Online Slots Terminology: From A to Z
Online slots have become one of the most popular forms of online gambling, with millions of players enjoying the excitement and thrill of these games around the world. However, for newcomers to the world of online slots, the terminology used can often be confusing and overwhelming.
From paylines and reels to scatters and wilds, there are many terms and concepts to understand. In this blog post, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to online slots terminology, covering everything from A to Z, and even numbers.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics, or an experienced player looking to expand your knowledge, this guide has got you covered. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of online slots terminology right now!
NUMBERS
1024 ways
There are 1024 winning possibilities on a machine. You must keep in mind that a game with fewer ways to win a jackpot may have a higher variance than a game with more ways to win. This is made possible through the use of a special game engine that features five reels with four symbols each, creating a massive 1024 different possible winning combinations.
243 ways
Despite not having traditional pay lines, the product offers 243 winning combinations. As with 1024 ways, it’s more volatile than 1024 ways. In contrast to traditional versions, these products allow for lower stakes.
3-reel
Symbols are displayed on three reels on each screen of this classic slot machine variant. There are few pay lines throughout your gameplay, and the features are quite simple. Some 3-reel online slots also feature bonus rounds or special symbols, such as wilds or scatters, that can increase the player’s chances of winning.
3D Video Slots
Watch the symbols on the reels come to life in incredibly detailed 3D video form. Video slots add rich depth to your gameplay. These slots feature high-quality 3D graphics and animations that make the game come to life on the screen. They often have complex storylines and themes, and can feature multiple bonus rounds and special features.
5-reel
To make the game more volatile, the developers added two extra reels to the traditional 3-reel layout. Additionally, this may make positive outcomes more rare than in traditional slots. This type of slot game is more complex than the traditional 3-reel version and typically offers more paylines, sometimes as many as 100 or more. With their multiple paylines and extra features, 5-reel online slots offer plenty of opportunities for players to win big.
6-reel
Can you imagine enhancing your gameplay with a sixth reel? In 2014, WMS launched this rare category, which enables the six-symbol combo. This additional reel adds more complexity and excitement to the game, with even more possible winning combinations than the 5-reel version. These games often come with a higher number of paylines and special features like wilds, scatters, and bonus symbols, which can trigger free spins, multipliers, and other bonus rounds that can lead to significant payouts.
A – C
Autoplay
A feature that lets players set a number of automatic spins for a slot game. Both online and offline casinos offer this option, which lets the game spin for you. You must also choose a maximum number of spins, a maximum wager, and an acceptable loss as a responsible gaming measure. In other words, this is an automatic spin feature that allows players to specify how many times the slot game should spin during a given period.
Auto Spin
It’s only a waste of energy to press the start button if you’re feeling lazy. You can instead select auto spin, select the number of spins you would like to automate, sit back, relax, and let the machine handle everything.
Bet max
Slot machine terms like “bet max” refer to the maximum wager you are allowed on any spin. This is a button that allows players to place the maximum bet on a slot game which may vary depending on the game’s betting limits. However, it is important for players to be aware of the risks associated with high bets, and to play responsibly within their own budget and limits.
Bet min
This one should be easy for you to guess. That’s the minimum bet requirement. Players can place the minimum bet on a spin by clicking the “Bet Min” button in many online slot games. A minimum bet is often the smallest wager that can be placed on a slot machine game, which may vary depending on the game’s betting limits. Players can easily and quickly place the minimum wager on a single spin by using the Bet Min feature.
Big Bertha
A giant slot machine near the entrance of a brick-and-mortar casino is designed to attract the attention of people passing by who might have overlooked the establishment. Many players were attracted to Big Bertha machines because of their size and impressive design. “Big Bertha” refers to an online slot game that features many reels and paylines in the modern era of online casinos. With large and elaborate designs and intricate animations, these games may resemble the original mechanical machines.
Bonus features
Online slot games often have bonus features, which are additional game modes or rounds. The purpose of these features is to add extra excitement and variety to the gameplay as well as to provide players with opportunities to win larger payouts. Different slot games offer varying bonus features. The bonus features of an online slot game can greatly influence its overall enjoyment and profitability. Players can win big payouts or unlock special rewards when they participate in these features, which add a layer of excitement to gameplay. We will see more about the bonuses later in this article.
