Slots Terms & Glossary
| Updated: Overview of the Most Important Slot Terminology
Slots are generally considered one of the easiest types of casino games to play, as they require no skill or prior experience. Practically anyone can collect a payout as long as Lady Luck is on their side, as the outcome of each spin is governed by a random number generator and is based entirely on chance.
Thanks to technological advances over the past two decades, slot fans can now set the reels in motion from the comfort of their homes, as hundreds of online casino operators have added a wealth of slot titles to their gaming libraries. This allows players to enjoy their favorite games on an extensive range of desktop and mobile devices. Online slots offer an impressive variety of themes and features.
However, those who are new to this type of game should first become familiar with some of the most common terms they may encounter when spinning the reels at their favorite online casino. Below, we have compiled a short glossary of the most prevalent slot terms players are likely to encounter, including terms related to base games, bonus mechanics, and the odds of winning.
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Terms Slot Players Need to Be Familiar With
- Autoplay
Autoplay is one of the most common features slot players encounter. When activated, this feature plays through a predetermined number of spins without requiring players to press the Spin button after each round. The result and the amount won are displayed on the screen after each Autoplay spin. Players can adjust the settings so that Autoplay deactivates after a given number of spins or once a specified amount of credits has been lost or won.
- Bank
A bank is a row of slot machines that use similar denominations. The machines in a particular bank are often alike or offer the same type of game.
- Blank
A blank is a spot on a slot machine reel between two symbols. It is sometimes referred to as a “ghost.”
- Bet Level
The term refers to the number of coins players wager per active payline on each spin. The line bet is calculated by multiplying the bet level by the selected coin value. The number of coins that can be wagered per line is game-specific and usually varies between one and ten. For example, if a player selects a bet level of three coins with a denomination of $0.05 on a slot with 25 active paylines, they will wager a total of $3.75 per round.
- Bet Max
Most online slots have a button that reads “Bet Max.” This button enables players to place the maximum bet per spin with a single click. In practice, players wager on all available paylines using the maximum number of coins and the highest possible denomination. For instance, if the highest bet level in a 25-payline game is four coins with a top value of $0.05, the maximum wager will be $5.00 per spin.
- Bet One
As the term indicates, it refers to a player betting only one coin on each activated payline. Many slots feature a button that reads “Bet One,” enabling players to place the minimum number of credits per spin with a single click. However, players may not always want to use this feature, as bonus rounds in some slots are based on maximum bets. The same may apply to progressive jackpots, where players must wager the maximum amount to qualify for the top prize.
- Boiling Point
Some progressive jackpots have what is known as a “boiling point,” meaning the top prize is triggered whenever a specific, predetermined amount of money has accumulated in the prize pool. The boiling point is usually displayed below the jackpot meter and indicates the amount at which the pot will be triggered.
- Bonus Game
Screenshot of Master bonus wheel Most advanced video slots have bonus games that enable players to boost their winnings. Bonus games usually load on a separate screen from the base game and offer cash prizes. In many cases, players must pick one or more hidden items, such as treasure chests or gift boxes, with each item containing a monetary prize. However, these bonus features are game-specific and can vary widely from one slot to another.
- Bonus Symbol
Bonus symbols are special symbols in certain video slots that typically activate the aforementioned bonus games. Players must land a specific number of bonus symbols on the reels to unlock the bonus mini-game. Occasionally, bonus symbols may also trigger a round of free spins, depending on the particular slot title.
- Carousel
A carousel is a bank of slot machines arranged in an oval or circular formation.
- Change Person
A change person is a casino employee who provides change to players.
- Coin Value
The term refers to the coin denomination players can select in slot games. The denomination represents how much the chosen coin is worth. Common coin values include 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.10, 0.25, 0.50, and 1.00. The available coin values are game-specific, and some slots allow denominations of up to 5.00.
- Comps
Comps are rewards granted to slot players, such as free hotel accommodations, buffets, or other complimentary perks.
- Dime Machine
The term refers to a denomination associated with a particular slot machine. A dime can represent ten cents, ten dollars, or one hundred dollars, so players should check the machine to determine its value.
- EGM
This abbreviation stands for Electronic Gaming Machine, such as a video slot machine.
- Free Slots
Players can try different slots in practice-play mode to test the online casino software without wagering real money.
- Free Spins
Screenshot of Free Spins Slot Bonus This widespread feature allows players to enjoy a predetermined number of spins without wagering any of their own funds. More importantly, players keep the winnings generated during free spins rounds. In some slots, free spins come with multipliers that boost players’ winnings even further. These rounds are usually activated by special symbols, such as wilds or scatters.
- Fixed-Value Slots
In some online slots, players cannot adjust the coin value because only one denomination is available. Some of the slots developed by software supplier Rival fall into this category.
- Gamble Feature
This is a side feature players may encounter in slots developed by BetSoft, Microgaming, Playtech, and other providers. Once players have earned a payout on a given spin, they are offered the opportunity to double or quadruple their winnings by playing a side game. In some cases, the side game involves a coin toss. In others, players must guess the color or suit of a face-down playing card. If players lose the side game, the winnings from the previous spin are subtracted from their balance.
- Hand Pay
A hand pay occurs when a slot attendant gives the player a cash payment, usually because the machine does not hold enough money to cover the payout.
