Slots is the most popular casino game in the world and it continues to attract thousands of fans every year. It is arguably one of the most exciting games to play online, thanks to its buzzy features; the amazing graphic themes and soundtracks will have you coming back for more.
We understand that slots is almost always a casino newbie’s first game of contact, and have decided to provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about online slots. This article seeks to arm you with all the basic information you’ll need as a beginner. Let’s jump right in:
Who gave birth to the first slot machine?
It is widely believed that Charles August Fey is the legend behind slots. Fey was born in Vöhringen, Bavaria, but moved to the United States at age 23.
He developed the first ever slot machine in 1887, a more complex structure quite different from what we’re now accustomed to today. The old machine required an attendant to issue a payout.
His invention would soon become popular in the United States, from bars to casinos, before spreading through to Canada, Europe, and then Asia. Today, Fey’s invention has now grown to become the most sought-after casino game, and could potentially reach billions of people across the world.
When was the first online slot game established?
Slots was already popular in the 70s and 80s and found its way into the internet in the mid-90s. Internet Casino was the first web casino to be established and featured the first online slot games.
The first online slot game had the same features as its real-life variant, except that the side arm in land-based slots was replaced with a ‘spin’ button on the online version.
How do I find my casino account to play slots?
Online casinos feature a private cashier section that allows its members to deposit money securely to play real money games. There are different payment methods available and some of the most popular ones include credit and debit cards, e-wallets like Paypal and Skrill, and bank transfers.
However, not all casinos offer the same payment methods, so it’s important to verify that the site you’re signing up with accepts your preferred payment system.
What is a welcome bonus?
A welcome bonus is a monetary reward offered by online casinos to new players as a reward for signing up to their website. This offering is usually activated after you make your first deposit and can be used to bet on any slot game of your choice.
The value of the bonus differs from one online casino to the other, so look for the sites that offer the best and easily redeemable bonuses.
Are there free online slot games?
Sure! Most online casinos have a demo version of their real money slot games that you can play for practice. These demo games have the same features as their real money versions, except that you earn non-redeemable score points instead of monetary rewards.
Playing free slot games helps you to learn and master the game well before placing real money bets. But bear in mind that you can’t win real money without betting real money.
Do I have to download an app to play online slots?
Times have changed and technology is evolving fast. Just a few years ago, you needed to download an app to play your favourite online slot games. But now, most casinos offer browser-based games that allow you to play slots without downloading any software from your app store.
These games are perfect for mobile phones and desktop devices. Be sure to check that the web-based games are compatible with your device before betting though.
What is a progressive jackpot?
A progressive jackpot is a single slot or pool of slots that accumulates its jackpot whenever you play. It could be a single-game progressive jackpot or a multi-game progressive jackpot.
In single-game progressive jackpot, the jackpot compounds every time you play the game. Multi-game progressive jackpots, on the other hand, are slot games that have one combined jackpot reward; its jackpot compounds every time you play any of the implicated games in the casino.
What is a payline?
When you play online slot games, you’ll see a line of symbols that extends from one point of your screen to the other. This is called the payline.
The older slot machines featured paylines that were displayed linearly, but now they come in different geometric shapes and sizes.
You win a session when the symbols displayed under the payline match each other in a particular order after the wheels stop spinning. Note that you can always bet on multiple paylines to boost your winning chances.
What are free spins?
This is another bonus offered by online casinos to give players added chances to win. The number of spins and the merits of awarding them depends on the casino.
What is a paytable?
This is more like a chart table that lets you know how much you can win on each payline when you bet a certain amount of money. The payable also varies with each online slot game, so be sure to understand how it works for the game you’re playing.
What is a scatter symbol?
This is a symbol that earns you some perks when it appears on your payline. Again, the meaning and monetary value attached to a scatter symbol vary from one slot game to another.
A scatter symbol may mean free spins, added value to your bet, and any other bonus offering.
What is a wild symbol?
A wild symbol is a slot player’s best friend and is similar to wild cards in sports betting. It is a symbol that can complete any winning payline when it pops up on your screen.
What are online slot machines?
Slot machines are chance-based games that use a Random Number Generator to determine game outcomes.
You play slots by placing a bet on any payline. When you click spin, you’re simply instructing the machine to take a snapshot of the random number it has generated. The machine then reveals the result of your bet, that is the generated random number through an audio or video response.
If the outcome corresponds with the payable, the game defines your bet as a winning bet and rewards you with a win amount that corresponds to the value on the paytable.
Are online slot outcomes random?
Ideally, they ought to be. If you’re betting at a licensed online casino, the answer is yes. But if you’re betting at an unlicensed casino, you can’t be so sure.
