Slots come in many formats, from simple reels to screens filled with themed features. Each game has its own rules and displayed information, so a moment spent reading the screen can make the experience easier to follow. Start with the basics of credits, wagers and the information available on the machine.
- Format
- Machine game
- Pace
- Generally self-paced
- First check
- Read the game information
How a spin works
A player adds funds or credits, selects an available wager and starts a spin. The game displays a result and applies its own rules to determine whether a combination pays. What appears on the reels is only part of the picture: the paytable explains the symbols and combinations that count.
A credit is a unit shown on the machine, and its monetary value can differ between games. Check both the denomination and the total cost of a spin before pressing play. Changing the number of lines or another setting may change that total.
Read the screen before playing
The paytable or information screen explains winning combinations, any special symbols, and the rules for features. A payline is a pattern across the reels used to evaluate a result; games may instead use other ways to describe winning combinations. Read the instructions for the specific machine rather than assuming every game works alike.
Some games include a bonus feature triggered by particular symbols or conditions. The screen should explain how it works and whether the chosen wager affects eligibility. An animated feature is part of the game, not a promise of a return.
Choosing your pace
Machines can vary in appearance, sound, wager options and the amount of information shown. Take a walk through the floor, read the displayed minimum and total wager, and choose a game whose instructions make sense to you. Casino staff can help with machine operation or explain where to find the rules.
You can stop between spins. Before beginning, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending on entertainment, and leave room for the rest of your visit. Outcomes are unpredictable; a previous result does not tell you what the next spin will bring.
On the casino floor
Keep your ticket or other cash-out item secure and follow the venue’s instructions for redeeming it. If a machine appears to have a problem, ask an attendant rather than attempting to repair it. Respect another guest’s space and do not use a machine that is clearly occupied.
The games, denominations, accessibility features and redemption process vary by venue. Ask the actual property about its current arrangements and applicable age and identification requirements before travelling.
Slots questions
Can I predict the next spin?
No. Past outcomes do not reliably predict a future result.
What is a paytable?
It is the game’s guide to symbols, combinations and applicable payouts or features.
Are all machines alike?
No. Rules, wagers and features differ; read the information for each game.
General rules and etiquette. Table-specific rules take precedence. Editorial reference: OLG PlaySmart.
