How to Play Slot Machines
Slot machines are the most widespread games in Canadian online casinos. They make up most of the casino lobby and are suitable even for beginners, thanks to their simple rules and dynamic game flow. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find instructions on how to play slot machines. We’ll cover their operation principles, main features, and types. Read our detailed guide to slot machines to find helpful tips and tricks for winning.
Tips for Selecting Slot Games
Players aiming to break the bank in one go can concentrate on jackpot games. For those who want entertainment without significant gambling skills, we recommend fruit machines, as they are regarded as classics. Select a theme that suits your preferences. Consider features like bonus rounds or special symbols: the more of those — the better your chances of a win. Assess your risk tolerance and decide whether you prefer high or low-volatility slots.
These are the questions to ask yourself if you are wondering how to choose slot games.
- Which goal do I set?
- What slot category do I prefer?
- What bet size is right for me?
- Do I want less frequent but larger wins or vice versa?
- What RTP is good enough for me?
Guide to Understanding Online Slots
For those asking how to play slot machines online, we’ve prepared a table covering the main components of the game at the best real money slots sites.
| Game attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Reels | These are the vertical lines that make up the game layout. Typically, the slot consists of 3 to 7 reels, depending on whether it is a classic version or a modern video slot. |
| Rows | Horizontal rows create lines of symbols that balance the vertical reels. Most often, there are 3 rows in the game layout. |
| Paylines | This is the area where the winning combination should land. It stretches, usually, from left to right. Slot games feature from 20 to 243 pay lines. |
| Payout table | This is a table describing slots rules, the symbols and their value. |
| RNG (random number generator) | The math algorithm that produces unbiased results. All secure online casinos for slots players feature original software that is controlled by a random number generator. |
Tutorials on Slot Machine Features
Learning the bonus features gives a comprehensive understanding of how to play slots. With this knowledge, players can build successful slots strategy and have better winning chances. Let’s take a closer look at the essential features of online slot machines in the table below.
| Function | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Wild symbols | The wild symbol replaces any other symbol in the game needed to form a winning combination, except the scatter. Wild symbols often make up winning combinations with increased payouts if several of them land on the same pay line. |
| Scatter symbols | These symbols have the potential to pay off, regardless of where they appear on the layout. Scatters generate higher payouts and activate additional bonuses as soon as they land on the reels. Free spins belong to the most common awards triggered by three scatter symbols. |
| Free spins | Players do not spend their money on the bet during the free spins round. Bonus spins frequently include extra features, e.g. multipliers that boost your winning chances. |
| Picking bonus game | Picking bonus rounds move the game to the next level or add more prizes for the player. To trigger this round, you need to collect at least three bonus symbols. In this mini-game, players randomly choose items that may bring a bigger win or activate instant cash prizes. |
| Progressive jackpot | The progressive jackpot allows you to win a large amount at once. The size of the prize pool grows dynamically after each placed bet. As soon as the pot is broken, the winning amount is reduced to the starting level. The result depends only on a random number generator, so everyone has a chance of winning regardless of the bet size. |
| Dropping symbols | These symbols may be referred to as Avalanche or Cascading Reels. The winning symbols disappear from the screen once you land a lucky combination. New symbols fall into these empty spaces that have formed, and the player potentially has additional chances to win consecutively. |
| Win multipliers | Multipliers can be linked to bonuses or other features in slot games. They multiply the winning symbol by a defined amount. Multipliers can show up in regular gameplay or during exclusive bonus rounds, which increases from 2 to 5 times the possible benefits you could receive. |
| Special wilds | This bonus is an extension to the classic version of wild symbols. Some wilds grow till they cover the full reel; some come with multipliers or shift around the screen. |
| Gamble feature | A gamble feature can bring you a double win. For this, the player needs to guess the hidden card’s suit or colour. If the players fail to guess, they lose the entire amount. |
| Free re-spins | Re-spins are the same as free spins, but they include fewer rounds. Unlike free spins, it can be triggered by one wild symbol. On average, slots provide one re-spin during the round. |
Note from PlaySafeCasino.ca: Check out our guide to popular online casino games, where we reveal detailed information on different game types and tips that help beginners better understand their operation principles.
A Guide to Slot Game Categories
At most casinos with instant payout, slots are sorted into several main types due to their features. These can be related to the layout or bonus functions present in the game. Our experts have prepared a comprehensive guide to different types of online slots for you. Note that some slot machines may belong to several categories at the same time.