Candle
The light you see on fruit machines, which goes up as you hit a combo or otherwise score a positive outcome during gameplay. A candle is a small light on the top of the machine that indicates when a jackpot has been won or when a machine needs maintenance. When a jackpot is hit, the candle will light up to alert players and casino staff that a win has occurred.
The term “candle” comes from the fact that these lights used to be real candles in the early days of slot machines. Today, the candles are typically LED lights, but the term has stuck around.
Cascading reel
Cascading reels, also known as tumbling reels or falling reels, are a type of online slot game feature that allows for multiple wins on a single spin. When the player hits a winning combination, the symbols involved in the win will disappear and be replaced by new symbols falling from the top of the screen. If these new symbols from another winning combination, the process will repeat, with the new winning symbols disappearing and being replaced once again. This can continue for multiple rounds, creating the potential for big payouts on a single spin.
Coin out
Online slot games use the term coin out to describe the process of collecting coins or cash after a player wins. Coins would have to be manually collected from a payout tray in a traditional slot machine. Nowadays, the term “coin out” refers to any type of payout in online slot games, whether it is in the form of virtual coins or real money. In addition to coin out, the maximum payout can also be indicated for a slot machine or game. It often determines the overall payout rate and return to player (RTP) for a given game since it is the maximum amount a player can win on a single spin.
E – M
Expanding wilds
Unlike wild symbols, expanding wilds are random features that may appear occasionally, which help you score combos. You are covered in wilds throughout the entire screen, securing a winning outcome for that stage. Expanding wilds can add an extra level of excitement and unpredictability to online slot games, as players wait to see where the wild symbols will expand and what additional winning combinations they might create. Modern slot games often feature them, and they are a key factor to determining a game’s overall payout rate and expected return to player (RTP).
Free Spins
Online slots offer free spins as a bonus feature that allow players to spin the reels without wagering any money. The free spins feature is typically triggered when three or more scatter symbols appear on the reels. Players typically receive a set number of free spins during a free spins bonus round, which can vary from game to game. A player’s total winnings are added to their free spins winnings, which are usually played at the same bet level as the triggering spin.
Players can earn additional payouts through free spins without risking any of their own money, which makes them a lucrative bonus feature. A free spins bonus round can also offer additional bonuses, such as multipliers or expanding wilds, that can boost payouts even further. The free spins feature in online slots can be enjoyable and rewarding, however there is no guarantee of winning.
Games per hour
You can play as many rounds as you like in one hour of gambling. There is a general limit of 500 games allowed in this timeframe for a slot machine. A number of factors can affect how many games are played per hour, including the speed of a game, the player’s betting strategy, and how long it takes between spins. With many games offering multiple spins per minute, online slots allow players to play at a relatively fast pace.
For players who want to maximize their chances of winning or who want to meet specific wagering or bonus requirements, the number of games per hour can be an important factor to consider. By playing faster, players could potentially increase their chance of hitting a big win and increase their total number of spins. In addition, playing at a faster pace can also increase the amount of time a player spends wagering, so it is important to stay within the budget limits and play responsibly.
Hit and run
Regardless of whether a player wins or loses, this strategy involves betting a few times on a machine and then quickly switching to another. Many players use this strategy when they believe that some slot machines are “hot” and will pay out often, while others are “cold” and unlikely to pay out. However, hit and run strategies are only effective when a machine is hot, and whether or not a player wins depends on chance. Furthermore, some online casinos may restrict the number of machines that can be played at one time, making it harder to use a hit-and-run strategy.
Hit frequency
Probability of getting a jackpot or combo. In general, games with a high hit frequency will award smaller jackpots. The hit frequency of a slot machine, for example, is 20%, which means that every fifth spin, players are likely to win. In spite of this, winning combinations can range in size and value from small payouts to large jackpots, since hit frequency does not necessarily indicate winning size or value.
Players may want to consider hit frequency when choosing which online slot machines to play, since it will give them an idea of how often they can expect to win. In spite of this, it is important to bear in mind that slot machines are ultimately games of chance, and there is no assurance that a given spin will be successful. Gambling responsibly and within one’s means is always important for players.
