Most modern casinos offer their guests at least one, but more often, whole rows of slot machines. The popularity these gaming devices have gained over the years is self-evident. Casino table games, like poker or roulette, have complex rules that often take time to understand and master. Besides, playing against someone who has more experience can be challenging for newcomers.
Playing slot machines is a very straightforward process that doesn’t require memorizing rules or building an elaborate strategy. At the same time, since the game is completely random, both newbies and seasoned players have equal chances.
However, as with any betting game, you need to understand the basics, such as pay tables, bet sizes, or payout percentage in order to practice responsible betting. In this step-by-step guide we will explain how to play slot machines, what components go into the game, and how to be gamble aware when playing slot machines.
Understanding Slot Machine Basics
First slot machines used mechanical reels that were activated by pulling a lever on the side of the machine. Some casinos still keep these vintage machines for the sake of nostalgia, but a lot of them have switched to modern electronic gaming devices.
If you play an electronic slot machine, the spin will be most commonly activated through a corresponding button, while the reels are displayed on the screen. The slot machines may vary slightly depending on their manufacturer or model, but the main idea behind the game remains the same: you have to line up the symbols depicted on the reels in a certain pattern.
Here is where another element of slot machine basics, paylines, comes in. Paylines are winning combinations of symbols on the reels that will result in a payout for the player. The most well-known one is, of course, “three in a row”, however, paylines can follow different patterns: horizontal, vertical, diagonal, or any other lines. Different winning combinations have different payouts that are shown in the pay tables, and we will dive into this further in our slot machine tutorial.
How to Choose a Slot Machine
As we mentioned above, while the main principle of playing slots remains the same, machines and game types vary. Three main types of gaming devices you will find in casinos are classic slots, video slots, and progressive slots.
- Classic slots: as the name suggests, these slot machines are made and operate the same way as the very first “one-armed bandits” of the past. They have fewer reels and combinations, which makes them easier for beginners or for those who don’t want to complicate the game.
- Video slots: from the graphics to the number of reels and lines, this type of machines is more advanced. It allows for more winning combinations, as well as bonus features, such as free spins, wild card symbols, and others.
- Progressive slots: while mostly resembling the video slot machines, when you play on progressive slots, a portion of each of your bets goes towards a growing prize pool. This prize can be won on any of the linked machines if you hit the winning combination. The jackpot can reach multi-figure amounts, however the chances to win it are also rather low.
Modern slot machines come in a variety of captivating themes and gorgeous graphics. While this doesn’t bear any influence on the game, you might as well enjoy the visuals when playing, so feel free to choose a machine that has the most appealing theme for you.
When you think about how to choose slots, one of the most significant aspects is your budget. Different machines have different bet denominations. The pay tables and RTP (return to player) percentage may also vary.
A pay table is a list of winning combinations and your payout should you hit them on this particular machine. Return to player percentage is different not only based on the combination but also can vary for every casino. That’s why it is very important to study the pay table before you engage in betting. You will find them on the machine, so take your time to familiarize yourself with the information. Most importantly, make sure the denominations and RTP percentage are in line with the budget you set for the game.
How to Set Your Bet Size and Choose Paylines
Once you are comfortable with the rules, you can start playing. Most slot machines allow you to set a bet amount you would like to place. Depending on the denomination of your choice, adjust the bet size. For example, if you are playing with the denomination of 1 credit equaling £1 and would like to bet £5 on a spin, press the button until it shows 5 credits.
Choosing paylines is also an important step. It is recommended that newbies activate fewer paylines to make it easy to keep track of their game. And even if you are a more experienced slot machine player, be mindful of the number of paylines you activate per game. While a higher number of selected paylines does give you a broader shot at hitting a winning combination, it also increases the total amount of your bet. Make sure your bets are compatible with the budget you set aside for the game.
How to Play: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we have covered basic slot machine rules, let’s take a look at the steps of the game itself.
- Depending on the type of the slot machine you are playing, insert the desired amount of coins, tokens, or bills. These will be transferred into credits.
