If you want to start playing slots and making the most out of it, this is the best place to start. Learn how to slots, how to choose the best one, and more useful information to get you started.
Here are the main topics we cover in this guide.
If you’re a beginner, you’ll probably find this guide is everything you need to start spinning the reels like a pro.
The core act of playing slots is the same, no matter the environment. If you’re a player who values human connection and wants to meet like-minded people, you’ll probably want to know how to play slots in a casino.
Alternatively, if you love convenience and you’re only looking for a fun way to unwind after work, you are probably looking to learn how to play slots online.
Luckily, both scenarios generally play out the same. Online casinos have massive collections of slots you can access after creating an account. Similarly, every land-based slot machine will allow you to choose from various games.
From here, playing slots is nothing complicated. You must follow these five steps.
Most slots will display the essential features as the game loads. Once you can see the game area, you’ll find additional information by clicking on one of the buttons. A lowercase “i” will generally mark this button.
You can increase or decrease the bet size by either pressing the + and - symbols next to the spin button or by pressing a button that typically looks like a stack of chips.
Remember
Many slots offer an autoplay option. This allows you to set a number of spins and let the game roll on its own. However, this option has been linked to higher levels of problem gambling. Consequently, the feature has been banned in countries like the UK and Netherlands.
When playing slots online, you’ll be happy to know you can use both your computer and mobile devices. Nowadays, most slots rely on HTML5 technology, which allows them to scale perfectly in any mobile browser.
Note
Regarding gameplay, there are no differences between mobile and desktop. Some visual effects might look better on a bigger screen, but that’s a matter of personal preference.
Also, the user interface is adapted for smaller screens, so it often looks and is placed differently than in desktop versions, but the gameplay and all mechanics are the same.
One reason you might choose to play on a mobile device is convenience. When playing on your phone, for example, you can have a little gaming session during dead periods, such as commuting.
However, if you prefer the privacy of your home, it all comes down to the position you want to be in while playing.
Slots are widely popular both online and offline. As a result, there’s no surprise that the offer of slots is more than generous. Generally, you’ll find slots pertaining to one of the below categories.
The majority of online slots nowadays feature five reels and several features. However, the rise in popularity of this casino game started with the traditional three-reel slot.
The earliest versions of this game date back to the late nineteenth century and only featured a 3x3 playing grid. However, classic slots lack flashiness, which they make up for with simplicity and ease of play.
Pro Tip
Many classic slots have players betting on a single line, making them a very budget-friendly option. Some classic slots will only cost you a penny per spin.
These are the modern slot machines you’ll find in online casinos and, nowadays, even in brick-and-mortar establishments. They feature five or more reels and several ways to win.
Most video slot games have special features and bonus rounds, immersing players through visually engaging animations and effects.
These slots feature a jackpot that grows over time as more players bet on the game. Once it reaches a certain level, a lucky player will win it. Landing a particular combination of symbols will pay out the jackpot, which will reset.
These slots are trendy because they offer the possibility to win massive prizes, sometimes even millions of dollars.
These slot machines are the end of the line in terms of technology. They feature impressive graphics and visual effects and numerous ways to win. They will typically offer mini-games and special bonus rounds.
What distinguishes them from regular video slots is the perception of depth. With 3D slots, you’ll see the symbols spinning, sometimes seemingly popping off your screen.
In terms of game design, slots are very flexible. They can accommodate pretty much any theme. This is why many software developers create branded slots that tie into popular movies, video games, or even celebrities.
Software providers typically design the interface and the symbols to match the chosen theme and sprinkle some interesting game mechanics to remind you of the brand further.
Megaways Slots
The megaways mechanic was introduced by Australian developer Big Time Gaming and quickly rose to popularity. At its core, the mechanic is a random reel multiplier for each spin, increasing the number of potential paylines.
Example
A megaways slot will feature six reels and a random multiplier on each spin. Each spin will have a maximum of seven symbols on any given reel. Depending on the random multiplier you get for your spin, any reel could land two large symbols, three smaller symbols, or up to seven small symbols.
As you can see above, in Pragmatic Play’s slot, “The Dog House,” symbols on reels 3 and 4 have been split into smaller symbols. This allowed us to create a winning combination with the K symbol.
