VIDEO_SLOT_MACHINES

VIDEO SLOT MACHINES
Video slot machines are relatively new in the world of slots games and they are a great example of how
microchip technology has changed many aspects of popular culture. Over time, advances in technology
have meant that slots have developed elements of animation and moving images.
In the diagram above you can see a representation of a 5 reel video slot machine. The player has a winning
combination of 5 star symbols; each of these star symbols is animated. This is a common feature in video
slots.
What are video slots?
Video slots have no moving parts at all, in fact they are all on screen and are a graphical representation of
a slot machine. Because these are not mechanical devices this means that video slots can be far more
creative in their design and gameplay than their mechanical counterparts.
This has lead to the development of more 5 reel slots and has given far more scope for multiple paylines
to be used in slot machines. Video slots can have a mind blowing amount of paylines compared to
mechanical slots. Video slots can have 30, 40, 50 and even up to 100 paylines; in an electro mechanical
slot machine this would simply be impossible.

History of Video Slot Machines
The first Video slots appeared in casinos in 1975 and the first video slot machine was invented by a Walt
Fraley and this game was called Fortune Coin. You may expect that this was an instant hit with slots
players, however, many were dubious about this technological advancement and whether a virtual slot
could be trusted.
IGT the famous slot manufacturer brought the patent for Fortune Coin in 1976 and with clever marketing
and further development of this new kind of slot machine they ensured that this next generation of slots
game was a big hit.
Video slots are found in both land based and online casinos and the sort of animation that you can expect
to find are animated symbols. For example, during a winning combination the symbols that create the
winning combo may light up or a player may be treated to an interesting piece of animation.
Pushing the Boundaries
Video slots can push the boundaries of what we expect from a slot machine, in fact there have been so
many advances so far in the world of slot machines that it is very interesting to reflect on what sort of
video slot machines may be developed in the future.
In addition to animated symbols, some online slots have animated video intro's that usually expand on
the theme of a slot and give a little bit of a story line. A great example of this would be the iSlots by the
software provider Rival.
Video slots can have bonus, multiplier, scatter and wild symbols, bonus games, gamble features and free
spins. They could be classic slots or 5 reel slots.
This makes slots games more interesting and engaging and video slots can be much more interactive.
Some of the most innovative slot video slot machines include Slotris by SLOTLAND; a cross between a slots
game and the popular game of Tetris and Jenga slots by the software provider Cryptologic, which blends
the game of Jenga with an online slot. Maybe we will see video slots become more and more like computer
games.

MULTIPAYLINE SLOT MACHINE
Multipayline slot machines differ from classic slots which just have the one single payline, there are also
slots with multiple paylines available. In the diagram above you can see a representation of a 5 reel slot
machine with 5 paylines. Each payline is marked out with a black line going through the symbols. On the
left and right of the reels are numbers that mark out each payline. As you can see, there are 5 pink symbols
on payline number 1 and this means that the player has got a winning combination on the first payline of
this slot machine.
How Many Paylines Can You Have?
The amount of paylines on a multi payline slot is limited only by the possible number of winning
combinations which is in turn limited by the number of reels, so the maximum bumber of paylines possible
on a 3 reel slot is less than the maximum number of paylines possible on a 5 reel slot. Typically the range
is anywhere from 2 paylines to 100 paylines; this type of slot machine is hugely popular both in land based
and online casinos. However, the most common multi-payline slots are 3, 5, 9, 15, 20 and 25 payline
games.
Because of the multiple paylines there are more opportunities to create winning combinations. More than
one winning combination can occur during the same spin depending upon the amount of paylines
available and the specific rules of the slot you are playing. So, this is great news for slot players.

Do You Have To Bet On All Paylines?
Some multi payline slot machines have a fixed number of paylines. An example of this would be a 50
payline slot machine in which every spin can only be played played with all 50 paylines activated.
However, this is more of an exception than a general rule. It is more common to find multi payline slot
machines with button that selects how many paylines you would like to play with. An example of this
would be a slot with 20 paylines that you could play with any amount of paylines activated providing it is
between 1 and 20.
This flexibility means that many multipayline slots can be played as penny slots or are real high rollers.
Playing a Multipayline Slot as a Penny Slot or a High Roller
Slot
As it is common for slot machines to have buttons that allow you to adjust the coin size, you will often
find that in many slots the lowest common denominator will be 1 penny or 1 cent. If you only select 1
payline, your total bet is just 1 penny or 1 cent for a single spin. This is true whether it is a 5 payline or 30
payline slot machine.
If, however your highest coin value is $10 and you have a slot with 20 paylines, you could hit the bet max
button and you would then be able to bet a staggering $200 for a single spin. This kind of slot is also known
as a high roller slot machine and many slot machines can be penny slots as well as high rollers.
You nearly always have to bet the same amount of money per payline in any online slot or land based slot
machine. So, that means that if for example, you select a coin value of 1 cent per payline, all paylines you
select will cost you a wager of 1 cent. There are exceptions, but they are very few and far between.
Selecting Paylines
a diagram showing the buttons for selecting paylines

