With their bright, colorful reels, lifelike animations and engaging sound effects, slot machines are a form of casino magic. Even though some of the themes and stories of online slots may be mysterious, understanding how they work shouldn’t be. This article will help demystify the world of slots and answer all those burning questions about the most popular online casino game in the world.
What Are Slot Machines?
To begin, here’s exactly what a slot machine is.
A slot machine is a gambling game that features spinning reels with various symbols on them. After you place your bet and spin the reels, these symbols land randomly. If symbols land in a certain combination on a payline, you win a set value or prize. Various slot symbols have different values and exciting features that can trigger free spins or bonus rounds.
Although slots are incredibly popular at both online casinos and land-based establishments, they are nothing new. These games have been around since the late 19th century.
The Answers to the Most Common Slot Machine Questions
For all their apparent simplicity, many people have questions about the exact way in which these machines work and what some of the terms that describe them mean. This blog answers some of these questions and explains a number of relevant terms.
Are Slot Machines Really Random?
If you’re playing at a regulated and certified online casino, yes, they are. Both traditional and online slot machines use a random number generator (RNG) to ensure results are random. An RNG is a computer program that produces a completely random set of numbers within a given range. These numbers are connected to the symbols that appear on your reels. If the right symbols appear in the right combination, you win a prize. The results take the casino house edge into account, but they are not rigged by the casino.
RNGs are an essential part of online casino games. If they don’t work correctly, the game is no longer fair. This is why legitimate casinos such as BetMGM Online have their RNGs regularly inspected and approved by regulatory bodies.
What Is Slot Volatility?
A game’s volatility shows players how much they can win and how often they can expect to win. Though volatility can be used in reference to casino table games, it’s most often used in relation to slots.
High-volatility and low-volatility slots can both be positive things depending on each individual player’s gaming patterns and preferences. Low-volatility slots pay out smaller prizes more frequently, while high-volatility slots pay out larger jackpots and prizes much less often.
What Is a Payline?
A payline is a line in a slot game that players can bet on in the hope of landing a successful combination. To win, the symbols on the payline must make a particular combination when the reels stop spinning. Modern slots can have multiple paylines in one game, which increases the number of ways in which a player can win.
What Are Wild Symbols?
Almost every slot has a designated wild symbol. To find the wild symbol for the game you’re playing, view the paytable or press the info button. In slot machines, wild symbols can substitute for missing symbols to form a winning combination. Some wild symbols can stack on top of each other and multiply or increase your winnings.
What Are Scatter Symbols?
Scatter symbols help you win prizes even when you don’t have a winning combination. And they don’t need to land in a payline to work. If a predetermined number of scatters appear anywhere on your reels, you win. Scatters can also trigger exciting bonus features and free spins. Be sure to read up on your slot bonus features to help you decide which online slot to play for real money.
What Is Autoplay?
This is a feature built into some slots where you can spin the reels a certain number of times automatically without having to press a button for every spin. You can customize autoplay to stop after specific events, such as winning or losing a certain amount of money.
What Is a Progressive Jackpot?
A progressive jackpot is a jackpot prize that grows every time the game is played. It can be linked to one game or multiple games in an online casino and is one of the biggest advantages of playing slots online. Progressive jackpot slots deliver huge real-money prizes in slot games.
Is There a Secret to Winning Slot Jackpots?
The key strategy to increase your chances of winning the jackpot is no secret at all. In almost every slot machine, you need to place a maximum bet to qualify for a jackpot payout. So if you want to win big in slots, you’ve got to bet big. But don’t get carried away. Always keep an eye on your personal budget and gamble responsibly.
Another slot strategy is to be selective about the sites you register with. Consider the payout percentage and the maximum win of the slot you’ve chosen to play. As slot machines are truly random and luck-based, responsible bankroll management — along with these two factors — are the only strategies you can use.
What Is the Best Time To Play Slots Online?
Now that you understand that slots use an RNG to keep results completely random, it’s clear that slot results won’t be better or worse based on the time of day you play. There’s no such thing as a hot or cold, tight or loose slot. Slot results are independent of previous results from previous players. If you’re playing online, choose a time that works with your schedule instead of paying attention to gambling superstitions.
Are Online Slots Rigged?
Though online slot results are random, like all games, the casino has an edge. This is called the house edge. The house edge is the percentage of all the amounts wagered that the casino keeps.
This is not a casino trick or a ruse. It’s easy to find the house edge for any casino game you play, whether it’s live dealer casino games or slots. The house edge does not mean the casino secretly prevents you from winning, but rather that the casino can remain profitable while giving players a fair chance to win.
What Does RTP Mean?
Online casinos use return to player (RTP) to describe the percentage of the total amount wagered on a game over time that will be paid back to players. The most reliable slots have an RTP of over 90%.
What Are Free Spins Bonuses?
Free spins can be a real game changer because they let players play without risking their money. To get them to start playing online slots, many casinos offer free spins bonuses to players when they sign up.
The BetMGM Online casino welcomes new players with a $25 Freeplay bonus and a deposit match of up to $1,000. You can use your Freeplay bonus to play table games in live dealer online casino or to explore themed slots. If you’re a new player, here are a few slots that come recommended:
- Cleopatra: One of the most popular slot machines from IGT. This 5×4 15-payline slot boasts an RTP of 95.02%.
- Gonzo’s Quest: Play a true crowd-pleaser with this 6-reel slot from Red Tiger and NetEnt. This popular immersive title has an RTP of 96%.
- Jumanji: This 36-payline NetEnt slot has an RTP of 96.33% and is a stellar example of a famous franchise that became an online slot. On the BetMGM app, there are many more casino games to play that are based on movies and franchises.
What Are the Weirdest Online Slots Around?
This is one question that is strangely more common than you may think. Here are some of the weirdest ones you can find.
“EggOMatic” – NetEnt
Imagine a slot where mechanical eggs produce different characters and prizes. It’s like a quirky egg factory with animated surprises at every spin.
“Esqueleto Explosivo” – Thunderkick
Picture a slot filled with singing, mariachi-themed skeleton heads. When you win, they explode and new ones drop in, creating a visually entertaining and unique experience.
“Lucha Libre” – RealTime Gaming
Step into the world of Mexican wrestling and watch colorful characters engage in wrestling matches, complete with wrestling-themed bonus features and humorous animations.
“Flux” – Thunderkick
Prepare for a cosmic journey with this abstract slot. Its symbols are intricate geometric shapes and vibrant colors, creating a visually stunning and unconventional gameplay experience.
“Aliens” – NetEnt
Based on the famous science fiction franchise, this slot blends horror with suspense. Progress through levels, battling extraterrestrial creatures in a thrilling and immersive gaming adventure.
Dive Into the Largest Catalog of Themed Slots With BetMGM Online
The BetMGM casino has the widest selection of new casino games online as well as old classics, all on one easy-to-use platform. The wide variety of themed slots has something for everyone. Register to find your new favorite slot in BetMGM’s online gambling emporium.
