What are online slots and how do they work?

Online slots, Slots and Video slots all mean the same things and, if you have visited a casino, you may have played some. These are now widely available at online casinos and have taken the world by storm. If you have not played them before, not to worry, this article explains what online slots are and how they work. 

Online Slots 

Online slots are one of the most popular casino games and considered royalty within the industry. There are thousands of titles available in different themes. With that much variety, you are bound to find the perfect game for you. Online slots are fun and, unlike other casino games (such as poker), no strategy or level of skill is required to play them. Games are based on chance and you play by spinning the reels to match the symbols. Matching lines of the same symbol is the aim of the game and if you are playing with real money, will receive a cash prize. The latest slots games are extremely engaging and feature exciting storylines. Cutting edge technology is used to develop games that guarantee a superior gaming experience. Games also have additional built-in bonus features, including progressive jackpots. These jackpots can be extremely lucrative such as in Microgaming’s Mega Moolah which regularly pays out millions. Online slots feature spectacular animated graphics and crisp quality sound effects. The games can be played on a desktop and even whilst you are on the go with access via your mobile devices. 

How to play online slots

Online slots can be played for free in demo mode at most reputable casinos.  It’s important to note, when playing in this mode, cash wins are just illustrative. Online slots played in demo mode are very similar to the games listed here. When playing with real money, first you will need to launch the game of your choice. Next, you will need to select the amount you would like to bet on your spin. Most of the latest slots have more than one line for you to match your symbols and known as paylines. We will discuss this in more detail later.  For now, if this is the case, you will need to select a stake which will apply for all the paylines in the game. Once you have done all of this, you are ready to begin spinning. Good luck! 

Random Number Generator (RNG)

If you’re new to online slots, then you’re probably wondering how they work. Well, it's all down to the use of RNG’s or Random Number Generators. This clever technology has given life to online casinos. Without it, online casinos wouldn’t have become the global phenomena they are today. As we have already mentioned, online slots are based on chance and RNGs create that chance. By using a pseudo random computerised algorithm system, RNG’s stimulate randomness. In the background of the latest slots, lengthy sequences of numbers are being continually generated. The length and continual generation of the numbers maintain randomness and fairness. RNGs make it impossible for the outcome to be predetermined by players or operators. Put another way, the RNG acts as a virtual dealer. Symbols that appear on the reels show up as a direct result of the numbers generated in the algorithms. 

Paylines 

Paylines refer to the number of lines you can play on online slots in one spin. The obvious advantages of slots with more than one payline is the increased chances of winning. However, again, if you’re playing with real money, you will need to bet on each payline activated in the game. The latest slots games have different paylines; some are fixed whilst others are adjustable. Online slots with adjustable paylines are exactly as the name suggests and they feature paylines which you can adjust. In other words, you get to choose the number of lines you wish to play in a single spin. In this case, only the lines you have opted to play on/bet on will pay out wins should you match any symbols on them. Fixed paylines mean exactly that and you will have to play all the paylines in the game. In games with this type of payline, you are able to choose your stake and your coin value. 

 


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Last Updated: May 28, 2020

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