Guide to playing online slots Guide to playing online slots

The beauty of  is that you are able to experience all the fun of a land-based casino in the comfort of your own home, or on the go via a mobile device.

Most online slots games contain a free demo mode which allows you to learn the ropes and get a feel for the game before depositing any of your own real money. In most cases, you’re not even required to sign up to be eligible to play the free versions.

With that in mind, this article highlights some of the most important rules, as well as hints and tips for beginners making their first foray into the world of online slots.

Tips for beginners

When playing online slots, it’s important to remember than the machines are completely unpredictable, as the games are powered by random number generators (RNGs) in order to ensure that outcomes cannot possibly be second-guessed.

It is crucial to understand that the RTP percentage is calculated in reference to the machine, and not the individual player. This means that if a machine has, for example, a RTP percentage of 90, that 90% of the total money wagered will be redistributed to players in winnings.

This also means that the higher the RTP%, the greater your chances of winning on that particular game.

The most commonly found online slots games consist of 3 or 5 reels and over 1,000 paylines, but the themes and methods of victory can vary greatly. For example, a lot of online slots games are based on classic films like Marvel, while others are based on fairy tales or ancient myth.

With such a variety on offer, it’s always best to opt for the free-play option when selecting a new game, in order to familiarise yourself with it as much as possible.

Spinning the reels

Once you’ve chosen your game, you’ll be presented with the set of reels, which typically have 20-25 different symbols on them, creating a seemingly endless number of possible combinations. The symbols will always be linked to the theme of the game.

The ‘Spin’ button will usually be located in the bottom-right corner of the screen, and once clicked, this will get the reels moving.

Paylines

The number of winning lines usually vary somewhere between nine and 30 per game, and winning streaks can be found anywhere along the payline, even if the matching symbols are not next to each other.

The number of pay lines you decide to bet on is matched by the size of the stake per spin. For example, if you’re betting on 12 pay lines, you will need to play 12 coins per spin.

So, the more lines I bet on, the greater my chances of winning, right?

Well, this isn’t strictly true. Remember, the more you stake, the more you stand to lose as well as win. This is a double-edged sword and there is no definitive answer - it all depends on how aggressive your personal approach is.

Setting your bet

Setting your betting amount is simple, and can be completed in two easy steps. Firstly, every slot has a minimum and a maximum stake requirement, so you must enter your chosen amount per spin.

Secondly, you must decide how many pay lines to bet on, as discussed above. Your set bet will then be the stake you have entered multiplied by the number of pay lines you have opted to bet on. So, for example, if you are betting on 12 pay lines with your stake set at 2 coins, this will cost 24 coins in total per spin.