Comprehensive Guide to Slot Machines Terminology with Examples

Comprehensive Guide to Online Slots Terminology with Examples

My name is Elazar Gilad, and I am an iGaming expert. In this post, I will share essential guidelines to help the community understand the intricate world of online slots and the core elements that define slot games. Whether you are new to online slots or a seasoned player, grasping the key terminology is vital for an engaging and rewarding gaming experience. This guide covers fundamental terms and concepts, complete with examples, to help you navigate the vibrant world of online slots with confidence.

Online Slots Terminology

Bonus

A bonus typically refers to a feature within an online slot game that awards players with free spins. These free spins are usually triggered by landing a specific combination of symbols on the reels. Bonuses can significantly enhance your gameplay by providing opportunities to win without placing additional bets.

Example: In the game "Starburst," landing three scatter symbols triggers a bonus round of 10 free spins.

Bet Value

The bet value is the amount you choose to wager on each spin. This amount can often be adjusted by the player, allowing for flexibility in how much risk you take per spin. Managing your bet value is essential for budgeting your playtime and maximizing your potential returns.

Example: If you set the bet value to €0.50 per spin, each spin will cost you €0.50.

Credit

Credit refers to the amount of money displayed on the online slot machine's credit meter. It represents the total funds available for betting. The credit amount is typically shown in terms of the machine's credit value (e.g., 1 credit might equal €0.01, €0.02, etc.). Your total credits multiplied by the credit value equals your total money available.

Example: If your credit meter shows 1,000 credits and the credit value is €0.01, you have €10 available for betting.

Credit Value

The credit value is the monetary worth of each credit in the game. This can vary between machines, with common values being 1, 2, 5, or 10 cents (€0.01, €0.02, €0.05, or €0.10). Understanding the credit value helps you comprehend the real-world value of your credits and manage your bankroll accordingly.

Example: In a particular online slot game, if the credit value is set at €0.02, and you have 500 credits, your total money available is €10 (500 credits x €0.02).

Free Spins

Free spins are spins that do not require a wager from your balance. They are often awarded as part of a bonus feature within the game. Free spins give players additional chances to win without depleting their credit balance.

Example: During gameplay in "Gonzo's Quest," hitting three free spin symbols awards you 20 free spins.

Fruit Machine

A fruit machine is another name for an online slot machine, commonly used in the UK. The term originates from the early mechanical slot machines that featured fruit symbols such as cherries, lemons, and oranges.

Example: A classic UK fruit machine might feature symbols like cherries, lemons, and oranges and have three reels.

Game of Chance

A game of chance is one in which the outcome is heavily influenced by a randomizing device, such as a slot machine. In these games, skill plays a minimal role, and the results are unpredictable.

Example: Online slots are games of chance where the outcome of each spin is determined by a Random Number Generator (RNG).

Hit

A hit indicates a winning spin on an online slot machine. It means that the spin has resulted in a payout, whether it's a small win or a jackpot.

Example: If you spin the reels and land three BAR symbols, you have a hit and win according to the paytable.

Hold Percentage

The hold percentage is the theoretical amount that an online slot machine is programmed to retain from the total amount of money wagered over time. It represents the house edge, ensuring that the casino profits in the long run. For example, a machine with a 5% hold percentage is designed to keep €5 for every €100 wagered.

Example: An online slot machine with a hold percentage of 5% means that, on average, it will keep €5 for every €100 wagered over time.

Jackpot

The jackpot is the highest possible payout on an online slot machine. It can be a fixed amount or a progressive prize that increases over time as players make bets. Hitting the jackpot is the ultimate goal for many slot players, offering the largest potential reward.

Example: In the progressive slot game "Mega Moolah," the jackpot can grow into the millions, with the top payout recently hitting €15 million.

Pay Out

The payout is the money awarded to a player when a winning combination or jackpot is hit. The payout amount depends on the specific combination of symbols and the paytable of the game.

Example: If you land a combination of five sevens, and the paytable indicates this combination pays 500 credits, your payout will be 500 credits.

Pay Table

The paytable provides detailed information about the game's symbols, winning combinations, and corresponding payouts. It shows players what they can win for each combination of symbols and helps them understand the value of each spin.

Example: The paytable in "Book of Ra" shows that five explorer symbols on a payline pay out 5,000 credits.

Reel

Reels are the vertical wheels that spin inside the online slot machine. Each reel is adorned with symbols, and the goal is to align these symbols in specific combinations to win payouts. Most modern online slot machines have five reels, but classic versions may have three.

Example: In the game "Cleopatra," there are five reels, each filled with symbols like Cleopatra, scarabs, and hieroglyphics.

RNG (Random Number Generator)

An RNG, or Random Number Generator, is an algorithm used in online slot machines to produce a sequence of numbers that cannot be reasonably predicted. This ensures that each spin is independent of the previous one, maintaining the fairness and unpredictability of the game.

Example: When you press the spin button in "Thunderstruck II," the RNG generates a random sequence that determines the outcome of the spin, ensuring fair play.

RTP (Return to Player)

RTP, or Return to Player, is the theoretical percentage of total money wagered on an online slot machine that is returned to players over time. For example, a machine with a 96% RTP will theoretically pay out €96 for every €100 wagered. The RTP gives players an idea of how much they can expect to win back in the long run.

Example: "Starburst" has an RTP of 96.1%, meaning that theoretically, for every €100 wagered, €96.10 is returned to players over the long run.

Volatility

Volatility, also known as variance, determines the risk level and payout frequency of an online slot game. High volatility slots offer larger but less frequent payouts, while low volatility slots provide smaller, more frequent wins. The volatility of a game can influence the player's strategy and enjoyment.

Example: "Dead or Alive" is known for its high volatility, offering infrequent but potentially massive payouts, while "Starburst" has low volatility, providing frequent but smaller wins.

Wild

A wild symbol is a special icon that can substitute for other symbols to help create winning combinations. Wilds can increase your chances of hitting a payout by filling in for missing symbols in a payline.

Example: In "Mega Fortune," the yacht symbol acts as a wild, substituting for other symbols to complete winning combinations.

Win Line

A win line, or payline, is the line on which a winning combination of symbols must appear for the player to receive a payout. Modern online slot machines can have multiple win lines, increasing the chances of landing a winning combination.

Example: In "Rainbow Riches," a win line might be a horizontal line through the middle row, where matching symbols need to appear to win.

Understanding these key terms will enhance your online slots experience, allowing you to make informed decisions and enjoy the game to its fullest. Whether you're playing for fun or aiming for a big win, knowledge is your best tool in the exciting world of online slots.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are online slots?

Online slots are digital versions of traditional slot machines, available on various online casino platforms. They feature spinning reels, paylines, and various symbols.

How do free spins work in online slots?

Free spins are a type of bonus that allows players to spin the reels without wagering additional money. They are usually triggered by specific symbols or combinations.

What is RTP in online slots?

RTP, or Return to Player, is the theoretical percentage of total money wagered that a slot machine returns to players over time. It helps players understand their potential long-term winnings.

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