The number of potential paylines is displayed in a box in the right-hand corner of the screen. For this example, there were 256 possible win lines on this spin.
To understand how something works, you need to strip it down to its component parts. Every slot machine is usually described using the following terms.
The reels are an essential part of a slot machine. They are the columns that “spin” and land on certain symbols horizontally. A classic slot machine has three reels, while modern video slots can have five, seven, or more.
Sometimes, playing slots is called “spinning the reels.” That’s because reels are the most dynamic part of a slot. When you’re hitting the play button, you’re setting the reels into motion.
This shouldn’t pose too much confusion. Depending on the size of the game area, a slot can have three or more rows. These are the horizontal sections of the grid, which get populated with symbols when you spin the reels.
The position of the game’s symbols on rows determines your win. Usually, three or more matching symbols in a row will trigger a win.
Now that you understand reels and rows, paylines shouldn’t be an issue. A payline is a predetermined pattern of matching symbols that triggers a win. They are usually calculated from left to right, from the leftmost reel, but exceptions exist. Some slots pay both ways.
In most cases, three or more matching symbols on adjacent reels will create a payline. You can check the paytable for a list of all available paylines, which you’ll usually find in the game’s information section.
Keep in mind
Landing matching symbols on a payline will only pay if you have placed a bet on that line.
Most online slots have fixed paylines, meaning you must bet on all lines. However, some games offer adjustable paylines, letting you decide which lines to bet on.
Lastly, the symbols are the meat of any slot game. These are the icons that populate the grid, at random, with every spin. They usually match the theme of the slot. So, if you’re playing a Greek mythology-themed slot, the symbols can look like Greek gods.
Each symbol has a different value. In most cases, they are split into two categories. The regular symbols pay less and can look like the classic fruit, court cards, or card suit symbols (heart, clubs, diamonds, and spades).
The higher-paying symbols will match the slot's theme and feature more intricate designs.
You can check the value of each symbol in the payout table.
Some symbols trigger special features within the game. These are called Special Symbols, they also match the game's theme, and will usually be labeled with their corresponding feature name.
The outcome of each spin is determined by a random-number generator (RNG). The second you hit the “Play” button, the slot mathematically generates a random string of numbers that will determine the position of the symbols.
Important
The RNG triggers for every spin and is never influenced by any outside factors, such as the history of winnings or losses. As a result, it’s impossible to predict whether a slot machine will pay out or not based on previous spins.
It’s a common belief that a streak of losing spins needs to be followed by a win. In reality, the outcome of each spin is entirely random and only relies on chance.
If we’ve learned anything from classic slots, it is that spinning the reels endlessly is bound to become boring after a while.
Newer slots took note of this and, over time, have implemented a wide range of special features and mechanics. They are often mixed and matched to create novel playstyles and surprise users. Let’s review some of the most popular slot machine features you’ll find.
The Wild is probably the first special symbol you’ll encounter in a slot. This symbol can appear anywhere on the reels and replace all other paying symbols to create a winning combination, as you can see in the screenshot below from the game Pirate Bag of Doubloon by Inbet Games.
Say you landed a line of high-paying symbols on a row, but one of them is missing. With a Wild there, the line is considered won, and you’ll pocket the entire prize.
Wilds come in various forms, as well.
During bonus rounds, wilds can take on some interesting properties. Classic wilds could become expanding or carry certain multipliers with them. In some games, a special wild landing anywhere on the reel could transform several adjacent symbols into wilds.
Another special symbol you’ll often crave to see on your grid is the scatter. This symbol can take many forms, but it always predicts exciting wins. Even more, it often pays a small amount even when it is not part of a winning combination.
The core mechanic says three or more scatters landing in a single spin will trigger a special bonus feature. Typically, these trigger the free spins bonus round.
For example
If you land three scatters in a spin, the game will award you ten free spins, with a wager equal to your current bet.
Plenty of exciting features make these bonus games the cherry on top of your slot’s cake. But the initial triggering of the game happens by collecting the three scatters.
In some games, the scatters hold the key to the jackpots. Landing three or more scatters on the grid will enter the jackpot game mode, during which you get some free spins. However, during these, you can only land more scatters on the screen or nothing at all.
