The ‘language of slot machines has changed over time. Slots have also evolved. This glossary presents a brief overview of some terms used in slot machines.
Basic Slots: A single payline is known as “flat-top” or straight slots. It has a fixed top jackpot payout that doesn’t change.
Bet Max: This is the maximum amount of coins you can wager on each spin/play. Maximum bets will pay the best payouts. You can only activate multi-line slot pay lines. However, to prolong your playing time, wager 1-2 coins per line.
Multi-spins and multi-line bonus slots: These features include wild symbols, multiplier, multiplier, multiplier, bonus games, bonus lines, bonus games, wild symbols, and scatter pay.Available online and at land-based casinos.
Collect: The number of credits or cash won during a session of playing slot machines. The bonus round ends with a Click to Collect button for bonus slots.
- Double/Triple SymbolsThe jackpot payout is increased by having two or three of the same symbols.
- Hit Frequency is the normal number of spins per slot machine. The higher the hit frequency, is better.
Every 7th spin. A 2 means that you hit every two reels, and a seven indicates that you hit approximately every seven. It is better to have a payout every 2nd spin than every 7th.
Hold and Re-Spin Bonus slots: The player holds the reel results while the other reels spin naturally. This gives the player additional credits.
Line Bet: You wager on each line that is activated.Tip: To receive the total value of a multi-line bonus game, activate all pay lines.
Linked Jackpot: Increased by the percentage of coins placed by two or more machines.
Multi-line Slots: These slots offer multiple pay lines, up to 50. These versions are available in penny denominations, as well as nickel, quarter, and dollar.
Multiplier: Slot feature that multiplies winning credits 2X-10X to give you a bonus win.
Multiplier slots Version: Pays for specific symbols on a graduated scale. A three-reel slot gives you five coins for a “cherry” playing one coin—ten coins for two coins and 15 coins for three coins. Payouts for one coin are lower than those that you get if you play max. coins
Nudge Slots: This slot feature allows a paying symbol to ‘drop-down,’ creating a win. It could be a wild, diamond, cherry, or basketball symbol. All you need is a slight nudge to make money go your way. The name of a nudge slot usually includes the word “Deluxe” in it.
Progressive slots: These progressives offer increasing jackpots depending on how much money is played through the linked bank/carousel slot machines. You will need a higher bankroll to play progressives. All progressives have at least three coins max slots and two jackpot levels, primary and secondary. Values are reset to their minimums when either jackpot winner wins. Here, max play is mandatory.
Reels: The number of wheels/reels shown in the window of a slot imprinted by symbols specific to that slot theme or game.
Scatter Pays are specific symbols that pay regardless of whether they appear on the same payline.Tip: Scatter pays pay only on lines activated by a wager. These are called short wins. You can win a large jackpot for only $15. This will get you $1000.
Slot Schedule: Information posted on the front of each slot shows you which type of slot, what denomination, and how many symbols are possible to win for each coin. Read the following. There are four types of slot machines: Progressive, Basic, Bonus, and Group/Community.
Wide Area Progressives are slots linked to more than one country, casino area, or country. The progressive jackpot amount displayed at every machine is the same $ amount regardless of where it is located.
Fans and designers of slot machines or general slot machine games will find the world of TV appealing. The TV theme will attract casual players who are new to slot machines but love the show’s name and make their eyes sparkle.
Online slots are great for quiz shows, mainly if you include the bonus games that make up a large part of your experience. Blankety Blank and Sale of the Century are two examples of UK game shows that have become video slots. Sale of the Century uses the original music from the 70’s quiz to reflect the somewhat cheesy aspects of the space. Blankety Blank has bonus rounds that are similar to the TV series.
Slot machine developers are finding it more difficult to get rights to TV characters and shows. While there are some concerns about gambling shows being “family” shows, a Sex and the City slot that only has adult themes has been made available. Places are usually made from off-air shows. You can play Happy Days or the Munsters if you’re so inclined. Richie and Fonz are the most wholesome of all.
There are also adaptations. Comic books have inspired both TV and slot spin-offs. You can play Wonder Woman or Incredible Hulk slots. Who wouldn’t love to have fun with Lynda Carter during her prime?
Slot machines have journeyed from simple mechanical contraptions to today’s multifaceted digital platforms, mirroring the expansive evolution of the gaming and entertainment sectors. This article aims to delve deeper into the glossary of slot machine terminology, enriching your understanding of the intricate terms and concepts that are pivotal in today’s slot games.
Paylines: Initially, slot machines featured just a single, straight payline. Nowadays, they boast a variety of paylines, ranging from straight to zigzag and diagonal configurations. More paylines equate to increased chances of winning with each spin, albeit at the cost of a higher bet per spin.
Random Number Generator (RNG): The RNG, essentially the slot machine’s brain, is a sophisticated computer algorithm ensuring the randomness and unpredictability of each spin. It’s this technology that upholds the fairness and impartiality of modern slot machines.
Return to Player (RTP): Expressed as a percentage, the RTP denotes the average proportion of wagered money that a slot machine pays back to players over time. Consider a slot with a 95% RTP; this implies that, on average, it returns $95 for every $100 wagered. Players often weigh this factor heavily when selecting a slot machine.
Bonus Features: Contemporary slot machines frequently incorporate a variety of bonus features—such as free spins, mini-games, and unique symbols like wilds and scatters—that can significantly boost winnings. These elements not only enrich the gaming experience but also broaden the players’ winning possibilities.
Branded Slots: A relatively new trend in slot design involves creating games based on familiar movies, TV shows, celebrities, and other well-known themes. These branded slots often include original scenes, music, and characters from their inspirations, offering a more immersive and personalized gaming experience.
Progressive Jackpot Networks: In addition to standalone progressive jackpots, some slot games are interconnected across various casinos, and at times, even across different countries. Such networked progressive jackpots can amass enormous prize pools, making them capable of offering monumental winnings.
Volatility: This term describes the risk factor associated with a slot game. High volatility slots typically offer larger payouts that occur less frequently, while low volatility slots tend to provide smaller payouts that happen more regularly. Players consider this aspect crucial in managing their betting strategies and expectations.
3D Slots: Offering a more captivating visual experience, 3D slots enhance traditional slot games with superior graphics and animations. These slots don’t necessarily alter the fundamental mechanics of the game but do offer a more engaging and visually stimulating experience.
Mobile Slots: With the advent and rise of mobile gaming, numerous slot machines have been adapted for play on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. These mobile slots maintain the same gameplay experience as their desktop versions but are optimized for smaller, portable screens.
As slot machines continue to evolve, understanding these terms and concepts becomes increasingly important for both avid slot enthusiasts and casual players alike. Comprehending these aspects not only enhances the overall gaming experience but also improves the likelihood of winning. From the nostalgic enjoyment of classic 3-reel slots to the thrill of engaging with complex multi-payline games replete with numerous bonus features, the diverse world of slot machines offers something captivating for every player.