We have the right tips for online slots so you can have the best fun out of it. As they welcome a complex base of players, slots are one of the most popular casino games. Given the online slots diversity, the internet came up with theories and slot machine myths about how they work for better wins.
Therefore, we have decided to speak the truth about them. Keep reading and let’s debunk the myths one by one!
SLOTS AND HOW THEY WORK
Before we go on the myth hunt, we first need to understand how slot machines work. They generally have at least three reels or at least five for video slots. Each reel has several symbols, and some combinations can result in winnings.
The Beginning of Slots
The first slot machine was developed in New York around 1891 and its mechanism was based on poker rules. This made the winning combinations almost impossible to predict, which prevented the developers from creating an automated system.
However, a few years later, another developer created the Liberty Bell slot machine, which was simpler to use and more similar to the slots we know today.
The symbol combinations were highly reduced, and this slot machine had more success with the public. Lastly, around 1996, the first video slot was launched, which featured two screens and more dynamic graphics.
Technical Matters
Video Slots generally have five reels with a specific number of symbols on each reel. One of the tips for online slots is that a higher number of reels brings a higher number of paylines.
Tip
A payline can take many forms, such as vertical, horizontal, straight, or zig-zag lines. This depends on how the slot game is designed.
The payline connects symbols with winning potential if you placed a bet on that combination. However, the payout is given by a Random Number Generator software.
What is the RNG? - Random Number Generator
A Random Number Generator is a tool used in many other fields, such as computer simulation or statistical sampling. For gambling, the RNG eventually ensures that the combinations on slots are unpredictable at all times.
The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) is one of the regulators that ensures the proper functioning of the RNG to maintain fairness for all gamblers.
SLOTS RTP AND VOLATILITY
Slots are games of chance. However, the secrets to playing slots are not based on luck, but a few technical patterns typical to the slot category. Through the tips for online slots, keep in mind that winnings are based on RTP and volatility, which are programmed by the game developers.
The two concepts are similar, both referring to the chances of winning or losing after you place your bets. While the RTP anticipates results, in the long run, volatility determines payouts for shorter periods of session time.
What is the RTP? - Return to Player
Return to Player represents the bet value, as a percentage, that returns to you after several spins.
Example
When a game has an RTP of 95%, for a $100 bet, the winning expectation is $95.
The RTP represents your odds of winning or hitting a jackpot and game developers need to create it in a way that the payout lives up to the return percentage. Moreover, a 95% return implies that the house can gain 5% of the winning generated from your wagers.
Tip
Most casinos let you know about the return percentage of a game, or you can simply find it online.
Volatility
Volatility determines the risks of the bets played. The higher the volatility the higher the risk and vice versa. Low, medium, and high are the three types of volatility you will encounter in slots. The risks are at different scales and suit different gaming styles.
What casinos don't want you to know about slots is, at times, the volatility. Therefore, the best method to learn about the volatility of a slot is to play it, and after a few rounds, you will notice it based on its payouts.
Recommendation
What slots to play based on volatility depends on your gambling style and willingness to invest.
Low Volatility Slots
This type generates smaller amounts of winnings but in a faster manner. Playing low variance games will keep you engaged, as even after a few spins you might see results. Hitting the big win can take longer compared to other variances, but it is not impossible.
Medium Volatility
The medium one gives a balance between the extremes with payouts that might be generated at a slower pace. Medium volatile games offer much more bonuses, and it seems to compensate for the number of spins needed for a standalone win.
High Volatility
Playing a high volatile game can require patience, a good betting balance, but the wins might make it worth the time. The high-risk slots are designed to generate big jackpot wins when time and finances are invested.
Please note
When playing high volatility slots it can take between 5,000 and 10,000 wagers to receive winnings.
SLOT GAMES DIVERSITY
Besides the various themes that can be found through slots, there is also a significant number of categories for all types of gamblers. They aim to cover different entertaining or winning styles and vary from classic slots to titles that can be opened in VR.
Mobile Slots
No matter where you are if you have an internet connection and a smartphone or a tablet, you can play mobile slots on both iOS and Android.
