A Guide to Online Slots
The first mechanical slot machines started to appear way back in 1894/5, with the Liberty Bell slot machine, which was invented by Charles Fey. During subsequent years they proliferated all over the United States, becoming a staple on land casinos alongside more traditional card and table games. Recently, they have enjoyed something of a revival and are the most popular games to be found at online casinos.
How does a slot machine work?
The way mechanical slot machines and online slot games work is surprisingly similar. The fundamental components are the same. Slot machines have a button or lever which the player can use to activate the spinning of the reels. Slot games have at least three reels and one pay line. They can reach up to seven reels and multiple pay lines. The Reels are those vertical columns that spin when the game is played. The pay lines represent the horizontal lines where the symbol combinations land. The ultimate goal is to line up similar symbols or icons on the pay lines which leads to payouts. The different symbols have alternative values so that each symbol may pay out differently to the others. Typical symbols found on early slots include; Bells, Bars, Sevens, Fruits and similar. Slots commonly contain high-value symbols, and the lower value one. The latter appears on the pay lines more frequently, yet pay out more modestly. Payouts can range from a few cents, up to a few million dollars. There are multiple different types of slot games, with different rules and payouts. Online slots have a broader variety of games, many of them adventure themed, 3D video slots with cinematic qualities and breathtaking design. The more traditional 3-reel slots come across beautifully online, and progressive jackpot slots have pots that continually inflate as long as they are not claimed. There are also fixed jackpot slots, with a predetermined payout gained by landing a specific game symbol.
Tips and Tricks
The nature of slots is that they are random. There is no sure-fire method to guarantee winning. Nevertheless, some basic tips might increase the chances of winning. Reading the rules and understanding the controls is vital. Players should also familiarise themselves with the game symbols, their values, winning combinations, and the maximum/minimum betting limits. Another good idea is to set a bankroll limit, and not supersede it for any reason. Choosing a quiet and relaxing environment is conducive to wagering in peace, tranquillity and without interruptions. All online slot games have a Payout Percentage, or, Return to Player (RTP). Choosing one with a high percentage means the game will pay out at a better rate. Look for 97% or higher. The bankroll will also determine if players want a high or low volatility slot. Keep in mind that high denomination slots pay out more, as they have a higher payout percentage. The smaller denominations offer longer playing times, entertainment value, mingled with more frequent, but lower payouts.
Progressive Jackpots
Progressive Jackpot slot games have a common pot that participating players contribute a small amount towards, as they play. These pots can sometimes reach enormous value, reaching well into the millions. Progressive Jackpots can be found on 3-reel slots, generally as a single jackpot. 5-reel slots, on the other hand, may have several progressive jackpots incorporated. Furthermore, there could be a multi-tiered, progressive system with several levels. To stand a chance of winning a progressive jackpot prize, players would typically need to bet the maximum coin amount on all the pay lines.
Interesting Online Slots Features
Many online slots invariably contain great special features. Take the Pick ‘em Bonus slots for instance. They allow players to choose onscreen bonuses. These kinds of slots pay out relatively frequently compared to others. Looking out for slots laden with bonus features and other incentives increase their value to players, and contribute towards additional chances to win a payout.
Cold Facts & Final Words of Advice
There is no difference if players start betting high, then switch to low bets. Psychologically, most players start betting low, so doing the exact opposite might give you a slight edge! Random really does mean Random! Every spin of the reels on any slot is entirely arbitrary. The outcome does not depend on previous turns, each spin is a completely independent event. Furthermore, the Random Number Generator (RNG), ensures hot or cold slots do not exist in the long run. In the short term, slots with a single operator have been recorded with over 120% RTP over a certain period of time, rightfully qualifying it as hot. Quitting when ahead ensures players have a ready-made balance for the next session. Be content, and enjoy the moment of victory, no matter how small it is. At the end of the day, the best way to approach playing a slot game is to play for fun. That is the best piece of advice players can get. If a win comes, it’s a bonus. The aim should be to have a good time. It is a game after all! The primary objective of playing an online slot should be to have fun. Playing often enough, yet in moderation, while staying within one’s means will eventually lead to winning payouts. What goes around, comes around!
What Makes Playing New Slots so Fun?
It is always exciting to try something new, whatever it may be. There is a sense of anticipation and the unexpected that make new experiences attractive. Playing a video game or a new slot machine is just the same. The sense of anticipation is part of the fun of playing [...]
Who are online slot streamers?
Casino streaming is a relatively new phenomenon, with an increasing number of people watching streamers play online slot machines. Twitch and Youtube are the most popular gaming streaming platforms, and thousands of people watch games there. The most notable online slot steamers have become celebrities in the gaming community. Some [...]