Filling the grid with scatters will usually award you the biggest jackpot. This feature is sometimes called “Hold the Jackpot.” A great example of such a slot is Wazdan’s 9 Burning Dragons.
In some games, scatters can also indicate a special bonus feature. Landing a certain number of them could trigger a round where you collect as many scatters as possible on the screen, and they pay out their value in cash at the end.
You can try out this feature by yourself in a game like Gamblelicious Hold and Win by Booming Games.
Most modern slots have a special feature that players can use to their advantage to increase their winnings considerably.
A free spin is exactly what the name suggests. Considering your current wager, the slot will grant you a spin free of charge and let you keep any winnings.
Some slots have a respin feature. When a certain combination is landed, such as three wilds on the middle reels, the next spin could be free of charge. Many games will retrigger the free spin until the conditions are no longer met.
A great example of such a feature is the Fishy Respin in Neko Night Dream Drop by Relax Gaming. However, these respins serve as an appetizer.
Landing three or more scatters in a slot will usually trigger the bonus round, and you will be awarded a certain number of free spins.
The mechanics of these rounds vary greatly from game to game, but typically a bonus round will significantly increase your chances of winning. You may accumulate multipliers to apply to your total win or gather special symbols for extra cash.
Regular wilds might become sticky or expanding, making it easy to land winning combinations on each spin. Sometimes, landing additional scatters during the round will increase the total number of free spins.
You could consider online slots the descendants of land-based slot machines. In fact, you’ll even find many similarities between the two in terms of gameplay.
However, notable differences start popping up as we step away from the game and consider our surroundings.
| Online Slots | Land-Based Slots |
|---|---|
| A massive number of available slots, frequently updated with new releases. | A large number of slot machines are not changed frequently, if at all. |
| You can play them from wherever you get an Internet connection, even on mobile devices. | You need to visit a land-based casino to play. |
| Lack the social aspect and can develop gambling addiction more quickly. | Less likely to trigger addiction due to the lower accessibility. |
| The RTP is clearly displayed for most slots. | You need to figure out the RTP yourself, based on online information. |
Modern casinos are now equipped with state-of-the-art machines that can let you play many slots in-house. A traditional casino shines through the elevated experience it provides players.
You’d get to meet other gamblers and take part in their highs and lows, switch to a poker table with your new friends quite fast, or just get a refreshing beverage as a break.
Pro Tip
Online casinos don’t offer all of these advantages, but they make up for it through bonuses and promotions. In online casinos, you’ll be able to earn loyalty points and take advantage of bonuses for your deposits.
This means you’ll have more money to play with and a more private experience. There is no clear best choice between the two, as it all comes down to personal preference.
If you enjoy the buzzing atmosphere of a casino and the feel of a physical slot machine, you’ll probably have a lot of fun in a brick-and-mortar casino.
However, if you’re only looking to play a bit after work and call it a day, online slots might be what you’re looking for.
One of the most pressing questions new gamblers have is how to pick winning slot machines. Unfortunately, there is no slot machine strategy to ensure a win on your next spin.
The outcome of each bet is determined randomly, on the spot.
Slot software does not account for your bet history. Although “near-misses” are common while playing slots, you should remember that each spin relies completely on chance and is not influenced by the ones before it.
So there’s no way to pick a “winning” slot machine or one that’s “about to pay.”
However, there are still some tips for choosing the best slot machines that will increase your odds of winning.
The list of acronyms is increasing, but don’t worry. This is nothing complicated. RTP is a term you’ll frequently see in the world of slots. It stands for Return to Player and is generally displayed as a percentage.
Takeaway
The Return to Player rate is a theoretical percentage of the total bets the slot machine pays out as winnings.
For every $1000 wagered into a slot machine with a 96% RTP, the slot will return $960 to players as winnings.
We have a complete RTP guide for you to learn more about it.
This percentage varies greatly depending on the game, but you should look for slots with an RTP of 96% or higher. Also, please remember that the RTP is not a guarantee. The number is just an average, and individual gaming sessions might see higher or lower returns from that slot.
Volatility is the concept that perfectly accompanies RTP. It is sometimes called variance or payout frequency and ranges from low to medium and high. For a deeper dive into the subject, check out our slots volatility guide.
