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How much do you know about slot games? Slots are some of the most popular casino games, both online and in land-based casinos, with thousands of different varieties available.
So, let’s take a look at ten facts about online Slots that you may or may not know.
- Random number generators drive the reels
The outcome of every spin in online Slots is determined by a computer algorithm known as a random number generator (RNG). These ensure that the game’s outcomes are entirely random in nature and cannot be predicted, as RNGs generate strings of thousands of random numbers per second.
This is actually true for most land-based slot machines too, as most have moved away from mechanical designs and physical reels.
- The importance of the return to player percentage
Something listed in the information for every slot game is its return to player (RTP) percentage. This figure indicates the game’s average payout rate over time. If a slot game lists an RTP of 95%, then it returns an average of 95 for every 100 wagered.
But it’s also important to understand that the RTP percentage is worked out over significant timescales, meaning that it is no guarantee of any short-term outcomes.
- The volatility factor
Another key piece of information is the game’s volatility. Slots are divided into brackets of high, low and medium volatility, giving players a sense of which games suit their personal preferences.
High volatility games offer less frequent payouts but higher ones overall, while low volatility Slots have smaller payouts on a more frequent basis. Medium volatility games sit in between these.
- There are many different types of Slots
Slot games have come a long way since the earliest slot machine designs. Nowadays, there are many different categories of Slots that are distinguished by varying themes, jackpot styles and gameplay mechanics.
Even the number of reels varies between games, with anywhere between three and seven.
- There’s no such thing as ‘hot’ or ‘cold’ Slots
Casino superstition suggests that slot machines can be either ‘hot’ (close to a payout) or ‘cold’ (not close to one). This isn’t true, as there’s no relation between how recently a particular game has paid out and when a matching combination will land again.
Thanks to RNGs, the outcome of every spin is completely random and independent.
- One of the oldest slot machine designs was more like video Poker
Before the Liberty Bell – widely accepted as the ancestor of all modern Slots – there was another slot machine designed by developers Sittman and Pitt. This design featured five spinning reels printed with 50 different playing card faces, with players aiming to land a combination, making a valid Poker hand.
- Some Slots have thousands of paylines
The payline is the line on which matching symbols must land to form a matching combination. In old slot machine designs, there was only one line – the central horizontal row – but over time, more were added.
Modern online Slots have variable numbers of potential paylines – horizontal, vertical, diagonal, zigzags and other shapes – not all of which are activated on a given spin.
- Slots have different names in different places
Slot machines have gone by plenty of names over the years, from one-armed bandits to fruit machines. In some places, Slots are still commonly referred to as nicknames like ‘Pokies’.
- Progressive jackpots can grow to large figures
Some slot games have progressive jackpots, which means that a fraction of each wager goes towards the jackpot figure. This allows it to continue growing over time, until one player lands the jackpot combination and the pot resets.
- Slots are the most popular online casino game
Last, but not least, Slots are the most commonly played online casino game out there. In no small part, thanks to how many different slot games exist online!
