Slot Rules - A Step by Step Guide
Individual slot game rules will vary depending on the game you’re playing, but the step by step guide below should give you a feel for the basics. The good news is that for most games, they’re very simple. Here’s how the process might look when you play slots online:
Key Slots Terms You Need To Know
- Action
This refers to the amount of money you’ve played (including what you’ve won or lost) during a single session
- Bonus round
A special feature, often comprised of free spins with a multiplier, that gives players more chances to win
- Cold
A slot that does not pay out often is said to be "cold"
- Flat top
A game with a fixed jackpot that will not go above a certain value
- Fixed jackpot
A jackpot that is “fixed” at a certain value
- Free spin
A spin that doesn’t cost players anything
- Hit
A win
- Hot
A slot that pays out regularly is said to be "hot"
- Jackpot
This is the maximum amount a game will pay out on a single win
- Multi-line
Slots with multiple paylines are known as “multi-line” slots
- Payline
This is a line across which symbols line up to trigger a win
- Progressive jackpot
A supersized jackpot that continues to grow until it’s randomly triggered
- Progressive slot
Any slot that builds its jackpot using a small percentage of every bet on the machine
- Random number generator (RNG)
Technology that generates numbers at random
- Reels
These are the columns that make up the interface of a game
- Scatter symbol
In addition to granting small payouts, these usually trigger bonus features
- Staggered payout
This is a payout that’s released in instalments over time
- Steam
A mood of frustration/anger that often results in burning through cash chasing losses
- Symbols
The pictures on the reels of a slot machine are known as symbols
- Video slot
A slot powered by RNGs instead of physical reels
- Wild symbol
These will substitute other symbols to generate wins
- Winning combination
When matching symbols line up across a payline
- Zig zag
A ‘system’ for identifying when slots are about to get hot. Players should look for symbols in V, diagonal or diamond patterns
Tips from Our Slots Experts
Whether we’re talking about spinning the reels offline or checking out the latest online slot game, our team has a ton of invaluable knowledge that we’re happy to share with our readers. The following tips are what we think everyone should know before they hit the slots:
Playing Different Types of Slots
There are several different varieties of games out there, each with their own set of slot game rules you’ll need to become familiar with. Let’s take a look at some of the key types you’ll encounter:
Play Slots Online
Real money play is very different to playing with practice money so it’s wise to start slow. But you’ll likely feel comfortable quickly, especially if you’ve used an offline slot.
Once you’re in the groove, you may want to look at the range of titles and formats offered by different software providers. Be sure to check out our recommendations of the best places to play slots online!