random number generator, or RNG, is a computer technology that is used to determine payouts and jackpots. Money paid out to players isn’t actually based on the reels themselves. An RNG creates a sequence of simulated random numbers to determine where those reels will land, and thus which payouts are distributed to players. The RNG creates these sequences at a rate of hundreds and thousands per second. Early machines used actual mechanical working within each machine to determine winners. Now a payout and jackpot is determined as soon as the player hits the button to spin the reels. Some slots even still have an arm (as in one-armed bandits) that a player can pull as if playing an old-fashioned casino where a player pulled an arm to spin the reels. This arm actually only starts the casino reels via the computer innards and the RNG still determines a winning or losing spin. The RNG creates a fair system for players, making slots payout completely at random as the name implies. There isn't as much room for mechanical error and RNGs help make sure the system is also fair to players. One important thing to remember is that payouts and jackpots are completely random. Some players believe a machine that may seem “due” to pay out. This is flawed thinking and payouts all depend on the RNGs. The idea of “hot” and “cold” slots are also misnomers. A player familiar with the concept of RNGs will know that all payouts depend solely on random number generators and while a slot may be “cold,” that can change at any time and the same goes for machines that may seem “hot.” Bottom Line: Slots no longer use mechanical reels to determine winners. The computer inside a game uses a random number generator to determine the result of every single spin. This allows for complete randomness and also allows for differing ways for players to win on the numerous paylines seen on today’s slots, both at a casino and online. Whether you think a slot is “hot” or “cold” doesn;t matter, a slot pays off only according to what is generated by the random number generator (RNG) in the slot’s computer. Paylines, Credits, and Pay Tables Those new to slots may not quite have a grasp on how much money (also known as coin-in) is required and how the differing payouts work. Here’s a look at a few terms that are a key part in this aspect of playing a slot machine: Paylines These are the various lines that will payout on the slot reels. Early slot machines only paid out when certain symbols lined up perfectly across a single line on the front of the machine. Modern machines however can have numerous paylines with more visible symbols than in early machines. These can go horizontal or diagonal on the front of the reels with some machines even paying out vertical lines. Some payout lines even can even run seemingly randomly, depending on the visible symbols. In most modern machines, the number of lines that will pay off for a player depending on the amount of credits (money or coin-in) wagered on a particular spin. The more wagered, the more paylines that can pay off for a player. Credits This is simply the name for the denomination a player is paying. Someone playing on a 5-cent machine playing 20 credits has $1 on the line on that spin. A play on a penny machine playing 60 credits has 60 cents on the lines on that spin of the reels. Players who win on a certain spin will find any winnings added to the “Credit” sign on the machine. Those using a slot machine can easily check their balance by looking in this area and determining if they need to add more. Players can also withdraw their funds by hitting “Cash Out.” A user will then receive a paper voucher with the balance amount that can be used in another machine. Vouchers can also be converted back into cash at the casino cashier or at a kiosk in the casino. Online slot players can also view their balance at any time and send winning back to their bank accounts as well. Pay Tables Each slot machine has a pay table that shows what symbols need to align for a payout of varying sums. These are arranged with the largest payouts, known as the jackpot, at the top of the tables and subsequent payouts below those. The higher on the table your reels line up, the larger the payout. A table also includes an amount paid out depending on the number of credits a player puts in the machine. Payouts differ depending on the number of credits you play and coin-in can range from one to five credits. Slot manufacturers usually pay out more for players who play “max credits,” meaning the highest number of credits per spin. The highest jackpot, for example, will often be significantly higher for a player at the max-bet amount – someone playing all five credits in the case above. Many slot experts recommend playing at max credits or at least as high as possible so players can receive bigger payouts when they do land on some nice spins. Visit the full article to learn more about slot terms Bottom Line: Knowing the basics of how coin-in and payouts work is essential. Credits are the denomination of “coins” (could also be dollars) a player wagers. Players determine the number of coins they’d like to wager per spin. Paylines are the lines