Online slots are among the most popular casino games. However, the mechanics behind online Slots are often misunderstood.

With this in mind, we have put together this guide to find out how online slots really work, demystifying the technology and principles that power these games.

The role of Random Number Generators (RNGs)

At the heart of every online slot is a Random Number Generator (RNG). The RNG is a complex algorithm that continuously generates numbers randomly, even when the game is not played. When you press the spin button, the RNG picks a random number corresponding to a combination of symbols on the slot’s reels.

Key points:

  • Randomness: The outcome of each spin is completely random and independent of the previous spins. This means that every spin has the same chance of landing a matching combination, regardless of the results of past spins.
  • Fairness: Reputable online casinos use RNGs that are regularly tested by independent agencies to ensure fairness. These tests verify that the RNGs produce random outcomes, making the games fair for all players spinning the reels.

Understanding paylines and payouts

Paylines are the lines on which a matching combination of symbols must appear for you to win. In traditional slot machines, there was usually only one payline. However, modern online Slots often feature multiple paylines, sometimes dozens or even hundreds, allowing for various ways to land a matching symbol combination.

Paylines and payouts:

  • Fixed paylines: In some Slots, all paylines are active on every spin, meaning you must bet on all available lines.
  • Adjustable paylines: Other Slots allow you to choose how many paylines to activate. But in doing so, this will also increase your total bet.
  • Payout tables: Each online Slot has a payout table that details the combinations and their corresponding payouts. Higher-value symbols and special symbols like wilds and scatters typically offer larger payouts.

Special features: wilds, scatters, and bonus rounds

Online Slots often include special features which may include:

  • Wild symbols: These symbols can substitute for any other symbol (except for scatters) to help create a matching combination.
  • Scatter symbols: Scatters can trigger bonus rounds or free spins if you land a certain number of them anywhere on the reels, regardless of paylines.
  • Bonus Rounds: Many online Slots feature interactive bonus rounds that offer additional chances to create matching combinations. These can include free spins, pick-and-win games, or other mini-games.

Volatility and Return to Player (RTP)

Two important elements of online Slots are their volatility and Return to Player (RTP) rates:

  • Volatility: This refers to the risk level of a Slot game. High-volatility Slots offer larger but less frequent payouts, while low-volatility Slots offer smaller, more frequent payouts. Medium-volatility Slots strike a balance between the two. Please remember, no matter the volatility rating, a win is never guaranteed.
  • RTP: The RTP is the percentage of all wagered money that a slot is expected to pay back to players over time. For example, a slot with an RTP of 96% is expected to return 96 coins for every 100 coins wagered. It’s important to note that RTP is calculated over millions of spins and does not guarantee a specific outcome for individual sessions.