- Most slot machines will allow you to adjust the bet size, so press the buttons or the touchscreen as indicated in the game menu to set the bet size you are comfortable with.
- Activate the number of paylines you would like to bet on. Be mindful of how this increases the total amount of your bet.
- Once you are happy with all indicators, press the “Spin” button or, if you are playing one of those vintage slot machines, pull the lever on the side to set the reels in motion.
- Once the reels stop, revealing the symbols, check for any winning combinations they might bring.
- Your winnings will be added to your credit. You can stop the game at any moment after the reels finish spinning and cash out. Push the button to receive a printed ticket or voucher that you can turn into cash. Some vintage machines will pour coins or tokens into the tray.
Always remember that each spin is independent and is not based on the previous results. Every time you spin the reels, the outcome is determined by the random number generator (RNG) which means that there is no way you can influence or predict your next outcome. Keep this in mind when trying to come with a winning strategy.
Understanding Payouts and Slot Symbols
Each slot machine has its own set of symbols depending on the theme. The classic game includes cherries, sevens, and bars. Various patterns of these symbols form winning combinations that are shown on the machine or in the game menu.
Other common symbols are wilds and scatters. Wilds can substitute any symbol in one payline to form a winning combination. They can also form their own winning combinations if you get more than one on the line. However, wilds don’t work if one of the symbols on the payline is a scatter.
Scatters earned their name due to the fact that they don’t require a special combination or position on the screen to qualify for a payout. You do, however, need to get a predetermined number of scatter symbols (usually, three) on screen at the same time to be eligible for a win. In certain cases, scatters can have a larger payout and can trigger additional bonuses, like free spins.
All winning combinations and their payouts are listed on the slot machine, so make sure you familiarize yourself with the pay table before you start playing.
Tips for Managing Your Slot Game Play Responsibly
Slot machines are a betting game, and as such require a responsible approach. There are a few things you could do to keep your game within reasonable limits.
- Be mindful of your budget. Set a limit you can spend on the game before starting playing and stick to it throughout the game. A good trick to avoid any temptation to overspend is to keep your credit cards at home and only bring the set amount of cash to the casino.
- As slot machines are fairly easy to play and each game only lasts a couple of minutes, it is easy to forget about time and keep playing. Give yourself a set amount of time you can spend in front of the slot machine, then quit playing once that time is up.
- Slot machines are a game, not a means to win money, so you should treat them as entertainment.
FAQ
Can casinos control slot machine results and payouts?
Slot machine results are generated by a random number generator (RNG). Correspondingly, no one can control them. There is no way to predict what symbols will show up on the reels when they stop.
What do “wild” and “scatter” symbols mean?
A wild symbol can substitute any other symbol in the payline to form a winning combination. Scatters trigger a payout just by appearing on screen regardless of their position, as long as you have the required number of them on screen at the same time (usually, three symbols). They can also trigger additional bonuses, such as free spins.
Do I have to play all the paylines?
Most slot machines allow you to select how many paylines you want to activate. You don’t have to play all of them if you don’t want to. It is especially advised that beginner slot machine players start with fewer paylines until they get the hang of the game.
What is a jackpot, and how does it work on a slot machine?
Jackpot is an accrued prize pool that can be won by hitting a certain combination. In slot machines, a jackpot is generated through progressive slots, where a portion of each bet players make is accumulated in the prize pool.
How to Play Slots Machines Responsibly
Slot machines gained popularity among both for beginners and experienced players.
However, slot machines are a game of chance with completely unpredictable results. The outcome of each spin is generated by the random number generator and doesn’t depend on the previous results, the player’s skills, or any other factor. Players should keep this in mind when engaging in playing slot machines.
- Always set a limited budget and don’t overspend.
- Don’t stay at the slot machines beyond the set time.
- Don’t follow the myths that certain behaviour (playing for a specific number of times, always betting maximum amount, etc.) is bound to return profit.
Remember that you play slot machines to have a good time and get some entertainment, not to win money.
Betting is only available to participants above 18 years. Please bet responsibly. BeGambleAware.org