How to play slots
Slots are by far the cheapest and easiest way to gamble, either online or in a traditional casino. They provide a great way to cheaply learn how to gamble, make bets and predict or play odds. They can also serve as a "jumping-off" point to learn about gambling, then move on to other, bigger stakes games.
But even though they are the easiest game to play, there are still some general rules of thumb that pertain to them. In fact, there are so many different types of online slots that each one will have some kind of rules or instructions. Always read these rules! You may be surprised by something in there that can lead to smarter choices on wagers.
Here are the general rules that apply to all online slots (but again, read the rules of each one, no matter what!):
- Once you have decided on which slot game to play, you must now decide how much to wager. Every machine will have a minimum bet needed for one play. But all of them will also have the option to pay in more, for a bigger potential payout. For example, let's say you have chosen a quarter slot. There will be an option for using just .25 cents, or .50 cents. If you are lucky enough to win, then the payout will be greater if you put .50 cents in instead of .25. The decision is yours, but it is usually best to go for the bigger jackpot. Some may have a triple option as well; all will vary, and have different odds.
- Now that you have decided how much to wager, it is time to spin! Obviously, you can't pull the arm of the machine, like you would in a brick-and-mortar casino, so instead you click on "PLAY" or "SPIN", whichever your game has. There are many different ways to win, depending on your chosen game. Some require three symbols in a row, or two with a bonus symbol. Some allow you to win diagonally, or on as many as three horizontal lines. Others only allow a win for one line. For example, let's say you are playing a machine that allows up to three coins per spin. The payout chart might read like this-
Coins Bet 1 2 3 3 Sevens 1000 2000 5000 3 Triple Bars 250 500 750 3 Double Bars 50 75 150 3 Single Bars 25 50 75 3 Plums 10 20 30 3 Cherries 10 20 30 Any Triple Bar 4 8 12 Any 2 Cherries 4 8 12 Any Single Cherry 2 4 6
- Once you have won (or lost) and have decided to switch to another game or call it a day, you must get your "payout", the term for the money you have won or left over that goes to you. There should be a payout button somewhere on or near the machine. Hit this, and you are ready to move on or quit. In order to receive your money, you will have to follow the payout rules, which vary from casino to casino. Some will pay directly to an online account such as PayPal, NetATM or others. Some will require that a paper check be sent to your billing address.