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Basic Slot Rules for Beginners

Dozens of different games are available in online casinos and land-based casinos, but one of the best games for beginners is the slot machine. One of the reasons why the slot machine is perfect for gambling newbies is because of its simple gameplay, as all you have to do is push a button or pull a lever.

There are different kinds of slot machines to choose from, including bonus slots, free slots, and online slots, each with a variety of themes a nd gameplay mechanics. Many online slots even offer free slots with bonus features and loyalty rewards to keep players engaged. 

Each of these slot games has something different to offer, although they follow the same basic rules as classic slots. If you want to know more about how to play, these slot tips can guide novice gamers.

Where Do Slots Come From?

The predecessor of the modern slot machine was developed in 1891 by a company called Sittman and Pitt in Brooklyn, New York. The gambling machine they created had gameplay mechanics based on poker and had very different rules from the simpler slot machine that we know today.

Around 1895, a gambling machine called "Liberty Bell" was introduced by a San Francisco-based mechanic named Charles Fey. This particular machine featured the classic symbols that we see in modern slot machines, including diamonds, spades, hearts, horseshoes, and its namesake, the Liberty Bell, which represents independence for the US.

The first fully electromechanical slot machine was developed in 1963 by Bally, a company specializing in gambling machines. The machine, called "Money Honey," featured an automatic payout of up to 500 coins. This was revolutionary at the time since an attendant was previously required to get the machine's payout. 

Today, players can enjoy these machines in both land-based and online casinos, with online slots offering even more modern features and convenience.

What are the Different Types of Slots?

We have mentioned previously that there are various kinds of slots available in both online casinos and land-based casinos. These varieties of slot machines provide unique features that make their gameplay more fun and exciting for players. Here are the most popular types of slots you can play.

Video Slots

Video slots are slot machines that feature a monitor or computerized display rather than mechanical reels. These video slots are more consistent and durable since there are no physical reels or mechanical parts that can become faulty over time. Video slots often include more features than mechanical classic slots since developers can add various items or mechanics shown on the screen.

Progressive Jackpot Slots

Progressive jackpot slots feature prizes that have a progressive structure, meaning the value or size of the prizes continues to increase as more players place their bets, as long as nobody wins the prize. Jackpot slots like these often give out the biggest prizes in casinos due to their high volatility and low RTP (return-to-player) rate.

Multiple Payline Slot Machines

These slot machines have many paylines, which are the lines or rows where you need to match the same symbols on the reels to win a prize. Having multiple payline slot machines is advantageous for those wanting more chances to win.

Online Slot Machines

Online slot machines are games you can play in online casinos and social casinos. These games are similar to video slots in terms of gameplay, with unique mechanics or features, thanks to the flexibility of developing digital slots.

Classic Slots

Classic slots, as their name suggests, are the simple and timeless slot machines commonly found in land-based casinos. These machines usually feature mechanical reels, providing a vintage gameplay experience. Many online versions of these are available, and often come with bonuses to keep players engaged.

Placing Bets on Slot Machines

Placing bets on slot machines is relatively simple, although there are specific steps you need to follow to get the best bet for every spin. Below are the steps in placing bets on slot machines:

• Choose a Slot Machine: The first step is to choose a slot machine that suits your preferences. If you want to get more wins, pick jackpot slots or big jackpot slots that have a high RTP or return-to-player rate and low volatility. This is one of the best strategies for learning how to win on slot machines.
• Set the Bet Amount: Once you have found the best slot machine, you can set the amount of your bet. You do this by pressing specific buttons that allow you to decrease or increase your bet amount, especially when playing in online casinos or online slots.
• Pick One or More Paylines: After placing a bet, you can then pick one or more paylines on the slot machine. Choosing all paylines gives you an increased chance of winning slot machine jackpots. Keep in mind that each payline has a cost deducted from your total bet, and making smart choices with paylines can help you understand how to win big in gambling and take advantage of any bonuses available.