In the diagram above you can see the buttons that you would use to select paylines in a multipayline slot
machine. These are the buttons from the 5 payline slot that was shown in the diagram at the top of the
page. To select 1 payline you press "Bet One" once. To select two paylines you would press "Bet One"
again. To select more paylines you would keep pressing the "Bet One" button. To quickly select all paylines
you can press the "Bet Max" button.
This is the case for both online and land based slot machines and it is worth bearing in mind that you can
also have multi payline slot machines with bonus symbols, multiplier symbols, wild symbols and scatter
symbols. Special features are also often found in Multipayline slots, and many have bonus games, free
spins and gamble features, a lot of slots have more than one of these features. Multi payline slots can be
found on slot machines with any number of reels including 3 reel or 5 reel slots you may even come across
multipayline 7, 9 or 12 reel slots.

CLASSIC SLOT MACHINE
A classic slot machine has 3 reels and there is only 1 Payline as you can see in the diagram above. You can
also see the paytable which is the large area containing symbols and numbers on the right hand side, the
3 reels with the 1 payline are on the left. At the bottom are the buttons which are the controls for the
game.
Classic slots are traditional games that are based on the kinds of slots games that first appeared in land
based casinos.
The kinds of symbols that you will find in classic slot machines may be unique, however, often you will
find traditional style fruit based symbols such are cherries, melons or oranges. Other traditional symbols
are sigle doule ad triple ar syols as ell as luky ’s ad high playig ard syols.
Although classic slots are probably the most simple sorts of slots games they can also contain wild, scatter,
multiplier or bonus symbols and some will have additional features such as free spins or a bonus game.
Some classic slots games are also progressive slot machines and Wheel of Fortune is a good example of a
classic slot machine which has a progressive jackpot. You can find this slots game in Vegas Casinos such
as the Palazzo Casino.
Other Classic slots would include games like Cash Wheel, Diamond Solitaire Deluxe and Triple Zesty Hot
Peppers which can all be found at Caesars Palace Casino in Las Vegas.

CLASSIC SLOT MACHINE PARTS
Classic slots always have 3 reels and 1 payline and in the diagram above you can see the 3 reels with the
symbols on them. The black payline that runs across the center of the 3 reels represents the slots payline.
In this diagram there is a winning combination, there are 3 plum symbols which would mean that the
player has won. To find out how much you have won you need to check the paytable.
Multi Coin Bets and Paytables in Classic Slots
A common feature that you will find in classic slots games is the ability to bet more that 1 coin per spin.
Most classic slots are 1, 2 or 3 coin slots games as a general rule.
If the classic slot game in question is a 2 or 3 coin slot then there will be buttons to select how many coins
you want to bet.
In the diagram above you can see a "Bet One" and "Bet Max" button next to the "Spin" button. For
example; if you were playing a 3 coin slot you could use the "Bet One" button to choose how many coins
you wanted to bet. Maybe you only want to bet 1 or 2 coins, well that's fine, this button allows you to
make this choice. Perhaps you want to bet all 3 coins, if that is the case, simply hit the "Bet Max" button
to bet the maximum 3 coins.

3 Coin Classic Slot Machines
Some classic slots games allow the player to bet with up to 3 coins and this will be shown clearly on the
paytable. You do not have to bet with all 3 coins, and you can see from the paytable that there are payouts
for 1 and 2 coin bets.
In the diagram below you can clearly see what the paytable for a 3 coin classic slot would usually look like,
notice that there are 3 sets of payouts in this paytable. The highest amounts you can win are the amounts
shown right at the top and they are 600 coins, 1200 coins and 2500 coins and these are the jackpot
amounts.
As you can see, you will win this if 3 orange symbols fall on the payline. By betting with 3 coins, or "betting
with max coins" (betting the maximum amount of coins) the possible amount you could win is more than
tripled. You get an extra 100 coins than if the jackpot was tripled, which would have given you 2400 coins.
Slots players call this "extra value"