- Classic 3 reel slots
This is one of the most common types of slot games, which is similar to the vintage fruit machines seen in land-based casinos. The layout of three-reel slots usually consists of one payline and three reels. This type is perfect for beginners due to its simplicity and straightforward slots rules. 3-reel slots have the highest return rate among other categories but may lack bonus features. Caring about responsible gaming practices is essential here because the fast pace can entail higher stakes and a prolonged game session. - 5-reel
The main difference from the previous slot machines is a larger game grid consisting of 5 reels. 5 reel slots are more modern and include 5 to 25 pay lines as a rule. This is a subcategory of video slots having more varieties of winning combinations. More reels help to create more intricate graphics and allow developers to create plots with greater complexity. The player’s game experience is enhanced as a result. - Progressive jackpot
Progressive jackpots include a round where the players can win big amounts at once. Each subsequent bet of the player increases the size of the prize until the winner is determined. As soon as someone hits the jackpot, the prize pool gains its initial value. Game flow in jackpot games is standard and includes typical wild and scatter symbols. It can be a classic slot or a multi-reel slot where you need to land a winning combination. The jackpot round appears at a random moment. The player usually has to spin the wheel of fortune. If you are lucky, you can even win several hundred thousand in this game with one mouse click. - Vegas
Vegas machines are intended to transport the player to the atmosphere of Las Vegas land-based casinos. Technically, these are the same fruit machines or video slots that are thematically reminiscent of Vegas slot machines. Players can benefit from high-quality graphics, glamorous scatters and wild symbols that activate bonus features such as Gambling or Picking. In addition to slots, the best casinos offer players video poker games and different types of roulettes in a live format, which allows you to be more immersed in the gaming atmosphere of Las Vegas. - Fruit machines
Fruit machines have their origins in British pubs. These are the same three-reel slots or classic slots. The name is related to the symbols that are present on the reels. They include cherries, bananas, lemons, and bells. Fruit machines are full of nostalgic motifs and designed with the first casino machines in mind. They frequently feature some basic functions like holds and nudges. - 3D slots
These machines are designed with improved graphics. With their excellent animations, 3D slots upgrade the visual player experience to a new level. The game may have feature cascading reels that add more opportunities to win. The layout consists of 5 or more reels and typically includes from 5 to 25 pay lines. - Bonus slots
These machines are rich with additional bonus rounds offering higher payouts or profitable features such as free spins, multipliers, picking games, or Wheel of Fortune. This category may also include 243 way slots that allow more winning chances and boast high RTPs of 96%-97%.
Slot Machine Categories
Most online casinos include the following slot categories.
- Classic slots
The classic machines have a straightforward design with 3 reels. These games are also called fruit machines. Fruits and other standard casino symbols like suns, bells, stars, and sevens are typically the winning symbols. Bally Wulff is a manufacturer that offers the best fruit machines, such as 100 Flaring Fruits and Fruit Mania. - Video slots
These are more complicated games with 5 reels, 5 to 100 pay lines, bonus rounds and extra features. Video slots often feature sophisticated graphics and animation. Bet range allows a higher coin denomination compared to classic games. - Progressive jackpots
Progressive jackpots are high payout slots that give the chance of instant and huge winnings. A set percentage of bets go toward the prize pool, regardless of the online casino a player chooses to play at. Should the jackpot be won, it resets to an initial size before resuming its growth. - Megaways
These machines use a system of changing combinations of symbols. Their number is different after each subsequent spin. There is no fixed number of paylines.
Categorization of Slot Machine Games
Slot machines can be divided into the following categories according to their denomination.
Free Slots
Free games are the best opportunity to familiarize yourself with the rules. You place virtual bets, but the gameplay is the same as with real money bets.
Penny Slots
This category is ideal for players who prefer small stakes. The minimum bet is one cent per pay line. To increase the size of the bet, you can activate several pay lines at the same time.
Nickel Slots
Nickel slot machines allow making bets starting with 5 cents per pay line. They involve a bit higher risk but offer better payouts than the previous category.
Quarter Slots
The minimum bet for these machines is twenty-five cents. The best thing is that compared to nickel and penny slots, its payout ratio is higher.
Dollar Slots
A dollar is the minimum possible bet for this kind of game. Such machines are aimed at players who feel comfortable with higher stakes.
High Roller Slots
This type is popular among high rollers. Such games boast high payouts and allow bets from five dollars to several hundred dollars per round.
Note: Play casino games only at reputable casinos licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission or similar trusted authorities to have a safe gambling experience.
Guide to Playing Slots
Our tutorials for beginners would be incomplete without a step-by-step description of how to play a slot machine.
- For a start, select a reputable online casino.
- Consult the guide of Canadian gambling laws and regulations to be sure that the site has a valid license.
- After registration, proceed to the cashier section, choose your preferred payment method and make a deposit.
- Navigate to the game library and use the search bar or filter to choose the suitable game.
- Open it and set the coin value by clicking the “+”/“-” buttons at the bottom of the screen.
- Spin the reels by clicking the large circular button to begin the game round.
- Activate extra functions and bonuses at the best new casino sites in Canada by collecting wilds or scatters.
- Proceed to the cashier section and withdraw your winnings afterwards.
Tips for Winning at Slots
You need to keep in mind these key points if you’re want to know how to win at online slots.
