Essential Slot Machine Terms Every Player Should Know

Slot machines, commonly referred to as slots, have been around for more than 100 years.

Slot machine terminology refers to a range of specialized phrases and words that describe slots, their operation, mechanics, and how such machines pay prizes. Familiarity with slot machine terms can be incredibly beneficial for beginners as it enables them to better understand slot game activities, bonuses, jackpots, and payouts.

RTP stands for Return to Player, which is a term that defines the theoretical percentage of wagered money a slot game can return in the long term. For example, a slot machine with 96% RTP theoretically returns 96$ out of $100 wagered.

RNG stands for Random Number Generator, an underlying system used by slot machines to generate unpredictable/random numbers that determine the outcome of each spin.

Volatility marks the frequency and size of wins in slot machine terminology. In the case of low volatility slots, smaller and more frequent prizes can be won while with high volatility slots, larger but less frequent wins are produced.

A reel is the vertical column that displays symbols in a slot machine.

Rows refer to the horizontal lines in slot games.

Symbols in slot machine glossary refer to the images displayed on the reels. Symbols can include fruits, sevens, bars, or special characters that match the slot game's distinct theme.

Slot machine paylines refer to a predefined pattern across the reels that determines winning combinations. Earlier slots had a single horizontal payline, but modern games can sometimes have dozens, hundreds or even thousands of ways to win a prize.

Payout refers to the amount of money a player collects after matching a winning combination.

Jackpot is the maximum prize a player can win in a slot game. Older slot machines offer a single jackpot level, while modern slot games can have several jackpot levels.

A multiplier is a slot machine game feature that increases the player’s winnings by applying a multiplier to the original payout.

Free Spins refer to a special game mode that can be activated as a bonus, during which spinning the reels doesn't deduct from the player's balance.

The pay table shows the slot game's winning combinations and values depending on the symbols matched.

Auto Spin is a functionality that enables players to predefine an automatic spin of the reels. Such an option can include spinning for a certain number of times, duration, until a specific amount is won or lost.

Bet Max refers to the maximum amount a player can wager on a single spin.

The Scatter Symbol enables players to trigger a special feature or a prize without the need to hit a specific payline.

A Wild Symbol allows players to complete a payline by substituting another symbol.

Cascading Reels, also known as tumbling reels, change how wins play out on the reels by removing all winning symbols which are then replaced by new symbols that cascade or fall in their place. Thanks to Cascading Reels, slot players can trigger consequent wins.

The Gamble feature offers players a chance to increase their payout by risking their current winnings. For example, a player can risk their $10 winnings for a chance to double the payout.

A Big Hit refers to a triggered large payout via a combination of high-paying symbols. Usually, such payouts are higher than wins from single spins but not as big as jackpots.

A Bonus Round can include a range of rewards, including multipliers, free spins, or special mini games.

The Buy Feature enables players to instantaneously trigger a bonus round or special feature.