Knowing how to read slot machines can help improve your gameplay and possibly your winning outcomes. This is not to say that slots are complex. They are not. However, their overall design may be confusing for first-time players.
Through this casino news, we have the mechanics behind slot machines explained. To do this, we will highlight what every player should check before playing slots to improve odds and payout.
How to Read Slot Machines for Payout and Bonus Clues
To learn how to read slot machines, you must first understand the components of these games. Every slot has reels, symbols, paylines, pay tables, special in-games, etc., and each has its functions and uses.
Through the history of slot machines, from the most basic designs, to the current progressive jackpots, free spins, and additional features, they have adapted to the most exotic tastes, catering fun for all types of players.
Reels
This is the first thing you will notice when you play a game, whether live or online slots. It houses all the symbols in the game and where the spins that create winning combinations take place. Once you place your bet and press spin, the symbols on the reels will begin to move and come to a stop to reveal whether you have matching symbols or not.
However, how the reel moves depends on mechanics of these casino games; some modern slots feature a cascading or tumbling reel mechanism. But you do not necessarily have to worry about this. Reel mechanics do not significantly impact gaming outcomes. To place wagers, press a game’s bet button, set the amount you want to bet, and press the spin button to get the reel into action. You can also find assistive features like auto spins and turbo spins. Discover more of these details with our American casino guide section.
Paytable
One vital aspect of how to read a slot machine is understanding the paytable. Pay tables contain all the important information about the slot game, including the values of the symbols, paylines, and extra features. The paytable is usually located at the corner of the slot and represented by a (i) icon or a (?).
However, you will sometimes find it as a three-line menu icon. How it is presented varies based on the game provider, but ultimately, it gives you an idea of the winning symbols and the payouts you can get. For more news about slots, visit our game reviews section.
Reading Slot Machine Payouts
How to read slot machine payouts requires knowing about the paylines and symbols on the reel. Here is the information contained in the paytable.
Paylines
Paylines show you how symbols need to be arranged to give you a winning combination. Classic slots with three reels are pretty simple. Identical symbols are to be arranged on a single line to win. On the other hand, modern slot games feature more reels, making it possible to have multiple winning combinations.
Slot Machine Payline Patterns
There are different slot machine patterns when it comes to paylines. Some pay from right to left, left to right, all ways, cluster pays, etc. Here’s a breakdown of how different slot machine patterns are formed and their payout methods.
Left to right: This is the most popular payline. Symbols must land on the first reel from the left to the last one on the right (Adjacent) to form a winning combination.
Right to left: To create a winning combination, Symbols must land on the first reel from the right to the last one on the left.
Pay both ways: This is a combination of the first two above. Symbols can be arranged from left to right or right to left.
Pay all ways: This does need a reel arrangement to payout. Once identical symbols are on the reel, you will be rewarded.
Cluster pays: For cluster pays, you are to land a group of matching symbols in close proximity to create a winning combination.
However, note that you do not need all the paylines to win. You will get your payout if you land three identical symbols from left to right, with the right being the third payline. The last right or left payline is determined by the number of symbols you land.
Symbols
Classic slot games often feature fruit symbols and slot machine numbers like 777, while newer ones feature advanced symbols based on the game’s theme. Card symbols are also often added.
Special Symbols
Every slot game introduces a separate set of symbols that trigger special features in the game. These are the scatter, wild, and bonus symbols.
- Scatter: The scatter symbol is often used to unlock free spins on the reel. You may need to land 3, 4, or 5 scatter symbols to trigger free spins. The more the scatter symbols, the higher your free spins.
- Wilds: This symbol has a substitution power. It can replace other symbols to form a direct winning combination.
- Bonus symbols. These symbols are often assigned different features. Some can unlock bonus games and respins.
Return to Player (RTP)
Every slot game has an RTP, which is usually a percentage. A 96% RTP means that 96% of your wager can be returned over time to you. Games with high RTP are some of the best types of slot machines to play online.
How To Read Slot Machines: Types of Games
You will encounter two major types of slots online: regular and Jackpots. Here is how to read slot machines based on types.
Regular Slots
Regular slot games often do not have pool prizes or massive rewards. They mostly have low-medium variance, i.e., players can get small but frequent payouts.
Jackpot Slots
Jackpot slots are often designed exactly like regular ones. The only difference is that they feature a jackpot, offering players big slots win chances, hence the name.
Most jackpot slots have a maximum amount that can be won. They are often divided into mini, minor, and major jackpots. You will find information on how it works on their pay tables.
Some slots can also feature progressive jackpots, meaning every wager contributes to a growing pool prize.
Final Thoughts
We divided how to read slot machines into three parts: mechanics, payouts, and types. Knowing the type of game you are playing, its payouts, and the reel technique will help you make informed betting decisions. Slots Paradise Casino is home to thousands of slot games you cannot regret playing. However, wager and play responsibly.
Keep up with what’s happening by following us on social media.