House edge
Every time you spin, the house wins. Essentially, it’s an RTP, but it’s viewed from a different perspective. Online slots, among other gambling games, use the term house edge to describe the mathematical advantage that the casino has over the player. Percentages indicate how much the player can expect to lose on average over time and are expressed as percentages.
An example would be a slot with a house edge of 5%, which would mean the player can expect to lose $5 for every $100 wagered. As the outcome of each spin is determined by a random number generator, the player will not lose $5 every time they play, but over time, the house edge will be reflected in the payouts.
Some online slots have a higher house edge than others, while others have a lower edge. To determine the fairness and potential payout of an online slot, you should take into account the house edge along with other factors such as RTP (Return to Player), payouts, and special features.
High or low variance
Low variance slots pay out less but more often. There are fewer payouts for high variance slots, but the prizes are generally higher. Online slot variance, or volatility, describes the degree of risk associated with a particular game. Playing a slot machine will produce different payouts based on the variance. The payouts on a high variance slot tend to be large but infrequent, while those on a low variance slot are smaller and more frequent.
When a player triggers a payout on a high variance slot, they may receive a substantial amount, even though they may only receive a few payouts for years. A low variance slot, on the other hand, may offer more frequent payouts, but smaller ones.
Hot and cold slots
The terms “hot” and “cold” slots refer to the current winning and losing streaks of a particular online slot machine. A “hot” slot is one that has been paying out frequently and regularly, while a “cold” slot is one that has not been paying out as frequently or has gone for a long period of time without triggering a significant payout. It is important to note that the terms “hot” and “cold” are subjective and do not have any bearing on the actual randomness or fairness of the online slot. The outcome of each spin is determined by a random number generator, and the odds of hitting a winning combination remain the same, regardless of the current state of the slot.
Instant winner
Someone who claims the jackpot immediately. A slot machine that offers an instant win bonus feature is called an instant winner in the context of online slots. Players can win instant cash prizes or free spins during this type of bonus feature, which is triggered randomly during normal play. Adding an instant win bonus feature to a game increases the chances of big payouts and adds extra excitement. It depends on the specific slot and the type of instant win bonus feature, but instant win bonus prizes can range from small amounts to substantial sums.
Jackpot
Jackpots are large sums of money awarded as prizes in lottery games, games of chance, or in this case, slot machines. Sometimes, millions of dollars are won by the lucky player when the jackpot is finally hit. Jackpots in online slots are typically progressive jackpots, meaning that each player’s wager contributes to the jackpot, increasing the prize pool.
One of the main attractions of online slots are progressive jackpots that can grow to massive amounts, often reaching millions of dollars. It is typically difficult to hit the jackpot without hitting a specific winning combination of symbols on the reels. A fixed jackpot is one that is set at a specific amount and does not increase over time. While fixed jackpots can still offer substantial payouts, they do not offer the same huge payout potential as progressive jackpots.
Max bet
An individual spin’s maximum stake. A slot machine usually has lower maximum bets than a card game, but there may be exceptions. A maximum bet describes the maximum amount of money that a player can wager on a single spin of an online slot machine. It varies greatly from one slot machine to another, depending on the online casino and the specific machine. The maximum bet should be considered when choosing an online slot, since it can affect the potential payout. If players want to maximize their winning potential, they should consider using the maximum bet when playing online slots that offer higher payouts for hitting the top-paying combination.
Max payout
The most you can withdraw after going through gameplay. Max payout is a term used in online slots to describe the maximum amount of money that a player can win on a single spin or in a single session of play. The max payout is determined by the online casino and the specific slot machine, and it can vary greatly from one machine to another.
Max payout is an important factor to consider when choosing an online slot, as it can have a significant impact on the potential winnings. Players who are looking to win large sums of money may want to consider playing online slots with high max payouts, while players who are more focused on consistent, smaller payouts may prefer slots with lower max payouts.
Megaways
Megaways online slots is a type of slot machine game that uses a random reel modifier system to change the number of symbols that appear on each reel for every spin. This can result in a large number of possible ways to win, often thousands or more. The exact number of potential winning combinations can vary between each spin, making these games highly dynamic and exciting for players. For example, a rough calculation shows around 117649 methods to get the desired outcome. Generally, these products have lower RTPs and higher volatilities than other fruit machines.
