Online slots terminology

This glossary provides a comprehensive guide to online slot terms, including explanations of common terms such as paylines, wilds, scatters, RTP, and paytable. Whether you're a seasoned slot player or new to the game, this guide will help you improve your understanding of the terminology used in online slots, and give you the knowledge you need to play with confidence and make informed decisions when choosing which games to play.

Learning all about online slots

As with any hobby there can be a daunting amount of terminology that can be overwhelming, especially when you join in and read forums about online slots, so this handy guide will act as your quick reference guide to online casinos, slots and gambling.

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Blank

Blank symbols on online slots are symbols that do not have any value or payout associated with them. They are sometimes also referred to as "empty" or "dead" symbols.

Blank symbols are typically used to create gaps between other symbols on the reels, which can help to increase the suspense and excitement of the game. They can also be used to make it more difficult for players to achieve winning combinations, thereby increasing the level of challenge and making the game more engaging.

In some online slots, blank symbols may also have special features or functions. For example, they may act as wild symbols, which can substitute for any other symbol to create a winning combination. Alternatively, they may trigger bonus rounds or other special features when they appear on the reels.

Overall, blank symbols are just one of the many elements that contribute to the complexity and excitement of online slot games, and they are an important part of the overall game design.

Credits

In online slots, credits are a virtual currency used to place bets and play the game. Credits can be thought of as digital coins, with each credit representing a certain amount of money that can be wagered on each spin.

When playing online slots, players typically need to purchase credits in order to start playing. This is done by depositing real money into the online casino account and then using those funds to buy credits.

The amount of credits that can be wagered on each spin can vary depending on the specific slot game and the online casino. Some games may allow players to bet just a few credits per spin, while others may require a higher minimum bet.

As players spin the reels and land winning combinations, their total number of credits will increase. Similarly, if they do not win on a particular spin, their number of credits will decrease.

Double Up

Double up is a feature in some online slots that allows players to potentially double their winnings from a previous spin.

When the double up feature is activated, players are presented with a simple game of chance, such as a coin toss or a card game. They are then given the opportunity to wager their winnings from the previous spin on the outcome of the game. If they correctly guess the outcome of the game, their winnings are doubled. However, if they guess incorrectly, they will lose their winnings from the previous spin.

The double up feature is typically optional, and players can choose whether or not to use it after each winning spin. Some players enjoy the added risk and excitement of the double up feature, while others prefer to stick with their original winnings and not risk losing them.

It's important to note that the double up feature is completely optional and that players should use it at their own risk. While it can potentially increase winnings, it can also lead to losing all winnings from the previous spin.

Jackpot

A jackpot in online slots is a large cash prize that can be won by players when they land a specific winning combination or trigger a certain feature in the game. Jackpots can vary in size, with some offering relatively small payouts and others offering life-changing amounts of money.

There are two main types of jackpots in online slots: fixed jackpots and progressive jackpots.

Fixed jackpots are a set amount that can be won by landing a specific combination of symbols on the reels. For example, a game may offer a fixed jackpot of 10,000 coins for landing five matching symbols on a payline.

Progressive jackpots, on the other hand, are jackpots that increase in value over time as players continue to play the game. A small portion of each player's bet is added to the progressive jackpot pool, which can quickly grow to be worth millions of dollars. When a player triggers the progressive jackpot, they win the entire pool of money.

It's important to note that jackpots are typically more difficult to win than other prizes in online slots, and players should always gamble responsibly and within their means. However, for those who are lucky enough to win a jackpot, it can be a life-changing event that can provide financial security and freedom.

Loose slots

The term "loose slots" in online slots refers to games that are perceived to have a higher payout percentage than other slots. In other words, loose slots are thought to be more generous in terms of the amount of money that they pay out to players over time.

However, it's important to note that the concept of loose slots is somewhat subjective and is not an official designation. There is no guarantee that a particular slot game will be "loose" or that it will pay out more than other games.

