ONLINE SLOTS TERMINOLOGY
Online slots are some of the most popular games offered by
online casinos. They are
exciting and easy to play. At the same time, online slots introduce
many terms that may be unfamiliar for new casino players. When trying
something new, it is always a good idea to get as much information
about the subject, and to get more familiar with the area of your
endeavours. That is why we have assembled this helpful glossary of
special terms commonly used in online slot games.
Bonus Feature
Additional game features in the form of free spins, a game-within-game,
gamble rounds, etc. offered by some online slot games.
Bonus features are activated randomly or triggered by certain
combinations of symbols.
Coin Size
The denomination of coins accepted for play in online slot games. Coin
sizes can vary widely from one game to another, as well as within a
game.
Hit
A hit is a win in an online slot game.
Hit Rate
The ratio between winning and non-winning slot spins.
Hold
The percentage of wagered money an online slot leaves for the house as
a casino profit. The hold usually varies from 2% to 15%.
i-Slots
Interactive slots which combine multi-reel slots with some videogame
features. Each of the i-Slots has an intricate story which unfolds as
the game advances, and the player proceeds to next levels. Powered by
Rival
Technology software.
Loose Slot
An online slot that seems to be
paying out at a higher than normal rate.
Max (Maximum) Bet
In online slots it is the maximum one-time betting amount or the
maximum allowed number of coins per spin.
Multiplier
A symbol which increases payouts provided that it completes a certain
combination.
Onesies
Slot players who bet one coin per spin.
Payline
An indicated winning path on the reels of an online slot game.
Payout
The prize amount for a winning combination.
Payout Percentage (Rate)
The ratio between paid out winnings and the money wagered by players.
Different online slots have different
payout percentages. A slot's
theoretical payout percentage is set when
the software is written.
Pay Cycle
There is a belief among some online slot players that each slot goes
through a cycle where after receiving a certain amount of coins the machine must payout, in order
to meet the preprogrammed payout percentage quota.
Pay Table
A slot game's prize chart or legend, describing payouts for different
symbol combinations.
Progressive Jackpot
A gambling jackpot with amount increasing with every new bet.
Progressive jackpot amount usually reach very high numbers.
Random Number Generator
A computer program selecting occurence of wins in online slots in order
to keeps the game fair and truly random. Random Number Generators constantly generate random
numbers, at a rate of thousands per second. As soon as the
"Play" button is pressed, the most recent random number is used to
determine the result. A fraction of a second earlier or later,
and the result would be different.
Reels
Virtual spinning wheels in online slot games.
Scatter Symbol
A certain symbol which can be displayed anywhere on the reels
(scattered) in order to help the player. Scatter symbols can pay,
multiply winnings, or trigger bonus features in online slots.
Static Jackpot
A prize structure where the payout ratio is not affected by the number
of coins bet.
Staggered Payout
Payouts which increase in proportion to the wagers being made by
players.
Symbols
Pictures on the slot reels.
Take Cycle
Opposite of the pay cycle. Some slot players believe that each pay
cycle is followed by a take cycle which is supposedly "the feeding
time" for the slot.
Tight Slots
Opposite of loose slots, tight slots are not paying out as
often as others.
Winning Combinations
Certain slot symbol combinations resulting in a win.
Wild Symbol
A symbol which subsitutes any other symbol on the reels in order to
complete a winning combination.
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