How to play and win at online slots

In the form of slot machines, slot games (or slots for short), form the backbone of casinos and gaming halls around the world. That’s because they are so simple to understand: it’s a box with a bunch of reels that start spinning when you put money in. When the reels stop spinning, they’ll show a result, and if that result appears in the game’s list of winning conditions, then you win the corresponding amount in function of what you wagered.

Introduction to slot games

Online slot games, like the ones you’ll find at Goldenpalacedice.be, function in basically the same way as slot machines. The only difference is that everything is virtual. The reels you see spinning before your eyes are visualizations of results that are computed “behind the scenes” by random number generators. One great advantage that online slots have because of this virtual environment, is that they can break free of the constraints of physical slot machines.

History of slot games

The first slot machine: The Liberty Bell

The first slot machine was invented by Charles Fey, a car mechanic from San Francisco, in 1895. He called it the Liberty Bell because the highest payout symbol was a cracked liberty bell. This machine had three spinning reels with various symbols (such as horseshoes, diamonds, spades, hearts, and bells) and used a lever to spin the reels.

It became hugely popular in bars and saloons. In the early 20th century, many variations of the Liberty Bell emerged, with different symbols and themes. The machines also evolved to include more reels and paylines. In no time, these “one armed bandits” became a staple of casinos, on par with classic table games.

From analogue to digital

The first electromechanical slot machine was developed by Bally Technologies in the 1960s. These machines used electrical circuits and motors to power the reels and payout mechanisms, offering more features and reliability that purely mechanical machines didn’t have.

In the 1970s, the introduction of microprocessors led to the development of video slot machines. These machines replaced the physical reels with video displays, allowing for more complex graphics and gameplay. This technology boomed significantly in the 1980s and allowed for the introduction of bonus features, multiple paylines, and more innovations that have stuck.

Online slots and ongoing advancements

With the rise of the internet in the 1990s came the first online casinos. Software development company Microgaming launched the first online casino software in 1994. This made it possible for casino fans to enjoy slots from the comfort of their homes. Over the years, slots have continued to evolve as technology advanced.

Modern slot games are often equipped with high-definition graphics, interactive bonus rounds, and themes ranging from pop culture to mythology. The advent of smartphones and tablets has further revolutionized slot gaming, giving players access to their favorite slot games on mobile devices, allowing for gaming on the go.

Specific online casino slot game rules and terminology

There are hundreds if not thousands of online casino slot games out there. Such an extensive offer may seem daunting at first. Luckily, playing online casino slot games isn’t as complicated as it looks.

Depending on the specific game, provider, or platform, the rules for online casino slot games vary only slightly. Here are some general guidelines that typically apply to all slots.

What is a reel?

Slot games consist of reels: vertical columns of symbols. These reels each spin independently of one another. There can be virtually any number of reels, from just a single one to virtually infinite reels in extreme cases.

The most famous slots in the style of fruit machines feature 3 reels that show 3 symbols each. Online, slots with 5 reels of 3 symbols are also very common.

What is a spin?

A spin is the name that we use for turns in the context of slot games. The term derives from the “spin” of the reels. In online casino slot games, you launch your spin by clicking the spin button after setting the stake of your choice, and if applicable, the number of paylines to play. You can choose to click each time for individual spins, or activate the autoplay function.

What is a payline?

Paylines (also called winning lines or simply winlines) are lines across the reels where winnings can occur. Generally speaking, a combination of 3 or more identical symbols along these paylines will give you winnings. Paylines start from the left in any uninterrupted pattern (horizontal, diagonal, zigzagging…). A game can have fixed paylines, or variable paylines.

Symbols in slots

Slot games feature various symbols that are themed according to the game's design. Common symbols include fruits, dice, card game letters J-Q-K-A, and icons specific to the game's theme. Each symbol has its own value linked to its occurrence. Special symbols with specific roles (scatters, wilds, jackpot, bonus symbols) can also occur.

What is a scatter symbol?

