The world of online slots can often feel like a complex one if you’re entering it for the first time. But don’t worry, it is relatively easy to get up to speed. It’s one of the simplest casino games to play, even with all manner of themes and bonus games. Slot Glossary

However, where some players do tend to get a little unstuck when it comes to the lingo. Just as is the case with bingo games, there are plenty of terms and slang for different elements of online slots. Do not fear though, we’re here to help with our ultimate slot glossary …

A:

All Ways: Most slots pay out from left to right along paylines. However, all ways slots pay out both left to right and right to left.

Auto Play/Auto Spin: This is a feature on a slot machine in which you can set the reels to automatically spin, rather than clicking spin on every play. You can set the number of times you wish to automatically spin, as well as cut off points, for example, if you wish to stop when you have won or lost a certain amount.

B:

Bet: This is a term used for spinning the reel. Every spin is known as a bet.

Bonus Feature: Bonus features can be triggered by landing particular symbols on reels. These bonus features will often allow you to earn bonus payouts or free spins.

C:

Cascading Reels: Rather than the reels spinning, cascading reels are slightly different. If you land a winning combination, the symbols explode and the symbols above move into their position in a cascading manner. 

F:

Free Spins: Free spins can be earned by landing particular symbols along the reels. These then allow you to spin the reels for free, with any winnings being added to your bankroll.

J:

Jackpot: This is the maximum available win on a slot machine.

M:

Maximum Bet: This is the maximum amount you can bet per spin.

Minimum Bet: This is the minimum amount you can bet per spin.

Multiplier: Multipliers are features found in online slots that will multiply your winnings. If you earn a 2x multiplier, for example, your winnings will be multiplied by two.

P:

Payline: Paylines are lines on the reels that will pay out if you land matching symbols along them. They can come in all shapes and sizes, and you’ll find the paylines for each slot in the help or information section.

Payout: This is the money you receive for landing a winning combination.

Paytable: Pay Tables are tables that inform players how much they will win for landing winning combinations.

Progressive Jackpot: This is a type of online slot that offers huge jackpots that reset when they have been won. These are usually linked to other slots within a network that share the jackpot, with a portion of every bet adding to the jackpot. 

R:

Random Number Generator: This is the software used to ensure online slots are fair and completely random. It is law that slots in the UK use random number generators (RNGs) that are approved by the UK Gambling Commission. You can find out more about RNGs by clicking here.

Reels: These are the spinning drums found on slot machines. You’ll generally find 3-reel or 5-reel slots online, although it’s not unusual to see six reels these days.

Rows: These are the horizontal lines on the reels.

Return to Player: Often abbreviated to RTP, this is a theoretical percentage that highlights how much a slot will payout during its lifetime of what is put in. Therefore, if an RTP is 97%, then the machine will keep 3% of what is put in as profit.

S:

Scatter Symbol: These are symbols found on many online slots and will offer up bonuses if you land a set number, this will often be in the form of free spins.

Symbols: These are the images found upon the reels. You must match symbols along paylines in order to win. 

V: 

Variance: Variance is a term used to describe the volatility of a slot. You’ll find three types of variance. High variance are high volatility slots in which slots pay out higher amounts less frequently. Low variance slots offer more regular payouts but lower amounts, while Medium variance slots are in between the two. 

W:

Wild Symbol: This is a special symbol found on slots. If you land one they will substitute for another symbol that will potentially help complete a line or earn a payout. Essentially, they act as jokers. Slot Glossary