In general, the payout percentage of an online slot is determined by the game's software and is programmed to pay out a certain amount of money over time. This payout percentage is typically set by the game's developers and can vary from game to game.

While there is no surefire way to determine which slots are "loose," some players may look for games with a high payout percentage or play games that have been recommended by others who have had good experiences with them. However, ultimately, the outcome of each spin on an online slot is determined by a random number generator, so there is no guarantee of winning or losing on any particular game.

Multiplier symbol

A multiplier symbol in online slots is a special symbol that can increase the amount of winnings that a player receives on a particular spin.

When a multiplier symbol appears on the reels, it will multiply the payout of any winning combination that it is a part of. For example, if a player lands a winning combination of three symbols that pays out 10 credits, and there is a 2x multiplier symbol on the same payline, the payout for that spin will be 20 credits.

Multiplier symbols can come in a variety of forms, and they may be represented by specific symbols or special features in the game. Some online slots may have fixed multiplier symbols, which multiply payouts by a set amount, such as 2x or 3x. Other slots may have dynamic multipliers, which increase in value as players continue to spin the reels or trigger certain bonus features.

Overall, multiplier symbols can be a valuable addition to any online slot game, as they can help to increase the excitement and potential payouts for players.

Pay table

A paytable in online slots is a chart or list that shows the payouts for each winning combination of symbols that can appear on the reels of the game.

The paytable typically displays the different symbols that can be landed, along with their respective payouts for different numbers of matching symbols on a payline. The payouts listed on the paytable are usually represented in terms of a multiple of the player's bet, with larger payouts awarded for more valuable combinations.

Paytables may also provide information on special symbols and bonus features, such as wild symbols, scatter symbols, and free spins. These symbols and features can often provide additional ways to win payouts or trigger bonus rounds.

Paytables can be accessed by clicking a button or tab on the game screen, and they can be helpful in understanding the game's rules, payouts, and bonus features. Players should always consult the paytable before playing a new online slot to ensure they understand the game's payouts and features.

Payline

A payline in online slots is a line that runs across the reels of a slot machine, on which winning combinations of symbols must land in order for the player to win a payout.

Online slots can have a varying number of paylines, ranging from just one to several hundred or even thousands. The most common number of paylines in online slots is between 10 and 25. Paylines can be straight, diagonal, or zigzagged, and they can run in any direction across the reels.

In order to win a payout on a payline, a player must land a certain combination of symbols on the line. The specific combination required to win on each payline will be outlined in the game's paytable. Some paylines may require a player to land just two matching symbols, while others may require three or more.

Players can typically choose how many paylines they want to activate when playing online slots, with the total number of paylines affecting the size of the bet required to spin the reels. Activating more paylines increases the chances of landing winning combinations, but it also increases the size of the bet required to spin the reels.

Overall, paylines are an essential component of online slots, as they determine the combinations of symbols that can potentially result in payouts for players.

Payout / Payout percentage / Payout rate

Payout in online slots refers to the amount of money that a player can win on a single spin of the reels. The payout amount is typically determined by the value of the symbols that land on a payline, as well as the bet size of the player.

In general, online slots offer a wide range of payout amounts, with some games offering small payouts for more frequent wins, while others offer larger payouts for more rare or valuable winning combinations.

The payout percentage of an online slot is typically set by the game's developer and is based on the odds of winning and the frequency of payouts. The payout percentage represents the average amount of money that a player can expect to win back over time, and it is usually expressed as a percentage.

For example, if a slot machine has a payout percentage of 95%, this means that, on average, players can expect to win back 95 cents for every dollar they wager on the game over time.

Overall, the payout is an important factor to consider when playing online slots, as it can have a significant impact on the player's overall experience and potential winnings.

Progressive Jackpots

A progressive jackpot in online slots is a type of jackpot that increases over time as more players make bets on the game. A small percentage of each bet made by every player is added to the jackpot, allowing it to grow larger and larger until it is won.

