Online Slots
| Updated: Online Slots and What They Can Offer to Gambling Aficionados
Slots have been a player favorite ever since they were first introduced to the public at large. The appeal of this type of casino game is evident, as there are no complex rules for players to follow, making slots a suitable option for casino novices. The outcome of each spin is completely random, meaning virtually no decision-making is involved in playing the game. Moreover, since everything is based on luck, players are not required to possess any prior experience or skill.
All these factors have further contributed to the popularity that slots enjoy today. This type of game is, in fact, so popular that it has made it to the catalogs of all reputable online casinos, where players get to choose from hundreds of enticing titles, each one offering a unique theme, different betting limits, and additional features. Online slots offer greater convenience and flexibility, as the titles are typically available in both desktop and mobile formats. Given their overwhelming popularity, this article aims to introduce players to how online slots work, what information is available in the paytable, how the RNG determines the outcome of a spin, and what slot variants one can expect to find in the catalogs of remote casinos.
Random Number Generators in Online Slots
Decades before online casinos arrived on the scene, slot machines’ return percentages were determined by the number of symbols per reel and the payouts for winning combinations. However, this is no longer the case, thanks to the introduction of the virtual reel and random number generation. All online slots use random number generators (RNGs) to determine spin results.
The RNG relies on complex, lengthy algorithms to produce the outcomes and starts with an initial seed number. The process of random number generation is lightning-fast, with the generator producing hundreds of numbers every single second. It never stops running, even when the slot game is not being played. Some players think the RNG can skew the spin results, but this is untrue, especially if the games have passed internal and external audits for fairness.
The RNG’s sole purpose is to produce random numbers. It has no idea how the game uses these numbers. It does not know whether you are winning or losing, either. Furthermore, the generator uses a complete set of numbers on every round, which means all combinations are equally possible on each spin.
Online Slots Are Preprogrammed and Random at the Same Time
Some players question the randomness of slots because they are preprogrammed. They wonder how this is possible. What they forget is that all slots have programmed payback percentages, but the spins’ outcomes are indeed random. The programmed return percentages work exactly like those in land-based table games such as roulette, baccarat, and craps.
All these games arrive at their payback percentages in the long run because of the way their odds are built. Game manufacturers and slot operators set the odds so that high-paying combinations hit less frequently than low payers, and losing spins occur more often than winning ones. In classic slots using only three reels, this would lead to more losing rounds than winning ones.
In video slots with five reels, it causes players to experience more losses disguised as wins than to hit larger payouts exceeding the initial wager. Software developers merely set the odds of slots – the random number generator does the rest. The way random numbers are mapped onto the icons and how many of them are used varies from one online slot to the next.
Types of Random Number Generators
Random number generation is crucial to cryptography, which defines it as the absence of any pattern or order. For numbers to be random, they must be uncorrelated with one another and uniform, meaning that when a cycle is complete, all integers will have appeared once. There are two main types of random number generators: truly random and pseudo-random. Most online casinos use pseudo-random generators for the outcomes of their games, slots included.
Pseudo-random number generators use complex mathematical algorithms to simulate random results. The algorithm calculates the numerical sequences for the symbol combinations appearing on the reels, so the outcomes by definition cannot be truly random.
Pseudo-random numbers follow repeatable patterns of recurrence, but these are extremely long. Players cannot identify the patterns, so the results on the screen appear completely arbitrary to them. One must know the original seed number, the exact algorithm, and its internal state to predict the next number sequence and its corresponding symbol combination.
The seed number is the initial starting point of the algorithm and often consists of thousands of digits. Sequences of complex mathematical calculations are in place to generate the numbers that produce the final outcome of the spin. Furthermore, the algorithm determines what symbol combination will appear on the screen the exact millisecond the player touches the Spin button.
In contrast, true random number generators rely on natural occurrences to create arbitrary number sequences. Here the randomness stems from physical phenomena like radioactive decay or atmospheric and thermal noise. The process is expensive and time-consuming, which is why most online slots rely on pseudo-random number generation.
Special third-party testing agencies (like eCOGRA) audit the casinos’ gaming equipment to ensure the outcomes are indeed fair to players. They examine the gambling sites’ servers to ensure the random number generators truly produce arbitrary results, leading to the slots’ expected theoretical return.
Playing Online Slots
As there are no major deviations in the rules, players who have enjoyed slots in brick-and-mortar venues would hardly face any issues figuring out how the games work when played online. Of course, each player’s objective is to collect a payout. In order to win, one must land a combination of matching symbols on the reels, the vertical sections that rotate when the player clicks on the Spin button.
