How to Play Slots and Win?

August 28, 2024
13 Minute Read

If you’re new to casinos and curious about how to play slots, this guide is for you.

Slot machines are among the most popular games, thanks to their bright lights, catchy sounds, and the thrill of potential big wins.

Whether you’re just starting or looking for the best slots for beginners, we’ll walk you through the basics and share tips to help you spin those reels with confidence. Let’s dive in and get you ready to play slots!

How Do Slots Work?

A close-up view of a classic slot machine with illuminated "Sixties" signage and the number 7 prominently displayed on the reels. The background is filled with a soft blur of colorful, glowing lights, evoking a lively casino atmosphere.

Let’s talk about the actual individual parts of a typical slot: At the core of every slot game are reels, rows, and paylines, for starters. Reels are the vertical sections that spin when you place a bet, each adorned with various slot machine symbols. Rows run horizontally across the reels, and paylines are the specific lines across the reels where matching symbols need to land for a player to win. So far so good.

The key to understanding how to play slots, however, really lies in recognizing that after you place your bet, the symbols that appear on the reels are entirely random, thanks to something we call a Random Number Generator (RNG). The payout you receive depends on the rarity of the symbols that line up on the paylines, as detailed in the slot’s payout table, which, you guessed it, we urge you to consult if you’re getting overwhelmed.

In today’s modern age, most slot machines are video slots, meaning they display the reels and symbols on a digital screen rather than on physical reels – that obviously isn’t the case in most land-based casinos, even still.

These machines often offer different denominations of money, allowing players to bet as little as a cent or as much as $100 per spin. The game begins when you insert your money or credits into the machine and either press the spin button or pull the handle, for those classic machines that still have them.

How to Win in Slots?

In order to learn how to play casino slots and win, it’s important to realize that it’s really all about forming a winning combination of symbols on active paylines. A winning combination occurs when matching symbols land in adjacent positions on these lines, which sounds far more complicated than it actually is – just have a look at a slot, click on the paylines and you’ll see what we mean. 

Let’s explain them anyway, for the sake of completion here. Active lines, or paylines, are the specific patterns across the reels where these symbols must align for you to win. Depending on the slot machine, there can be just a few paylines or even hundreds, and understanding which lines are active in a game is paramount to knowing how to play a slot machine effectively.

The amount you win from a combination depends on the symbols involved. Common symbols generally offer smaller payouts, while rarer icons, often depicted as special or themed symbols (think ancient books, for example), yield larger prizes.

What is RTP and Volatility?

When learning how to play slots, two critical concepts to understand are RTP (Return to Player) and volatility, both of which sound like complicated slot machine terms, but we will break them apart for you, don’t you worry. RTP, or Return to Player, is a percentage that represents the amount of money a slot machine is expected to return to players over a long period of time.

For example, a slot with an RTP of 96% theoretically returns $96 for every $100 wagered, let’s keep this equation simple, shall we? However, it’s important to note that this is an average of millions of spins and doesn’t guarantee short-term results for any individual session, before you get overly excited.

Volatility, also known as variance in some cases, refers to the risk level associated with a particular slot machine. It indicates how often and how much a slot pays out, in a nutshell. Low volatility slots offer frequent but smaller wins, making them ideal for players looking for steady, consistent gameplay.

On the other hand, high volatility slots may have longer periods without payouts, but when they do hit, the payouts are usually substantial. Medium volatility slots strike a balance between the two, offering a mix of both frequent small wins and occasional larger payouts.

The Main Features of Slot Games

So, we’ve talked about a lot of theoretical stuff, now it’s time to tackle a more practical topic. As you probably know, even beginner slots are packed with exciting features that not only make gameplay more engaging but also offer players additional opportunities to win. 

Some of the most common features you’ll encounter include wild symbols, scatter symbols, free spins, bonus games, and progressive jackpots. Think about slots as a watered down version of a video game, where the features are really just a component that makes up the big picture if you will. Let’s talk about some of the features we like most.

Wild symbols, for example, act as substitutes for other symbols on the reels, helping to form winning combinations by filling in the gaps. Scatter symbols, on the other hand, typically trigger special features like free spins or bonus rounds when enough of them appear on the reels, regardless of their position, and are therefore some of the symbols you really want to look out for. As well as free spins, by the way – we bet you heard of those before.

