Beginner Slots Guide: Everything You Need to 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, how to play, and I’ll share some tips along the way. Here you can find reliable online casino slots review.

Slot machines, whether at a street-level casino or at a new online casino, are gambling machines that offer a game of chance to players. Historically, they were comprised of reels with symbols on them. The objective was to spin the reels by pulling a mechanical lever and line up symbols along a payline. Contemporary slot machines, of course, are electronic with video screens instead of actual reels and there are generally several paylines and several combinations of symbols that will earn you coin. But the machine's principle is the same.

Getting to Know Slot Machine Mechanics

It is a good place to start with an understanding of how a contemporary slot machine operates.

Random Number Generators (RNGs):

This is probably the most important fact about slot machines. They use RNGs to determine the outcome of each spin. It is a completely random process, with the RNG software generating numbers continuously even when the machine is not being played. This ensures each spin is independent, and previous spins have no effect on future outcomes. (See myth #2)

Payout Percentages (RTP):

Here's one more useful tidbit. Slot machines are programmed by casinos to return a percentage of money players wager, typically between 90% and 96%. This is called the payout or payback percentage or Return to Player (RTP). This RTP is not going to guarantee that you'll win at any particular session, but it will let you know the payout of the machine in the long run. You can even see the RTP printed on the machine itself.

Types of Slot Machines

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

Traditional Three-Reel Slots:

Basics: These machines are straightforward; you insert money, which is converted into credits. For example, inserting $20 into a $1 slot machine gives you 20 credits.

Play: You select your bet size, usually starting at one credit, and press the spin button. Wins are determined by symbols falling in line on the payline as detailed in the pay table.

Multi-Line Slots:

Features: These offer multiple paylines, which can increase your chance of winning. Each line is a different pattern, and you can bet on more than a single line for each spin.

Betting: The bettors can choose the number of lines to bet and the amount of credits to bet per line.

Penny Slots:

Affordable Gaming: As the title suggests, penny slots take bets as low as a penny for each line. They do, however, typically have a minimum bet, such as 50 credits, due to the amount of lines.

Gameplay: These slots are ideal for extended gameplay using a small bankroll since they allow you to play the game without a significant investment.

Features of Slot Machines

These are features that you will find on most slot machines.

Pay Table:

Every slot machine possesses a pay table that displays the winning combinations of symbols along with their respective payouts. Take a look at this prior to playing.

Bonus Features:

Newer slots offer different bonus features such as free spins, multipliers, or interactive bonus games. These are activated by designated combinations or symbols and can really boost the potential winnings.

Service and Cash-Out:

Your slot machine has Service and Cash-Out buttons. If you require help, you can call for help by using the Service button. And when you are ready to Cash-out, use that button. Your winnings will not pour out into a hat, but will print out as a ticket. You can trade this ticket in for cash at designated machines or cashier windows in the casino.

Alright, now that you understand the fundamentals of how slot machines work, we have some tips, courtesy of Ruby Slots (she's got an excellent Youtube channel where she vlogs her slots play and experience).

Tips for Choosing Slot Machines

Avoid High Volatility Slots If You Don't Have a Big Bankroll

High volatility slots, like progressive machines, offer higher payouts but less frequency of wins. These will deplete your bankroll quickly without a large win. If you are looking for the excitement of the win, then it's better to play Low Volatiilty Slots.

Look for Simple Machines for Higher Odds

Classic reel slots, often considered low volatility, tend to offer better odds compared to highly thematic video slots with elaborate bonus features. If you’re like me, you’ll enjoy the classic slots experience which can be a bit more peaceful without so many ‘bells and whistles.’

Be Skeptical of Visual Cues

Slot machines with seemingly ready-to-pay symbols like full coin pots  or overflowing treasure chests, are not more likely to pay off than any other machine. These graphics, along with colours, are for entertainment and attraction purposes only and in no way indicate future wins.

I hope some of these will make your slots experience even more enjoyable. Before I sign off, though, I'd like to address some common myths.