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How to Play Slots

How to Play Slots

Last updated : May 7, 2020By Top10 Staff
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Anyone who has ever seen people playing traditional slot machines (aka one-armed bandits or fruit machines) in the movies or on TV shows is going to have a good idea of what the game is all about. You basically, stick a coin in a slot, pull a lever, and watch the wheels spin until hopefully they stop on some winning symbols - even a visitor from another planet is probably going to understand this game within a few minutes. The problem is that the modern variations of slots are a bit more complicated, and they can appear confusing until you’ve spent a bit of time playing.

The Basics of Slots

Let’s forget about the modern more complicated-looking slot machines for a minute and get back to the basics because all of these games are just going to be variations on this. In the simple form of the game, you bet a fixed amount of money on the outcome of what happens after you pull a lever to get three wheels spinning. When these wheels stop, there are going to be symbols displayed on your pay-line (the horizontal symbols right in the centre of the screen). If these symbols create a certain pattern (e.g. three of kind), you will be rewarded a fixed amount of money.

The traditional slot machines have been around since the nineteenth century, and they are still fun to play, but the modern versions of the game can be far more exciting, and they also offer you a better chance of winning some decent money. The most important differences between these options and basic slot machines are:

  • There may be up to five wheels
  • You are often given a number of betting options, so you have far more control over how much credit you use on each spin (the more you bet, the more you can potentially win)
  • Multiple pay-lines
  • Mini-games where you may be required to perform a task
  • Special bonus symbols

These additional options can be confusing at first, but if you understand the basics of the game, it won’t take you long to get to grips with them.

How to Play Online Slot Machines

There are many different types of online slot machine, so it is important to check the rules before you begin. You may be given a number of betting options for how much credit you want to use on the next spin. There can also be the option to choose a number of extra pay-lines – this can be worth doing because it increases your chances of winning on each spin. The game may also have some special symbols, and if these appear on your screen, you get to play a special mini-game.

How to Learn How to Play Slots

If you want to learn how to play slots, there is no need to waste your money on expensive tutorials or secret strategies. If anyone is trying to sell you a ‘guaranteed method for winning slots’, you would be wise to dismiss this person as a scam artist. There are some useful articles online about how to play slots (you’ll find some on this website), and you can even find YouTube videos with useful information. It is common for online slot machines to come with tutorials, and it is recommended that you spend some time with these before you begin playing with real credit.

Tips for Playing Online Slots

  • Try to find slot machines that offer the highest pay-out. This is usually expressed as a percentage and for online slots you can expect it to be somewhere between 95% and 99%.
  • Start off with low bets if you are playing a slot machine for the first time.
  • Make use of the free practice games, so you can become more familiar with the feel of the play.
  • Be sure to take advantage of any bonuses offered by the online casino
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Author

Gavin Lenaghan

Gavin writes on a wide range of subjects, including articles and reviews about online casinos, slots, bingo, poker, and sportsbooks. He has considerable expertise in the games, customer service, and other aspects of today’s leading gambling and betting portals.

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