Slot Rules and Variations

Slot machines are a great way for beginners to start gambling online and, although there are different variations, each will follow a basic format – just place your bet, spin the reels and wait for the outcome.

However, it is recommended to always read the slot's rules before you begin, while choosing which variation to play will depend on how much money you are willing to wager. Every slot will come with a "payout table", indicating how much you will need to bet for the minimum and maximum prize, and the majority will offer "multiple coins" for each spin or "pull".

Spinning is a fairly straight-forward procedure, while some casinos provide an "auto-spin" feature where players can select the number of spins for the amount of coins inserted.

Also worth noting is that the house advantage will decrease the more money you play. The amount of "paylines" (where matching symbols are in a determined row or pattern) that are being played will depend on how much money you have placed on the spin.

The Different Types of Slots

3 Reel Slots

The first ever slot machine, built in 1887, used 3 reels and this is still the most popular of all variations. There is a wealth of different 3 reel slots available in online casinos, offering various playing options, such as "multi-paylines" and multiple coin bets. The payout table at a 3 Reel slot machine will list the variety of jackpots that can be won, but as always, the more money you bet, the greater your chances of making a winning combination. Some 3 Reel slots come with wild symbols, which increase the chances of a payout, although at smaller odds than three matching symbols.

5 Reel Slots

5 Reel Slots operate just the same as the 3 Reel machines, but there are far more playing options and payouts can be significantly larger. These slots feature multi-paylines – from 5 to 25 lines – and a range of different jackpot levels. The increased amount of paylines means that it is essential to study the payout table before you begin. By selecting multiple playlines, you will be able to play for multi-winning combinations. Most casinos will offer 5 Reel slots with wild symbols as well as other features, such as free spins.

Multiplier and Bonus Multiplier Slots

Common in online casinos are "Multiplier Slots", which have a payout that is directly proportional to the amount of coins inserted, i.e. will pay a certain multiple of the bet. "Bonus Multiplier Slots" work in the same way, except that when you place the maximum bet, a special bonus is added to the winning combination. The bonus amount will vary depending on which casino you are playing, but again, it will be displayed in the payout table.

Mega Spin Slots

Other widely-available machines in online casinos use a combination of between three and nine 3 Reel slots, all played at the same time. Frequently referred to as "Mega Spin" slots, these machines offer bigger payouts. Like the other slot variations, the maximum money will offer the best odds, while the amount of paylines available will also depend on the amount of money you put in.

Progressive Slots

By far the most lucrative and sought after are the "Progressive Slots", which work by accumulating money from a network of different machines (sometimes reaching into the thousands) and provide the largest jackpots. These machines can be part of one casino or even be connected to a casino's affiliates. The system works by taking a certain percentage of a player's money on each spin, which is put towards a total jackpot.

The main prize will be awarded to the first player in the network to make the winning combination; the jackpot total is then reset to a lower figure. However, with the increased number or players opting for Progressive Slots, the odds are higher when compared to other machines. You must also insert the maximum amount of coins to be in with a chance of winning the jackpot.

No matter which slot you choose, like every casino game, it will be vital that you understand the rules before you play. The chances of winning will decrease exponentially with the size of the jackpot, but on average, the more money you put in, the more you will get back out.