Online Casino Game Guide: Slots

What is an Online Slot machine?
At most online casinos you will find two main kinds of slots, Video slots and 3-reel slots. Players distinguish the traditional one-armed bandit, as it is commonly known, from Video slots by the trademark 3-reel slots. In other words, Video slots have more reels and that essentially means more play lines for players.

How do I play Online slots?
Well, a slot machine has several spinning wheels that are all marked with different symbols or patterns for example, the well-known cherries, bars and bells. Every time a player pulls the lever or the "Spin" button is pressed, the wheels spin wildly and then come to a complete stop with a random selection of symbols which are displayed horizontally and these are called pay lines. The object of playing slots is to earn as much money as possible by hitting a winning combination on a pay line. Depending on the number of reels of each slot machine, there will be a various number of pay lines. Your winnings or your loss will be paid out according to the individual slot machine's Payout Schedule.

If you're starting out it's good to play the 3-reel slots machines because it's easier to manage your bet when dealing with 3 pay lines. We suggest that once you've gotten the knack for the game, you then try your hand at the multi-reel slots, which are more commonly known as the Video slots.

The Payout Schedule is a table which displays the winning combinations of reel symbols, which are valid winning pay line combinations and it determines the amount of money that players get paid out. You will usually know if you've hit a winning combination because the pay line patterns will be highlighted on your screen. Winnings are only paid out on the highest combination on each enabled pay line and that means the more pay lines you play, the better your chances of winning at slots. Remember it is always better to bet the highest amount at the largest denomination to be able to have a really good chance at the jackpot.

Tips
Some machines have 'wild' or 'magic' symbols that can be substituted for other symbols or patterns, while others slot machines have 'scatter' symbols that can help double your winnings because they multiply the payout when combined with winning symbols.

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