- Hit
This term refers to landing a winning combination on an active payline during a given spin.
- Hold Feature
Common in many classic 3-reel slots, this feature is usually awarded at random and enables players to freeze one or two reels, keeping them static while the others spin. If a player experiences a near miss, the hold feature gives them an additional attempt to complete the winning combination on the next spin or spins.
- Line Bet
The line bet is the amount players wager on each active payline. It is adjusted by selecting the coin denomination and the bet level, which is the number of coins or credits wagered per active payline.
- Loose Slot
Experienced slot players typically seek out “loose” slots because these games have higher average return percentages and tend to land winning combinations more often. They offer more frequent but smaller wins and are often referred to as “hot” slots.
- Multiplier
Screenshot of Muertos Multiplier Megaways Slot The multiplier should not be confused with the bet level. This special symbol sometimes appears alongside wilds or during free-spin mode. As its name indicates, it multiplies the player’s payout on a given spin by a predetermined amount. The most common multipliers are 2x, 3x, and 5x. However, some online slots allow multipliers of up to 100x or, occasionally, even 1,000x.
- Multi-Line Slots
Most advanced video slots feature five reels and multiple paylines, providing more ways for players to form winning combinations of matching symbols. In comparison, classic 3-reel slots usually have between one and five paylines.
- Near Miss
A near miss occurs when the last symbol needed to complete a winning combination lands just above or below the payline that would have produced a payout. This can be especially frustrating when it happens with a combination that could have triggered the slot’s jackpot.
- Nudge
Screenshot of Bell-Fruit Super Nudge Gambler Nudges are similar to the hold feature and are prevalent in classic 3-reel slots. This feature enables players to move one of the slot’s reels up or down, either once or several times in succession. This can help form additional winning combinations and prevent near misses.
- Payline
Paylines are fundamental to any slot, whether it is a classic 3-reel game or a more advanced video slot. For a combination to pay out, matching symbols must align on an active payline. The higher the number of paylines, the greater the chance players have of landing winning combinations. Paylines can be fixed or adjustable. With fixed paylines, players must bet one or more credits on all lines during every spin. With adjustable paylines, players choose which lines to activate and wager on, but only active lines pay for winning combinations. Most slots pay from left to right, although some pay in either direction.
- Paytable
Every slot has a paytable where players can find detailed information about how much matching symbols pay. Typically, the highest-paying symbols are listed first, followed by lower-paying symbols represented by high playing cards. The paytable also contains information about the slot’s additional features, such as bonus games, free spins, wilds, scatters, and bonus symbols.
- Progressive Jackpot
Screenshot of Progressive Jackpot SLots Slots with progressive jackpots are exceptionally popular because they are usually linked in a jackpot network, allowing the prize pools to accumulate across multiple casinos that use the same software. A small portion of each player’s bet is withheld. Part of it contributes to the growing prize pool, while another part goes toward the jackpot’s seed. Once someone wins the pot, it resets to a specific base amount and begins growing again.
- Random Number Generator
The term is often abbreviated as RNG. It refers to a program that generates long sequences of numbers and determines the outcomes of slot spins using complex algorithms. The RNG constantly produces numbers even when no one is playing that particular slot. Because of the RNG, the outcomes of spins are always random.
The results of subsequent spins are not affected by what happened during previous rounds, and vice versa.
- Reels
The reels are the vertical sections set in motion when players press the Spin button. Symbols are displayed on the reels. Slots commonly have either three or five reels. However, players may occasionally encounter titles with seven reels, although these are relatively rare.
- Retriggering of Free Spins
Some online slots include a feature that enables players to retrigger rounds of free spins, potentially leading to additional winnings. Bonus rounds are often retriggered by the same symbols that activated them initially. In some games, players can retrigger bonus rounds several times in a row.
- Return to Player Percentage
When choosing a slot, players should check its average Return to Player Percentage (RTP). This figure indicates the amount of money the slot is programmed to return to players from all wagers made on the game. If the RTP is 96%, the casino keeps an average of $4 out of every $100 wagered on that slot. Although it can take hundreds of thousands of spins for the average return to match the specified percentage, players are generally advised to choose titles with an RTP exceeding 95%.
- Scatter Symbols
Screenshot of Scatter Symbols Scatters are popular among slot fans, as they can unlock various bonus features, such as mini-games with guaranteed prizes and free spins. More importantly, scatters do not need to land on a particular payline for players to benefit from them.
- Variance
Variance, also known as volatility, is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing an online slot. It represents the relationship between the slot’s hit frequency and the size of its payouts. Slots with high variance pay less frequently but offer larger payouts. Slots with low variance pay more often but award smaller amounts. The suitable type depends on the player’s bankroll and playing style.
- Video Slot
Video slots are more graphically advanced than their traditional 3-reel counterparts. They often feature multiple paylines and additional features that enhance their entertainment value. In many cases, video slots also include engaging animations whenever a winning combination lands on the paylines.
- Wild Symbols
Screenshot of Wild Symbols Wilds are another valuable symbol among slot fans. They can substitute for almost all other symbols, except bonus symbols and scatters. However, wilds typically need to land on a payline to help players complete winning combinations.