With most online slots, the identical symbols need to line up on an active payline. The number of paylines a given online slot offers indicates the number of possible winning combinations in the game. This means the more paylines there are, the greater the player’s chances of hitting winning combinations of matching symbols on one or several lines.
At online casinos, players can choose from a wide variety of titles. Some of them have fixed paylines, so it is necessary to bet on all of them per spin. Others have adjustable paylines, allowing slot fans to select which lines to bet on. Players should keep in mind that only the active lines pay out on winning combinations. If identical symbols land on a deactivated payline (i.e., no bet has been placed on the line), it will not pay.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the higher the coin denominations the game utilizes, the greater the slot’s volatility will be. In other words, online slots with higher denominations hit winning combinations less frequently, but the payouts are more substantial. When choosing an online slot, players are highly recommended to consider the overall size of their bankroll for the betting session.
Prior to starting play, you have to choose how much you will bet per spin. There are two factors to consider – credits/coins per payline and the real-money value of one credit/coin. Keep in mind that betting more credits per line will do nothing to increase your chances of winning.
Last but not least, players must select which paylines to activate, provided that the slot features adjustable paylines. It is important to remember that betting on fewer paylines will reduce the probability of landing winning combinations of matching symbols. There is no need to keep track of the paylines, as winning combinations are displayed on the screen after each spin, while the overall amount players have won is shown below the reels.
The outcome of each spin is determined by a program called a Random Number Generator. The latter generates random numbers that correspond to the symbols on the reels and performs complex calculations based on rather long algorithms.
Most Widespread Types of Online Slots
One of the greatest advantages of enjoying slots at online casinos stems from the fact that there is a wider range of titles players can choose from. The titles offered by established web-based casino operators are extremely diverse in terms of themes, storylines, betting limits, and special features.
However, slots are usually classified into two major categories, depending on the number of reels incorporated into the game. Classic slots are the more simplified variant, as they feature only three reels, or three sections that rotate vertically. Classic slots typically offer limited betting options because there are fewer paylines to activate and bet on. The oldest classic slots have just one payline.
Yet, it is also possible to find classic slots where three or even five paylines are available. Being simpler, classic slots are considered suitable for inexperienced players as their interface is easier to comprehend. Also, it is important to mention that 3-reel slots tend to pay out less often, but the winnings they offer are more substantial.
The second major category consists of the so-called video slots. These have five reels and, in many cases, feature between nine and one hundred (sometimes even more) paylines. Depending on the slot title, the paylines are either fixed or adjustable. Video slots usually have extra features to offer, which further boost players’ profitability. These include bonus games, special symbols like scatters and wilds, and bonus rounds of free spins.
Many 5-reel slots impress with their higher-quality graphics. Once you load such a game, you will immediately notice how crisp and vibrant the graphics are. Also, a large number of 5-reel slots feature animated symbols and start with short animated clips that aim to introduce players to the general theme of the game. The authentic sound effects further improve players’ experience.
The interface is usually quite user-friendly, so even less experienced players can get the hang of it. Some 5-reel online slots offer greater entertainment value thanks to their 3D visuals. The rules of play coincide with those of standard slots, but the key difference is that slots in this subcategory come with more in-depth, three-dimensional graphics and feel.
Players will also be able to find video slots with progressive jackpots attached to them. These are among the most sought-after titles at online casinos because they come with huge prizes that increase incrementally with each bet players make. However, slot fans are often required to wager the maximum amount allowed per spin in order to qualify for the jackpot. Because of this, progressive slots are known to have higher volatility and pay on regular wins less frequently.
Online Slots Payouts and Paytable
Prior to placing real-money bets on any given online slot, players are recommended to take a quick look at its paytable. The latter contains useful information on the game’s winning combinations and the coin amounts that will be paid when a given combination ends up on the reels. The coin amounts you win usually depend on the number of identical symbols that land on the paylines. Some symbols offer greater payouts than others. With most slots, it has become somewhat of a standard for high-value playing cards to be used as the lower-paying symbols.
Note that with many online slot titles, the bet lines pay only if identical symbols land in succession, starting from the leftmost reel. Many slot novices falsely believe the payout is directly related to the overall amount they have bet. But this is not the case. For instance, a given player bets one coin/credit of 0.10 on ten paylines, which makes for a total bet amount of 1.00. The payout for five identical symbols landing on any active payline is listed as 100 in the paytable.