As one of the tips for online slots, consider that most online casinos have either a designated app or platforms that are well adapted to any type of device.
Online Slots Features
Developers provide slots with a variety of features. Each has a unique set of characteristics that can be a way on how to understand slot machines.
| Feature | Characteristics |
| Win Both Ways | When included in a slot, this feature will give wins in both directions, when manually activated |
| Wilds | Symbols that contribute to the winning combinations |
| Free Spins | Free spins are given when landing three or more Scatter symbols |
| Volatility | Represents the risk of slots or the frequency of which a game will trigger wins |
| Scatter | Also called Scatter Pays, is a symbol that gives wins when it lands on reels |
| Hold | This rare feature allows you to freeze a reel while you spin the rest |
| RTP | The percentage that returns to you after a winning bet |
| Bonus Games | Mini-games that can provide additional bonuses |
| Reel Respins | To have the right combination, you can respins a reel for a specific price |
Classic Slots
These are the simplest types and their mechanics are inspired by the traditional slot machines. They have three reels, which makes them simple to learn and understand.
They also make it easier to land on a winning combination. Having only three reels, a jackpot is won when similar symbols are lined up.
A popular example of a classic slot is Mega Joker from NetEnt. This slot has a 99% RTP and it was released in 2013.
Video Slots
Representing a step forward, video slots are the first ones to have a screen and computerized mechanics. They have five reels and can offer more winning chances. Moreover, they have entertaining graphics, sounds, and effects.
Gold Fish is a video slot released in 2014 by WMS Gaming having a 96% return to player.
Six & Seven Reel Slots
These types of slots present grids of 6x3 or 7x3 and create the advantage of longer sessions. Also, they can generate additional bonus features. Having more reels, the winning combinations are not necessarily linear and can take different forms.
One example of a 6 reel slot also comes from WMS Gaming. Raging Rhino was released in 2014 and has an RTP of 95.91%.
Progressive Slots
Also called progressive jackpots, they can have different themes or a different number of reels. Every wager made by players contributes to the jackpot.
On online casinos, there are generally dedicated sections for such slots. Also, the total accumulated jackpot is shown next to any progressive slots.
In 2019, iSoftBet released Aztec Gold Megaways. This progressive slot has an RTP of 95.99%.
Interactive Slots
The I-Slots benefit from a modern design, allowing players to create their own storyline by wagering on different reel combinations. As this is a special type of slot, your skills can trigger more bonus features and more chances of winning.
One of the I-Slots is called Spy Game, with a 95.09% RTP. It was released by Rival in 2010.
VR Slots
If you have a favorite slot title, now it’s your chance to play it in virtual reality and become a character of the game. To have this immersive experience, connect to your Oculus Rift, Sony Playstation VR, or any other related devices.
One VR slot is Dracula’s Family, released in 2018 by Belka VR and is part of a series of VR slots from the same developer.
THE REALITY OF PROGRESSIVE JACKPOTS
Most progressive jackpots are related to slots and have top payout values given at certain lengths of time. Apart from slots, these jackpots are also available on other types of games, such as video poker and blackjack.
Mainly, a slot game with progressive jackpots is programmed to take a percentage from other bets and add it to the final jackpot. At some point, one player will win the total amount, while the jackpot resets to a predetermined level and starts building up again.
Please note
Progressive jackpots have a lower RTP, which usually ranges between 89% and 94%.
The highest wins can go up to millions of dollars and can be played on both online casinos and land-based slot machines.
How do you play slots for beginners? Well, the first thing to understand about progressive jackpots is eligibility. To create yourself a chance at winning, you need to place the maximum wagers values of a slot game.
Is a Jackpot Easier to Win in Slots Tournaments?
Because of their popularity, casinos often organize Slot Tournaments, where players compete in ranking for a limited time. The main difference between playing in tournaments and playing alone in a slot game is that you are competing against other players.
However, the belief that a jackpot can be easier hit through tournaments is not exactly accurate, but rather a myth based on some player’s luck. If the RNG of a game remains the same during the tournaments, a jackpot can be obtained in the same manner.