Scatters or scatter symbols are special symbols that don’t need to occur along a payline in order to have a winning result. Because of the power they have to pay out regardless of where they appear, they are relatively rare, occurring just once per reel per result at most. In some games, a certain number of these will be the trigger to get into the bonus minigame.

What is a wild symbol?

Wilds are symbols that can take the place of almost all other symbols. This way, they can link symbols across paylines, or make longer paylines. Their powers of substitution make them rather rare.

There can be many varieties of wilds: multiplying wilds, sticky wilds, expanding wilds, walking wilds, and more. The specifics of these will always be explained in the game’s help file.

What is a bonus symbol?

Bonus symbols are rare symbols that can earn you a trip to the in-game bonus round. These bonus rounds often offer additional opportunities to win bigger prizes. Among the prizes that bonus symbols can award are free spins, additional and more powerful wilds, jackpots, multipliers, or interactive minigames that can include all of the aforementioned.

What is a paytable?

Each slot game has a paytable that outlines the payouts for different combinations of symbols. It also usually includes information about special symbols and bonus features. This paytable is accessible from any games menu, or is sometimes even incorporated into the game field. It’s always a good idea to check the paytable before you start spinning, so you know what to go for.

What is autoplay?

Many slot games offer an autoplay feature. Thanks to this functionality, players can automatically spin the reels a predetermined number of times at the current stake without having to manually click the spin button each time. While this makes for faster gameplay, it can also be less engaging. We advise to calculate the total amount you’d spend this way.

What is a gamble feature?

Some slot machine games include a so-called gamble feature that gives players the opportunity to gamble their winnings for a chance to multiply them. This usually involves guessing the color or suit of a hidden card. Every time you pick the right color, the winnings from your regular spin will be doubled. If you guess the wrong color, though, you will lose the winnings of that spin entirely.

Casino slots strategies

Casino slot games offer a thrilling mix of chance and strategy, attracting players with the promise of big wins. Among the many possible strategies, the Jumper, Leveller, Booster, and Optimizer stand out as unique approaches to navigating the unpredictable world of slot games. Let's delve into each strategy to understand how they work and what sets them apart.

The Jumper strategy

True to its name, the Jumper strategy uses a positive progression system that involves progressively increasing your stake size with every winning round. The idea is to capitalize on winning streaks by jumping to higher wagers. However, you should reset to the lower stake of your choice after a spin that didn’t win. This ensures that the risk to your overall bankroll is controlled, preventing substantial losses in case the winning streak falters.

The Leveller strategy

With the Leveller strategy, you increase your wager by 2 steps after losing 5 rounds. Subsequent losses trigger additional 2-step increases. This negative progression system aims to recover losses by betting more when on a losing streak in a responsible manner.

When you eventually secure a win at a fairly high stake, you return the stake size to the base value you chose to start with. This approach seeks a balance between recuperating losses and managing overall risk.

The Booster strategy

The Booster strategy employs a negative progression system in which you increase your stake by 1 step every time you don’t win until it reaches some point you’ve set for yourself. After winning a spin, you reset the stake size to your base, creating a cyclic pattern. The Booster is designed to exploit the idea that a win is more likely after a series of losses. However, like all strategies, it comes with the need for careful management to prevent significant financial downturns.

The Optimizer strategy

A more positive progression system, the Optimizer strategy focuses on balance and adaptability. Instead of following a set pattern, you adapt your stake based on the percentage of your overall balance you choose to wager. This dynamic approach allows you to tailor your strategy to your preferred risk level. Whether you're a casual player or a high roller, the Optimizer accommodates different preferences by adapting the bet level according to your in-game performance.

Conclusion

Casino slot games are not only about spinning reels but also about strategic decision-making. The Jumper, Leveller, Booster, and Optimizer are some strategies that offer players distinct approaches to managing spins and navigating the ups and downs of slot gameplay. As with any strategy, it's crucial to approach them responsibly, set limits, and be mindful of the inherent risks. Whether you prefer the excitement of progressive jumps or the adaptability of dynamic adjustments, exploring these strategies can add a new layer of engagement to your slot gaming experience.

Ready to give slots a try?

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