Free spins are a popular feature that allows players to spin the reels a set number of times without wagering additional money, often with the potential for increased winnings. Bonus games offer a break from the standard spinning reels and can range from simple pick-and-win games to more complex, interactive experiences. 

Lastly, progressive jackpots are a feature that many players seek out for the chance to win life-changing sums of money. These jackpots grow every time a player makes a bet, continuing to increase until one lucky player hits the jackpot. Understanding these features is key to maximizing your enjoyment and potential winnings when learning how to play slots for beginners.

Bonus Features

In addition to the more common features, slot games often include a variety of unique bonus features that can differ significantly from one game to another. Win multipliers are a popular feature that increases your winnings by a specific multiplier when certain conditions are met, often during free spins or bonus rounds.

Choosing a Slot Machine

An empty, dimly lit casino room featuring multiple rows of slot machines lined up against the walls. The machines are illuminated with colorful screens and neon signs, while plush red chairs are placed in front of each machine, creating a cozy yet lively atmosphere. The carpeted floor is decorated with scattered paper slips, adding to the typical casino environment.

With so many factors to consider when choosing a game in order to learn how to play slots, it can feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the options, we’ve highlighted five key aspects that can make a big difference in your experience. While there’s much to explore, these essentials will guide you in selecting the perfect slot game.

Volatility

When choosing a slot machine, consider its volatility. If you prefer frequent, smaller wins, opt for a low volatility slot. If you’re chasing bigger payouts and can handle longer dry spells, a high volatility slot might be more appealing. Your risk tolerance should guide this decision.

You like the bonus features

Different slot games offer various bonus features like free spins, multipliers, or interactive mini-games. Choose a slot that includes bonus features you enjoy, as they can enhance the excitement and increase your chances of winning. Matching these features to your preferences can make your gaming experience more rewarding.

The theme appeals to you

The theme of a slot game can greatly impact your enjoyment. Whether you’re into ancient civilizations, fantasy worlds, or modern pop culture, selecting a slot with a theme that resonates with you will make the gameplay more engaging and immersive, turning your session into a more enjoyable experience.

The RTP Fits With Your Bankroll

Choosing a slot with an RTP that matches your bankroll is crucial. A higher RTP slot offers better long-term returns, which is beneficial if you plan on extended play. If you have a smaller bankroll, look for slots with a moderate to high RTP to help stretch your playing time.

The casino you love actually has the slot you’re trying to play

Lastly, ensure the casino you prefer playing at offers the slot game you’re interested in. Not all casinos carry the same games, so it’s important to check availability before getting your hopes up. Playing at a trusted casino also ensures a fair and secure gaming experience.

Theme

Slot games today come in a vast array of themes, ranging from popular movies and TV shows to historical eras, fantasy worlds, and beyond. These themes are designed to captivate players by offering an immersive experience that resonates with their personal interests. 

The cool thing? It doesn’t matter if you’re a fan of classic films, beloved TV series, or even niche genres, there’s a slot game out there that will draw you in with its visuals and storyline, for sure. The right theme can make gameplay more enjoyable and engaging, turning each spin into a mini-adventure that keeps you coming back for more.

Features

When selecting a slot machine, it’s important to consider the features and add-ons that will enhance your gaming experience. Features like free spins, bonus games, wild symbols, and multipliers can make the difference between a standard game and an exciting one. 

However, finding the right balance is crucial. Too many features can make the game overwhelming, while too few might make it feel dull. Choosing a slot with features you enjoy and can easily manage is key to maintaining a fun and engaging experience.

Payout

Payout percentages, also known as RTP (Return to Player), are a crucial factor in choosing a slot machine. The RTP indicates the average amount of money a slot machine returns to players over time, expressed as a percentage. For example, a slot with a 95% RTP will return $95 for every $100 wagered, on average. 

Stops

In the early days of slot machines, knowing the number of stops—blank spaces or symbols—on each reel could give players an edge in predicting outcomes and improving their chances of winning. Stops referred to the physical positions where the reels would halt, determining which symbols appeared on the payout line. 