Thus, if the player hits those five symbols on a line, they will collect 100 credits on this round if they have wagered a single coin in the spin. However, the amount of money the player earns is also related to the coin denomination they use. In this case, the hypothetical player has bet one coin per line and will collect $10 on this spin (the 100 credits for five matching symbols on the payline are multiplied by the coin denomination of 0.10).
With online 3-reel slots, the paytables differ from those of multi-line video slots and are actually rather simplified. You will see the symbols listed in descending order, starting with the highest-paying icons and proceeding from there. Let us assume the highest-paying symbol on a fruit-themed, 3-reel slot is the cherry and you need three of those on the payline to collect 100 coins. If you bet two coins per spin, you will collect 200 coins on this round, and if you bet three coins, your payout would amount to 300 credits.
Extra Features of Online Slots
Convenience and diversity are hardly the only reasons why so many slot fans choose to engage in their favorite game at online casinos. Online slots have plenty of extra features that not only help players secure more substantial profits, but also enhance the entertainment value of the available games.
Speaking of games, many online slots feature additional bonus games, which load on a separate screen and usually offer guaranteed cash prizes, free spins, or multipliers of the winnings from the last spin. These bonus games differ from one title to another. In many cases, players are required to pick from several hidden items like boxes or treasure chests, with each item containing a specific credit amount. The bonus games are triggered at random by landing several identical bonus symbols on the reels.
The simplest variant of a bonus game is the so-called Gamble feature, which is most commonly found in BetSoft slots. It enables players to double or even quadruple the winnings from the last spin by playing a coin-toss game or by correctly guessing the color or suit of a face-down card.
Wild and scatter symbols are among slot fans’ favorites. Wild symbols play the same role as jokers in a deck of cards, as they can substitute all other symbols (with the exception of scatters and bonus symbols) on the reels to help players hit more winning combinations on activated paylines.
Unlike the wild symbol, the scatter does not necessarily need to land on an active payline to do its job, which is to unlock extra features like rounds of free spins or even interactive bonus games. The majority of online video slots have a multiplier feature that boosts players’ winnings by a predetermined amount. Multipliers can double, triple, or quadruple players’ profits on a lucky spin, but there are online slots with even bigger multipliers of 100x or 1,000x the win amount.
Playing Online Slots on the Go
Spinning the reels from the comfort of one’s home is certainly convenient, but it gets even better. Most reputable online casinos are compatible with mobile devices that run on widespread operating systems such as iOS, Windows Phone OS, and Android. This enables slot fans to engage in their favorite game from virtually any location, anytime they like.
What is more, respected software providers have adapted their most popular slot titles for mobile devices like tablets and smartphones. This means players will enjoy even crisper graphics thanks to the higher resolution of mobile screens. The games are optimized so that they can fit the smaller displays of smartphones and tablets alike.
Other than that, players will hardly notice any striking differences in terms of gameplay and features. The interface of mobile slots coincides with that of the desktop games, and there is also the option to test the titles in Practice/Demo mode.
Choosing Which Online Slot to Play
There are several things to factor in before you commence spinning the reels of online slots for real money. Of course, graphical presentation is less important, but it should not be underestimated. Players should consider the software provider that has developed their online slot of choice.
Choosing titles from key industry names like Microgaming, Playtech, BetSoft, NetEnt, and IGT is always a good idea, not only because their slots are skillfully animated, but also because these software suppliers are well-known for their reliability. If the online casino you have registered at runs on software developed by one of the aforementioned providers, you can rest assured you will receive fair and transparent treatment.
Needless to say, collecting a nice payout is what all slot fans are hoping for. To turn a profit, players are recommended to always check their preferred slot’s payout percentage in advance. The payout percentage denotes how much of each wager made on a given slot will be returned to players in the long term.
For instance, NetEnt’s Diamond Dogs slot has an average payout percentage of 96.50%, which is to say the game is expected to return $960 on average out of every $1,000 wagered. However, it takes hundreds of thousands of spins until the player return of the slot evens out to the listed percentage. Despite that, it is still advisable to opt for games with higher payout percentages.
Volatility is another factor to consider. Some slots have higher volatility (also called variance), while others come with lower volatility. Why is this important? Volatility may be an indicator of how long your bankroll will last when you play a given online slot. Slots with higher volatility may exhaust players’ bankrolls more quickly, as winning combinations land on the paylines less frequently. Players on a budget should probably opt for slots with lower volatility, where the payouts are smaller but winning combinations occur more often.
Last but not least, when choosing an online slot, it is a good idea to check how many paylines it has, whether these are fixed or not, and what coin denominations are available in the game. Slots with lower coin denominations typically offer smaller payouts, while those with higher denominations come with higher return rates on average.