Any casino that is licensed to operate in your location has been examined and certified by reputable third-party auditors for fairness. These sites use a fair RNG algorithm to determine game outcomes.
It is therefore important to verify that the online casino you’re signing up with is licensed. Avoid unverified sites at all costs, no matter how juicy their offers may seem.
Can online casinos tweak the payouts on slot machines?
Yes, they can, and that’s why you’ve got to play at licensed casinos only. Licenses set boundaries on how much the game can pay you.
The best online casinos will publish information on the return to player percentage of their slot games. RTP helps you know how much you can expect in return for your bets.
Is there a reliable jackpot-winning strategy?
Not really. When it comes to slots, the only way to increase your chances of winning a jackpot is by playing at reputable casinos that offer a high return-to-player percentage.
Read the terms and conditions of the game to find out if your wager qualifies you for a jackpot. Some casinos require you to bet at least a certain amount of money to qualify, while some others may require you to bet the maximum wager. Betting anything other than this will disqualify you from participating in a jackpot offering.
Slots are based on luck, so there are no extra hidden secrets or shortcuts to winning!
Where can I find online slot machines with the best odds?
Online slots with good odds are available at different casinos. However, you’ll need to examine the game to know for sure.
Generally, simple slot games have better winning odds than complicated versions. Also, you’re more likely to win when you play higher RTP games.
Are slots more profitable than other casino games?
In terms of potential rewards, yes. Slot games are relatively more rewarding compared to other casino games, although the reward value depends on the version you’re playing.
However, slots have a higher house edge than other games. It means that your winning chances are slimmer when you play slots.
When is the best time to play online slots?
There is no such thing as the best time to play online slots. Online casinos are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can play slots at any time you wish.
Are real money slots available for mobile play?
Absolutely! And there are many more mobile slot games popping up now and then, especially at reputable casinos.
You can create an account, fund your bettor’s account, place a bet, and withdraw your earnings using your mobile phone.
Can you outsmart the RNG on online slot machines?
You’ll have to be one hell of a psychic to do that. Outsmarting the RNG algorithm means you have to hack the software in itself, which can be pretty hard to do at reputable casinos.
The algorithm picks random numbers at a faster rate than you can imagine, so cheating the RNG is impossible under normal circumstances.
Do the value of my bets determine if I win or lose?
No. The value of your bet determines your potential rewards, and could also unlock some special game features, but they don’t determine wins or losses.
Do online slot machines vary from casino to casino?
Yes. You’ll find different casinos with different slot games, and these sites are allowed to adjust their offerings according to the boundaries set by their licenses.
But slot titles made by the same developer will bear the same game features across all casinos.
Why are online slots so popular?
First, because they are among the simplest games you’ll find on the internet. You don’t have to go over and beyond to learn strategies and tricks to play slots. Just place your bets and press the spin button to know the outcome of your wager.
Online slots are also laced with exciting features that make them interesting to play. Game developers have included entertainment features like 3D graphics, booming soundtracks, and many more perks that will leave you coming back for more.
Why do professional online gamblers avoid slots?
Pro gamblers are more inclined to skill-based games because they are more challenging to play and require strategy. Also, the pros prefer to go for games with a lower house edge like European roulette, poker, baccarat, and blackjack.
What is the minimum and maximum bet you can place on an online slot game?
It depends on the slot title you’re playing, but generally, the minimum and maximum bets are closely related to the number of reels on the machine. A five-reel slot game, for example, may allow bets as low as $1 and a $5 maximum per session.
You’ll find this information on the website, so if you want to bet a certain amount at once, be sure to check if the slot machine allows it.
Are there movie-themed online slot machines?
Yes! And this is another reason why people love to play slots.
You’ll find many slots with movie titles at the best casinos. Studios like Microgaming have created Game of Thrones-themed slots with great music and ambience. There are also other spin-offs from popular Marvel movies, like Wagerlogic’s Spider Man Revelations and Fantastic Four.
Your favourite franchise movie might just have a slot game to itself.
How many online slot machines are available to play?
You’ll find an enormous amount of slots at online casinos. And what’s more interesting is that new games based on different themes continue to pop up regularly. It will take a lot to exhaust all your slot options online because the list is endless and it
Each slot machine has its uniqueness; you’ll hardly find a slot game with the same features. This means you have enough slots to keep you entertained for as long as you wish.
Summary
That’s it. You now have as much basic information to start your slots journey. It’s clear to see that slots are not as complicated as they may appear.
Go ahead and enjoy the thrill of playing the most popular casino game in the world. Hopefully, you can earn some money as you do so.
Don’t forget to go for the best options available and bet safely.
Best of luck!
