Slots Features

If one looks at the slots games in any online casino one will find most of the games under Video Slots. This is a special category of slots that differs from the classic slots. The most obvious difference is that video slots have 5 reels whereas the classic slots have 3 reels. However there are other differences that need some explanations.

Video slots are multi payline slots. Most of the online video slots have between 9 and 25 paylines but some go up to 100 paylines. Each payline represents a betting option. The payline numbers are usually listed vertically alongside the reels and the player can choose the paylines by clicking on the numbers. In multi payline slots the paylines need not all run horizontally but can zigzag across the reels. The player chooses the number of coins wagered, the coin denomination and the number of paylines and his total wager is the product of the three. Only the selected paylines are matched against the payout table. The other paylines are inconsequential.

The payout table lists the winning combinations. If any of the selected paylines hit any of the combinations listed in the payout table then the player stands to win. The payout table has a number listed against each combination, which is the payout. For a particular combination suppose that the number is 500. The player will win 500 coins for each coin wagered. If the player has wagered 3 coins then the player will win 1,500 coins. Then if the player has chosen the coin denomination as $2.00 he will win $3,000 (2 x 1500). The player will receive an independent payout for each payline that displays a winning combination.

In video slots certain symbols are designated as wild symbols and as multipliers. Wild symbols can be used as any other symbols in order to make up a winning combination. There could be some restrictions imposed on the use of wild symbols and therefore players need to read the rules carefully. Multipliers increase the payouts offered in the payout table as indicated in the rules. These rules differ from game to game and players again need to check them out. If a symbol is designated at a multiplier which doubles the winnings, then a payout of 500 coins automatically pays 1,000 coins.

In video slots there is a way of making money other than hitting a winning combination. Some designated payline combinations lead to bonus games. Bonus games usually are played on a screen different from the usual slots screen. This is known as the "second screen". The bonus game may involve games based on 'pick a box', lotto or some skill based games. The bonus games offer a number of credits as prizes that get added to the player's balance. Some designated payline combinations lead to the player getting a number of free spins. The player does not have to make any wager for theses spins but gets the payouts based on the wager that triggered the free spins.