Slots are some of the most popular casino games on the market. From bitcoin slots to movie-themed mega moolah, there are thousands of different slot games to choose from, whether you want to play online or at your local land-based casino. But how do the rules vary between each game?
In this post, we’ll explain the rules you need to know to start playing slot games. However you like to spin the reels, find out the tips and tricks to play with confidence today.
What Are The Different Kinds Of Casino Slot Machine?
Regardless of the graphics, sound effects or prizes on offer, there’s just one key difference between most casino slot machines: do they have three or five reels? The first slot machines all had three reels, but as technology has developed, games companies have launched five-reel machines too.
No matter which machine you go for, the gameplay will be very similar. In order to win, you must spin a winning pay line – the pictures that line up once the reels have stopped spinning. So what’s the difference between these two kinds?
In general, three-reel slot machines are easier to win but have much lower payouts. This is because there are fewer reels that need to line up in a particular way, increasing your likelihood of achieving a winning pay line. With a five-reel slot, your chances of winning are dependent on an extra two reels, which makes it less likely that you’ll win the jackpot. If you do win, your payout is likely to be higher as a result.
What’s A Winning Pay Line?
Before you start playing your chosen slot machine, one of the most important rules to be aware of is the nature of the winning pay line. In early three-reel slots, there was typically just one pay line that could win you the jackpot – usually a line in which all three images were the same. Today, however, there are more and more ways to win, and you’ll need to know exactly what you’re up against before starting your game.
For some machines, particularly five-reel slots, there are many different qualifying pay lines that count as a win. These could be diagonal, back-to-front, or even zig-zag. Some games could offer as many as 100 different pay lines, or even allow you to bet on the outcome you think you’re most likely to spin.
Understanding Slot Symbols
Different casino slot machines and online games will feature a range of different symbols. If you land on one of them (or on a specific combination), some of these could trigger outcomes such as bonus spins, extra rounds or a variety of special features.
In some cases, spinning a particular symbol could actually prove more important to the gameplay than landing on a winning pay line straight away. Because the basic rules of slots are usually the same, it can be tempting not to check the specific instructions for each game. But by understanding the different symbols at play, you can hugely boost your enjoyment of your chosen slot at your favourite online casino.
Slots may be true games of chance – but always make sure you understand the rules beforehand. This won’t just increase your likelihood of a successful spin, it will also make the game much more fun!