Learning the Visual Elements

Another way for you to have a better understanding of slot machines is by learning the visual elements of the games. There can sometimes be symbols, icons, or items that appear on various sections of the game's screen, and you will need to know each of them and what they do. Here are the visual elements of slot machines you need to know about:

• Reels: These are the sections of the game that contain the symbols and spin once you push a button or pull a lever. This is one of the core slot machine mechanics.
• Bet Display: This section of the slot machine shows the total amount of the bet you wagered for the game. In online slots, this can also be adjusted easily based on your preference.
• Paylines: These are the lines or rows where symbols on the reels can be matched. Paylines may give out different rewards depending on their position on the screen and the symbols you have matched. Jackpot slots and big jackpot slots often offer higher payouts on certain paylines.
• Wild Symbol: This symbol acts as a substitute for other symbols in the game. If you have matched the same symbols on the reels except for one, with a wild symbol present, you can still win a slot machine jackpot.
• Multiplier: This symbol or separate reel can multiply your winnings in the game. Multipliers can be obtained through bonuses or during a bonus round. These multipliers offer a chance to multiply your winnings and increase your gambling rewards.
• Bonus Round: The bonus round is a special segment of the game where you get a chance to gain more prizes besides the jackpot. It may appear after you have aligned the same symbols on a payline.

How to Gamble Responsibly

While playing slots is truly fun, there can be instances where you gamble too much and lose a lot of money in a single day. This can feel very upsetting, especially for those who have become addicted to gambling. If you want to control your gambling, follow the tips we provided below:

• Set a Budget: You need to set a budget to control how much money you are gambling in online casinos and land-based casinos. Be sure to stick to your budget and don't overspend, which is key to practicing responsible gambling.
• Choose Slot Games with High RTP: If you want to get more wins playing slot machines, choose games with high RTP (return-to-player) rates. This can help you understand how to win on slot machines and ensures that you will get most of your money back from playing multiple spins, whether in online slots or land-based ones.
• Take Frequent Breaks: When you feel down after losing many spins, it's important to take breaks to rest and reflect. Luck doesn't come every day, even in jackpot slots or big jackpot slots, so it's important to accept that there will be days when you lose more spins than win slot machine jackpots.

FAQ

Now that we have discussed the basic rules of slot machines and their mechanics, there may still be some questions left unanswered. Check out below for the most frequently asked questions about slot machines and our answers.

1. What is the Best Strategy for Playing Online Slot Games?

While the gameplay of online slots doesn't require much strategy, choosing the right games does. For higher chances of winning, you need to find games with low volatility and high RTP rates. This is an important slot strategy to keep in mind when playing in an online casino.

2. Which Slots Have the Best Odds?

The slot odds are best in games with high RTP rates and low volatility. You can find this information through casino review websites. These sites will provide details about games, including their volatility, RTP rate, and other features like free spins.

3. Is the "Gamble" Feature Worth It?

The "gamble" feature works similarly to bonus rounds, as it helps increase your winnings. Having this feature in free online casino slots or real-money games is great since it can boost the prizes you win by aligning symbols on the reels.

4. Are Slots Really Random?

While classic slots and online slots are mostly random, there is a system that determines how frequently they give out prizes, which is why volatility exists. Choose low volatility games for a higher chance of getting a prize in fewer spins.

5. Are Online Slots Legal?

Online slots are completely legal slots as long as you play in a licensed online casino. A licensed casino ensures that your personal information and money are safe.

6. How Do I Choose the Best Online Casino for Slot Play?

You can choose the best online casino for slots by reading reviews and recommendations. Reviews from casino websites and forums will help you find the best places to play, including games like VIP slots and free online casino slots.

7. What is a Wild Symbol?

A wild symbol is an icon or image on the reels that can act as a substitute for other symbols, helping you complete winning combinations.

8. What are Free Spins?

Free spins are a type of bonus you can get in online casinos. They allow you to play extra spins on slot machines without having to pay for paylines or bets.