Unlike traditional jackpots, which offer a fixed payout amount, progressive jackpots can reach enormous sums of money, often totaling millions of dollars. The largest progressive jackpots are usually networked across multiple online casinos, allowing the prize pool to grow even more quickly.

In order to win a progressive jackpot, players must typically land a specific combination of symbols on the reels, which is usually the game's highest-paying combination. This combination may require players to land a certain number of symbols on a specific payline, or it may be triggered randomly.

Once the progressive jackpot is won, the prize pool resets to a predetermined amount, and the jackpot begins to grow again as more players make bets on the game.

Overall, progressive jackpots are a popular feature in online slots, as they offer the potential for life-changing payouts and add an extra level of excitement to the game.

Random Number Generator (RNG)

A Random Number Generator (RNG) in online slots is a computer program that produces a sequence of random numbers to determine the outcome of each spin.

A Random Number Generator (RNG) in online slots is a computer program that produces a sequence of random numbers to determine the outcome of each spin.

In online slots, the RNG is used to determine which symbols appear on the reels, as well as the number of symbols that appear on each reel. The RNG ensures that the outcome of each spin is completely random and unpredictable, making it impossible for players or the game operator to manipulate the results.

The RNG works by using a complex algorithm to generate a sequence of numbers that are completely random and unpredictable. The algorithm is designed to ensure that each number generated is statistically independent of the previous number, and that the sequence of numbers is truly random.

The use of an RNG in online slots is a key factor in ensuring that the games are fair and impartial. By producing completely random results, the RNG ensures that all players have an equal chance of winning, and that the outcomes of the game are not influenced by any external factors.

Overall, the RNG is an essential component of online slots, as it ensures that the games are fair and transparent, and that players can enjoy a truly random and unpredictable gaming experience.

Reels

In online slots, reels refer to the vertical columns that contain the symbols that spin when the player starts the game. The number of reels in an online slot can vary, but most games typically have three or five reels.

Each reel contains a number of symbols, which are usually themed to the game's design or storyline. When the player starts the game, the reels spin and come to a stop, displaying a random assortment of symbols on the screen.

The number of symbols that appear on each reel can also vary, with some games offering only a few symbols per reel, while others may offer dozens of symbols per reel. The more symbols on each reel, the more complex the game can become, with more potential winning combinations available.

Overall, the reels in online slots are a central part of the game's design, and they play a key role in determining the outcome of each spin. By spinning the reels and landing matching symbols on a payline, players can win payouts and trigger bonus features, making the game more exciting and potentially rewarding.

RTP

RTP in gaming stands for "Return to Player." It is a term used to describe the percentage of all wagered money that a slot machine or other casino game will pay back to players over time.

In other words, RTP is the amount of money that a player can expect to win back from a game after playing it for a certain amount of time. For example, if a slot machine has an RTP of 95%, it means that for every $100 wagered on the machine, players can expect to receive $95 in winnings over time.

RTP is an important consideration for players when choosing which casino games to play, as games with a higher RTP generally offer better chances of winning. However, it is important to note that RTP is calculated over a long period of time and is not a guarantee of any individual player's winnings.

Wild symbols

Wild symbols in online slots are special symbols that can substitute for other symbols on the reels to create winning combinations. Wild symbols can help players complete paylines that would otherwise be missing a key symbol, and they can increase the chances of winning payouts.

There are several different types of wild symbols in online slots, including standard wilds, expanding wilds, sticky wilds, and stacked wilds. Standard wild symbols simply substitute for other symbols on the reels, while expanding wilds can expand to cover multiple positions on the reels, increasing the chances of creating winning combinations.

Sticky wilds remain in place for multiple spins, providing players with more opportunities to land winning combinations, while stacked wilds can appear on top of each other on a single reel, increasing the potential for big payouts.

In many online slots, wild symbols can also trigger bonus features or special rounds, providing players with even more opportunities to win big.

Overall, wild symbols are a key feature in online slots, as they provide players with more ways to win and can add an extra level of excitement and anticipation to the game.

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