How Online Slots Work: A Beginner’s Guide
Being a beginner to online slot games can feel quite daunting. The reels are spinning, the symbols are lining up, and every spin gives you a new chance to land a winning combination. But do you know what’s going on behind the scenes when you hit that spin button? We’ve built this guide to take you behind the reels, whether you’re new to online slots or simply wanting to understand the games better. We cover everything from paylines and symbols to jackpots, bonus features, RTP, and volatility. Let’s hit the ground spinning and see how online slots really work.
What is an Online Slot?
An online slot is a digital casino game in which you spin reels with different symbols in an attempt to land winning combinations. Online slots are played on a website or casino app using your computer or mobile device.
Most online slots feature three or more reels, and the symbols appear in different combinations after each spin. If matching symbols land on an active payline or in a winning pattern, you receive a payout according to the slot’s paytable.
Today’s online slots can also include wilds, scatters, free spins, bonus rounds, multipliers, and jackpots, adding a unique twist to every game. The result of each spin is determined by a random number generator (RNG), so each spin is independent and cannot be predicted based on previous results.
Reels and Paylines
Reels and paylines are the two basic building blocks of an online slot game.
Reels are the vertical parts of a slot that spin when you press the spin button. Each reel has different symbols – like fruits, numbers, icons, or themed characters. When the reels stop, the symbols displayed across the game form combinations that may result in a win.
Paylines are the lines or patterns across the reels that determine which symbol combinations can win. Paylines might run horizontally, diagonally, or in other patterns, depending on the game. Some slots have a fixed number of paylines, while others use different ways to create winning combinations.
Random Number Generators
A Random Number Generator (RNG) determines the outcome of games such as online slots. The technology continuously generates numbers at random, which are then used to determine which symbols appear on the reels when you spin.
This makes each spin independent of the spins before it, meaning that if you win on one spin, it doesn’t make a win on the next spin more or less likely. It also means that a long time without a win doesn’t mean that a winning spin is “due.”
It is essential for players to understand that the outcome of an individual spin cannot be predicted or influenced in any way. The RNG is designed to make outcomes random and unpredictable.
In regulated online casinos, games and their RNG systems may be subject to auditing and certification to ensure they operate as intended.
What is RTP?
RTP stands for Return to Player. It’s a percentage that indicates how much a casino game is designed to return to players over a large number of plays.
A slot with an RTP of 96% is designed to return an average of R96 for every R100 wagered over a sufficiently large number of spins, for example. The remaining 4% is the game’s theoretical house edge.
RTP doesn’t, however, mean that you’ll get 96% of your money back every time you play. RTP is a long-term statistical figure, not a guarantee for an individual player or session. During a particular session, you could win more, win less, or lose your entire wager.
What is Volatility?
Volatility is the risk and reward pattern of an online slot; it describes how frequently you can expect to win, as well as the potential size of those wins.
Slots are generally described as low, medium, or high volatility:
- Low volatility: These tend to offer smaller wins more frequently. If you are a player who prefers more regular payouts, this is the kind of game for you.
- Medium volatility: These slots offer a balance of winning frequency and potential payout size.
- High volatility: With these slots, wins tend to be less frequent but potentially result in bigger payouts.
It is important to note that volatility does not predict what will happen on your next spin, as each spin is independent and determined by the game’s RNG. A high-volatility slot also doesn’t guarantee a big win, just as a low-volatility slot doesn’t guarantee frequent wins.
Volatility differs from RTP in that RTP describes a game’s theoretical long-term return, while volatility describes how those returns might be distributed.
Wilds and Scatters
Wilds and Scatters are special symbols that can add extra thrill to an online slot by helping to create wins or trigger bonus features. Their functions will vary from game to game, but they’re the two symbols you’re likely to see most often.
Wild symbols: These are typically designed to substitute for other symbols in order to complete a winning combination. For example, if you need three matching symbols but one position contains a Wild, the Wild may then count as the missing symbol. In some games, Wilds are given extra powers such as multipliers, expanding across reels, or triggering special features.
Scatter symbols: Scatter symbols work differently to Wilds. These symbols typically don’t need to land on a specific payline to have an effect. Instead, landing a certain number of Scatters anywhere on the reels may trigger a feature, such as bonus rounds, jackpot features, or Free Spins. The individual slot will determine the Scatter’s exact requirements and rewards.
It’s worth checking the game’s rules before playing, as Wild and Scatter rules can vary extensively between slots.
Free Spins
Free Spins are bonus spins on an online slot that allow you to spin the reels without having to place a new wager for each spin. They’re mostly awarded when you land a certain number of Scatters, but they can also form part of a game’s bonus feature or a casino promotion.
Free Spins can work differently depending on the game. During a Free Spins round, you could also have the chance to trigger multipliers, extra spins, Wilds, or other special features, which could potentially add to your winnings.
It’s worthwhile to check the game’s rules or the promotion’s terms and conditions, because Free Spins could have specific requirements. For example, promotional Free Spins may only be available on selected games or have wagering requirements that need to be met before any winnings can be withdrawn.
Bonus Rounds
Bonus rounds are special features that take you beyond your regular spins. They’re designed to add an extra layer of excitement and could add more opportunities to win.
A bonus round could be triggered by landing a certain number of Scatters, reaching a specific combination, or activating a special feature during the base game. Depending on the slot, you could enter a Free Spins round, pick-and-win game, bonus wheel, multiplier feature, or some other type of interactive game.
Bonus round rules and rewards will vary from slot to slot. Some may award additional spins, multipliers, or cash prizes, while others may offer different ways to build a potential payout.
Triggering a bonus round does not guarantee a win. The outcome is still determined by the game’s rules and random number generator (RNG).
Progressive vs Fixed Jackpots
Jackpots are larger prizes that can be won on certain casino games. There are typically two main types: progressive jackpots and fixed jackpots.
Progressive jackpots: These jackpots increase as players wager more money on a game or selection of games. A portion of eligible wagers contributes to the jackpot pool, effectively growing the pot until a player wins it.
Because the jackpot can keep increasing, progressive jackpots can potentially reach very large sums. The exact rules for triggering and winning the jackpot, however, vary from game to game.
Fixed jackpots: Fixed jackpots have a predetermined prize amount that doesn’t increase based on player activity. If a game offers a fixed jackpot of R250,000, for example, the jackpot remains R250,000 irrespective of how many players participate.
While fixed jackpots make it easier to see what the exact top prize will be before you participate, the rules and requirements for winning it will depend on the individual game.
Responsible Gambling
Responsible gambling means not letting your gameplay become something that takes over your life. It is essential to remember that gambling is a form of entertainment and should never be considered a reliable source of income. This can be tricky, but fortunately, licensed casinos are mandated to provide player protection tools to help.
Gambling responsibly means staying in control of your habit. It is a framework for you to work within to keep your gambling enjoyable while providing you with certain boundaries to safeguard your financial wellbeing.
Always gamble within your means.
Should you feel that your gambling has gotten out of control, there are many gambling programmes and support centres that you can contact, for example, the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP), Gamblers Anonymous South Africa, South Africa Responsible Gambling Foundation, and South Africa’s Gateway to Safe and Responsible Gambling.
