Online Slots Guide for Beginners

Many of you asked us to create an online slots guide for beginners, and here you have it. Inside it, you will learn everything you need to know about online slots, how they work, and whether there are any strategies that can help you win.

What are online slots?

Online slots are digital versions of traditional slot machines that you can find at each casino. Instead of using a physical game machine, you can interact with the software through your device, which can be a computer, smartphone, or tablet. Internet slots are gambling devices with a set of reels containing different symbols. When you initiate a game, you decide how much to bet and spin the digital slot machine. The reels will rotate and stop. Based on the symbols aligned on the payline of the machine, you win or lose. Vertical and horizontal combinations can affect your earnings, as well as some special symbols. This online slots guide for beginners will explain a slot machine’s elements, its dynamics, and how to start betting on slots. Keep on reading.

All characteristics of a slot explained in this online slots guide for beginners

A simple 3×3 slot with just a few symbols can be really easy to understand. But after more than 100 years of slot history, the devices have evolved quite a lot. Now, there are multiple reels, numerous win combinations, and additional bonus games. This is why we created this online slots guide for beginners: to help you truly understand how to play slots and become an expert.

What are slots’ reels?

There are vertical columns of symbols that you engage with when you press spin. After the game begins, the reels rotate and show different symbols. When they stop, you can see which symbols are on the rows, check the payline or paylines, and see the outcome of the game. There are different games with 3, 5, 6, 7, and even more reels. Follow this beginner guide to slot machines and learn about all the elements of playing slots.

What are slots’ rows?

The rows of a slot machine are the horizontal lines on which symbols appear. Each of the slot’s reels can have multiple rows. They are usually between 3 and 5, but you can find machines with even more. The number of rows determines the number of visible symbols.

What is the grid size of a slot?

The grid size is the overall layout of the game, which is determined by the number of vertical reels and horizontal rows. If the machine has 3 reels and 3 rows, that means the grid will be 3×3=9 symbols in total. You can also find 5×3, 4×6, 5×5 and more combinations. The smaller the grid, the simpler the game is, and you can form winning combinations easier. If the grid has more rows and reels, you will have harder time to have winning combinations, but if you win, you win big!

What are slot’s symbols?

The symbols are images that have different values and serve to create combinations along the payline or paylines. Common slot’s symbols are: cherries, fruits, numbers, bells, bars, and more. Some symbols (bonus symbols) can give you bonuses even if they are not on the payline. There are 3 types of special symbols that you can encounter:
Wild symbols. They work as a joker in a deck of cards. You can exchange it for another regular symbol and create a winning payline.
Scatter symbols. If enough of them appear, you either win money directly or they lead you to a bonus game in which you can win additional prizes. Multipliers. They can be triggered by bonus games or specific symbols in the game. They will increase your win with a certain multiplier, like 3x, 5x, 10x, or more.

What is a payline?

In a simple slot machine, there is a single payline, which is a horizontal row of symbols, that you check for your winnings. Based on the game’s rules, different combinations of symbols on the payline will pay different returns. Some modern slot machines have multiple paylines, and some fluctuate across the reels and rows. You need to read the rules of each slot machine so you understand well all the ways you can win.

What is an RTP (return-to-player)?

RTP stands for return to player rate. It is a percentage that shows how much of all players’ bets return to players. If a slot machine has an RTP of 95%, 95% of all the money people bet will return to them as winnings. In this case, the casino will keep 5%.
A tip from our online slots guide for beginners: if you want lower risk, go for slots with high RTP. If you are a risk taker, go for slots with low RTP. They return less money to players but usually have bigger jackpots.

What is the slot’s volatility?

When we talk about the volatility of slots, we mean the risk level of a particular game. It shows how often and how much you can win. An online slot game with high volatility will pay less frequently, but it will have larger payouts when it does. A game with low volatility will pay more often, but the payouts will be smaller.
Which level of slot volatility is best for you depends on your personal preferences. People who like higher risks usually go for high-volatility slots, and people who prefer to avoid risk go for low-volatility slots.
If the casino has such an index, please check the scale. Some use a scale from 1 to 5, where 5 is the highest volatility, and others use from 1 to 10.

What is a slot jackpot?

