Navigating through the world of slot machines involves understanding several terms. Therefore, we've compiled an overview of essential vocabulary that will help you as you approach the slot reels.
3 reel slot
A slot featuring three spinning reels is known as a three-reel slot . This is the classic version of a slot machine, mirroring how the first machines were designed in physical casinos.
5 reel slot
To offer an enhanced experience, five-reel slots were created, providing players with more opportunities compared to the traditional three-reel format. Five-reel slots These slots create an expanded number of winning possibilities compared to their three-reel counterparts.
243 Ways to Win
Rather than being limited to fixed pay lines, slots that offer 243 ways to win allow for a total of 243 unique combinations, enhancing the chances of victory.
Cascading Reels
Cascading reels Cascading reels are a well-known feature in online slots, where winning symbols are removed from the board and replaced by new ones, creating more chances for additional wins.
Cashback
While not always available, some casinos may offer players a cashback promotion that enables them to recoup a certain portion of their losses from slot play.
Comps
The complimentary perks provided to players while engaging with slots are termed comps. Casinos offer these incentives to motivate players to spend more time at the slot machines.
Coin Out
After a gaming session, the term coin-out describes the money returned to players, essentially the winnings they collect after playing slots.
Cold Slot
There exists a misconception regarding cold slots at land-based casinos . These machines are deemed to have minimal or zero payouts and are often avoided by players.
Credits
When you insert money into a slot machine, your funds are converted into credits, which you then use to play the game.
Fixed Value Slots
Slots that have a predetermined wager and coin size are identified as fixed value slots. In such machines, neither the bet amount nor the coin size can be altered.
Hit and Run
A hit and run strategy is a popular method among slot players. This approach involves setting a limit on winnings and losses; once you hit that threshold, you switch to a different slot machine.
Hit Frequency
Hit frequency is a metric that indicates how often a slot machine yields wins. However, this figure does not ensure a profitable outcome, as it operates independently from the RTP rate.
Hold
The term 'hold' defines the percentage of each bet that the slot retains. This percentage indicates how much the casino keeps in relation to the wagers.
House Edge
The house edge represents the percentage that indicates the casino's advantage over players in various games, with slot machines typically having an edge ranging from 2% to 15%.
Instant Winner
Instant Winner or Instant Win slots are fast-paced games where the results are determined in real-time, functioning similarly to traditional slot machines.
Jackpot
Certain slot machines feature jackpots that come in various formats, including progressive and fixed options.
Linked Progressive Slot
Progressive slots Jackpots that accumulate across a series of linked machines are described as linked jackpots.
Loose Slot
A machine with a Return to Player (RTP) rate exceeding 96% is referred to as a loose slot, as it generally offers better long-term returns compared to other machines.
Maximum Bet
Each slot game comes with a defined betting range, and the maximum bet signifies the highest amount you're allowed to wager on that particular game.
Megaways
Megaways is a unique mechanism created by Big Time Gaming that alters the number of symbols appearing on the reels with each spin.
Multiplier
In slot gaming, a multiplier serves as a feature that enhances a player’s winnings. The multiplier's value varies depending on the specific slot and its associated game functions.
Near Miss
A near miss occurs when the player almost achieves a winning combination, creating a momentary anticipation.
Payline
A payline consists of symbols arranged in a way that forms a winning combination. Paylines play an essential role in determining how wins are achieved.
Payout
Payout refers to the winnings a player receives when engaging with slots. This amount is influenced by the slot’s RTP.
Paytable
The paytable acts as a reference that outlines all the possible winning combinations and their respective payouts, with every slot hosting its unique paytable.
Primary Jackpot
The highest reward achievable from a jackpot slot machine is termed the primary jackpot.
Progressive Jackpot
A slot with a progressive jackpot gathers its total from a small fraction of every wager placed on it. Once the jackpot is won, it resets to its initial amount.
Random Number Generator (RNG)
The outcomes of casino games are determined by a Random Number Generator (RNG) algorithm, producing a series of numbers that yield random game results.
Reels
On the layout of a slot game, the reels are arranged in vertical columns filled with symbols that spin when the player activates the machine.
Return to Player (RTP)
Slot machines come equipped with a specific Return to Player (RTP) percentage, indicating the long-term return players can expect from their gaming experience.
Scatter
A scatter Random features are commonplace in slot machines, as they can unexpectedly activate anywhere on the reels, leading to either bonus rounds or direct payouts.
Short Win
A quick win is observed when a player achieves a significant pay-out in a short time frame, especially in the case of a jackpot.
Slot Club
A slot club is a reward system designed for loyal members and returning players at physical casinos.
Slot Host
When you engage with slots at a casino, a dedicated staff member is available to handle all slot-related needs, including troubleshooting machines, managing complimentary services, and assisting players.
Sound of Rain
The sound of rain signifies a win for the player, as the noise from coins tumbling into the payout area is reminiscent of raindrops.
Streaky Slots
Games that display unpredictability in their payouts, such as a sequence of wins followed by a drought of payouts, are termed streaky slots.
Spin
A key aspect of a slot machine revolves around spins; this refers to either the physical spin button or the individual spins of the reels themselves.
Three Liner
A three-liner is a slot machine that features a single payline and three reels, where players must line up three identical symbols across the line to secure a win.
Tight Slots
Slots that tend not to provide frequent wins are referred to as tight slots, often providing larger payouts less frequently.
Total Bet
The total bet represents how much money is staked per spin on a slot machine.
Variance
Variance indicates the frequency and size of wins a slot machine provides over time. It can be classified as low, medium, or high, and is often used interchangeably with volatility, which refers to a closely related concept.
Video Slots
Unlike traditional slots that utilize physical reels, video slots online are operated through software, displaying the slot game on a digital interface.
Virtual Reel
A virtual reel is a technology that emulates a physical slot reel. Unlike real reels, virtual ones can create a wider variety of complex outcomes.
Volatility
In contrast to variance, volatility measures the average size and occurrence of payouts within a slot game. It also depicts the potential fluctuations players might face during gameplay. Volatility is categorized as low, medium, or high.
Wide Area Progressive (WAP)
A collection of slot machines sharing progressive jackpots is referred to as wide area progressive slots, which can be located across various casinos or even in different regions or countries.
Wild
These symbols are designed to replace others to form winning combinations. Therefore, wild symbols enhance the chances of receiving higher payouts.
Win Both Ways
In a standard payline, wins are formed from left to right or vice versa, while ‘Win both ways’ slots allow paylines to be configured in either direction.
Zig Zag
The term zig zag describes a payline that is laid out in a zig-zag pattern rather than a straight or diagonal line.
