Game Terms
Whether you’re a slot game rookie or a seasoned “one-armed bandit,” it’s never a bad idea to know the latest terminology. Here is a list of key slot game terms.
B | C | F | H | I | J | L | M | O | P | R | S | V | W
B
Bankroll
This is the amount a player has to gamble. The size of the bankroll is determined by the player.
Bet (or Bet Amount)
The amount played at any given time. In land-based slot machines, this is generally listed as credits, typically from 1-10 (though certain machines allow up to 200 credits to be wagered).
Betting Limit
Slot machine games generally have a minimum and maximum limit that can be wagered on one spin.
Bet Max Button
The bet max mutton lets players bet the maximum amount of credits on individual spins.
Bonus Feature (or Bonus Round)
An element of bonus slot games, bonus features let players add to their payout, usually with another game or free bonus spins. In land-based slot machine games, bonus features are often an element of video slots, involving animated scenes and elaborate games.
Bonus Multiplier Slots
A type of slot game that awards bonuses to players who bet the maximum per spin.
C
Cash Out
The cash out button lets players collect their winnings and credits. In land-based slot machine games, this would involve returning coins or printing a receipt.
Casual Game Slots
This type of slot game involves symbols created on grids, instead of reels.
Classic Slots (3-Reel Slots)
The traditional, or “classic” type of slot game, features 3 reels. Most often, these games have a higher player advantage than the more “modern” 5-reel machines, as the smaller amount of reels increases the odds of winning. Payouts, however, are usually lower than 5-reel games.
Coins per Line
The amount that has been bet on every payline. Winnings are created by multiplying this figure by the payout.
Coins per Spin
The number of playable coins for each spin.
F
Free Spins
Free spins are often awarded when a certain combination is hit.
Fruit Machine (Fruity)
Fruity is an English slang for slot machine games, which despite being found mostly in pubs, feature symbols of fruit.
H
Hit
The way many slot players describe a win.
Hot Slots (or Loose Slots)
These online slot games are known for paying out frequently.
I
i-Slots
A newer form of slot games that involve a storyline.
J
Jackpot
The largest possible payout for a specific slot game.
L
Linked Machines
Progressive slots will link machines to offer players a larger jackpot amount, with each machine contributing a small amount.
Loose/Tight Slots
Loose slots are perceived to have higher payoffs, while tight slots are seen as having the opposite. Generally, these terms do not apply to online slot games.
M
Max Bet
The most a slot game will allow you to bet on a single spin.
Modern Slots
(5-Reel Slots)A type of slot game featuring 5 reels. These have a lower player advantage than the traditional 3-reel slot game, but payouts are often higher.
Multiplier
Multipliers are usually symbols that multiply your bets by a given amount. Multipliers can also be won in bonus rounds.
Multiline
Slot games that have more than one payline that can form winning combinations.
O
Odds
The probability of a winning combination in any given slot game.
P
Payline
A line or lines where symbols have to match in order for a player to win.
Pay Table
A list or chart that shows all the winning combinations and how much can be won for each.
Payout
The amount paid out to the player for a winning combination.
Payout Percentage
This refers to the percentage a given slot machine game will pay out, compared to how much is put into it.
Progressive Jackpot
As part of progressive slots, which link together a number of machines, a progressive jackpot accumulates steadily, taking small percentages of every bet to create one large jackpot.
Progressive Slots
Progressive slots link multiple slot machines together, creating a much larger jackpot amount that continues to rise.
R
Random Number Generator (RNG)
An RNG randomizes every slot spin, determining winning combinations and ensuring, in the process, that wins and payouts are fair and honest.
Reels
In traditional slot machines, reels were the wheels inside the machine that spun during play. Today, in both land-based and online slot games, the spinning is simulated, but the “reel” shape remains.
S
Scatter Symbol
When a certain amount of scatter symbols appear at the same time, they can produce a win or give players bonus rounds or free spins. These symbols are a common feature on 5-reel video slots.
Spin Button
The spin button does the same job as the traditional lever. Pressing or clicking the button will spin the reels to reveal a set of symbols.
Static Jackpot
Static jackpots stay at the same amount, regardless of the number or frequencies of plays.
Symbols
Symbols are the pictures on the reels, which can be anything from starts to fruit. They are used to determine wins.
V
Video Slots
A type of slot machine that features video screens instead of the traditional reels.
W
Wager (or Bet)
The act of risking money in the hopes of achieving a desired, winning outcome.
Wild Symbol (or Substitute Symbols)
Wild symbols can substitute for other symbols to create a winning combination.
Winning Combination (or Winning Spins)
Different combinations of symbols that have to hit to trigger a payout.