Slot Rules Explained: Understand slots in seconds

Part 1: The components of a slot machine
Part 2: Slot Machine Symbols
- Low value: Usually depicted by card suits, match these for small value wins.
- High value: These symbols will usually have pictures and designs that match the theme of the game. For the biggest wins, you will want plenty of these to land.
- Wild Symbols: These symbols will substitute for others in a winning payline combo - making them incredibly useful and valuable. In some games, a five of a kind match with the wild awards the progressive jackpot.
- Scatter Symbols: As the name suggests, this symbol does not need a payline to award a win. It can be scattered anywhere on the reels. In most slots, landing three of these symbols will trigger the free spins feature.
- Bonus Symbol: Landing a combination of these symbols will activate a secondary bonus feature. Or - it could activate the games free spins. In some games, these also function like scatters. But in others, you have to land them like a base game symbol
Part 3: Slot Machine Paylines
Part 4: How to Play Slot Machines
- Step 1: Placing your bet - choose how much you want to stake per spin. Remember, the bet you choose will stay active unless you change it.
- Step 2: Playing the spin - Once you're happy with your bet, press the spin button. This will start spinning the reels and set you up for the final phase...
- Step 3: Game round result - After the reels have finished spinning, symbols will snap into place. If you have formed winning combinations, you will be paid based on the paytable. If you have landed a bonus, then the feature will trigger.
How do slot machines choose which symbols appear? This is all thanks to an RNG algorithm, a special piece of computer code that produces randomised results. On each spin, complex calculations take place, organising symbols in random ways. With this in place, you can be confident that each result is random.
Basic Slot Rules Explained
How do you win on slot machines?
Choose slots with a high return to player - these are theoretically the best games that will give you a better return. To maximise symbol wins, make sure you are playing the max bet. Play the lowest bet and you will receive the lowest possible win.
What is a random number generator?
A random number generator (also known as RNG) is a software algorithm that aims to produce randomised results. And these are frequently used in games of chance - like online slots. While it's not true randomness, it does do a good job of simulating a near-random outcome.
What is return to player?
This is the theoretical percentage of bets that will be paid back to you while playing a slot. If a game has a 96% return and you spend £1 - then on average, you will receive 0.96p back.
What is a scatter symbol?
A special symbol that will pay out if it is scattered anywhere on the reel. It does not need to land on a payline to award a win. Scatter symbols can also activate the free spins in many games.
What is a gamble bonus?
Some slots will allow you the chance to gamble what you win from a slot round. In these bonuses, you can double your win - but if you guess wrong, you will forfeit your winnings from the round.
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