Recommendation
A jackpot can be also hit in Tournaments, but the odds seem to be similar to when playing a standalone slot title.
HOT & COLD SLOTS - FACT OR MYTH?
In the gambling world, a hot slot refers to a game that has recently generated more wins, while a cold slot pays out less. The theory around hot and cold slots comes from what seems to be a pattern of how the slot pays out.
Remember
Slots operate on RNG software that makes every spin unique and makes every combination unpredictable.
Therefore, we are talking about a theory based on hypothetical luck. But it is important to remember that slots are computerized machines operating on software. This implies that a slot game is less likely to generate potential results based on odds, but more on the system it was developed.
Manage Your Experience
When considering your chances at slot machines, you might also think about the experience you prefer to have.
Whether you want to consider the cold and hot slot theory or not, it entirely depends on you. Still, volatility, the RNG, and RTP of a game remain the relevant factors that you should take into consideration.
Moreover, the Random Number Generator and the Return to Player percentage are generally tested and monitored by the licensed operators.
Therefore, to play with low risks, aim for slots with low volatility. For potential bigger wins, play games with higher volatility. However, if you are interested in the amounts that you can gain, you might want to look for game titles with an RTP of over 97%.
SPIN WITH THE AUTOPLAY FEATURE
The autoplay feature is present on most online slots games and allows you to let the reels spin automatically. You can select the autoplay from the game settings. You will then select the number of spins and the value of the bets.
PLEASE NOTE
As we learned by now, all slots function based on certain computerized tools, such as the RNG or RTP. This is also the case with the autoplay feature.
While spinning automatically, the chances of winning or losing remain the same as when you would spin the wheels yourself.
Autoplay Feature Removal
On 17th May 2021, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission decided to implement some measures that concern responsible gambling. This is related to the autoplay feature, as it can be considered a way of influencing risky gambling behavior.
Therefore, the autoplay option shall be removed from games, as well as the quick spin and other sounds or images that might give the false impression of a win. Additionally, no spin can go faster than 2.5 seconds.
Please note
The basis of this decision is that a player can lose track of time and can be encouraged to play and spend even more while using the autoplay option.
SLOTS MISTAKES TO AVOID
While gambling it is good to consider a few aspects, all for improving your overall experience and preventing irregular gambling. We considered a list of mistakes to avoid when making the first steps towards a gaming session.
Not reading the Terms and Conditions of the casino
It is recommended to get familiar with the T&Cs of a casino even before you open an account. This section is important as it contains info about wagering, transactions, RTP, or the legality of the casino.
Not opening the Help file
All the online slots have a help file that explains the bonus and prizes of a game. It can be considered as a page of online slots tips, as it can help you make the best out of a slot title.
Not choosing the right volatility
Recognize your gambling style, then choose the games with the right volatility for you. Keep in mind that the higher the volatility, the higher your potential wins can be.
Throwing money away
Before playing, think of money management. Make a plan of how much money and time you want to spend. This way, the chances of throwing away your finances on slots and developing a gambling addiction are significantly lower.
Starting a session with real money
Most slots come with a free play mode. You are given a fictional amount of money to bet and can spin the reels to view how it functions. It is better to test a slot with play money than risk losing your funds.
Choosing only one type of slot
If a specific slot type is suitable for you, that’s great. But if you are not sure what floats your boat, it can be good to experiment with different types. You can go after slots with multiple reels, certain RTPs, or volatility.
Avoiding bonuses
At times slots can be better by playing them with a casino bonus activated. You can select some free spins bonuses, welcome packages, or whatever the casino is offering at the time. It can lower your deposit amount and increase the withdrawal amount.
SLOTS MYTHS CONCLUSION
On this page, we went through some of the myths and tips for online slots that you can use for a better gambling experience.
When in doubt, use this info to find the technical specifications of a slot, what mistakes to avoid, or if you are simply curious about this perspective of slots.
Thank you for voting. 
Level 0 
0 Coins 
Bonuses 
Casinos 
Games 
Academy 
News 
Shop 
NEW Q&A 
Sweepstakes 
