Ever since the first digital casinos came online in the mid-1990s, slot machines have formed an integral part of each platform. Every operator looked to mimic physical casinos, and that meant offering versions of popular games.
Slots took their place among roulette, poker and blackjack. Those early games were quite basic, but they have now evolved to become more realistic, with better designs.
There are so many themes available to games producers that it can be confusing for anyone looking to get involved. Those who want to start playing online slots need to take certain information onboard.
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Back to Basics
The best starting point is to understand how slots work. The mechanics of each game differ, but the main objective is a similar one. Every slot has a range of symbols, and they all carry separate values.
In its basic form, the aim is to line up matching symbols in a row. If enough symbols land along a payline, a prize will be won. Original, physical fruit machines followed this method, and digital versions copied them, but many online slots have taken things further.
Most slot games now offer bonus features and special symbols. These can unlock keys to additional rounds which can involve a series of free spins. Certain bonus games could also trigger the jackpot.
It may sound complicated, but there are ways to become familiar with gameplay before you stake real money. Each slot will outline the mechanics, and you can read up on these before you start spinning.
It may also be possible to play your slot for free. Online casinos have trial versions of many slots, and while you won’t be able to win a cash prize, you won’t be staking any funds while you learn how the game works.
What are the Odds?
Having learned the gameplay mechanics, it’s a good idea to consider your chances of winning. At licensed online casinos, each slot game uses a random number generator (RNG), to determine the outcome of each spin.
All games have to offer a chance of winning a cash prize, but some titles pay out on a more regular basis than others. The exact odds are shown as a return to player (RTP) percentage, and the figures must be clearly shown next to each slot.
Let’s say, for example, that a specific slot game has an RTP level of 95%. This means that for every £1 wagered, it will pay out 95p. These are average figures and are measured out by an independent body over many thousands of tested spins.
The next game you come across has RTP listed at 97%. This means that there is a slightly higher chance of a payout on this game.
Slots with higher RTP percentages tend to pay out more regularly, but the average prize may be smaller. With lower RTP levels, you might see less frequent payouts, but they could be higher.
Results will vary, but when you’re heading online to play slots, it helps to understand possible payouts and the house edge that applies.
Play Within Your Limits
Having understood the mechanics and the odds, it’s now time to start playing your chosen slot game. Before you spin that wheel, however, there is one final point to take on board.
All slot games have a range of staking points and it’s down to you to identify the figures that you are comfortable with. The advice is to start with lower stakes and to build up once you have more confidence with playing slots in general.
Some jackpot games, however, require you to place higher bets if you are aiming for the top prize, but it will still be possible to land smaller cash wins.
As part of your responsible gaming approach, you should also apply effective bankroll management. Your bankroll is your account balance, and it is the maximum amount that you can play with in any one slot session.
You don’t want to risk all of that bankroll, and a good tip is to only play with 10% in any sitting. Therefore, if you have a total of £200 available, you should only wager a maximum of £20. If you have a good day, that’s great, but if you use up the £20 without a win, simply log out and walk away.
The online slots world may seem like a minefield for new players, but it’s actually quite straightforward. Once you’ve learned the basics of choosing a title and how the games work, you can take your time to make this an enjoyable gaming experience.