2 Coin Classic Slot Machines
Some classic slots games allow the player to bet with 2 coins and this will be shown clearly on the paytable.
You do not have to bet both coins, and you can see from the paytable that there are payouts for a 1 coin
bet if you would prefer that option.
In the diagram below you can clearly see what the paytable for a 2 coin classic slot would typically look
like, notice that there are 2 sets of payouts. The highest amounts you can win are the amounts shown
right at the top and they are 600 coins and 1200 coins and these are the jackpot for the classic slot. As you
can see, you will win the jackpot if 3 orange symbols fall on the payline. By betting with 2 coins, or "betting
with max coins" (betting the maximum amount of coins) the possible amount you could win is doubled
1200 coins.
1 Coin Classic Slot Machines

In some classic slots games the player simply bets one coin and this will be shown clearly on the paytable.
In the diagram below you can clearly see what the paytable for a 1 coin classic slot would typically look
like, notice that there is only 1 set of payouts. The highest amount you can win is the amount shown right
at the top and it is 600 coins and this is the jackpot amount, as you can see, you will win this if 3 orange
symbols fall on the payline.

HOW MANY PAYLINES CAN YOU HAVE?
The amount of paylines on a multi payline slot is limited only by the possible number of winning
combinations which is in turn limited by the number of reels, so the maximum bumber of paylines possible
on a 3 reel slot is less than the maximum number of paylines possible on a 5 reel slot. Typically the range
is anywhere from 2 paylines to 100 paylines; this type of slot machine is hugely popular both in land based
and online casinos. However, the most common multi-payline slots are 3, 5, 9, 15, 20 and 25 payline
games.
Because of the multiple paylines there are more opportunities to create winning combinations. More than
one winning combination can occur during the same spin depending upon the amount of paylines
available and the specific rules of the slot you are playing. So, this is great news for slot players.
Do You Have To Bet On All Paylines?
Some multi payline slot machines have a fixed number of paylines. An example of this would be a 50
payline slot machine in which every spin can only be played played with all 50 paylines activated.
However, this is more of an exception than a general rule. It is more common to find multi payline slot
machines with button that selects how many paylines you would like to play with. An example of this
would be a slot with 20 paylines that you could play with any amount of paylines activated providing it is
between 1 and 20.
This flexibility means that many multipayline slots can be played as penny slots or are real high rollers.
Playing a Multipayline Slot as a Penny Slot or a High Roller
Slot
As it is common for slot machines to have buttons that allow you to adjust the coin size, you will often
find that in many slots the lowest common denominator will be 1 penny or 1 cent. If you only select 1
payline, your total bet is just 1 penny or 1 cent for a single spin. This is true whether it is a 5 payline or 30
payline slot machine.

If, however your highest coin value is $10 and you have a slot with 20 paylines, you could hit the bet max
button and you would then be able to bet a staggering $200 for a single spin. This kind of slot is also known
as a high roller slot machine and many slot machines can be penny slots as well as high rollers.
You nearly always have to bet the same amount of money per payline in any online slot or land based slot
machine. So, that means that if for example, you select a coin value of 1 cent per payline, all paylines you
select will cost you a wager of 1 cent. There are exceptions, but they are very few and far between.
Selecting Paylines
In the diagram above you can see the buttons that you would use to select paylines in a multipayline slot
machine. These are the buttons from the 5 payline slot that was shown in the diagram at the top of the
page. To select 1 payline you press "Bet One" once. To select two paylines you would press "Bet One"
again. To select more paylines you would keep pressing the "Bet One" button. To quickly select all paylines
you can press the "Bet Max" button.
This is the case for both online and land based slot machines and it is worth bearing in mind that you can
also have multi payline slot machines with bonus symbols, multiplier symbols, wild symbols and scatter
symbols. Special features are also often found in Multipayline slots, and many have bonus games, free
spins and gamble features, a lot of slots have more than one of these features. Multi payline slots can be
found on slot machines with any number of reels including 3 reel or 5 reel slots you may even come across
multipayline 7, 9 or 12 reel slots.

BONUS SYMBOL
Above is a diagram of how bonus symbols may fall on a 5 reel slot machine; these bonus symbols will
trigger a bonus feature.
A bonus symbol is a special symbol that triggers a bonus feature; this could be a bonus game or free spins
or any other 'bonus feature' be that a gamble game or a second set of reels. Depending on the rules of
that specific slot game the bonus symbol will trigger the bonus feature when one or more appears on the
reels.
You may find that bonus symbols often double as scatter symbols so if this is the case you need a certain
number of these symbols to trigger the bonus feature and they can appear anywhere on the reels. It
shuold be noted that this is not always the case and that often you will need a certain number of bonus
symbols on an activated payline for them to activate what ever bonus feature it is that it activates on that
specific slot machine. To find out exaclty how a bonus symbol acts on any specific game check the slot
machines paytable where you will often find a rules section.

