Playing online Slots allows you to try your chances on a variety of themes, mechanics, and payout structures through your chosen online casino platform. These popular games provide fresh and unique gameplay to suit a range of preferences, whether it’s classic online Slots or variations such as Vegas games, for example.
If you want to know a little bit more about slot games and refine your understanding of the gameplay, it’s useful to break down the rules and the features they include.
Basic rules of online Slots
The fundamental rules of online Slots work the same as those of classic mechanical Slots. The aim is to spin the reels and land matching combinations. However, the specifics can vary with online Slots, and it can also depend on the game you choose.
- Reels and paylines – Most Slots have three to five reels which include symbols on them, and these are what spin during gameplay. The set number of paylines is what determines the matching combinations. Some modern games feature hundreds or even thousands of ways to land matching combinations.
- Betting options – Before spinning, you need to set your bet, which can usually be adjusted to suit different budgets.
- Random number generator (RNG) – Every spin is determined by an RNG. This is software that produces completely random outcomes, so each spin of the will be fair and unpredictable.
- Matching combinations – To receive a payout, you typically need to land matching symbols on an active payline.
Key features of online Slots
Many online slot games include additional features that are designed to add variety to gameplay and keep the rounds fresh and unique. These features can impact potential payouts or introduce new ways to form matching combinations.
- Wild symbols
Wild symbols will substitute for other symbols on the reels – excluding special ones like scatters – to help complete matching combinations. Some Slots offer expanding wilds, sticky wilds, or multiplier wilds, each with their own unique mechanics.
- Scatter symbols and free spins
Scatter symbols can often trigger things like free spins or bonus rounds when a certain number of them appear on the reels. Free spins allow you to play without placing additional bets while still having a chance to land matching combinations.
- Bonus rounds
Many Slots also include bonus rounds that provide extra opportunities for matching combinations. These can range from pick-and-win games to other challenges or additional spinning mechanics.
- Multipliers
Multipliers will increase payouts by a specific factor, such as ‘2x’ or ‘5x’. These can be applied in base gameplay, free spins, or special bonus rounds, depending on the specific game you’re playing.
Choosing an online slot
When selecting an online slot game, there are many important factors to consider. This can include things such as volatility, return-to-player (RTP) percentage, and bonus features.
Volatility determines the frequency and size of potential payouts, while RTP indicates the theoretical percentage of wagered money returned to players over time. However, these are simply calculations to offer guidance, and each spin remains entirely independent.