Min bet
During a round, you must stake the least amount possible. Unless you do so, you will not be able to progress through the game. When it comes to online slots, a minimum bet refers to the minimum amount a player can wager on one spin. Depending on the online slot game, this amount may vary from one developer to another. Players with different budgets can wager a minimum amount as little as a few cents or a fraction of a currency unit. It is possible to still enjoy a game and win smaller payouts by placing a minimum bet. In addition, some online slots may offer bigger payouts for players who wager more money, so it’s important to keep this in mind.
Multiplier
You can multiply your payouts with this in-game bonus feature. Multipliers are bonus features that can be applied to a player’s winnings. Multipliers increase a player’s payout by a certain amount. In the example above, if a player wins $10 and there is a 2x multiplier, their payout would be doubled to $20. It depends on the game how multipliers are triggered. There are some online slot machines that come with multipliers as standard features, while others require you to hit a certain combination of symbols in order to activate them. Bonus rounds or random multipliers can also be awarded. As multipliers can offer larger payouts and enhance gameplay anticipation, multipliers are a popular feature in online casino games.
P – R
Pay line
The payline is a line that runs across the reels and indicates where symbols must land in order to create a winning combination. To form a winning combination, symbols must be aligned sequentially on the payline from left to right. There can be a variety of paylines in slot games, with some having just one and others having hundred or even thousands.
Payout
Whenever a player wins a bet, they receive a payout. The payout amount depends on the odds of the game as well as the wager. In general, the higher the odds of winning, the lower the payout. Depending on the game, and even depending on the version, payouts can vary widely. Other games offer progressive jackpots that increase over time until someone wins, while others offer fixed payouts. A large bet typically results in a larger payout, with a smaller bet typically resulting in a smaller payout.
Paytable
This is a rules card. You can also see how many paylines and reels the game has, as well as what symbols to look for. In order to be in the know while playing, you need to check the paytable. It is generally possible to access information regarding RTP and maximum payouts here as well.
Respins
The ability to spin again after losing a combination, generally for free. Respins are features in online slot games that allow players to spin one or more reels again after a normal spin. There are various ways to trigger respins, depending on the game. Depending on the combination of symbols, some slots may offer respins, while others may offer respins as a bonus. Respins give players an additional chance to form a winning combination without placing another wager. When the player is within one symbol of a large payout, this can be particularly helpful. In addition to expanding symbols and locked wilds, some slots offer enhanced features during respins that can increase your chances of winning.
RNG
A Random Number Generator, or RNG, is a computer algorithm used in many online gambling games to ensure that the games are fair and random. RNGs generate random numbers or outcomes that determine the outcome of each bet. Using a complex mathematical formula, the sequence generates random outcomes that cannot be predicted. A random number generator ensures that online casino games are fair for both players and the house. All players are on the same playing field, and each bet has an equal chance of winning or losing.
RTP
Short for return-to-player rate. This theoretical value shows how much of your money you may expect to get back from your wagers after gambling. Remember that the actual RTP is at first lower than the theoretical one. Still, it evens out after spinning for long times.
S – W
Scatter symbols
Regardless of its position on the reels, a scatter symbol can trigger bonus features or payouts. In contrast to other symbols that must line up on a payline to activate their features or payouts, scatter symbols can appear anywhere on the reels. One of the most valuable symbols in a game is the scatter symbol, which is usually themed according to the game’s overall design or story. The scatter symbols can also add excitement to the gameplay experience, as players await to see if they will land enough scatter symbols to trigger bonus features or payouts.
Variance
Also known as volatility, this parameter measures how likely losses are. Generally, high-variance slot machines will provide fewer jackpots. However, their value will be higher. On the other hand, low-variance ones dish out consistent wins, but they are not spectacularly high.
Wild
You can create quicker combos using wild symbols in place of other characters on the screen. To find out whether a machine has wilds, check its paytable.
Win
Having more funds at the end of the game session than you had at the beginning. A positive outcome from gambling can be viewed on a broader scale.
Win both ways
Win both ways ensures that both sides may provide good results, unlike traditional paylines that only work left to right or right to left.