FREE SPINS
The ay free spis are triggered ill ary fro slot ahie to slot ahie, so let’s look at soe real life
slot examples that will give you an idea of what to expect in a free spins feature.
What To Expect
In the online slots game Fortune Finder the free spins feature is triggered when 3 or more scatter symbol
fall anywhere on the reels. If you get 3 scatter symbols you win 15 free spins, if you get 4 scatter symbols
you win 20 free spins and if you get 5 scatter symbols you win 25 free spins and if you win anything during
these free spins all your winnings will be doubled.
During the free spins on Fortune Finder slot you may have another 3 scatter symbols fall on the reels and
this retriggers the free spins giving you another 15 free spins. This is also known as a feature within a
feature.
Another real life slot example of a free spins feature is Loaded slots game. In Loaded the free spins are
triggered by getting 3 or more scatter symbols anywhere on the reels and you can then make a choice;
you can have 24 free spins with all wins doubled, 16 free spins with all wins tripled or 12 free spins with
all wins quadrupled.

Variations on a Theme
Although it is common for winnings to be multiplied during free spins this is not always the case and
sometimes the number of free spins and the multiplier value on your winnings will be randomly awarded.
The scatter symbol will not always trigger the free spins and this is why it is important to check the
paytable, as this is where you will find information about what symbol will trigger this feature and how
many free spins you can win and if there is a different payout for the free spins. Sometimes there will be
a separate section of the paytable showing the payout schedule just for the free spins.

REELS
Slot machines whether mechanical or electronic have reels, the number of reels can vary between slot to
slot. The reels contain the symbols in various combinations and when you spin the reels they will stop
leaving you with random combinations of symbols.
Usually combinations of the same symbols will be winning combinations according to the paytable on the
slot machine and if you are lucky enough to get a winning combination you will win a prize.
3 Reel Slot Machines
Above is a diagram that shows a classic 3 reel slot machine. As you can see the reels are numbered 1 to
3. When you hit the spin button or pull the lever the reels move or spin to be more exact and depending
upon how the symbols fall you may get a winning combination. Classic slots with 3 reels and 1 payline are
still the most common sort of mechanical slot machine. 3 reel slots do not have to be classic slot machines,
as there are multipayline slots available that have 3 reels.
5 Reel Slot Machines

Above shows a 5 reel slot with the reels numbered 1 to 5. Again, When you hit the spin button or pull the
lever the reels move or spin to be more exact and depending upon how the symbols fall you may get a
winning combination.
7 Reel Slot Machines
Above shows a 7 reel slot machine. This is a very rare number of reels to find on a slot machine and this
number of reels is only found in electronic or video slot machines.
9 and 12 Reel Slot Machines

Just like 7 reel machines 9 and 12 reel slots are another rare gem; they only show one reel symbol per reel
as a general rule. This makes them different to 3, 5 and 7 reel slots as they all normally show 3 images per
reel at any given point in time. To make this easier to understand we have numbered the reels in the
above diagram 1 to 9 so that you can see exactly how a typical 9 reel slot machines reels look. A 12 Reel
game would generally look the same but would simply have one more row of reels.

PAYTABLE
If you are going to play a slot machine it is always a good idea to read the paytable. The paytable will list
all the possible payouts in a slots game and will show the payout for each combination of symbols for the
number of coins that you bet.
Paytables on 3 Reel and 5 Reel Slot Machines
The paytables for 3 reel and 5 reel slots may look a little different, but they are both contain vital
information for the slots player.
3 Reel Paytables
Above shows a paytable from a 3 coin, 3 reel classic slot. As you can see, the highest value symbol is the
Orange, so this is the jackpot symbol. There are 3 colored columns and they are marked 1 coin, 2 coin and
3 coin. To win the 2500 coin jackpot you will need to bet with 3 coins. A 2 coin jackpot will be worth 1200
coins and a 1 coin jackpot will be worth 600 coins.

