Slot Rules: How to Play Slot Machines

In short: To play a slot you choose your bet (coin size, coins and, where allowed, the number of paylines) and spin; wins are paid according to the paytable shown in the game’s help screen. Single-line slots are simple, while multi-line games may require all lines to be active for certain features. Bet size does not change a slot’s RTP, so check the rules and paytable before playing.

There is one golden rule to follow when deciding to play a slot machine; do not play a game if you are unfamiliar with the rules. So, no matter how easy playing the slots seems, it is important to learn the rules first.

Every player should carefully consider the options provided and decide on a strategy before playing a certain slot machine. However, in order to come up with a strategy, you need to first be familiar with the rules of the game.

A good idea is to always start by choosing the amount to play, which depends on the type of the machine (a classic single-line one or a multi-line one).

Single-line Machines

Before learning the rules, a player needs to understand the payouts first. When it comes to single-line machines, payouts are usually displayed at the top of the machine. Players need to also have in mind that such machines usually accept a maximum of only a few credits, often two or three, per spin.

In addition, most of the single-line machines offer a bigger payout on the jackpot when the player bets the maximum number of coins. There are different payouts depending on the coins played. There are also machines that pay out only on certain winning combinations, so you need to know what kind of machine you are dealing with.

Three-reel slot machine with a random number chip beside it

The only thing players need to decide when playing at a single-line machine is how many credits to bet per spin. There are machines that offer a great variety of credits and denominations. When it comes to playing at a landbased casino, the single-line slot machines are usually mechanical and some players prefer them, although their return depends on the machine’s programmed payback percentage rather than the number of reel stops. Still, such machines are also regarded as much more boring, which is why they are not so popular.

It is a good idea to start your playing session on a single-line machine, and more specifically on two-credit machines.

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Multi-line Machines

When choosing to play a multi-line machine, the player needs to first check the number of paylines offered. There are some machines that provide a bonus game only in the case that the player bets on the maximum number of lines.

There is a certain class of machines, which is called Cashman. The Bonus game can be triggered only if players have activated all paylines. Of course, reel spinners are provided with the opportunity to bet on whatever number of lines they want, but the fewer paylines they play, the more they reduce the multiplier. Still, players need to take their time and understand how the game works before they start betting real money because every machine is different.

Of course, there are some multi-line machines that do not allow players to adjust the number of active lines. Such machines are said to have fixed paylines. Usually, they allow players to only adjust the bet level, i.e. the number of credits played per line.

Players should always pay attention to how many lines they play in order to see if there are some limitations regarding the number of lines. They should also bear in mind that some newer machines are multi-game or multi-play machines, each with its own betting rules. Check the help screen for any restrictions, such as features that are only available at certain bet levels.

Bankroll guide illustration

Many players and experts believe that fixed-payline machines are more disadvantageous to players because they offer them less control over the gameplay and may be more taxing on one’s bankroll. Betting more does not improve the return on such a slot, so choose a bet level your bankroll can sustain rather than raising the bet just to cover your wager on a fixed-payline slot machine.

A good idea is to also choose a machine with a more lucrative paytable, which returns more coins for different numbers of matching symbols. When comparing versions of the same game, one that pays 2,500 coins for the highest-paying combination of five matching symbols instead of 1,000 coins for the top five-symbol match usually has the better return; between different games, compare the published RTP instead.

Single-line Machines

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Multi-line Machines

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