- Smart money management
Set a clear amount you are willing to spend on gambling and stick to it during the process. Place a wager that you won’t regret losing. If you haven’t managed to get a lucky combination, don’t try to win back your losses. - Practice in free mode
Before starting the game for real money, test it in demo mode. Explore the available combinations and experiment with the game to find the right slots strategy. - Use bonuses
Modern machines are packed with additional bonus features. For example, by getting three scatters you can activate free spins and save some money for the next rounds. Take part in mini-games to increase the amount of winnings already received. - Learn the rules
Educate yourself on game mechanics in advance. Get to know betting options, bonus features, and pay table. In case you are unsure, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the casino support team.
How to Win at Slots
There are no slot machine strategies that guarantee winning despite the variety of betting techniques. Slots are games of chance because random number generators control the outcome. Some myths claim that there are cold and hot machines that produce wins after a series of losses. In fact, each spin is random. The only tips that work are studying the theoretical part regarding pay tables and bonus functions and setting time and budget limits. In addition, make sure you know gambling taxes that apply to your winnings to be prepared for potential costs.
Record Slot Wins
Progressive jackpot slots in reputable no wagering casinos are known for their gigantic prize pools that accumulate and grow with each subsequent bet. Here are some of the highest slots jackpot wins known in history.
| Name | Winning amount |
|---|---|
| Mega Moolah | $20,062,600 |
| Mega Fortune | $17,861,800 |
| Arabian Nights | $8,636,000 |
| Hall of Gods | $7,820,888 |
| Jackpot Giant | $6,420,011 |
Note: Claim the best casino bonuses and use them on your favourite games to play longer.
Providers of Slot Machine Software
Online casinos aim to cooperate with reputable developers to provide players with high-quality software. It is impossible to overestimate the importance of software providers because players’ experience depends mainly on the products they deliver. The top developers supply fair games driven by a random number generator. Players who select online casinos with first-class software from recognized suppliers can be sure of fair and unbiased game outcomes.
NetEnt, Microgaming, Playtech, and Pragmatic Play are among the best companies that provide casino software. Microgaming is a well-known pioneer in the industry that powers a range of progressive jackpots with huge prizes. NetEnt is famous for its groundbreaking graphics and animation features. Pragmatic Play boasts high-quality machines with a wide range of bonus rounds and offers a high return-to-player (RTP) rate of 96%-97% on average.
Playing Slots on Mobile Devices
Mobile games are at the peak of popularity, as most visitors prefer gambling on the go. Thanks to top mobile casino & casino apps, players have access to their favourite games anywhere and anytime. Modern online casinos are perfectly optimized for Android and iOS smartphones and tablets with any screen size and resolution.
Players who are interested in how to win at mobile slots should choose licensed casinos. Other tips for mobile slots involve taking advantage of dedicated bonuses for mobile users and adjusting the game to your screen size. The bonuses will be available automatically after the registration via your smartphone or tablet. Flip your device to landscape mode to make it more convenient to play in full-screen format.
Connect your gadget only to home networks or to those you trust. If you play on public networks, do not save your passwords and personal data and log out of the profile as soon as you finish gambling. Mobile gambling can be more addictive because the smartphone is always at hand. The main strategy is to determine clear hours for playing and not to visit online casinos just to pass the time.
How Free Slots Work
The free mode allows you to test the game without spending real money and decide if you enjoy it. Free slots can be classified into the same categories as real money games. The main types are classic fruit machines, video machines, progressive jackpots, Megaways and others. Despite their advantages, some players consider them pointless due to the lack of a real money gambling component. You can’t win money, and the game can become repetitive.
Note: In real money games, you can receive free spins for active gaming from the casino that allow you to play several rounds for free as in demo mode but with the possibility of real money winning.
Playing Slots for Cash
The main advantage of real money slots is the possibility of real winnings. Players place bets according to their financial capabilities and gambling preferences. The winnings are calculated depending on the multiplier, the bet and the number of activated winning lines. The main types of real money games at casinos with Canadian dollars are video machines with excellent graphics, classic fruit machines with bonus rounds and progressive jackpots with huge prize pools. Unlike land-based machines, they are available 24/7 from any place with an internet connection. Online games also require lower deposits if players choose casinos with a minimum deposit of C$5 or less.
Guide to Choosing between Online and Land-Based Slots
When comparing online vs. land-based slots, the former has numerous advantages. They are more accessible, so players can play them without leaving their homes. Online games are also more diverse. The average casino site features several thousand machines in its selection. Online casinos offer a higher RTP rate as well. Besides, players can take advantage of various bonuses for registration and active gambling. Technically, playing online can be less immersive compared to the atmosphere of land-based casinos. However, you can share your impressions with fellow gamblers on dedicated forums and casino social networks.
Guide to Winning on Slots
Winning money on online slots can be calculated mathematically. If the RTP rate is 95%, then for every C$100 bet, you get C$95 back in the long run. Winning odds are also affected by volatility. High-volatility machines deliver bigger wins with lower frequency. Low-volatility games produce frequent but smaller wins.
Recap of Slot Machine Guide
In conclusion, slot machines function randomly and are unaffected by outside factors. Before starting to choose a game, you should make informed choices and adhere to the principles of responsible gambling. Follow reputable reviewers and expert sites to learn more about slot operation and keep up with the latest news.
