18While most people who are new to gambling may not know it yet, even a game of slots that seemingly depends on luck has some basic rules associated with gameplay. But they are simple and easy to understand. But before understanding the rules of slots, you must know that every casino game is unique and has its own payout structure, bonuses, and minimum bets, besides the number of pay lines and return to player rates.
In this regard, the game of slots is much simpler than other casino games like Blackjack or Baccarat. However, without knowing the basics of the game, you only risk your money and end up making foolish bets. So, with that said, let’s see what the game of slots is all about.
The basic objective of casino slot machines
Before delving in on the action, you must first know the objective of casino slot machines. More precisely, you must understand what you need to win, and how to win it. The objective of the game is simple. All you need to do is get a specific set of symbols on any of the pay lines on which you choose to bet. But the catch here is that not all the sequences and symbols are equal. Some sequences are way harder to get than others. Also, the payout for each sequence can vary from a few cents to millions. So, getting the right sequence matters the most.
Getting the right betting amount
As simple as it may seem, many people make the mistake of setting the wrong betting amount while playing in casino slot machines. It can become even harder, especially when the minimum amount to bet changes from one slot machine to the other. All slot games have a default betting amount, however. So, to avoid the mistake of setting the wrong betting amount, you need to modify it such that the game uses up most of your bankroll while ensuring that it’s not too small for you to not win. In other words, the betting amount should be set such that it’s enough to win you a decent amount if you get the winning combination. Once you’re done setting the right betting amount, it’s time to move on to the next important step of setting the pay lines.
Setting slot paylines
In layman’s terms, paylines are winning combinations. But setting them can vary from one slot machine to the other, depending on the game. You may also set several pay lines at once. However, to do that, you may need those extra bets. Many people, especially those who play slots for the first time, are extremely confused as they sit at the slots table, spin the machine, get three symbols in a row, and win nothing. But the mistake is rather easy to correct.
Paylines often begin from left to right or from right to left. Sometimes, they can also be diagonal, depending on the machine. All you need to do is select one or more pay lines and look for the right combinations on your screen. And depending on the combinations you have, you can change your strategy. But it’s easier said than done since there is an overwhelming number of pay lines across the rows and columns of the different symbols.
The payout tables
Players should always remember that there is no hard and fast rule when it comes to estimating the payouts in a game of Slots. The payment structure is a crucial element in casino slot machines. So, always take a look at the payout structure the slot machine offers even before making a simple spin. Different combinations of slots pay differently and range from a few pennies to hundreds or even thousands of pounds. So, the choice of the game matters to that extent.
But virtual casino slots can give you an edge over the traditional ones in terms of the payout structure. They are always just a click away. So, make sure you go through the payout structure and understand it completely before you begin. Also, every game of slots is unique as it has different payouts for different symbols.
Bonus symbols
The early days of slots saw symbols like fruits and gems dominate the arena. Today, however, almost any object can be used for a symbol. And while the standard symbols do pay good sums, you should be looking at those bonus symbols that are offered in most modern slot machines, as they are the ones that pay huge sums. There are four different categories of bonus symbols, each of which triggers a unique bonus feature.
Scatter symbols
Scatter symbols are the highest-paying bonus symbols in a game of slots and can vary depending on the theme. So, if you manage to get a scatter symbol or a series of such scatter symbols, you are in luck, as you automatically trigger the bonus feature associated with them.
Wild symbols
Wild symbols are also known as the ‘joker card of slots’ and can be used as a substitute for any other symbol. So, if you have a row of three symbols, and you get a wild symbol in your next spin, use that symbol to move to the next payout level.
Expanding wild symbols
Expanding wild symbols are basically wild symbols that work across the whole column of the reel. So, they allow you to win on more than one pay line across different rows, depending on your luck.
Stacked wild symbols
Stacked wild symbols, just like expanding wild symbols, come in numbers of two, three, or more, and form a stack by sitting on top of each other. Thus, they improve your chances of winning across several pay lines.
Slot machines also offer a host of other games besides the standard ones where you also stand a chance to win more bonuses. There are also different types of slot machines such as classic slots, video slots, and the like. Once you have gained enough experience playing slots, you can move on to hit those progressive jackpots. The game of slots has plenty to offer. But you can always depend on those bonus symbols to win.