Online Slot FAQs

What are reels?

Reels are simply the cylindrical part of the game that spins where the symbols are displayed. In general, you will come across slot games with either 3 or 5 reels but games with even more reels are becoming more popular.

What are the pay lines?

Pay lines are where you win your money! In simple terms, if matching symbols are aligned on any pay line, you win the amount specified by the pay table. The number of pay lines varies from 1, usually on traditional slots, to as much as 50 on some Video Slots! With multiple pay line slot games, you can also win more than once over all the pay lines.

However, on multiple pay line slots, you have a choice on how many pay lines you want to play on. Playing on the maximum number of pay lines will cost you more, but will increase your chances of winning.

What's the difference between Video Slots and Traditional Slots?

Not much. The same general rules apply to both traditional slots and video slots. They are both based on spinning the reels and trying to match symbols according to the paytables for a win. However, Video Slots are generally more varied and have many more ways to win, through more pay lines and exciting bonus rounds, features, scatter and wild symbols. However, this doesn't necessarily mean you have a greater chance of winning on a video slot compared to a traditional slot, but it can make the game more exciting.

Traditional slots will usually have the classic slot machine symbols such as 7's, lemons, bells, bars etc and be a 3 reel, 1 pay line game. Video slots on the other hand often have 5 Reels with many more pay lines. They will also typically use more original symbols relating to the nature of the slot's theme.

What's the difference between online slots and slots in land-based casinos?

Very little. Online slots use exactly the same Random Number Generators (RNG) as those used in land-based casinos. In fact, the payout percentage of online slots is slightly better, meaning you have more of a chance of winning. Plus, you can play online slots in the comfort of your own home (and in your pyjama's if you so wish!).

What does "hold" and "payout percentage" mean?

The term "hold" relates to the percentage of coins played on a slot machine that a casino takes for themselves. The remainder of this percentage is known as the "pay out percentage". So, as an example, say $1000 is gambled on a particular slot over a given period of time. The casino holds $100 for themselves and pays out $900. The "hold" percentage is therefore 10 per cent and the payout percentage is 90 per cent.