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Beginner Slots Guide: Everything You Should Know


Beginner Slots Guide: Everything You Should Know

If you’ve ever stood in a casino, it’s hard to miss the bright, musical, flashing slot machines that fill much of the space.  And maybe you’ve thought you’d like to play but it all seems so random (which it is) and confusing. I’m going to try to explain the basics of a slot machine, where to play slots for free, and I’ll share some tips along the way.

Slot machines, either in an on-street casino or in a new internet-based casino,  are gambling machines that offer a game of chance to gamblers. Historically, they consisted of symbol-laden reels. The objective was to spin the reels using a mechanical lever and match symbols along a payline. Modern slot machines, of course, are computerized with video displays in place of physical reels and there are usually multiple paylines and many potential combinations of symbols that will reward you coin. But in essence, the machine remains the same.

Learning About Slot Machine Mechanics

It's a great idea to start out with some understanding of how a modern slot machine works.

Random Number Generators (RNGs):

This is probably most important to understand about slot machines. They use RNGs to determine what occurs on every spin. The process of selecting an action is entirely random, with the program RNG producing numbers continually, even when the machine is not being played. This means that each spin is independent, and spins already have no effect on future outcomes. 

Payout Percentages (RTP):

This is another major fact. Slot machines in casinos are set to return a certain percentage of what has been played by the players, typically between 90% and 96%. This is also called the payback or payout percentage or Return to Player (RTP). This RTP does not imply you will win at some session or so but tells us what the machine pays out over time. You can find the RTP displayed on the machine.

Types of Slot Machines

OK now let's take a look at the machines themselves.

Traditional Three-Reel Slots:

  • Basics: They're basic machines; you insert money, which is converted to credits. For example, feeding $20 into a $1 slot machine earns you 20 credits.
  • Play: You select your bet value, usually starting at one credit, and press the spin button. Payoffs are awarded based on symbols displayed on the payline as defined in the pay table.
  • Features: These give a number of paylines, which can improve your chances of winning. Every line is an independent pattern, and you may bet more than one line on every spin.
  • Betting: The players are welcome to choose the number of lines to bet on and the amount of credits to bet per line.
  • Penny Slots: As the name implies – penny slots allow bets as low as a penny per line. But, as a general rule, there is an absolute minimum bet, e.g., 50 credits, due to the lines.
  • Gameplay: Ideal for extended play with minimal bankroll, they allow the player to play the game without having to make too much investment.

Slot Machine Features

These are what you will notice on most slot machines.

Pay Table

Every slot machine also features a pay table showing the winning combinations of symbols and their payout. Make sure to have a glance at this prior to playing.

Bonus Features:

Modern slots provide various bonus features like free spins, multipliers, or interactive bonus rounds. These are triggered by specific combinations or symbols and can potentially increase the potential winnings considerably.

Service and Cash-Out:

There are Cash-Out and Service buttons on your slot machine. You can call for help by pressing the Service button. And when you are ready to Cash-out, press that button. Your winnings will not pour out of a hat, but will be paid out in the form of a ticket. The ticket can be traded for cash at special machines or cashier windows in the casino.

OK, with that general overview of how slots work, we've got some strategy advice, a nod to Ruby Slots (she does have a great Youtube channel where she shares her slots play and experience).

Effective Slot Strategy Tips

Use Higher Denominations:

If it works for you, playing higher denom slots tends to provide greater odds. These slots usually offer higher payback percentages and thus return more money to players in the long run than lower denom slots.

Manage Your Bankroll:

Establish a session budget for each gambling session and maintain it to prevent excessive losses. Divide your overall budget into smaller session bankrolls to prolong your gaming time and enjoyment.

Select Low Volatility Slots for Frequent Rewards:

Low volatility slots will reward you with smaller sums more frequently, which may be beneficial if you prefer playing for a longer time and would like your bankroll to last longer.

How about Online SLots?

Casino slots and slots provided by virtual casinos share basic similarities in the operation and game, and therefore moving from traditional casinos to virtual platforms has been quite easy for users. Both are controlled by computers. Both have Random Number Generators, Return To Player rates, Progressive jackpots and shared betting options. The only areas where they vary lie in:

  • Convenience and Accessibility: Slots can be played 24/7 from any location with access to the internet, which is more convenient than traveling to a live casino.
  • Game Availability: Online casinos can offer much more games available because of not having physical space limitations faced by land-based casinos.
  • Play Speed: Online slots typically offer a faster speed of play because of the lack of physical chips to manage or machines to maintain.
  • Bonuses and Promotions: Online casinos usually provide a broad variety of bonuses, such as sign-up bonuses, free spins, and rewards for loyalty, that are more regular and substantial than bonuses provided in land-based casinos.