Slots elements
To begin with, let us familiarize ourselves with the elements that you will find on a slot machine and its most used terminology:
The slots have a screen where we will see the different reels that turn on themselves and that are loaded with symbols and icons of different types that when stopped, can generate winning combinations.
Most of the slots have 3 or 5 spinning reels.
In order to achieve a realistic environment and setting, the symbols or icons vary depending on the theme of the slot.
We will also find special symbols such as (the wild, the scatter or the multiplier) that we will explain later.
Very important are the pay lines, which are those lines that will be awarded if a winning combination is lined up. The number of pay lines varies depending on each slot machine, finding many more pay lines in the most modern and current slots.
No less important are the various buttons that activate different options in the game, thus we find:
- payment lines selector: you will be able to select how many payment lines you want to activate.
- selector of the number of coins you want to play
- coin value selector
- maximum bet
- Game start: if you press the start button, also known as Spin, the reels will start spinning until they stop.
In short, the first thing you will have to do is choose the type of slot machine you prefer, depending on its theme or its music or special effects or the prizes offered. There are plenty of slots for everyone’s tastes, therefore choosing a machine will not be a big problem.
Then you will have to select how many pay lines you want to activate; how many coins you want to play and their value; maximum bet and so on. After that and you are ready to play, you will only have to press the start button, observe how the reels spin and cross your fingers so that a winning combination is rolled on one of the active paylines.
Symbols with special functions:
It is necessary to have a look at the symbols that you will find in all types of slot machines and that each have special and important functions. We highlight among them:
Bonus: it is one of the most sought after and appreciated special symbols. Normally when they appear, they activate special bonuses and unlock access to special parts of the game that could not be accessed without them.
Wild: it is a symbol that you already know of course from other games, for example like we find the joker card in many card games. Each machine represents it differently depending on its theme but principally it always works in the same way. It is a symbol that can be substituted for any other normal symbol on the slot to create a winning combination.
Scatter: if this symbol appears on the reel it will surely give you some kind of prize. Iit could be one or more free spins, a bonus or some other type of reward. But in order to activate it, it is normally required to land on an active pay line.
Multiplier: if this symbol appears, you will see your winnings multiplied by the number that appears in the symbol, that is, if a 2 appears, the profit is multiplied by two.
Different types of Slots
As we have previously mentioned, there is an endless variety of slots or slot machines and among them we can make the following classification:
- Classic slots : they are the so-called fruit slots, a classic in all the bars of the 70-80s. They usually work with three reels with their classic fruit icons. They started out with the physical slot machines called one-arm bandits with the large mechanical levers that you would typically find in bars and casinos, but since then they have evolved to what we find in casinos today.
- Video slots: nothing to do with classic slots. They are almost video games, with a very similar aesthetic and spectacular graphics. They usually have five reels and multiple game lines where the icons will appear in the middle of impressive graphics and animations.
- Slots with mini-games: this type of slot is very entertaining since in addition to the main game, bonuses are obtained which in turn activate access to mini-games within the game itself. New spaces are being opened and new worlds are discovered that hook the player in an incredible way.
- Slots with progressive jackpot (Jackpot): these are slots where the jackpot grows and accumulates until a player manages to win it. Sometimes the accumulated prize is very high It all depends on the endeavor of the different players in their attempt to achieve it. These types of slot machines are highly sought after by the more experienced slot players.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a progressive jackpot?
It is a jackpot and it is progressive when its amount increases as the bets of the different players accumulate. There are jackpots that turn into real millionaire prizes until a lucky player manages to win them.
Are Free Spins Bonuses Convenient?
Free spins bonuses are bonuses offered by casinos as welcome prizes and can be used to get to know the game and obtain profits, but before accepting them you must assess whether the conditions to use it are more or less complicated to fulfill. That is when you can decide whether or not it is convenient for you to accept a bonus.
What are the mini-games of a slot?
Mini-games have become a highly demanded experience in the world of slots, which are now incorporated in almost all of the most modern machines. They are activated during the game and give you access to another game within the same game, offering a parallel experience to the main game.
What is a scatter?
They are also known as scatter symbols. They are special symbols that when they appear open, you have the option of accessing the slot’s extra functions (e.g. bonuses, prizes, minigames, etc.).
Is there an effective strategy for making a profit from slots?
It must be clear that slots are games of chance and as such there is no strategy that can guarantee you a victory. This type of game leaves very little room for personal initiative because the strategies here are difficult to apply.
What does volatility mean in a slot machine?
It could be defined as the indicator of how often and the amount a slot machine gives prizes. There are slots with high, medium or low volatility. This means that if a slot gives out frequent prizes but of a low amount, we are talking about a slot with low volatility and if it gives fewer prizes but of a higher amount, then it will have high volatility.
Do all slot machines work the same?
All have many things in common and similar game formulas but each of them has its characteristics and peculiarities. That is why every time you play a slot machine that you are unfamiliar with, it is important that you read and familiarize yourself with its specific rules before betting real money.
Conclusion
As you may have seen, the world of slot machines is huge and you can find them in any physical and online casino in the world. With their infinite varieties and themes, they offer something for all kinds of taste.
If you want to start playing slots, a good option is one that is offered by many casinos so that you can familiarize yourself before diving into them. These are the free platforms with which you can play and practice without real money.
You can see your progress and which model or system you like the most and when you are clear, you can go on to playing in real mode and with real money.
But our most important advice, of course, is that you play only on legal platforms that have the required license and meet all the necessary requirements and above all play responsibly.
