The first slot machine was made in the late 1800s by a mechanic called Charles August Fey. Much later in the 1970s, video game slots emerged, which served as the beginnings of slot games that were soon to be available online in the ’90s. And from 2010, the revolution of slot machines continued.
As mobile technology advanced, casino companies developed apps and optimized their websites to make one of the world’s most popular casino games available on everyone’s number one device – the mobile.
Slot machines are popular worldwide because;
- It’s quick and easy to learn
- Enticing graphics and themes keep players hooked
- Happy, upbeat music sets the scene for slot
- You can play them online whenever and wherever you like
- There’s the potential to win some prize money!
The thrill of the game and the hope of winning all add to the excitement, which is why you’re eager to begin playing yourself!
However, before you begin adding your virtual coins and hitting the spin button, let’s walk through some of the language, symbols, and tables you’ll encounter on screen. In doing so, you can increase your understanding of the game.
The Reels
Following each spin, the reels (which there is always an odd number of) settle and present their symbols. If you land a winning combination across the reels, you win money!
Paylines
There can be anywhere between 1 and 50 pay lines for you to bet on. The paylines highlight the winning combos, which lead to a monetary reward.
Symbols
The game’s theme determines what form the slot symbols take. For instance, a slot game with a pirate theme will likely have pirates, treasure, and ships as symbols.
Each symbol’s purpose and value varies and can change per slot game. Common names for symbols include a scatter, wild, bonus symbol, and free spin symbol.
Wild symbols are mostly used to fill the gaps in a payline and boost your chances of winning. In contrast, free spins offer you several spins without using your virtual coins. In comparison, Bonus symbols tend to lead you to an alternate screen that features a bonus round.
Payout Table
To familiarize yourself with what constitutes a winning combo, preview the Payout Table.
You can also find what symbol combos will allow you to access the bonus round or claim free spins. Plus! You can see how much you might win, based on a specific combo, and the bet you’ve placed.
How To Choose A Site And Game
Equipped with your new-found knowledge of online slots, you’re ready to start finding a site and game.
Once you’ve signed up, here are a few tips to help you choose a game that’s right for you.
- Find a game that you can afford to play
- See what opportunities are there to increase your chances of winning? Free spins, wild symbols, etc.
- And most importantly, is the game exciting?
From Elephant King and Triple Diamond, to Wheel of Fortune, there’s plenty of games out there that will pique your interest.
Maximize Your Chances Of Winning
You should know before you begin, the symbols that appear on screen are due to a Random Number Generator (RGN). Thus the game is unpredictable, but that’s what makes it exciting.
Here are a few bonus tips to boost your chances in slots:
- Find The RTP (Return to player percentage)
- The RTP of a game highlights the potential for players to win a return. Some slots online have an RTP between 97% and 100%.
- Go All In
- Bet the max to increase your chance of gaining a bigger cash prize if you win. Plus, should you hit the jackpot, you’ll be swimming in cash. Spreading your money thin over multiple slot games won’t alter the outcome on the reels. So, betting the max is usually beneficial. If you land a winning combo, the returns will be much higher.
Tips Before You Begin Sourcing The Ideal Slot Game
- Always set a limit. Slot machines are enticing, but there’s no need to spend all of your money on them at once.
- Once you win, make a deal to walk away from the game. Betting your winnings is risky; you could lose it all.
- Slot machines are there for the enjoyment of gaming and gambling. However, they should never be relied on to help you boost your income to afford essentials like the mortgage.
With a general knowledge of slots and tips and rules on playing and having fun, you can feel confident entering your first game online.
I'm a published author and proud US Army veteran who happens to be a gamer, so I decided to combine the two and love every minute of it! Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments and I'll be sure to get back to you.
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