on the reels where a player can win and the pay tables are the charts on a machine that show how much a player wins for certain symbols showing up, depending on the number of credits wagered on a spin. Setting Your Bet Options When making a slot machine wager, players have a few options to choose from. Some slots allow players to select the denomination they’d like to play throughout the session. For example, a player may select a denomination of a penny or a nickel. This means each credit a player plays will be worth a penny or a nickel, depending on which one is selected. Players can also select the bet amount they’d prefer for each spin of the reels. For example, if a machine has a max of five credits allowed per spin, the player can select the bat amount preferred. That could range from a minimum, one credit, to a maximum of five credits. It’s easy to alter the number of credits you’d like to play as well. Simply toggle through the betting amounts to determine which one you’d like to wager. It’s important to remember that the amount wagered corresponds to payouts on the pay table. Payouts will be larger for a player wagering four credits versus someone betting only two credits. Also, a max bet will pay out substantially larger jackpots than even a four-credit bet. Bottom Line: Players have complete control on the number of credits to wager on each spin. Players can generally determine if they’d like to wager from 1 to 5 credits per spin. You can alter this as needed at any time. Slot Features – Bonus Rounds, Free Spins, & More Bonus Rounds Early slot machines mostly consisted of three reals and a few symbols. Line up some symbols and you can win a few bucks. Modern slots however, make use of computers, video, and high-tech sound to offer players more of a sensory experience. Manufacturers go out of their way to make games special to keep players not just gambling, but also entertained. Bonus games offer a great way to accomplish this. These are “extra” opportunities for players to win some extra credits without having any real risk. A bonus game is triggered when certain symbols line up, connect, or via some other method included in the machine’s programming. When these are triggered, look for distinct sounds, video, and other “bells and whistles.” These events allow players an opportunity to compete in some extra games, which could range from touching the screen to making a selection themselves or some other mini-games. Bonus games are extremely popular and add something different to a slot machine experience. Game developers work hard to create a unique experience. These games also regularly include opportunities to win jackpots and also grab some multipliers, which “multiply” the amount won by a certain factor. Free Spins Another popular bonus is the addition of “free spins.” These go beyond the credits that a player already wagered on the current spins. The game may include an icon or symbol for “free spins” or may trigger this extra by some other means. These free spins can come via more subdued means, with the player simply making a few extra spins and hopefully winning some nice extra credits. However, many modern slots make free spin opportunities much more of a production as seen in bonus rounds. Players may see extra visuals, sound effects, and even more rapidly spinning wheels. For example, let’s say a player is awarded an extra 10 spins. This player can really rack up some extra credits as those reels spin and stop during that time. The winnings are tabulated throughout the free spins and then added to your balance once the session comes to an end. The good news as you can even win jackpots during these spins. It’s also possible to rack up added free spins that only keep the session going longer. These same extras can also be found on online slots and social gaming slots. Slot developers are creative and may have even more ways to win in side games and extra options. These not only allow for winning some extra cash, but they’re fun too. Bottom Line: Bonus games and free spins are extra features that allow players to win some extra credits. Bonus games usually involve a completely different game with added graphics and sounds. These can reward jackpots as well. Free spins allow players to earn more credits and even additional spins, with multiple free spins usually running quickly one after another and add to the fun of playing a slot. Slot Odds As noted here, slot machines and online slots are a house-edge game, meaning a player is up against the house unlike games like poker. You also can’t shift those odds in your favor via card counting or superior play as in blackjack or video poker. But what are the odds of winning in a slot machine game? That all depends on the property and the actual machine. Some experts estimate that odds of winning a jackpot can range from 1 in 5,000 to 1 in 34 million, depending on what a person is playing. Progressive jackpots feature extremely long odds, but also massive payouts for winners. Because of the long odds, expecting to win a huge jackpot is probably unrealistic. Hitting millions of dollars is similar to winning the lottery. Players looking to win need to