5 Reel Paytables
A 5 reel slots paytable looks a little different and the diagram above shows what sort of layout you can
expect to see. The substitute or wild symbol is clearly marked and there is information about the payouts
for the various symbols as well as the free spins. Every time you come across a new slot machine it is wise
to have a look at the paytable before you begin to play. This is the case for land based slot machines and
online slots games.
Why Is Checking the Paytable so Important?
By taking a few moments to study the paytable of each slots game that you come across you will quickly
learn plenty about slot machines. In fact, before you know it you will be well on your way to becoming
an expert!
A quick glance at the paytable will show you if any multiplier symbols, scatter symbols, wild symbols and
bonus symbols are used in the slot. It is usual for slots games with bonus features to have a brief
explanation of them on the paytable. If the slot has free spins or a bonus game it will often say so on the
paytable, it will usually state how many free spins are available and with what multiplier value.
You will be able to tell all possible winning combinations and exactly how much each winning combination
will payout and this is vital information if you want to play a slot machine.

Wild Symbol
Wild symbols are a little bit like the joker in some card games, it doubles as other symbols and can
substitute for other symbols to help make up winning combinations and this helps you to win more.
Thay are also known as substitute symbols and can be can be found on all types of slots including classic
slots, progressive slot machines, bonus slots, gamble slots and 5 reel slots.

MULTIPLIER SYMBOL
Multiplier symbols as the name suggests can multiply your winnings, for this reason they are very popular
among slot machine players. They increase the payout of a winning combination by their given multiplier
amount; this will be on the slots paytable.
In the diagram above you can see how 1 multiplier symbol has fallen in a winning combination. The
winning combination in this case will be muliplied x3.
For example, in a classic slot you may get 100 coins for a combination of 3 bar symbols on the slots payline,
however, if there is a multiplier symbol available, say for example a cherry symbol, this will substitute for
the bar symbols and if the multiplier value of the cherry symbol is x 3, the winnings will be tripled. This
means that the player would win a total of 300 coins.
This is why slot machines with multiplier symbols are a real plus for players.

SCATTER SYMBOL
In the diagram above you can see how 2 scatter symbols have fallen randomly on the reels and that this
has resulted in a payout of 50 coins which you can see in the "win" window on the bottom right hand
corner of the slot below the reels.
Scatter symbols are not confined within the parameters of other symbols, this symbol can appear
ayhere o the reels of a slot ahie ad does’t hae to fall o ay particular payline to give you a
win.
Although the number of scatter symbols required for a win can vary from slot to slot the general principal
remains the same. They can be found onall types of slot machines including classic slots, progressive slots,
bonus slots, gamble slots and 5 reel slots.

PROGRESSIVE SLOT MACHINES
People love progressive slot machines and this is because it is possible to really win big at a progressive
game because progressive slot machines have a progressive jackpot which could be a huge amount of
money. In the diagram above you can see a 5 reel slot machine with its progressive ticker showing the
amount in the progressive jackpot climbing, exciting isn't it! Progressive slot games generally have a ticker
above the reels that allows you to see the amount in the progressive jackpot growing.
Progressive slots games could be classic 3 reel slot machines or they could be 5 reel video slots in an online
casino, the important point that sets them apart from other sorts of slots is the progressive jackpot.
Usually a progressive jackpot will be won by creating a winning combination that is equal to the highest
payout on the paytable; this is the same as winning the jackpot in a non progressive slot.
The Story Behind Progressive Slots Machines
Progressie slots are a relatiely reet pheoea that ere ot possile efore the ’s; it as’t
util the early ’s that irohips ere added to slot ahies. This as the tehologial reakthrough
that would allow the linking of multiple slot machines in multiple sites. The first progressive slot machine
was invented in 1986 by the slot machines manufacturing company IGT; this slot machine was called
Megabucks.
So what Exactly is a Progressive Jackpot?

Progressive jackpots build up very quickly and can become extremely large in a very short space of time.
These progressive jackpots can come from a number of slot machines; for example, Wheel of Fortune
slots game is extremely popular in casinos in Las Vegas; there may be 6 versions of Wheel of Fortune alone
in Caesars Palace casino
A percentage of that money is then skimmed off each machine to contribute to the progressive jackpot.
Now, this is where it starts to get a little crazy; there may be a casino down the road with 8 versions of
this slot machine, and each player putting money in to Wheel of Fortune slots game is contributing to the
progressive jackpot for that particular game. So, each version of Wheel of Fortune slots game is linked
and sometimes games across a whole state can be linked. This is how progressive jackpots grow and this
is also why they can be absolutely huge!
When the progressive jackpot is won it is reset to a pre determined amount and this is why many players
like to keep up to date with progressive jackpots and play when the progressive is especially large.
How Does a Progressive Jackpot Build Up?
It is very interesting to know how a progressive jackpot builds up. As you already know an amount of
money that each player spends is skimmed off the top and this contributes towards the progressive
jackpot. This is why the amount of non jackpot or non progressive wins are lower, however, if you take
the progressive jackpot in to account then the total amount of wins will be the same as other non
progressive slot machines.
Let's see an example of how the progressive jackpot builds up. Imagine you are playing Megabucks at a
Las Vegas casino which is a linked progressive slots machine with a fixed $5 bet per spin. Your money
could be divided as follows, 25 cents adds to the progressive jackpot, $1.25 goes to the casino and the
remaining $3.50 is paid out in non jackpot wins. If however, you were playing a non progressive slots game
at that same casino it is likely that your money would be divided as follows. $1.25 to the casino and $3.75
paid out on wins.
The example above assumes the casino has a 75% payout rate, in reality slots at land based casinos
typically have payout rates ranging from 70% up to 95%.

