18+ GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly

Slots are the core of many online casinos and in many cases, they are the most popular offering by a considerable margin. Leading titles include Starburst and Eye of Horus, both offering something unique to players. With so many titles to choose from, knowing how to play and pick a title is something all punters should know before making a deposit!  

Join Parimatch in this article as we offer a complete guide for playing slots online, while also offering some tips and tricks along the way!  

What is a Slot Game?

A slot game is a popular form of casino entertainment that involves spinning reels to match symbols and win prizes.

Types of Slots

The various types of slots include classic 3-reel slots, video slots with immersive graphics and themes, as well as progressive slots that feature jackpots.  

Classic 3-Reel Slots

First are classic 3-reel slots, one of the simplest types of online casino games. They are modelled after the traditional slot machines you might find in a land-based casino. They are straightforward, often featuring symbols like fruits, bars, and sevens.  

Video Slots

Video slots take things up a notch with advanced graphics and animations. These games have five or more reels and come with a multitude of paylines. They also include various themes, from adventure to fantasy, making each game feel more immersive.  

Progressive Slots

Last up are progressive slots, which feature jackpots that increase with every bet placed by players. In many cases, players can qualify for this jackpot by placing the minimum permitted bet. However, it’s always best to double-check before you start to spin.

How To Get Started Playing Slots Online

Getting started with online slots can be a relatively simple process. To begin, you need to find a trustworthy online casino, such as Parimatch, to ensure that your safety is put first at all times. Here are some other tips for getting started with online slots:  

  • Set a budget for yourself to manage your finances responsibly while playing.  
  • Explore different types of slot games available on the platform, including classic, video, and progressive slots.  
  • Check the rules and paytable of each slot game you’re interested in to understand what you should be looking out for.  
  • Make sure your bet is qualifying for the progressive jackpot, if one is present in your chosen slot.  
  • Know that outcomes in slot games are determined by Random Number Generators, making them completely random.  
  • Use the specific slot instructions at Parimatch to get a tailored step-by-step guide for each game.  

Get Familiar With Rules, Paylines & Payouts

Before starting to play slots online, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with the rules, paylines, and payouts, as these are the core of most titles. Naturally, the rules can be found within the slot itself, often by clicking on a button labelled ‘Information’.  

As for the other two, here are their functions within online slots:   

  • Paylines – These are lines on the board that can award potential winnings, should a matching combination form on them. In most titles, they appear exclusively from left to right, but in some online slots, these paylines work in either direction.  
  • Payouts – In the world of online slots, a payout refers to the potential winnings that are awarded to the player. These apply when matching combinations appear on the board, or a bonus mode concludes.  

How Many Paylines Should I Bet On?

There is no right answer to the question: How many paylines should I bet on? And in many cases, these paylines will be fixed, meaning players won’t have to alter the number of lines before spinning.  

Many players opt to cover the maximum number of paylines in the title, before then adapting their wager per line. This can help them to find an appropriate total stake size per spin, without having to miss specific paylines.  

Learn What Each Symbol Does

Understanding the function of each symbol on the slot machine, from wilds to scatter symbols and multipliers, can help to enhance your gameplay. 

What are Wilds?

These icons have the unique ability to substitute for most other symbols on the reels, except usually for scatter symbols or other special icons that trigger bonus rounds.  

Each online slot has its own set of rules and variations on how wilds work. Some games feature expanding wilds that cover entire reels, while others offer sticky wilds that remain in place over multiple spins, increasing your chances of forming a matching combination.   

There are also walking wilds that move from one reel to another with each spin. Be sure to check the rules of the online slot before spinning to see which variations of wild, if any, are included!  

What are Scatter Symbols?

Scatter symbols are a huge feature in slot games. These special symbols can literally appear anywhere on the reels and don’t need to be on a payline to trigger their unique effects.   

When you land three or more scatter symbols, they can often unlock bonus rounds, free spins, potential winnings based on the stake size, or other features within the game.  

How Do Multipliers Work?