look at the payout percentages of each property, meaning the percentage of coin-in that is paid back out to players. A property boasting a payout percentage of 94% means that the casino is only collecting about 6% of all money going into the machine for the house. Payout percentages can be programmed into a machine and those in the upper 90s can be very favorable to players and offer better odds at winning. Online slot players may find even better payout percentages than what might be found at live casinos. Players should also lower expectations of big wins because of the long odds involved. Slots should be seen as any other form of entertainment, but with a shot of winning some money. Slot gambling can produce huge results occasionally, but even a win of a few hundred dollars is a nice night. Those who enjoy playing social gaming slots may find their odds much better than when playing real money slots online or in a casino. Social games tend to reward players more, with winning sessions and nice scores much more common as players accumulate points and other rewards to advance up certain steps or levels. Bottom Line: Players face long odds when it comes to winning a major jackpot, especially on a progressive machine. However, winning smaller amounts is certainly possible. Determining casinos with higher payback percentages offer players more chances to walk away as winners. Payouts A payout is a term for money paid out to players who score a winning spin. Modern slots offer many more payouts that might be seen in earlier slot games. Developers know that players want to win and work to at least allow players to win some of their money back. A spin may pay back only a portion of the amount wagered on that particular spin, double the total, or even more. This gives players at least some sense of winning and keeps them playing. This also allows for longer sessions so that a player’s bankroll will last longer. Those who take their time and aren't afraid to walk away for a bit can make that money last even longer. (See Slot Tips Below) A player who can find more winning spins than losing spins can hopefully accumulate a winning session. Those who keep finding winning payouts don’t have to put more funds in a machine, and those who continue playing have a chance at some of the larger payouts, also known as jackpots. See more on that below. Payouts are determined by symbols. Hit a spin with more of the common symbols or graphics and a player can expect a smaller win. Those rarer occurrences will bring larger payouts. Winning credits is the same as a payout, and the goal when playing a slot game. Bottom Line: A payout is a total won for a particular spin. A player doesn’t have to win huge amounts to see a payout. Players who score a nice win can hit the “Cash Out” button at any time to take some of those winnings and visit the cashier. Players at online slots will find the same scenario and can cash out some of those winnings at any time as well. How Jackpots Work A jackpot is a big payout determined by certain symbols aligning just right on a slot game. These payouts may vary in size and are a bit rarer than typical payouts on a machine and are generally much larger. A jackpot is built by a certain machine putting “aside” a certain amount of coin in as players battle it out at the slots. That prize pool continues to build in the event those certain numbers are generated by the RNG and one lucky player scores some big money. Obviously hitting a huge jackpot isn't easy or everyone would be winning big. Many machines pay jackpots on several levels. A player may not always hit the biggest payout, but at least has a shot at a few smaller jackpots that still may be larger than typical payouts on an average spin. For example, a game may offer players jackpots using terms like these: Mini –  a smaller jackpot, but can still be a nice payout. Major – an even bigger prize that rewards winners nicely. Grand – the largest jackpot available on the machine that really stands out and may trigger a bell for a payout from casino staff. Online slots follow a similar system and allow players to win some major jackpots as well. As noted in the next section, progressive slot machines offer players a chance to win even bigger jackpots with life-changing money heading to lucky winners. Bottom Line: Jackpots are larger prizes that pay out much more than average payout on a typical spin. Those lucky enough to win a jackpot may score thousands and thousands of dollars. Slot manufacturers also include smaller jackpots that can still pay out significant amounts to players. Progressive Jackpots Certain machines offer players a chance at some really staggering payoffs. That could be in the millions of dollars and numerous lucky slot players have taken home seven-figure sums. These games are known as “progressive” slots. How do these payouts get so huge? Progressive machines are linked in a certain geographic region. For example, a player on a progressive in Las Vegas can play a machine that is linked to all of those same machines within Nevada.As more and more players add coin-in (the term for the amount of money put into a machine), a certain percentage