How Hi Can a Progressive Jackpot Go?
Well, on May 13 2009 a lucky individual won $8,6 million on Mega Moolah Progressive Slot Machine at
the popular River Belle online casino.
However, in March 2003 a young man ambled in to Excalibur Casino; just one of many casinos on the
infamous Las Vegas Strip; in under a minute, after wagering just $3 he ended up $38.7 million richer.
That's right; he won a progressive jackpot of $38.7 million on Megabucks slots game.
These examples give you an idea of why people find playing progressive slot machines so irresistible; often
times you will find that they don't have as many small payouts as other slot machines. Also, you may have
to bet with maximum coins, or bet with all paylines activated. Sometimes you may need to bet with the
maximum coin value in order to qualify for a chance to win the progressive jackpot. However, the
progressive jackpot can be an enormous life changing amount of money.
Different Sorts of Progressive Slots
Progressive slot machines may be classic slots, video slots, bonus game slots and you will be able to see if
a slot is progressive by the progressive ticker at the top of the reels. They can be found in both online and
land based casinos.
Some popular land based progressive slot machines are Megabucks, Millionaire 777's, SURVIVOR, Wheel
of Fortune, Party-Time and Elvis.
Some popular online progressive slots games are Mega Moolah, Red White & Win, Mega Money Mine,
Pay dirt and Win Place or Show.
Random Progressive Slot Machines
A random progressive jackpot is a variation on the standard progressive jackpot. It will be awarded
randomly at the end of any winning spin but this is less common than the usual non random progressive
type of game.

Sometimes there may be a stipulation in a random progressive slot machine that the random progressive
jackpot can only be won if you bet with max coins. However, the important key factor to remember is that
the jackpot is progressive and it is awarded randomly and this is the case in both land based and online
casinos
This feature is most commonly found in online slot machines that are manufactured by the software
provider Real Time Gaming. Some good examples are Cleopatra's Gold, Aztec's Millions and Paradise
Dreams. Just like in many progressive slots the progressive ticker shows the amount rising and usually the
more you wager the greater your chances are of triggering the random progressive jackpot.
There is also an online slot machine manufacturer Cryptologic that makes online slot machines with
random progressive jackpots. Some of these are Marvel themed slots which are extremely popular as they
include slots games such as the Incredible Hulk and Spider Man.

PAYOUT RATES
If you want to play slot machines you need to understand payout rates also known as the slot machine
payout percentage. The payout rate or payout percentage is an estimate of what you can expect from a
slot machine in term of payout.
For example slot machines are usually programmed to make payouts in the form of winnings of 82-98%
of all the wagers that are paid in to the slot machines by players. However, this does not mean that you
can expect an 82-98% return on your wager! This payout percentage covers the lifespan of a slot machine
so if a slot machine has a payout rate of 82-98% and the slot has an expected lifespan of 10 years, over
the 10 years it will payout in winnings 82-98% of all the wagers that players have pumped in to it.
The payout percentage is written in to the software that is installed in to the slot while it is still in the
factory although this can be altered once the slot has been purchased by installing other software or
firmware.
Slot Hold Percentage
The slot hold percentage is the equivalent of the casinos house edge, which is the percentage of money
the casino takes in table games. If a slot machine had a 98% the amount of money that the casino takes
is 2% and this is also known as the hold percentage.
Although this amount seems rather meagre, it means that a casino would get $2 of every $100 that
player’s ager, if eah player plays $ per spi ad there are , spis oer the ourse of oe year
the hold percentage will yield a respectable $4000. With rows of slot machines in the casino lobby, this
soon mounts up to a healthy profit.
Payouts and Percentages
Payout rates for slot machines can vary from state to state and are governed by the laws of each state,
the minimum legal payout of 75% in Nevada is lower than the minimum legal payout of 83% in New Jersey
and then the typical payout of online slot machines is between 96% and 98%. Other factors to take in to
consideration are the probable payouts from every winning combination shown on the slots paytable.

