Online Casino Slots FAQ

 

What Is A Payline?

The payline on an online casino slots machine is a line that runs from left to right upon which the symbols must line up so you can win. Most new slots players imagine that the payline must be a straight line across the center of the screen, and while this is true, especially for the older classic slots, many newer slots have a large variety of patterns that crisscross the screen up, down, and diagonally in many combinations. Some online slots casinos let you choose which paylines you want to bet on, and others give you group options of several different payline combinations.

What Is A Progressive Jackpot?

Progressive jackpots are unusually high payouts above and beyond a slot machine’s listed jackpots and occur when you get a specific set of symbols. Some online casinos require that payline to also include a specially signified symbol, such as a wildcard, or that you bet the highest denomination allowed for that particular slots game to activate the jackpot. Some online casino progressive jackpots hit only hit once or twice a year, but offer the chance to win life changing money that runs into millions of dollars. Other online casinos have progressive jackpots that hit once or twice a month, but offer smaller and more frequent wins.

What Are Coins?

Coins symbolize the amount you are betting. A coin can be worth a varying amount of money and the term pays homage to the physical land-based slot machines where players must insert coins to operate them. Always make sure you have set your coin size to a comfortable amount before spinning the reels.

What Is Autoplay?

Autoplay lets you play a continuously without having to press the “spin” button. This allows you to get through a large number of spins quickly. You can also set the autoplay to stop on specific conditions, like hitting a jackpot. The disadvantage with this is that it disconnects you from the game, you could end up gambling more than you want to, and each spin will be for exactly the same bet amount and will activate the same paylines.

What Is A Wild Symbol?

Like in a standard deck of cards, the wild symbol is like the joker of the pack. It is a chosen picture that can represent any other symbol on the board. So if the game you are playing designates an orange as the wild symbol, and you get a payline with four cherries and an orange, the orange will count as a cherry and you have all five symbols to trigger the jackpot. Thus games with wild symbols offer more chances to win.

What Is A Scatter Symbol?

Scatter symbols are different as they do not have to be in a payline to trigger a win. Normally a specified number of scatter symbols appearing anywhere on the reels results in a payout – hence the term “scatter” as they are scattered over the display. Most slot machines pay out for three scatter symbols or more, although some online slots casinos allow for two or more. Some activate a bonus game when you have three or more scatter symbols. Check the pay table on each game to find out what the payouts are for scatter symbols.

What Software Do I Need To Play Online Slots?

You will need to download the software of your chosen online casino [see our online casino FAQ] to play their slot games. However, you can also find casinos that offer internet browser based versions of their games, which are ideal for a Mac or Apple players. But do be advised these “no download” versions still require you to register with an online casino and often have fewer games than the download version.

Can I Play For Free?

Many online slots casinos offer free play options so that you can get used to the games, and learn the best ways to bet, and how much each game pays out. Even though the money won on each spin shows up in the payout area in free games, you will not be able to cash out any free game winnings. However, you can have great fun trying to rack up a high score.

Do I Always Have To Play Maximum Bet?

No, of course not. Each online slots machine has several betting levels to choose on each spin. Do bear in mind that some online casinos require you to play with the maximum bet if you want to try and win a progressive jackpot. If you do not play the maximum bet, and still meet all the other requirements for the progressive, it will only pay out like a normal bet.

What Is A Pay Table?

The pay table is a chart on each game that tells you how much you will win for each spin combination. Each game has different payouts and you can win on any number of like symbols in a payline based on their pay table.

Are Online Slots Safe?

Yes, because they are highly regulated, and must conform to national laws in the countries they are available in. Online casinos also take great care in providing the best safety and security measures for their players to ensure privacy for both personal and financial information.

Are There Limits On The Amounts You Can Bet?

In most cases, yes, each online slots casino will have a betting limit. This can range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars per spin depending on the slot machine.

What Are The Odds Of Winning At Online Slots Compared To Land-Based Slot Machines?

Actually, the odds are little better at winning online slots because the online casinos have far less overheads so they can afford to spread the money out to players. Online casinos often have audited payout percentages in excess of 95%.

Will I Get All Of My Winnings At Once, Or Will I Have To Take Installment Payments On Big Payouts?

Unlike land-based casinos, online slots casinos payout in one lump sum, even for million dollar progressive jackpots. That means you can take that dream holiday right away…

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