03/03/2025 08:00
Simple guide to understanding slot machines
Are you looking to play at a casino or directly on slot machines? These one-armed bandits may seem complicated at first glance, but rest assured, this blog post on Loco Casino will simplify everything for you when playing on our online gambling site.
Essential elements of a slot machine
Slot machines from top game providers like Novomatic or CT Interactive share common elements. They have reels, paylines, and much more.
Reels
Reels are the main component of any slot machine. They spin vertically when you start the game. Each spin is unpredictable, as online casino games use a Random Number Generator (RNG). Physical machines used to have mechanical reels, but today, almost all are digital.
Paylines
Paylines determine your winnings. You must align identical symbols on these active lines. A classic slot machine offers between 10 and 20 paylines. Some games provide thousands of ways to win. Paylines can be horizontal or follow different patterns. Some are fixed, while others can be selected.
Symbols
Symbols are the images that appear on the reels. They often match the theme of the game. Each machine requires a specific number of identical symbols to win—for example, 3, 4, or 5 matching symbols. There are low-value and high-value symbols. Wild symbols substitute for other symbols, while scatter symbols trigger bonuses.
How to read a slot machine?
Before inserting your first coin, take a moment to decode what the bright screen is telling you. How do you read a slot machine? It’s both simpler and more complex than it seems.
Paytables
The paytable displays the potential winnings for each combination. It also explains all special features. You can find this information in the settings or by clicking on the information icon. This is your complete guide to the game. Always check the paytable before playing a new casino game.
Bets
Each slot machine has its own betting rules. The minimum bet can go as low as €0.01 per spin. For small budgets, choose machines with a low minimum bet. High rollers will prefer machines with high maximum bets. You can adjust your wager by changing the coin value. Some machines require betting on all paylines.
Understanding symbols and features
Low-value symbols are often represented by playing cards (10, J, Q, K, A). They offer modest winnings. High-value symbols are linked to the game’s theme. They can multiply your bet by 100 or more.
Casino terms to know
Progressive jackpots increase with each bet placed by players on the site, and the total can reach thousands of euros, which you can quickly withdraw.
| Terms | Meanings |
|---|---|
| Scatters | Often triggers free spins. The more you get on the reels, the more free spins you receive. |
| Symbole Wild | Replaces other symbols to form winning combinations. Some have their own value. |
| Multipliers | Increase the value of your winnings. For example, if you get a x10 multiplier, your winnings will be multiplied by ten. |
| Free spins | Allow you to play without betting during the bonus round. They are often accompanied by special bonus features. |
| RTP (Return to Player) | Indicates how much the machine pays back to players on average. A rate of 96% is standard for slots. Volatility indicates the frequency of winnings. High volatility means rarer but larger payouts. |
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