Playing slot machines is very simple and this is a straight forward guide for anyone who has already played slots and wants to learn a little more or the complete beginner.
How to play
Whilst the technology of slots machines has developed significantly over the past one hundred years, the game has essentially remained the same. The original mechanical slot machines were operated by pulling down a large lever on the side of the machine which was connected to a shaft supporting the reels. The spinning reels were then stopped by a braking system to display various pictures. Today, however, on the modern electronic machines you need only to conveniently push a button on the front panel to spin the reels.
Whether you win or lose is determined by which pictures line up with the pay line. If each reels displays the same winning picture in the pay line, you win! The amount you win depends upon the pictures that lined up. Sometimes there are certain single images that are winners too.
Odds
The odds of winning are determined by the number of reels and symbols on each reel. Most machines operate with 3 wheels but some have 4 or even 5 reels. A greater number of reels and symbols means lower odds of winning but a considerably higher prize.
Types of slot machines
There are 3 types of slot machines:
Slot machine pay outs
The payback percentage from slot machines ranges from 80 to 98 per cent. This means that whilst some might win huge jackpots and others will just cover their cost of playing, most players will lose money playing the slots.
Collecting your winnings
If you win a small jackpot, the prize money is paid out by the machine itself. However, if you win a large jackpot, the prize money is paid out by the casino.
Online slot machines
Online slot machines work very similarly to real life slot machines. You simply press the ‘Spin’ button and the computer generates a totally random number that determines when each reel will stop spinning. Of course, it’s much easier to program an online slot machine to display particular symbols on each reel.