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When it comes to playing online Slots, there are a few things you should know before spinning the reels to ensure you play safely and responsibly. It’s good to have a clear understanding of how a game of Slots works, the different mechanics involved, and what features to be aware of.
Here are some of the essentials that can help you approach each game with clarity when you next play Slots online – from learning what high-volatility Slots are to how you can manage your gaming habits.
What are Slots, and do they operate?
Online Slots are almost identical in their core aim to the traditional slot machines found in land-based casinos. You need to spin the reels and hope to land a matching combination to receive a payout.
The key difference is that these games are digital. This means they run on random number generator (RNG) software, which ensures that each spin outcome is random and independent from any other spins. This way, even though the games are operating online, the outcomes are entirely down to chance. No matter how many times you spin, there’s no pattern to predict the result.
Depending on the game, paylines – which are the specific patterns you must align symbols in for a matching combination – may be fixed or adjustable.
Volatility and return to player (RTP)
When choosing a game, it’s important to pay attention to its volatility and return to player (RTP) percentage.
Volatility reflects the risk level of the Slot. High volatility games might pay out less frequently but could include larger amounts, while low volatility games offer more regular, but smaller payouts.
RTP is the theoretical percentage of total stakes a game might return to players over time. For example, a Slot with a 96% RTP might return 96 coins for every 100 coins wagered. However, this figure is calculated over thousands of spins, meaning that every individual spin is still governed by RNG software and remains random.
Features and game mechanics
Online Slots can include a wide variety of features that can impact gameplay. This can include things such as bonus rounds, cascading reels, or expanding wilds. Some games also offer free spins or in-game bonus triggers, further adding to the variety in gameplay.
However, it’s important to note that no matter what features are included in your chosen game, these are all still governed by chance and do not increase your likelihood of landing a matching combination.
Set your boundaries
Before spinning the reels, it’s highly advised that you set a limit for time and spend. Most online platforms include built-in responsible gaming tools for managing how long you play or how much you can wager.
This is highly useful for maintaining control over your activity, and ensuring you don’t spend more than you can afford to lose on Slots.
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Taking a moment to familiarise yourself with these key aspects of online Slots will help you understand how they work and can help you make more informed decisions when playing on your chosen platform.
Be sure to stick to games you understand, use tools to help manage your play, and remember that every spin is random – the result is never certain.