PARS
There is a table of probabilities for each individual brand slot machine whether it is an online 30 payline
video slot or a 3 reel classic slot machine in a land based casino and this is known as the Paytable and Reel
Strips Sheet or PARS. Although from time to time these may crop up on websites and be posted online,
these are closely guarded insider secrets!
Legal Implications
Under United States Law the payout percentage for each slot that is set by a casino has to be submitted
for approval by the State Gaming Commission and if a casino wishes to reset the payout percentage it
must then resubmit this to the State Gaming Commission and request that it is changed. So, there are
laws to protect the interest of slots players!
Winning with Higher Payout Rates
While it is obvious that a higher paying slot will pay out more than a slot with a lower payout percentage
the issue of whether you win is still entirely a matter of chance. As the payouts are controlled by a random
number generator the best way to play slots is to have fun while keeping to your budget.

INSIDE A SLOT MACHINE & RNG'S
Rado Nuer Geerators or RNG’s are the edrok of all oder slot ahie desig. RNG’s ork y
continuously generating random numbers and can actually generate up to many thousands of random
numbers per second. The RNG is doing this all the time so that the instant a player hits the play or spin
button a random number is calculated which determines the outcome of their spin. The important thing
to remember is that because of the random number generator each spin has an equal chance of winning,
the payout's are not pre programmed and this system is completely fair.
Are all Random Number Generators Equal?
I a ord o, there are also pseudo rado uer geerators or PRNG’s. As these oly appear to e
generating random numbers, the theory goes that at some point they will repeat the sequence of number
that they generate. This means that such a system is flawed as it could lead to a predictable pattern of
payout's which is not so good for casinos.
True random number generators continue to generate numbers when the machine is not in use. This
means that a player will never know where in the sequence a slot machine is.
Can You Count the Symbols?
The RNG is the factor that determines all winning combinations and this is all in the slots programming so
there is no way of predicting the outcome of any spin as the outcome will be random.
As all modern slots use the RNG computerized technology the amount of symbols on the reels cannot be
counted and the odds of the game are determined by the RNG.
Casinos cannot simply adjust the programming on slot machines to adjust the payout's of a slot machine,
this is a common misconception.

THE LEVER
Some slots in land based casinos still have the traditional style lever at the side which a player pulls to spin
the reels. After inserting coins or tokens you pull the lever which then sets the reels in motion if the slot
has electro mechanical parts.
Let’s look at ho this ould ork i a 3 reel slot. Fro a players poit of ie they ill see the reels spi
and the first reel would stop, then the second and the third. If the player is lucky they will have a winning
combination of symbols on the payline and they will get a payout.
Video slot machines and online slots usually have a button to press which causes the reels to spin. In the
case of video slots and online slots the reels are virtual and are a graphical representation of a slot
machines reels on a screen.
Some online slots have a virtual reel to pull which mimics a traditional style slot in a casino lobby.
Coin Chute
When a player gets a payout coins are dispatched by the slot machine via the coin chute. This is a passage
or tube that extends from where the coins are kept inside the slot machine to the cash tray.
The coin chute normally extends to a position just above the cash tray which allows for the coins to fall
neatly in to the cash tray where they can be easily collected by the player.
This is a found in both video and electro mechanical slot machines in casinos. In an online slot the slot
machine is virtual so the winnings are simply deposited electronically in to a players account.
Strongboxes

Strongboxes are where the coins or tokens are kept inside a slot machine and these need to be as secure
as possible. When a player creates a winning combination the correct amount of coins is released so that
the coins can travel down the coin chute to be collected by the player.
In online casinos money and credits are kept safe in a secure account in the casino ready to be deposited
in to a players account when they get a wining combination.

BONUS SLOT MACHINES
Some slot machines have bonus games or other bonus features and these are known as bonus slot
machines. This will often be the case with video slot machines or online slots. Bonus games are found on
most types of slot machine including classic slot machines and 5 reel slots and give the player chances to
win extra prizes.
The diagram above is a simplified representation of what a bonus game could look like. First the bonus
game is triggered by 3 bonus symbols, then on a second screen there are 5 items and you get to select 3
items to reveal cash prizes. Then the bonus game finishes and you are back to the reels and the regular
slot machine game.
There are various special features that may be found in slots machines such as free spins or gamble
features; however, for the purpose of Slot Machine Basics these are explained separately. A slot machine
may contain any combination of a bonus game, free spins and a gamble feature, in fact, many slots contain
all three features and some slots even have multiple bonus games.
Overview Of Different Bonus Features
We will give you a quick run-down of what each bonus feature entails. It is important to remember that
the bonus features in bonus slots are not always the same, in fact, they can be very different.

