Slots Guide

• What Are Slots?
• Slot Machine Tips
• Find The Right Slot
• Slots Guide Summary

The slot machine has become synonymous with gambling, and it’s perhaps the most recognisable piece of casino iconography.

You’d be hard-pressed to find anybody who hasn’t played at least one slot game at some point, yet hardly anyone knows how they really work and how many types are out there.

If you want more clarity on slot machines, then we hope this guide teaches you all you need to know. There’s no sure-fire way to win at slots, but there are some things you can learn to help make winning more of a possibility.

Let’s dive right in by discussing what slot machines are and how they operate.

What Are Slots?

Slot machine games are any games operating with spinning reels. These reels always have symbols on them, and they need to all line up for your bet to win. Different symbols have different paylines, and some symbols are harder to line up than others.

If the symbols don’t all match, then you’ll need to spin again. Once your deposit has run out, then you’ll have to enter more money to bet again.

Some slot machines can be played with a small deposit (less than £1) whereas require more.

Slot machines may sound very modern, but they actually date back to the late Victorian age, and are among the oldest casino games out there. Of course, the early slot machines were incredibly basic, but the basic idea behind the game was the same.

Slot machines come in all shapes and sizes and have differing payouts.

Slot Machine Tips

Much like roulette, the slots are largely luck-based and there’s no foolproof way to beat the system. There are, however, some things you can do to make success more likely.

Understand Slot Volatility

Slot volatility may sound complicated, but all it entails is the likelihood of you winning. Slots can be divided into low, medium, and high volatility categories - with the lowest offering smaller payouts and a higher chance of winning, and so on.

It’s not easy to guess the volatility of a slot machine, but there are a few things you can do to help guess. For example, a slot machine with a huge bonus will have a high volatility (meaning you have a much smaller chance of winning) whereas smaller bonuses will be much more manageable.

You need to know the slot you’re working with before you try to be successful. In the world of casino games, knowledge really is power.

Don’t Overdo It

Sometimes, the betting gods are against you and it’s just not your day. If you’re having no luck with the slots, consider taking a break and trying another day.

It’s to burn through money on slot machines, so make sure you’re not betting out of frustration. Much like roulette, you should aim to walk away when you’re on top instead of hanging around for too long.

Find The Right Slot

Not every slot machine is created equal, and there are a host of different types out there.

Let’s take a look at them in more detail:

Single-Coin Slots

The single-coin slot machines are the most famous iteration of the slot machine, yet they have become hard to find due to their inferior technology.

The spinning reels on these machines are displayed physically, and they tend to give the player a little bit more leeway in terms of their credits.

Some older venues will still have these, but the major casinos have ditched these in favour of video slots.

Video Slot Machines

The classic single-coin slot machine is largely obsolete now, and has given way to other forms - including video versions.

Video slots can offer more playlines and bonuses - including free spins.

Reel Slot Machines

Usually, reel slot machines will feature between three and five reels, and are operated by pressing a button. In the days of yesteryear, the reels were spun by pulling a lever.

Reel slots can be considered the successor to the single-coin machine. The basic idea is the same, but the technology is a lot more advanced.

Progressive Slots

Progressive slot machines are those offering different levels to their games. On video slots, it’s not uncommon to find more than 10 levels.

The progressions offer larger jackpots depending on how much you bet, with the higher percentages offering higher payouts. Keep in mind that you do not have to use these machines, and the higher wagers may put you off them.

It’s essential that you only bet with what you can afford to lose, so keep away from these machines if you’re trying to budget.

Multi-Game Slots

These machines have become popular in places like Las Vegas and Atlantic City, as they offer the player the chance to test their luck on several built-in games.

You can play virtual card games, virtual poker, and even virtual blackjack on some multi-game machines. These machines are designed to hold your attention for as long as possible, so be aware of how much money you’re betting and how much time you’re spending on it.

Wild Play Slots

Wild play slot machines can be very fun to play as they hook you in with the possibility of doubling and tripling your bet.

They can also substitute winning symbols for other ones, giving the player a chance to create another winning combination. They also usually have bonus levels. These slot machines can offer a lot in terms of payouts, but keep in mind that the odds of getting two or three winning combinations at once is extremely rare.

Slots Guide Summary

Slot machines can be tricky to understand, but hopefully they make more sense after reading this guide.

There is no reliable strategy to win here, but improving your knowledge on them will make them seem less daunting and help build your confidence.

Once you’ve decided which slot works best for you, it’s vital that you don’t bet too much too soon. If you feel as though things aren’t going your way, then consider taking a break from them until you feel ready.