Some of you might remember the word from the cryptocurrency space. In short, volatility refers to the relationship between payouts' frequency and their size.
| Volatility | Payout Frequency | Payout Size |
|---|---|---|
| Low Volatility | Very Frequent | Small |
| Medium Volatility | Frequent | Small, with occasional bigger wins |
| High Volatility | Not frequent or predictable | Large |
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Elysian Jackpots is a good example of a low volatility slot. You can land a winning combination every few spins, although the payout is nothing to write home about. The mini-games and various little gimmicks make it a fun experience that’s worth sinking a few hours into. Coupled with the crisp graphics and divine soundtrack, the slot perfectly fits the bill for a relaxing gameplay session. And, who knows? You might even hit the jackpot if you wander through the Elysian gardens long enough. |
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Secrets of Atlantis makes for a great medium volatility slot. The animations and visual effects are pleasing enough to entertain you during unlucky hands. After a few of those, you can win your bet 10x or more in a single spin. Although the slot pays less frequently, the higher wins will manage to keep you on the edge of your seat. But, you know, relaxingly. |
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Conversely, if you’d like to hear your heart thumping, you can try a high volatility slot, such as Wild Chapo 2. Not only does the theme create an explosive atmosphere, but the game mechanics are also suited for a daredevil. In this slot, you could wait for a while in the torrid Mexican outback until your big breakthrough. Once you land it, though, you’re in for a wild ride filled with TNT multipliers, fast-accumulating wins, and massive potential payouts. |
Choose based on your risk tolerance.
✓ We recommend trying a high volatility slot if you got into slots for the thrills. Adrenaline junkies might find low-volatility slots too slow-paced for their preferences.
✓ Alternatively, if you’d just like to kick back and relax for a bit, a low-volatility slot might be the best option for you.
✓ In both cases, choosing a slot with a higher RTP is the best option. Anything above 97% is a great place to start.
Consider your expectations.
It would help to ask yourself what you’re trying to accomplish by playing slots. If your main priority is to increase your income through gambling, you should know that’s a dangerous perspective.
Remember
You should not view gambling as an income source but as entertainment only.
The money you spend playing slots should be money you can afford to lose, and you’d already be spending on a leisure activity of your choice.
Now, the entertainment value of slots typically falls into one of two categories.
| Relaxation | Rush |
|---|---|
| Low volatility, low maximum payouts, low bet limits; | High volatility, high maximum payouts, a wide range of betting options. |
| Well-executed, soothing graphics, animations, and sound effects. | Rapid gameplay, engaging animation and sound effects and stirring sound design. |
| Frequent features and mini-games that don’t pay too much. | Impressive bonus games and game mechanics could turn the tables at any point. |
With all these in mind, you can start exploring slots and build up an arsenal of preferences. Instead of trying out random slots, you could go about it systematically.
Once you know what you’re looking for regarding volatility and RTP, you can start exploring the collections of various software providers.
Chances are, if you like a certain slot, you’ll find many others if you browse by developer. The first step should be testing the waters on the biggest, most reputable suppliers.
This should give you a taste of what’s mainstream and help you get familiar with the most common features. However, don’t hesitate to look for up-and-coming studios. You can typically find some innovative features that might hook you up quicker than the rest.
Starting Point
Some trustworthy providers you can start researching include Playtech, Microgaming, NetEnt, Novomatic or Pragmatic Play.
Newer studios that are worth their salt include the following.
When you find a slot you like, chances are there will be more similar ones in the developer’s collection.
It’s worth noting that you probably won’t find the perfect slot on the first try. It will take some time for you to understand what you like. We have some tips to help you develop a critical eye for slots to find your perfect match quickly.
By this point, you should have a pretty good idea of what you’re looking for in a slot. Something we don’t recommend is jumping into the first slot and betting a percentage of your bankroll on that slot until you spend all your money.
There is a massive number of slot machines, especially in online casinos. You would be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t shop around.
Since the core gameplay mechanic of slot machines is nothing too complicated, you’ll quickly get bored by playing the same type of slot endlessly. The special features are the salt and pepper of this game genre, so you should give new and surprising slots a chance to entertain you.