BONUS GAME FEATURE
A bonus game feature is any sort of feature that is additional feature to the normal spin function of the
slots game For example if the slot takes you to a different screen where you get to spin a wheel that would
be a type of bonus game, but if the reels of the game suddenly changed and you had to select the symbols
to discover point values behind them that would also be classed as a bonus game. This is not the same as
a free spins feature or gamble feature, although a gamble feature can be classed as a type of bonus game,
it is often just a gamble of your winnings see below. Whilst a genuine bonus game will 'usually' (but not
always) result in you winning some extra credits and very rarely does it ever involve risking any of your
winnings from the previous spin.
Free Spins Feature
A free spins feature is also sometimes called a free games feature and this is where a player wins extra
spins that they would usually have to pay for. This is a different feature to a bonus game or gamble feature.
Often when a slot is in free spins mode there will be a change in sound, and sometimes even colour or
lights flashing to signify you are in a free spins feature. There is often a count down so you can see how
many free spins you have remaining. On some slots the free spins will spin on their own (meaning you will
not need to click spin or pull the lever) whilst on others you will still need to click spin but on all of them
you will not have to pay anything for each free spin. Whilst at the same time the machine will payout on
any winning combinations that you land on whilst in free spin mode.
Gamble Feature
On 5 reel video slots a gamble feature usually takes the form of a player being offered the choice to select
a card; the choice is usually either red or black, or guess a suit, if the color of the card is guessed correctly
the winnings are usually doubled. If the suit is guessed correctly the winnings are usually quadrupled. This
feature is usually played once the player has made a winning combination and actually has some winnings
to gamble with.
Fruit machines also have an option to gamble winnings. Usually this is a more simple version where a
number is displayed (usually between 1 and 12) and the play has to guess if the next number generated
will be higher or lower. If the player guesses correctly then his/her winnings are doubled and they can
choose to collect the winnings or gamble again for another chance to double their winnings. If the player

guesses wrong then the players winnings from that spin (and any previous gambles since the spin) are
lost.
History of Bonus Features
The first slot to offer a bonus game on a second screen was Reel Em In; a slots game that was a game
developed by WMS Industries Inc in 1996. In fact, video slots and microchip technology has meant that
there is far more creative scope for the developers of slots to provide increasingly entertaining and
unusual bonus games. This means that bonus games can be like mini computer games or arcade games
which is a great feature for any slot machine.
In the world of online slots the software provider Rival has manufactured iSlots with many interesting
bonus games that are interactive and relate to a story line. This makes these online slot machines
interactive and they can be likened to a cross between a slots game and a computer game and a short
movie.
Land Based and Online Bonus Slot Machines
In case you are wondering what bonus slot machines are currently available in casinos we have compiled
a list of just a few interactive gems that have great bonus features.
In land based casinos you can play Winning Bid with its auction themed bonus game, Here you select an
item to auction off and the bidding starts. Then there is the Holy Grail slot machine which is a Monty
Python themed slot machine, Neon Nights, Monopoly, Terminator and Top Gun. All of these can be found
in Las Vegas Casinos.
There are also a great deal of online slot machines with bonus games such as Bearly fishing which is a
Microgaming slot with free spins and a gamble feature, As the Reels Turn 1, 2 and 3 which all have both
skill based or pick an item style bonus games. Elvis Multi Strike which has bonus features that contain film
and concert footage of the King himself and finally a great example of a slot with free spins is Get Rocked
slots which has a great free spin feature.
So How Do You Get To Play The Bonus Feature?

Bonus games and free spins are often triggered by a bonus symbol, for example, 3 or more bonus symbols
falling anywhere on the reels may trigger a bonus game. This is why it is important to look at a slots
paytable as bonus symbols are often clearly marked and there will often be a brief explanation of how the
free spins or bonus features are triggered. Scatter symbols can also trigger bonus features.
Gamble features are usually triggered by getting a winning combination of symbols as this means that you
win some money. You need to have something to gamble with to play a gamble feature.
Pick an Item and Skill Based Bonus Games
Bonus games generally fall in to one of two categories. Some bonus games will be very simple and a player
simply has to select items to reveal additional prizes; this is known as a pick an item style bonus game.
Some bonus games will require a degree of skill. For example, you may have to aim and shoot at moving
objects and if you hit them you will be awarded a prize for each item you hit. This is known as a skill based
game.
One quality that all bonus games share is the fact that they spice up game play and add an extra dimension
to your slot playing.