However, with modern slot machines now powered by Random Number Generators (RNGs), this strategy is no longer relevant. RNG technology ensures that each spin is entirely random and independent of previous spins, making it impossible to predict where the reels will stop.

Placing The Right Bet

A person playing a slot machine in a dimly lit casino, surrounded by vivid neon lights in the background. The slot machine screen displays various symbols and dollar amounts, with the player's hands poised to make their next move.

Slot machines cater to a wide range of budgets, offering games with bets as low as $0.01, known as penny slots, to those requiring hundreds of dollars per spin. This variety allows players to choose games that match their bankroll. For beginners, we recommend to start small, gradually increasing your bet as you gain confidence and experience.

Online Slots

When playing some of the best online slots, while the visuals and themes may vary from game to game, the basic controls remain consistent. Players can easily adjust their bet amount, choose the number of active paylines, and set the game to autoplay if they prefer a hands-free experience. These standardized controls ensure a smooth transition between different online slots.

Mobile Slots

With the advancement of mobile technology, most smartphones today are fully compatible with slot games. The gameplay, including the buttons and mechanics, mirrors that of online slots, allowing players to enjoy a seamless experience across devices. Whether you’re playing on a computer or a mobile phone, the controls remain intuitive and consistent, ensuring ease of use.

Slot Machine Etiquette

For beginners, it’s important to play only one machine at a time to avoid frustration and confusion. Managing multiple machines can lead to mistakes and missed wins. If a player takes a break, they might tip a chair against the machine or leave a personal item to signal that the machine is still in use. Respecting these markers is essential to maintaining a friendly and courteous atmosphere in the casino.

Slot Machine Myths

Many myths surround slot machines, leading players to develop misconceptions about how these games work. However, it’s important to remember that slot outcomes are determined by Random Number Generators (RNGs), making each spin independent and random. Let’s debunk some common myths that often mislead players.

Change Machines After a Big Jackpot

A common myth suggests that after a big jackpot, a machine won’t hit again for a while. In reality, each spin is independent due to RNGs, so there’s no connection between past and future outcomes. The machine is just as likely to hit a jackpot again on the next spin.

Play a Machine That Has Not Hit the Jackpot for a Long Time

Another myth claims that a machine that hasn’t hit a jackpot in a while is “due” for a win. However, RNG technology ensures that every spin is random, meaning there’s no guarantee that a machine will hit just because it hasn’t in a while. The outcome remains unpredictable.

Casinos Place “Hot” Machines on the Aisles

Some players believe that casinos place “hot” machines in high-traffic areas like aisles to attract more players. This myth assumes that these machines are more likely to pay out, but in truth, the placement of machines has no effect on their payout rates. All machines are programmed independently of their location.

Play Slots at Lucky Block casino

Now that you’re armed with the basics of how to play slots, it’s time to put your knowledge into action. With so many exciting slot games out there, you can now approach them with confidence. Remember, every spin brings the possibility of a win, so find a game that suits your style, manage your bankroll wisely, and enjoy the thrill of the reels.

For an extra layer of excitement, consider trying Bitcoin slots at Lucky Block, where you can enjoy fast transactions and potentially higher rewards.

Learn more on slots:

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

How do online slots work?

Online slots use a Random Number Generator (RNG) to ensure each spin is random and fair, with outcomes determined by chance.

How to play slots at an online casino?

Choose a slot, set your bet amount, select the number of paylines, and spin the reels. Match symbols on active paylines to win.

How can I win when playing slots?

Winning at slots is based on luck, but choosing games with higher RTP and managing your bankroll wisely can improve your chances.

What are the best slots for beginners?

The best slots for beginners have low volatility, simple gameplay, and a high RTP, making them easier to understand and enjoy.

What are some tips for playing slot machines?

When it comes to tips when playing slot machines, it’s best to start with smaller bets and familiarize yourself with the game’s features. Managing your bankroll wisely is crucial, and selecting games with a higher RTP (Return to Player) can improve your

Tom Middleton

Tom is a crypto gambling expert with more than a decade of experience in the industry and Master’s Degree in Journalism. He has written thoroughly researched guides and reviews for several major publications.

Sign up to Lucky Block

Deposit and claim a 200% welcome bonus.

Sign Up