Online Slots 101 - Your Ultimate Guide

The great appeal of slots is that they’re incredibly easy to play. Anybody can learn the basics quickly, as the basic principle is always the same – spin the reels and hope for a winning combination of symbols on the pay line.

Features

Things get trickier when you factor in elements such as holds, nudges, and special bonus features, but it won’t take you long playing a slots format to understand how to master those areas. Here are some of the features that you can encounter when playing slots.

• Nudges – When the game allows you to move down as reel.
• Bonus Game – Special games that you can unlock when playing slots.
• Bonus Symbols – The symbols which trigger the above bonus games.
• Multiplier Symbols – Symbols that multiply your winnings by a specific amount.
• Scatter Symbols – These symbols do not have to fall within a payline.
• Free Spins – Spins of the reel that you do not have to pay for.
• Wild Symbols – These symbols substitute for the symbol you need at payout.

Classic Three-Reels - This is where it all began and this format remains extremely popular with online gamblers. You’re spinning three reels but usually with the option of winning on more than one line.

Five-Reels - These work to the same format, but add an extra dimension with the added two reels. As with three-reel games, you’ll find many of these play to certain themes (more on that to follow).

Land-based - Fruit machines are a popular format when it comes to slots in real life, and can regularly be found in bars and gambling venues.

Themed - The nature of slots makes for an easily adaptable format in terms of design and theme. Both offline and online, you’ll find slots machines themed to appeal to different audiences. Examples might be an Indiana Jones slots game, or Ancient Egypt slots, or a game based around a popular TV show or a superhero.

Progressive Jackpots

These slots open up the possibility for a really big win, as they link slots games together to generate a big pay out pool. When you play a progressive game, part of your stake goes towards this pool until eventually the funds are awarded to one lucky player. Sometimes these wins are in the millions.

Progressive jackpots are your fastest path to a life-changing win. You should, however, be mindful that these are hard to win, and that you may need to invest a good deal of time to enjoy a success.

There are good developers and then there are excellent ones. We’re here to give you the very best. Below are some of the best software providers:

Microgaming - Its journey began in the mid-1990s and they were responsible for the first online casino software. This developer is known for slots, progressive jackpots and Hollywood branded slots. Popular games include Cash Splash, The Dark Knight, Mega Moolah, Thunderstruck I/II, and Avalon I/II.

Playtech – This is Microgaming famous enemy. Launched in 1999, Playtech branched out into online poker but it is most known for slots, mobile slots, Marvel branded slots, TV branded slots and progressive jackpots. The most popular games include Hulk, Iron Man 2/3, and Beach Life.

NetEnt – NetEnt is an award-winning developer and it gained its licence in 2015. It is most known for 3D online slots, branded slots, mobile slots and progressive jackpots. Popular games include Gonzo’s Quest, Aliens, and Mega Fortune.

IGT – This is one of the oldest and most respected game developers out there. IGT has produced some of the biggest slots and online slots in the world. It is mostly known for online slots, land-based slots, mobile slots and Multiway Xtra slots. Popular games include Cleopatra, Da Vinci Diamonds, Monopoly, Golden Goddess, and Siberian Storm.

Novomatic – Is popular for Egyptian themed slots. It Is known for Gaminator land-based slots, online and mobile slots and electronic gaming terminals. Popular games include Book of Ra, Sizzling Hot Deluxe, Lady’s Lucky Charm Deluxe, and Dolphin’s Pearl.

Play N Go – This was one of the first developers in mobile slots. It is mostly known for online and mobile slots. Popular games include Leprechaun Goes Egypt, Gumball 3000, Riches of Ra, and Spin Party.

Aristocrat – This is also one of the oldest slot developers around. It is mostly known for land-based slots and pokies, online slots, video terminals, and social gaming. Popular games include Big Red, Queen of Nile I/II, 5 Dragons, and Cash Express.

Social games are the new way of gambling. The term refers to playing online games that allow or require social interaction rather than the traditional way of playing games. Normally, online gambling requires your solitude but social games are the complete opposite.

Social slot games are always fun to play. Instead of playing on your own, you can play and entertain yourselves with friends. Several players find it more fun and challenging to play this way. Others prefer the traditional solitary gaming. It’s entirely up to you!

Bet – The amount of money wagered on a slot.

Bonus Feature – An additional way to win to the reel pays.

Hit – The slot’s way of describing a win.

Jackpot – The highest possible win on a slots machine.

Multi-line – A slot with more than one pay line.

Pay line – A line that the symbols must align to determine a win or not.

Pokies – Australian slang for slot machines.

Progressive Slots – A groups of slots linked together that have a massive jackpot to be won.

Stacked Wilds – When a lot of wilds are stacked on each other.

Winning Combinations – The amount of ways to win.

Online slots are a great way to make the most of your gambling experience. They are easiest and fun to play, especially if you’re in the running of winning a progressive jackpot.

However, always make sure that you’re playing in a way that suits you. Do not feel pressured to try something that you are hesitate about. Gambling should be a form of entertainment that makes you feel great!

Choose your favourite game of slots from our recommended casinos are start winning big real money!