The jackpot is the most money you can win in a slot game. It is an accumulation of money based on previous games of players. The more players bet, the bigger it gets until somebody wins it. This is the most attractive characteristic of a slot game. With a simple spin, you can win thousands or even more.
Most online casinos also have progressive jackpots. They are a type of jackpot that can offer you even more profits. The progressive jackpots increase as players bet, just like in regular jackpot, but in this case, the jackpots comes from multiple linked slot games. That way, the total sum can increase and even reach millions. We want to mention in this online slots guide for beginners that progressive jackpots usually require players to wager maximum bets. That can increase your risk, so think about it before you start.

What are Random Number Generators (RNG)?

A Random Number Generator (RNG) is the algorithm that controls the outcome of every slot game. They are the neutral element that guarantees you a fair game. Thanks to them, you can be sure that the casinos won’t try to cheat you. Casinos use 3-rd party software, and the game developers are those that set the Random Number Generator in each slot. That makes the whole process safer for you.

What are free spins (free spins bonus)?

Free spins are a standard bonus for slots. They give you some bonus games to win without betting your money. Usually, online casinos offer free spins as an addition to the welcome bonus or as a promotion of a new slot machine. Use your free spins, and try to maximize your returns. They are free, and you can still earn real money.

What is an autoplay feature?

Some digital slots have autoplay features. You can set the machine with a specific bet to spin automatically. After than, you can watch how the game spins. You will bet, win, and lose automatically without the need to do any action. Stopping the autoplay mode is easy, and you can start manually selecting bets, and play normally.

What is the base game of a slot machine?

The base game refers to the main mechanics of a slot: You bet, spin the reels, and check the results. Most slots have only a base game, and very few of them have additional games inside that can bring you additional benefits.

What is a bonus game or bonus round?

Some slots have additional games inside them. You can get a bonus game by aligning some special symbols on the payline or paylines. Usually, the inside games have really simple mechanics, and you can get additional free spins or other bonuses. Our recommendation in this online slots guide for beginners is to take advantage of each additional bonus game.

How to choose a slot machine?

How to play slot machines online?

It is really easy to learn how to play slot machines online. Follow these steps:

1. Choose a reputable casino. The casino should have a valid license and be trustworthy. You can choose from our excellent selection of online casinos.
2. Create a casino account. You will need to provide your basic information and verify your age. There are different age restrictions for online gambling in the US. Check before you register.
3. Deposit. If you decide to play for real money, you should deposit. Use the payment method that best suits you. Check for welcome bonuses and obtain them with your first deposit.
4. Choose a slot game. There are many slots out there. Based on your interest, risk, jackpots, and other criteria, choose the right slot game for you.
5. Wager your bet. Decide on the size of your bet. Put the right amount of money or virtual coins you want to risk.
6. Adjust paylines. How to play slot machines online can be a bit more complex, if there are multiple paylines. Some games let you choose if you prefer to have more chances to win or if you prefer to make bets with fewer risks.
7. Spin it! Press the Spin button, and the game will begin. The symbols will turn until they finally stop and show you a combination.
8. Check the combination that had just formed on the payline. If you have won, the game will inform you. Usually, you will see an animation that shows you the exact quantity you won.
9. Play more or cash out. You can decide to continue playing or stop and cash out. You can withdraw your money or use it to play different games at the same casino. Whatever you choose, we recommend you practice responsible gambling.

How to win online slot machines

There is no secret way or recipe to win online slot machines. The following tips are what we can mention in our online slots guide for beginners.

1. Understand the rules of the game and check the paytable. Check all the symbols, paylines, combinations, and bonus games. Review the slot’s paytable. The paytable explains your chances to win. Be sure that you know exactly what chance you have to win.
2. Coins in and Coins out. Coins in refers to the money you put on the game, and coins out, to the money you can win. It is essential to understand these concepts before you start betting.
3. Take full advantage of all the bonuses and promotions. Many casinos will offer you free spins on new slot games and bonus money with your first deposit. Use these promotions to reduce your risks.
4. Choose the right slot. If you want to experience small wins from time to time, go for an RTP with a high percentage. Yes, these slots will usually have lower jackpots, but you can get the satisfaction of winning more of them. If you are only interested in winning huge amounts, you should check slots with lower RTPs and progressive jackpot slots. Just remember that these games will have more risks, and you can lose your money.
5. Finally, have fun. These are our “How to win online slot machines” tips. Enjoy your game.

