So you’re interested in online slots, but aren’t exactly sure where to start. Not to worry, online slots are not only amazing fun, they’re also very easy to start playing immediately; even if you’ve never gambled before in your life. Stick with us now and we’ll explain everything you need to know to start playing online slots right now.

Remember; you can even play online slots for free. Most online casinos offer Free Play mode, meaning that you can learn how to play without having to spend a cent.

The Basics

You probably understand the basics of slots, but let’s go over it now just to be sure. Slots are a game of risk versus reward, requiring that you bet upfront without knowing if you’re going to win or not. Risk versus reward is the foundation of all gambling.

To play slots you must make your bet, then spin the reels. If symbols land on the reels in a matching sequence, you win. If there is no matching sequence, you lose your initial bet. It’s as easy as that. But there is a lot more to slots than just spinning reels and matching symbols. Let’s go a bit deeper.

Symbol Values

Not all slot symbols are made equal. Some have a higher value than others, meaning that if they match, the payout will be bigger. Plus, the more symbols in a matching sequence, the payout will also be bigger. Hence, you want to keep your eye on the highest-paying symbols in the game.

Generally slots of a set of high-paying symbols, and a set of low-paying symbols. If you want more information on the value of each symbol in a game, you can check the paytable. Every slot comes with a paytable, explaining the rules of the game and the values of symbols.

Special Symbols

Slots generally all come with special symbols, including Wilds, Scatters, and other bonus symbols. Wilds substitute for all other symbols, allowing for matching sequences to occur more frequently. Some Wilds also add a multiplier to the win they create.

Scatters are where the slot magic happens. First and foremost, Scatters do not have to appear adjacent on the reels to count. They can land anywhere and still count as a match. More importantly, Scatters trigger bonus rounds and other slot special features. Scatters can trigger Free Spins, jackpots, and other bonus rewards.

Free Spins

Scatters may trigger 10 Free Spins, for example. During a Free Spins round, you don’t have to make a bet between each spin. Hence, everything that’s won during a Free Spins round is 100% profit. Free Spins may have other special features, such as a multiplier. How Free Spins play out will depend on the game that you’re playing.

Other Special Features

Modern online slots come in an enormous variety. Any number of special features and other reward systems may come into play. Before you start playing be sure to check the paytable for more details on how the game works, and how the special features are triggered. You can head to Jumba Bet casino no to explore some slots and get a better idea of the special features on offer.

Betting

Betting is a big part of playing an online slot. Remember that payouts are always based on your original betting amount. If you bet $10, and a payout is 5x, you’ll get $50. On the other hand, if you bet $100 and the payout is 5x, you’ll get $500. Such is the dilemma of a risk versus reward game of chance.

How much you decide to bet on each spin is a matter of preference, but always keep in mind that slots have maximum and minimum betting amounts for a reason. If you find that the maximum bet amount is too high, you can always try out a different game.

Progressive Jackpots

But aren’t slots all about potentially making you an instant millionaire? You’re thinking of progressive jackpot slots. A progressive jackpot slot is in a network with all other slots of the same name. For each bet made, and each spin taken, a small amount is put towards the progressive jackpot. The jackpot climbs ever higher, offering up a bigger and bigger amount. But can you ever win a progressive jackpot?

Progressive jackpots have very low odds, so chances are that you won’t win. Though, there is always the chance you will win, hence making the prospect of playing deeply tantalising. Do keep in mind, however, that progressive jackpot slots tend to have lower payout rates across the board. Standard slots, on the other hand, tend to be more generous.

Styles And Variants

Slots come in an enormous variety, though most have 5 reels. There are also 3 reel versions, 6 reel versions, and so on. Though, even if a slot has a different number of reels, the same basic rules still apply; make a bet, spin, and see if you get lucky.

Rolling Reels are a variation of slot that has symbols falling into the reels, rather than spinning. In Rolling Reels, if symbols match they explode, allowing new symbols to fall in and occupy the empty space. In Rolling Reel slots it’s possible to make multiple matches with a single spin.

All About Lady Luck

Slots are great fun, and you’ll certainly find hours of entertainment. But it is important to keep in mind that slots are entirely luck based. There is nothing you can do to alter the outcome of each spin, meaning that whether you win or lose is entirely random. As such, slots or best if you’re looking for a casual game that doesn’t demand much attention.

If you prefer games of skill be sure to check out table games like Poker or Blackjack. Blackjack in particular is a very skill-based game, with the chances of winning swaying dramatically depending on how good you are. Whichever casino game you choose, remember to bet smart and never bet with money you can’t afford to lose. Have fun and may Lady Luck smile on you!

James Montano