People usually benefit from a clear list of do’s and don’ts when starting a new hobby. This rings especially true for slots, which are a lot of fun, but also come with potential dangers.
We included a handy guide you can reference whenever you need a refresher.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Try out several slot games and take frequent breaks. | If you get lucky during the first few spins in a new game, don’t remain glued to it, thinking it has to happen again. |
| Carefully check the RTP, volatility, reviews, and paytable before beginning to play. | Don’t chase your losses. If you exhausted your bankroll, accept you were unlucky and hope for better luck next time. |
| Always choose slots based on personal preference instead of going for the most popular options. | Don’t spend your time trying to learn how to play slots and win. Remember, slots are games of pure chance, so there’s no strategy behind winning. |
| Keep track of how much time you spend playing, how much you wagered, and how much you’ve won. | Don’t wager more than 1% of your bankroll at a time. This should keep you in the game for longer and increase your chances of winning. |
Although this is not an exhaustive list, it should ensure you’re having a good time and not making any rookie mistakes.
Playing slots can set you off anything from a couple of dollars to thousands. Before you start playing, you should settle on a budget and choose your slots carefully to get more fun out of your money.
Here are some factors determining how much money you’ll spend playing slots.
Bet size.
Before you spin the reels, you can decide on your total bet size. This will be the amount you wager on that specific spin. Unlike roulette, with slots, you generally decide on a bet size initially and stick with it.
For example, setting your total bet to $0.50 and playing 100 spins will cost you $50 without considering your winnings.
Paylines.
Some games allow you to only bet on specific paylines. For slots with fixed paylines, you can sometimes decide on a total bet per line. For example, on a slot with nine fixed paylines, you could bet $0.25 per line for a total bet of $2.25 per spin. You can learn about slot paylines and how they work right here on our website.
Denomination.
Slot games are available in different denominations, such as penny, nickel, or dollar. These generally fit the currency you’re playing in. The higher the denomination, the more it will cost to play.
Ante bet.
Some slots have a special feature called ante bet. You can activate this feature for a little extra on your total bet. For example, activating the ante bet on a $1 bet would increase the bet to $1.5. In these instances, activating the ante bet would increase your chances of landing a bonus game or special feature.
Lastly, the most important factor in your spending will be the total number of spins you trigger. The more you play, the more of your original balance you will spend. This is why it’s vital to decide on a budget beforehand.
If you finished your bankroll for the day and haven’t won much, it’s time to set the slots to the side and hope for better luck next time.
Pro Tip
To play slots for small amounts of money or even free, you can check the free spins and no-deposit bonuses offered by casinos. It’s also possible to try a slot out in its Demo version, in which you wouldn’t bet real money but only play for fun.
Bankroll management is a vital part of gambling as a hobby. You should always plan your gambling session around your budget and adjust your bets accordingly. This will ensure you’re having a good time and don’t risk betting more than you can afford.
Managing your bankroll is especially important with slot gambling. Since slots rely on chance more than anything else, carefully managing your budget will usually determine whether you’re happy when you leave.
Here are some tips to keep your balance under control while playing slots.
You can check the available bonuses and promotions for our partnered casino directly on our site, so you can compare them and choose the best one for your playing style.
Managing your bankroll is a critical part of keeping your gambling under control. You’ll find more tips on how to keep gambling a healthy hobby on our Responsible Gambling page.
You probably won’t like this answer, but here goes. It depends.
The type of game you’re playing, the bet size, and how much time you spend playing are all factors that can determine how much you can win. Most slots advertise along the lines of “Win x5000 your bet!”
This is the total amount of money you can win before the slot stops and calls you a winner. Moreover, considering jackpot stops, it’s nearly impossible to approximate potential winnings.
However, since we know you’d like to speak numbers, we’ve compiled a list of some of the biggest slot winnings on record.
There’s no complicated science to playing slots, so anyone can get into this hobby and start having fun quickly. You only need to consider choosing a slot that fits your budget and playing style and staying on top of your gambling by playing responsibly.
This guide should have given you a great starting point if you want to learn how to play slots. For additional information, don’t hesitate to check our other online gambling guides. Don’t forget that our team regularly reviews slots, and we also display ratings left by real players.
This should help you sort out the slots you’ll enjoy most.
