Slots Terms & Glossary
| Updated: Overview of the Most Important Slot Terminology
Slots are generally considered the easiest type of game 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 individual spin is governed by Random Number Generators and is based entirely on chance.
Because of the technological progress in the past two decades, slot fans are now able to set the reels in motion from the comfort of their own surroundings, 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. The diversity of themes and features offered by online slots is truly staggering, to say the least.
However, those who are new to this type of game, simplified as it is, should first become familiar with some of the most widespread 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 come across, including, but not limited to, terms related to the base game, the possible bonus mechanics slots can feature, and players’ odds of winning.
Terms Slot Players Need to Be Familiar With
- Autoplay
Autoplay is one of the most common features slot players encounter. When activated, this feature will play through a predetermined number of spins without players having to hit 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 the Autoplay feature deactivates after a given number of spins or after a specific amount of credits has been lost or won.
- Bank
The 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 stands for the number of coins players bet per active payline on each spin. In other words, the bet level is the number of coins multiplied by the coin value players choose. The number of coins you can bet per line is game-specific and usually varies between one and ten coins per spin. 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
The majority of online slots have a button that reads “Bet Max.” This button enables players to automatically place the maximum bet per spin with a single click. In practice, you will play all available paylines at 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, you will wager a maximum of $5.00 per spin.
- Bet One
As the term indicates, it refers to the player betting only one coin on the paylines they have activated. 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 are not always advised to use this feature, as the bonus rounds in many slots are usually based on maximum bets. The same applies to progressive jackpots, where players must wager the maximum amount to qualify for the top prize.
- Boiling Point
Some progressive jackpots have what is called 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 can serve as a reference for when the pot is likely to hit.
- Bonus Game
Screenshot of Master bonus wheel Most advanced video slots have bonus games that enable players to boost their profits. Bonus games usually load on a separate screen from the base game and offer guaranteed 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, such bonus features are game-specific and can vary widely from one slot to another.
- Bonus Symbol
These 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. On occasion, 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
This is a casino employee who provides change to players.
- Coin Value
The term stands for 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 mean ten cents, ten dollars, or one hundred dollars, so be sure to check the machine to see what a dime represents.
- EGM
This abbreviation stands for Electronic Gaming Machine, or a video slot machine.
- Free Slots
Players can try different slots in practice-play mode to test the online casino software; no money is required to play.
- 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-spin rounds. On some slots, free spins come with multipliers that boost players’ profits even further. These rounds are usually activated by special symbols, such as wilds or scatters.
- Fixed-Value Slots
On some online slots, players cannot adjust their 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 you may encounter while playing slots by developers like BetSoft, Microgaming, and Playtech, among others. 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 most cases, the side game involves a coin toss. In some instances, players must guess the color or suit of a face-down playing card. Keep in mind that if you lose the side game, the winnings from the last spin will be subtracted from your 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 players landing a winning combination on an active payline on any 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 the player experienced a near miss on the previous spin, the hold gives them a free attempt to complete the winning combination on the next spin(s).
- 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, or the number of coins/credits bet per active payline.
- Loose Slot
Experienced slot players typically seek out “loose” slots because such games have higher average return percentages and tend to land winning combinations more often. These games offer more frequent but smaller wins and are often referred to as “hot” slots.
- Multiplier
Screenshot of Muertos Multiplier Megaways Slot - 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
This is what all slot fans dread appearing on the screen. The term refers to a situation where the last symbol needed to complete a winning combination lands just above or below the payline that would have yielded a hefty payout. This is especially frustrating when it happens on a combination that could have triggered the slot’s jackpot.
- Nudge
Screenshot of Bell-Fruit Super Nudge Gambler Nudges are a feature similar to the hold functionality and, as such, are prevalent in classic 3-reel slots. The 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 avoid the frustration of near misses.
- Payline
Paylines are fundamental to any slot, whether it is a classic 3-reel game or a more advanced video slot. To pay out, matching symbols must align on active paylines. The higher the number of paylines, the greater the chance players have to hit winning combinations. Paylines can be fixed or adjustable. In the first case, players must bet one or more credits on all lines for every spin. In the second, they choose which lines to activate and bet on, but only active lines pay on winning combinations. Most slots pay from left to right, though some pay either way.
- Paytable
Every slot has a paytable where players can find detailed information on how matching symbols pay. Typically, the highest-paying symbols are listed first, followed by low-paying symbols represented by high playing cards. The paytable also contains information on the slot’s additional features, such as bonus games, free spins, wilds, scatters, and bonus symbols.
- Progressive Jackpot
Screenshot of Progressive Jackpot SLots - 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, ensuring fair play so that all players have equal chances of winning. The RNG constantly produces numbers even when no one is playing that particular slot. Because of the RNG, the spins’ outcomes are always random.
The results of subsequent spins are not affected by what happened on previous rounds and vice versa.
- Reels
The reels are the vertical sections that are 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, though these are relatively rare.
- Retriggering of Free Spins
Some online slots include an additional feature that enables players to retrigger rounds of free spins, potentially leading to additional profits. More often than not, the bonus rounds are retriggered by the same symbols that activated them initially. Sometimes 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 give back to players out of all wagers made on the game. If the RTP is 96%, the casino keeps $4 out of every $100 wagered on that slot. Even though it takes hundreds of thousands of spins for the average return to match the specified percentage, players are generally advised to opt for titles with an RTP that exceeds 95%.
- Scatter Symbols
Screenshot of Scatter Symbols Scatters are a favorite 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 ratio between the slot’s hit frequency and the size of its payouts. Slots with high variance hit less frequently but offer larger payouts. Slots with low variance hit more often but pay smaller amounts. Which type you choose depends on your bankroll size and playing style.
- Video Slot
Video slots are more graphically advanced than their traditional 3-reel counterparts. They often feature multiple paylines and extra 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 lucrative symbol that slot fans value highly. Wilds can substitute for almost all other symbols, except bonus symbols and scatters. However, they typically need to land on a payline to help players complete their winning combinations.
The multiplier is not to be mistaken for 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.
Slots with progressive jackpots are exceptionally popular because they are usually linked in a jackpot network, so the pools accumulate across multiple casinos that use the same software. A small portion of each player’s bet is withheld: part contributes to the prize pool’s accumulation, and another part goes toward the jackpot’s seed. Once someone wins the pot, it resets and starts seeding at a specific base amount until it escalates to a life-changing sum again.