Beginner’s tips for playing online slots

• Understand the mechanics of the game first. Try a demo version of the game or bet small sums of money to truly understand how the slot works before you bet more.
• Set limits. Consider how much money you are willing to lose. Be sure not to exceed this amount. Follow our Responsible Gambling practices. Remember, online slots are a game to have fun, not a secure source of income.
• Track your money. Be sure that you stay within your budget. Don’t chase losses. Sometimes, you win, and sometimes, you lose. This is how life works.
• Don’t get obsessed with playing. The games are made for fun. Don’t get obsessed. You have a life outside of the casino sites. Don’t ignore your relatives and friends, and don’t let online slots distract you from the important things in life.
• Remember to pay taxes. Your winnings at online casinos are taxable. Remember to declare them in your annual income declaration. Many beginners do this, and then they have problems with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It’s better to do it on time to avoid problems.

Types of online slots you can play

There are thousands of online slots at each casino. It could be a bit overwhelming to choose an online slot machine. This is why we want to show you all the types of slot machines so that your choice is easier.

Classic Slots

Classic slots, also known as traditional slots or retro slots, are very similar to the old-style slot games from the brick and mortar casinos. They have a similar look and style and often have the same game mechanics as some physical slot games. Their game play is simple. They often have three reels and use traditional symbols like fruits, bars, and lucky sevens. The typical player who prefers classic slots is 40+ years old.

Fruit machines

Fruit machines are a type of classic slots, popular in the United Kingdom. They have symbols like lemons, cherries, and watermelons and often have bonus games for additional bonuses. The target for these games is the British gamers.

Video slots

The video slots are slot games with advanced graphics, cool animations, and grabbing sound effects. They often have multiple reels and multiple paylines, which makes them very exciting. You can find video slots inspired by different themes, including TV shows history and popular culture.
Don’s mistake video slots with video poker. They are distinct types of online casino games. The video slots are based on traditional spinning of reels and getting a winning combination, while video poker is based on forming a winning poker hand. Since the category of video slots unites many games, these slots are popular with a wide crowd of slot gamers.

Progressive jackpot slots

Progressive jackpot slots have jackpots that increase over time as more players bet on some of the linked progressive jackpot slots. Each time a player makes a bet on one of the linked games, a percentage of his or her bet goes to the progressive jackpot. All players compete for the same massive jackpot. One lucky bettor wins the massive sum, and the jackpot resets. Risk takes, and more risky payers prefer progressive jackpots because of the possibility of winning lots of money with a single slot spin.

3D slots

The 3D slots have 3D graphics (3 dimensional) and look far more impressive than the traditional slots. Different things like video games, popular culture, TV series, movies, history, and more can inspire the theme of the 3D slots. The games are usually more “heavy”. That means you need a more powerful device to play them smoothly without lag or delay. Modern computers and mobile devices have no problems rendering 3D slots, so if your device is from the last 5 years, you probably won’t encounter any issues. The top players that like this type of slot are the younger games, which have grown with 3D graphics and love to have a more immersive experience.

Megaways slots

Megaways slots are video slots with an additional feature – a dynamic reel system with varying numbers of symbols on each reel. They provide additional ways to win on each spin and provide you a chance to win bigger sums. They can be a bit complicated to understand, so usually, only slot experts, with a lot of experience play on them.

Branded slots

Many game software developers make deals with popular franchises and create unique branded slots based on popular movies, books, or brands. They usually feature characters from the stories, special symbols, including brand symbols, and special bonuses. People, fans of a particular brand or movie, prefer branded slots.

Multi-payline slots

As the name suggests, these are games with multiple paylines, allowing you to bet on more than one payline per spin. The multiple-payline slots can give you more opportunities to win, but you will risk more money with each spin. These games are for risk-takers who strive to win a lot of money.

Cluster pays slots

When you play a cluster pay slot, you aim to get multiple winning symbols close together in a cluster instead of wishing them to land on a line (payline). The clusters can be vertical, horizontal, or both, based on each game’s rules. This type of slot is for players who want diversity and to have fun differently.

Grid slots

Grid slots have grids of symbols instead of the spinning reels of traditional slot games. Your goal as a player is to arrange the symbols in a rectanglar grid and hope to form clusters of winning symbols. They are a type of cluster-pay slots, so the audience is the same: people who want to find new ways to play slots.

Conclusion

Now you are ready! You know how online slots work and understand the rules. What’s next? Have fun! Go out there and explore the world of slots. If you want to learn more about casino games and sports betting, read some awesome articles on our blog.

Online Slots FAQ