The slot vocabulary
These terms appear in nearly every paytable:
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Reels and rows | The grid of symbols. Five reels by three rows is the classic layout, but many games use larger or changing grids. |
| Paylines / ways | The patterns that count as a win. Fixed paylines pay along set lines. 'Ways' games pay matching symbols on adjacent reels, wherever they land. |
| Wild | Substitutes for other symbols to complete a win. |
| Scatter | Pays or triggers features wherever it lands, usually the free spins round. |
| Free spins round | A feature inside the game, often with multipliers or extra wilds. This is part of the game and isn't the same as a casino free spins promotion. |
| RTP | The designed long-run return, shown in the paytable. |
| Volatility | How the returns are spread: frequent small wins (low) or rare large ones (high). |
| Max win | The largest multiple of your stake the game can pay in one round. |
Volatility matters more than you'd think
RTP tells you the long-run average. Volatility tells you what the ride feels like. A low-volatility slot keeps your balance ticking along with small wins. A high-volatility slot can go dozens of spins without a meaningful win and then pay a large amount in a feature round.
Neither is better. If you want a long session on a small budget, low volatility fits. If you're chasing the feature round, expect long dry spells and size your stake for them. Many paytables state the volatility, sometimes as a scale of lightning bolts or a word like high.
Playing a slot
Open the game
Choose it from the slots category, or search for it by name or provider.
Read the paytable
Check the symbols, features, RTP and bet range.
Set your bet
Use the bet control to set the stake per spin. The total stake per spin is what comes off your balance.
Spin
Each spin settles straight away and your balance updates.
Watch your balance, not the animations
Win celebrations can play even when a spin returns less than you staked. The balance is the true figure.
Some games include autoplay and turbo modes. If you use autoplay, set a loss limit in the autoplay settings so it stops on its own.
Choosing a slot
- Check the RTP in the paytable. It varies between games and sometimes between versions of the same game.
- Match the volatility to your budget and how long you want to play.
- Look at the bet range, so the minimum isn't more than you planned to stake.
- Read how the feature round is triggered and what it pays.
- Note the max win if a big payout is what you're after.
Frequently asked questions
How do slots decide wins?
Each spin's result is set by a random number generator the moment you spin. Earlier spins don't affect the next one.
What is a good RTP for a slot?
Slots commonly sit somewhere in the 94–97% range, but the figure that applies is the one in each game's paytable.
Is a game's free spins round the same as a free spins bonus?
No. A free spins round is a feature inside the game. A free spins promotion is an offer from the casino with its own terms.
Can I play slots on my phone?
Yes, in the mobile browser or the app. Most current slots are designed for touchscreens.