The most important facts to know about Slots

One of the most popular casino games are Slots. Their simple gameplay makes slot machines stand out from other staples like Poker or Baccarat.

But there are still important things to know before you play Slots, no matter what type of player you are. Understanding some of the key facts about how slot machines work helps to improve the gameplay experience, whether you’re looking to play a classic fruit machine or Big Bass Bonanza.

1. Random number generation

What powers modern slot machines is an algorithm known as a random number generator (RNG), which is responsible for determining the outcome of any given spin. The computer algorithm generates strings of thousands of numbers rapidly, with each number corresponding to a symbol on the reels.

It’s impossible to predict what the results of the RNG will be, which means that every spin of the reels is completely random and unknown. Each spin is also completely independent of previous results or outside factors, so players can rest assured of the fairness and integrity of the game.

RNGs are subject to extensive testing and regular audits to ensure that they are producing results that are truly random and adhere to the stated odds.

2. Return to player percentage

This one isn’t specific to Slots but it’s still important to know. The return to player (RTP) rate is a theoretical percentage of how much wagered money a game will pay back to players over time. An RTP of 90% would pay back £90 for every £100 wagered, on average.

This cannot be used to predict the outcome of individual spins, as the RTP is a long-term measure that’s calculated over thousands of potential games, plus all Slots are chance-based. It’s a guide rather than a rule.

But the RTP is worth paying attention to as Slots with higher RTPs have potentially better odds than ones with a lower rate, however, this can never be guaranteed.

3. Volatility

Similar to RTP, volatility is a good measure to check out when you’re deciding on a slot game to play. This isn’t a fixed figure, but volatility is a general measure of how often a game is expected to pay out and the relative size of a win.

Slots with low volatility have the potential for frequent success but with smaller payouts. High volatility Slots are the reverse, with fewer overall payouts of a higher value. Games with progressive jackpots tend to be high volatility, while classic Slots are a lower volatility choice.

4. Paylines

The payline is an important part of a slot machine since this line is where symbols must align for a matching combination. But modern Slots often feature more than just a single payline, with some having hundreds of potential paylines.

Multi-payline games often offer players the choice of how many extra lines they wish to activate for their spin, depending on the size of their wager. Having more paylines active increases the odds of a matching combination, but that’s balanced out by a higher initial wager.

Other Slots do away with the traditional payline entirely, with combinations instead based on symbols that appear in adjacent clusters.

Those are some of the most important things to know about Slots, all of which can help you decide whether a particular game is the right one for you. It doesn’t matter if you prefer games with single paylines, the option of hundreds of lines, or no lines at all, the wide range of Slots available online have you covered.

Sponsored