Casino slots are basically a set of reels, populated with different types of symbols. In one game the reels will spin followed by a stop. Depending on the new positions of the symbols on the reels, the wins are calculated. You may hear about the popular three-reel machines. Slot machines have different names across the globe such as video slots, pokies, fruits, fruit machines, online slots, and one-armed bandits. There are also five or six-reel video slots available that include multiple paylines, and many unique features. With the growing technology, game developers try to offer a smooth and rich gaming experience across age groups with fresh and innovative slot features.
There are different components of slot features like scatters, avalanche reels, think wilds, jackpot symbols, free spin rounds, and random triggers to boost your wins. You will recognize faster when you play more slots. This article will give a comprehensive idea about different types of slot features like bonus features, free spins, think wilds, scatters, multipliers, etc.
The most common slot features
1. Autoplay
Autoplay, the most common slot feature, allows you to multi-task as it does the spin automatically. You have to press the start and stop buttons. You can stop the game if you win a big or lose too much of your money.
2. Wild Symbols
Wild symbols are one of the widely used slot features that substitute for other symbols to enhance your winning combination. There are a few games where these features are not available, so you should check the features properly before the play.
3. Free Spins
Free spins as bonuses are not a feature, but rather a reward offered to players. However, many slot games have this free spins in the “buy a feature” opportunity. Free spins often include a re-triggers option.
4. Scatters
As the name suggests, scatters do the job in any spot on the screen, unlike regular symbols that need to occupy adjacent reels.
5. Bonus Rounds
Most casino slots in the world have features including bonus rounds, and the majority are free spins-based. Modifiers like sticky wilds, random wilds, increasing multipliers, symbol transformations, and synced reels enhance the free plays.
6. Multipliers
The multiplier slot feature allows you to multiply your credits. Everyone would prefer a 1,000 credits over a 100-credit payout. That is possible when you win 100 credits with an X10 multipliers option. You can multiply your winning amount to X3, X5, and X10 with different combinations.
7. Progressive Jackpots
Progressive jackpot slots give you the ultimate payout. It works a little different way. It starts with a seed amount like $50000 or $100000. And as the game proceeds, a small percentage of each bet contributes to the jackpot amount.
Slot Mechanics – How does it work?
Slot features make your game more exciting, while slot mechanics represent the game’s potential. It tells about how it works. Each reel has different symbols in the slot machine having different symbols added to them. The base formula is to multiply the odds and the number of possible ways to win. E.g. – A 3-reel slot with 5 symbols on it would produce 5 x 5 x 5 = 125 winning combinations. Three other factors affect the mechanics of slot features. These are random number generators, payout percentages, and variance.
Random Number Generator (RNG)
Most people have a common doubt about whether online slot machines or land-based slot machines are rigged or not. And a very clearcut answer is not as each spin’s outcome is determined by a Random Number Generator (RNG). That’s why they say it is a game of luck. All the slot machines generate thousands of random numbers per second. When your spin stops, the last random number will determine your fate.
Payout Percentage
Also known as return to player(RTP), the Payback percentage is the ultimate determining factor. Payout rate 95% means simply the game will pay out $95 for $100 wagered. The average will be around $95 when you spin it thousands of times, not for every spin. In the UK, it is mandatory for the developers to reveal RTP in the description.
Variance – Low or High Volatility
Volatility indicates the frequency of hits. Low volatility means wins will roll often, but small. Medium volatility indicates a medium rate. And high volatility means it is very tough to hit, but the outcome will be huge. A combination of high RTP and low volatility will be a smooth ride for a casino player.