School Up on These Top Slot Terms

Check our guide to learn the top slot terms and impress your fellow players!
18th September 2024

All the terms you need to know when playing slots

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Hey there, slot fans! Whether you're a seasoned spinner or just dipping your toes into the exciting world of slots, understanding the lingo can make your gaming experience smoother and more enjoyable.   

Ready to become a slot aficionado? Let's get cracking.


RNG (Random Number Generator)

First things first, let's talk about the RNG or Random Number Generator. This is the hero of every slot machine. Picture it as the behind-the-scenes strategist, making sure each spin is completely random and fair. More specifically, it's a smart bit of software that randomly creates a series of numbers and keeps things fair and square. 

Slots wouldn't be the exciting game we know and enjoy without the RNG. It ensures that each spin is a fresh start, so whether you're on a roll or having a bit of a dry spell, the RNG keeps things above board.  

Here's how an RNG works; It generates thousands of numbers every second, even when no one's playing. The moment you hit "spin" it picks one of those numbers, determining whether you win or not. It's all pure chance, no monkey business, so you're in for a fair shot every time. You never know, the next spin might just be your ticket to a tidy little win!


Reels

Next, we've got reels – the spinning columns you see on your screen. Traditional slots usually have three reels, but modern games can have five or even more. Think of the reels as the big wheel of fortune that you're spinning. Each reel is covered in symbols, and the aim is to line them up in winning combinations. The more reels you have, the more chances you get to hit a win – as long as you have those matching symbols.

The brilliant RNG can't be missed here, it's the tool that ensures the reels outcome is always random and fair for everyone. So, all players have equal chances of winning great prizes.


Paylines

Now, let's chat about paylines. Paylines are the lines on which your symbols need to line up to win. Think about it like an online bingo game where there are different line combinations, or patterns you need to complete on your bingo card to win the game. Slots aren't as different from bingo as you might think!

Classic slots often have a single payline running horizontally across the middle, but newer games can have multiple paylines running in all directions. Some even form quirky shapes like zigzags or diagonals. The more paylines you have, the better your odds of landing a winning combination, so keep an eye out for those. 

When it comes to our exciting Megaways slots, there are even more paylines than in a classic slot game, with a whopping 117,649 available on most games. If you're looking for an online slot machine with plenty of paylines to enjoy, then Megaways are the games for you!


Symbols

Symbols are the images you see spinning around on the reels. They come in all shapes and sizes, from fruity classics like cherries and lemons to imaginative icons and themed images. 

Some symbols are Wild, meaning they can replace other symbols (except for Scatters) to help you win. Others might unlock special features or bonuses, so keep your eyes peeled.


  • Wild symbols

Speaking of Wild symbols, these are like having an extra chance in your slot game. Wilds can stand in for other symbols to help you form winning lines. Some Wilds even expand to cover entire reels or stick around for extra spins, adding a bit of extra excitement to your game. They can turn a near-miss into a big win, so they are worth celebrating.


  • Scatter symbols

Scatter symbols are the stars of the show in online slot games. Unlike regular symbols, Scatters don't need to line up on a payline to win. They can appear anywhere on the reels and still trigger a win. Land enough Scatters, and you could unlock free spins, bonus rounds, or other fantastic features. Pretty cool, right?


Bonus rounds

Bonus rounds are where the fun kicks off. These special features are triggered by certain symbols or combinations and often give you extra chances to win. Think of them as mini-games within the game – from picking games to spinning wheels and cascading reels, bonus rounds add extra joy and can lead to some seriously rewarding payouts.


Slot jackpots

Ah, the jackpot – the holy grail of slot games!  These games offer the chance to win incredible cash prizes that are bound to make your day. Jackpots can either be a set amount that doesn’t change, or progressive, meaning they grow as more players play the game. Progressive jackpots can reach fantastic amounts while you enjoy the excitement of the game.


Return to Player (RTP)

Return to Player (RTP) is a percentage that indicates how much of the money wagered on a slot is paid back to players over time. For example, if a slot has an RTP of 95%, it means that, on average, 95% of the total wagers are returned as winnings. The higher the RTP, the better your chances of coming out ahead in the long run. It's a good idea to check this figure when choosing a slot game.


Bet levels

Bet levels are the amounts you can choose to wager on each spin. Most slots allow you to adjust your bet level, so you can choose to play it safe with smaller bets or go all out with bigger ones. It's a good idea to adjust your bet level based on your budget and how much you're willing to risk. Don't forget, it's not about how much you bet, but about enjoying the fun of the game.


Autoplay

Autoplay is a handy feature that lets you sit back and relax while the game spins for you. You can set it to automatically play a certain number of spins at a chosen bet level, so you don't have to keep hitting the spin button. It's great if you're busy or just want to enjoy the game without constantly pressing buttons. Just remember to set a limit.


Hit Frequency

Hit frequency is a measure of how often a slot game pays out, regardless of whether it's a big win or a small one. It's different from RTP because it looks at how often you'll get a win rather than how much you'll win over time. A higher hit frequency means you'll see wins more often, which can be quite satisfying. 


So, there you have it – a full rundown of slot terms to get you up to speed. Now that you’ve got a solid grasp of the lingo, you’re ready to hit the reels with confidence.  

Whether you're spinning for fun or aiming for that big win, understanding these terms will help you get the most out of your slot experience. Enjoy your spins, and may the slots be ever in your favor!

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