Online Slots: A 21st Century Phenomenon
Online slots are a modern phenomenon born at the tail end of the 20th century. The new millennium saw a tremendous increase in their popularity, taking the humble slot machine well into the 21st century and beyond. They evolve from 3 reel mechanical slot machines to highly advanced video slots [...]
Slot machine tips for land-based casinos
You often find rooms filled with slot machines by various game developers at land casinos. The games play out similarly to their online counterparts, although the selection isn't as extensive due to space limitations. When players claim they know how to beat the slot machine at a casino, it increases [...]
Is there a way to cheat a slot machine? Spoiler: no!
In the early days of slot machines, numerous incidents of players managed to cheat at slots. However, today it is almost impossible in the computer age. Gaming authorities around the world regulate mechanical and online slot games. The advances in technology have made cheating at slots beyond the realms of [...]
Top 6 New Microgaming Online Slot Releases in October
As winter approaches, Microgaming has released a handful of outstanding new games to keep you warm. Among the releases for October, here are six of the best slots that are sure to pique your interest. 1 - deadmau5 Deadmau5 is a slot release boasting a lavish layout of 5-reels and [...]
5 Common Slot Machine Superstitions
Superstitions and myths have been around since the birth of slot machines. Casino players are as superstitious as any typical person, maybe more so since they try to score big with a life-changing payout. Many players believe specific actions may improve their overall winning chances playing slots. With a visit [...]
Top 7 Online Slots Developers
The list of slots developers is longer than my arm, and there are numerous outstanding developers in the industry. Let’s look at seven of the best slots developers in the iGaming industry. 1 - Netent If there is a slots developer that is continually pushing the boundaries, it has to [...]
How To Avoid Exchange Fees – Online Casino Tricks
Gambling in the Canadian Dollar While in Rome, do as the Romans do - but when home in Canada it's safe to say that most of us use the Canadian Dollar. The most apparent benefit of using your local currency is avoiding currency exchange rate fluctuations. ?Sign up and [...]
The Future of Online Casino
Future Trends: Gamification Online casinos are in a fast-paced industry and player demands must be taken into consideration. Technology advances and social trends dictate which new casino sites prosper. The ones that listen to players and invest in their business, as well as reacting quickly to trends and the competition [...]
Bonus Buy Features – Bonus Buy Slots
Bonus Buy Slots Bonus buy-in or purchase feature slots allow you to buy your way straight into a bonus round. The feature is especially useful with high volatility slots, where the bonus rounds payout far better than the base game. Although it isn’t mandatory to buy-in, it does allow you [...]
The rise of Megaways Slots
What Are Megaways Slots? While 3 and 5 reel slots tend to have 1 to 40 pay lines which over the past years gradually increased to 1,024 ways to win, Megaways slots took it a step further and added support for up to as many as 117,649 winning possibilities. The [...]
Top 10 Interesting Things You Didn’t Know About Casinos
Top 10 Interesting Facts about Casinos Over the years millions of people have wagered an unbelievable amount of money at casinos. Traditional casino games like roulette have been labeled instruments of the devil! Numerous rumors surround the origin of games like blackjack, poker, baccarat and craps, and the humble slot [...]
Which are the best Casinos in Canada? » We list your Top 5 must visits for 2020
The Best Offline & Online Casinos in Canada 2020 The best offline casinos in Canada provide superlative settings where there is an abundance of slots, and tables with all the classic table games. Here follow our top 5 recommendations of the best land based casinos in Canada for the year [...]
Which Are the Best Slots to Wager On? » Top 3 Best Slots to Wager On!
1. Bonanza Bonanza by BTG is an excellent example of a great slot with high potential to win. Thanks to the incredible 117,649 megaways to win. The game encapsulates all the beautiful qualities of a fantastic premium slot experience. Bonanza is a high volatility game that pays out several medium-sized [...]
Are Online Casinos Rigged?
Slot Machines Explained Are online casinos rigged? This is a question many a casino player must have asked at one point or another. The simple truth is yes, slots are rigged in the casino's favor. An online casino game is essentially electronic and much harder to rig than a game [...]
Which Online Slots Pays the Best? Tips & Tricks
Slot games are the most popular online casino games by far. Players can choose from a wide variety of themes, layouts, and volatility. The games offer fun and entertainment along with the anticipation of winning massively. Many players look for the games that can pay out the most but [...]
Where to watch Casino Games online » Casino Live Streams
Where can you watch casino games online? Today you can watch exciting casino games online and feel and see the action in real-time. A relatively new phenomenon, the games are played live in front of an online audience. Viewership numbers are impressively high and for a good reason. The casino [...]
Jackpot Slots » How To Win A Million Dollars In The Casino
Jackpot Slots Winning a jackpot is a high point of any player‘s gaming experience. The plethora of slots out there today ensure players get a good selection of different types of jackpot slots. Online jackpot slots often have impressive features and offer high payouts. There are jackpot slots with immersive [...]