Multipliers are bonuses that increase your potential winnings by multiplying the amount awarded from a spin. For example, in titles like Sugar Rush, if you hit a matching combination with a 4x multiplier, your potential winnings will be four times the regular payout.  

Understanding Slot Bonus Features

Slot bonus features are designed to enhance your gaming experience. They can add extra levels of immersion and entertainment, while also making use of scatter symbols and other icons. Some of the most common types of slot bonuses are:  

  • Free Spins – This mode is a popular addition to many slot games. Landing certain combinations triggers these complimentary spins, giving you extra chances to land matching combinations without wagering additional funds.  
  • Pick Em Bonuses – These bonuses involve selecting different symbols to be awarded with fixed values or multipliers, adding a cool interactive element to the game.  
  • Mini Games – Offered by some slots, these mini games run alongside the main game. They can include accumulating certain symbols, or creating a certain number of combinations during the same spin. Completing these mini games can award extra potential winnings.  

How To Find A Slot Game To Play – What To Look For

Now that you understand slot bonus features, let’s delve into how to find a slot game to play and what to look for. When looking for a slot game to play, consider the following:  

  • Return to Player (RTP) Percentage – Games with a higher RTP rate redistribute more wagered funds in the form of potential winnings. A great example of releases with a high RTP include Bonanza Megaways and Age of the Gods God of Storms 
  • Game theme and graphics – Choose a game with a theme that appeals to you, and there is loads to choose from, whether it’s ancient civilisations, fantasy worlds, or classic fruit machines.  
  • Bonus features and free spins – Seeking out games with engaging bonus rounds, wilds, scatters, and free spin features could create a more entertaining experience.  
  • Volatility level – Decide on your risk preference by choosing between low, medium, or high volatility slots based on your gaming style and bankroll.  
  • Mobile compatibility – Ensure that the slot game is optimised for mobile play so you can then enjoy it on the go, if you plan on doing so.  
  • Provider reputation – Opt for games from reputable providers known for creating fair and entertaining slots with innovative gameplay mechanics.  

How To Place Bets and Spin

Placing bets and spinning the reels is a straightforward process that all online slots revolve around. Here’s how you can get going:  

  • Select your bet amount by adjusting the coin value or bet level according to your budget.  
  • Choose the number of paylines you want to bet on, keeping in mind that in many online slots, these are fixed to a certain number.  
  • Click on the “Spin” icon to set the reels in motion and await the outcome of the round.  
  • Keep an eye out for any bonus features that might trigger during your spins, as well as paying attention to matching combinations!  

Mini Slot Games Glossary

Here’s a glossary of terms that you may come across when spinning slots online at Parimatch:  

  • Bonus – An added round or feature that can be triggered during the base game.  
  • Jackpot – A jackpot is typically the largest potential payout associated with a slot.  
  • Payline – The specified lines that matching combinations can appear on, in order for some potential winnings to be awarded to the player.  
  • Pay Table – A pay table shows all the symbols, alongside the potential winnings associated with each.  
  • Progressive Jackpot – These are similar to regular jackpots; however, progressive alternatives increase as other players wager on the same slot.  
  • Reels – These are the horizontal columns that symbols can appear on.  

Remember You’re Playing For Real Money

Playing for real money brings about significant responsibility. Stay mindful of your wagers and ensure responsible gambling practices to help sustain a positive gaming experience.  

One of the best methods to stay safe when spinning online slots is to set a budget before playing. Additionally, ensure that the money you allocate for gambling is an amount you can afford to lose. Here at Parimatch, we have a range of safer gambling tools, including deposit limits and reality checks, to always keep you in control!  

Frequently Asked Questions About Slots

Are Online Slots Really Random?   

Yes, online slots are truly random. This is achieved with an RNG, or random number generated, which is used to determine which symbols appear on the board.  

Is There A Trick To Winning Slots?   

No, there is no trick to winning when playing online slots. The outcome of each spin is based totally on luck and cannot be influenced in any way.