Online slots players may be familiar with the video slot format, but may be new to the live gaming environment, while those who frequent casinos may find these stand-alone machines a bit alien and lacking the simple charm of their mechanical predecessors. The truth is, slots are still as varied, exciting and sometimes frustrating a casino game PHLOVE as any other.
Mechanical Slots
The advent of microprocessors may have seen traditional mechanical slots take up an increasingly smaller share of land-based casino gaming as video slots take over, but that is no cause for concern. One of the main reasons for this shift is that mechanical slots, for reasons of reliability and simplicity, typically feature only three reels with a single payline. Statistically, this significantly reduces the number of potential outcomes on any given spin and therefore reduces both the size and frequency of wins that the manufacturer can offer while still maintaining their edge.
Electronic Slots
After the advent of electronic processors, manufacturers were able to keep the number of symbols the same, but program how often they would appear. So, although the machines looked the same, the odds were stacked against them to ensure the profits the manufacturer hoped to achieve. Some of these machines are still in operation, and the fun part about playing them is that you can deploy the classic “stalking” strategy.
This often-undercover tactic involves looking for someone who is losing and then, when they fold, jumping into their “full” machine for the chance of a bigger payout. For many players, this sneaky way to outsmart the competition in the cutthroat world of casinos is part of the thrill.
Video Slots
However, since video slots are computer-generated, the odds are much more complex, less dependent on cold coin circulation and therefore less prone to predatory tactics. Video slots also feature five reels, with the option to place your bet on anywhere from one to 25 (sometimes even more) paylines, which can be any given pattern on the reels.
But rather than waiting for Lucky 7 symbols to line up, video slot players are more likely to look for a series of special symbols to line up and trigger a series of exciting bonus games that are produced in ever-increasing numbers and quality.
The added excitement that comes with these video slots is the increased odds of winning. With so many paylines and a wide range of betting options, the chances are that you will win back at least some of your stake on most spins: so a streak of bad luck won’t always leave you broke quickly. And with the predatory tactics no longer effective, the traditional casino environment has transformed from a Darwinian war to a shared space for camaraderie and the sharing of tips, much like what you might associate with a friendly betting shop.
Basic Online Slot Strategy
In this section, you will find a detailed breakdown of all the important aspects of gambling that you need to know. Understanding these will help you choose an online slot and the right strategy for you. If you want a more detailed guide to online slots, check out this article for beginners and experienced players.
RTP (Return to Player)
RTP stands for “return to player”. It is listed as a percentage in the game information and is something you should always check before playing. It is a theoretical figure that dictates how much money a game should pay out. For example, if the RTP is 96%, on average a game should pay players back 96 coins for every 100 coins wagered. Of course, these payouts will occur randomly, so there is no way to know when an online slot will pay out.
Volatility
RTP works in conjunction with volatility to determine how often an online slot will pay out. Low volatility online slots offer smaller wins that you can expect more often, while high volatility online slots have the potential for big wins but less frequently. Medium volatility games fall somewhere in between.
Multipliers
Multipliers are special features on symbols that increase the value of a winning combination and result in higher payouts. They often occur during the game’s special features.
Bonus Rounds
Bonus rounds are bonus features of slot games that give you the chance to win higher payouts. Most of the online slots at PHLOVE come with a free spins bonus, while many others also come with additional features.