When you first explore online Slots, it can seem like a wide and varied place. A main feature of these games is that you can find several different online Slots themes – from to pirate and space themes to game-show inspired options.
That being said, while the appearance and themes of Slots may seem complex, the mechanics that operate behind the scenes are carefully designed to ensure fairness, consistency, and responsible play when spinning the reels.
In this article, we’ll take a look behind the scenes of online Slots to give you a clearer idea of how the games work.
The aim of the game
The core aim of gameplay in online Slots is carried over from the traditional mechanical machines you find in land-based venues. You need to spin the reels with the aim of landing matching combinations.
Where mechanical machines would have you pull a physical lever, modern online Slots use digital representations of these reels. Typically, you will find three or five reels in most games, with each reel displaying a set number of symbols.
Symbols and paylines
The specific paylines and symbols are another key part of understanding online Slots.
Paylines determine how you can land matching combinations to receive a payout. The number of paylines can vary between games, ranging from a single line across the centre to hundreds of lines arranged in complex patterns.
In most games, you will encounter standard symbols along with special ones. Standard symbols can be anything from the classic fruit machine symbols to specific theme-based symbols. Special symbols can include wilds, which substitute for other symbols to help form a matching combination, and scatters, which often trigger bonus features. There are also some Slots that use multipliers, which may increase the size of a payout for matching combinations you land.
Random number generators (RNGs)
At the heart of every online Slot game is a crucial mechanism – the RNG. This piece of software constantly generates random sequences of numbers, even when no spin is being made, so that when you hit the spin button, a random sequence is chosen. These numbers are then translated into the positions that symbols land on the reels.
The RNG is crucial because it ensures that every spin you make is independent from the last, and that you cannot predict any outcomes – keeping the games entirely chance-based.
Return to player (RTP) and volatility
RTP percentage indicates the theoretical long-term payout of a slot. This is expressed as a percentage of all the coins wagered and how much of that is expected to return to players. For instance, a Slot with an RTP of 96% is expected to return 96 coins for every 100 coins wagered over an extended period.
Closely related to RTP is volatility. This refers to the potential risk profile of the game. High-volatility Slots might land matching symbols less often, but when they do, the payouts might be larger. Low-volatility Slots tend to produce smaller payouts but more frequently.
Do remember that RTP and volatility are only theoretical averages of games over time, and RNGs still keep every individual spin fair, random, and unpredictable.
By understanding the mechanics behind the reels, you can play a game of Slots more knowledgeably and responsibly. While the designs, animations, and sound effects may differ, the principles behind how each slot functions remain consistent.