is set aside for jackpots. The more these machines are played, the larger the jackpot gets. There is usually a mega jackpot and also some smaller jackpots as well. These pay off when a player hits the jackpot just right This is rare but can have huge payouts when someone does hit it just right. The largest progressive jackpot came in 2002 at the Excalibur in Las Vegas on a Megabucks machine. This lucky gambler took home a score of $39.7 million after spending just $100. That was quite a score and certainly made for a nice Vegas vacation. Bottom Line: Progressive jackpots can pay much more than a typical jackpot because these games are linked with other games throughout a certain region. Each machine “sets aside” a certain amount for the prize pool, which can really accumulate considering there are so many other machines connected to the system. A player hitting it big on these games for a progressive jackpot has a chance to win millions and millions of dollars. Slot Tips, Do's and Don'ts The first thing a player might want to realize when playing a slot is that casinos always have an edge. Unlike games like black, poker, and video poker, a player can't flip the odds in his favor based on superior play or strategy. However, there are a few important concepts to remember when playing slots to offer not only the best chance to win but also a chance to at least make a player’s bankroll last longer. Here are just a few tips to remember. Set Your Limits – make sure the money plan to wager is a major part of your budget. Slots and gambling are forms of entertainment. Make sure losing your slot bankroll isn't more than you can realistically afford to lose. Try not to avoid heading to the ATM machine – your budget is important. Check Out Payout Percentages – A payout percentage is an amount a casino’s slots pay back to players. The higher the percentage, the better chance a player has to have a winning session. The same can be said for slot manufacturers, some pay back more to players than others. A simple Internet search should help you determine this and it’s a good idea to play more of these properties and games. Slow Down – Playing faster only keeps more of your hard-earned dollars flowing into the slots. A more leisurely pace helps a player make his money last longer. It’s also great to take a break or find another game if you hit a losing streak. Get Rewarded – It’s always key to join a casino’s players club. The property’s rewards card offers you a shot at extras as you play, such as free meals, hotel stays, entertainment options, and other perks. Many casinos also offer “free play” options, meaning a player earns a certain amount of slot play for nothing. A player hitting a nice win on these spins can keep the winnings. Move Down If Needed – Those who find their dollars flying away at higher denominations shouldn’t be afraid of moving down in denominations. A person playing at quarter credits may want to try nickel slots if the bankroll is looking particularly strained at that level. Those who can afford higher denominations may also want to consider this as well. Higher credit levels tend to have higher payouts, but again only do this if you can truly afford it. For even more slot machine tips and tricks, click here for SciPlay’s complete slots tips guide. Bottom Line: Set your limits and take things slowly. Join the player’s club for a shot at some free rewards as well as hopefully some free slot play. These are just a few of the good ideas to remember when planning that next slot getaway – or even just playing online at home. Slot machines can be a fun way to pass some time at home or to plan a full casino vacation. Practicing and learning how to play, as outlined here, can make for a much more rewarding experience. Frequently Asked Questions How do I choose a slot machine to play? When choosing a slot machine to play, consider the following factors: denomination, payback percentage, number of reels and paylines, bonus features, and maximum bet. It's also a good idea to read reviews or ask other players for their recommendations. What is the minimum bet on a slot machine? The minimum bet on a slot machine can vary, but most machines start at a minimum bet of one cent. Some machines may have a minimum bet of five cents or more, while others may allow you to bet multiple coins per spin. How do I place a bet on a slot machine? To place a bet on a slot machine, simply insert your coins or currency, select your bet size, and pull the lever or press the spin button. You can also use a player's card, which will keep track of your credits and allow you to bet and play more quickly. What do the symbols on a slot machine mean? The symbols on a slot machine represent different payouts. The combination of symbols that are displayed on the machine's payline determines the payout for that spin. The machine's paytable will display the payouts for each combination of symbols. How do I know when I've won on a slot machine? If you've won on a slot machine, the winning combination of symbols will be displayed on the machine's payline. The machine will also make a winning sound and the credits won will be added to your total.