Slots – The ultimate gaming machine guide 2024

The thrill of playing slots and the chance to win big attracts millions of players to online casinos every day. The Ultimate Gaming Machine Guide tells you everything you need to know about the world of slots: from classic slot machines to digital video games in online casinos.

What are slots?

‘Slots’ are games of chance that originated in slot machines in casinos. The digital version of slot machine games is now available in online casinos.

Both classic and modern slots consist of a series of reels with symbols that spin randomly and stop automatically after a certain period of time. Landing several matching symbols on a line will result in a win of varying amounts.

Slots are the most frequently played type of casino game in the world. Some casinos in Las Vegas have more than a thousand slots for players to enjoy.

The terms jackpot and bonus are inextricably linked with slots.

With a small bet, slots in casinos in Las Vegas make it possible to win a large jackpot with a lot of money. Since this form of jackpot is not allowed in some countries, online casinos like Hidden Jack Casino want to attract players to the slots with bonus offers such as free spins and many more.

What does ‘slots’ mean?

‘Slots’ is the English word for “gaming machines”. These devices are so named because they have a row of slots into which players can insert their coins or banknotes. A synonym for gaming machines used to be “one-armed bandits” because the devices had a lever (arm) that started the game and most players lost their money with it.

Why are slots so popular?

Slots are the most widely played casino games in the world. With the rise of online casinos, the popularity of slots has increased significantly in recent years. There are several reasons for their widespread popularity.

Easy to play

Slots offer a simple and straightforward gaming experience. You don’t need any special skills or knowledge to play them. This is why they are the first choice for most casino visitors.

Wide selection

Online casinos offer a wide range of slot machine games with different features. From cheap penny slots with a bet of just one cent to a maximum bet of one euro per spin. This means that players on all budgets can try their luck.

Various features

Many slots have features such as wild cards, bonus symbols and free spins. These features set bonus slots apart from simple slot machine games without extra features.

The chance of big wins

Even though most players will never manage to make a profit with slots or hit a jackpot in a casino, the prospect of a big win is very tempting. But the truth is, as with lotto, most players end up putting more money into the game than they win over the long haul.

Types of slots

There are many different types of slots available at online casinos. Each type offers a unique gaming experience with different features, themes and payout structures. Here we introduce some of the most well-known types of slots.

• Classic slot machines
• Video slots
• Slots with progressive jackpots
• 3D slots

Classic slot machines

Slots have been around for much longer than online casinos, in the form of classic slot machines in casinos, arcades and pubs.

With three reels and traditional symbols such as cherries, bars and 7s, classic slot machines still offer a simple gaming experience.

Video slots

Video slots are the modern version of classic slot machines. These digital games have largely replaced the ‘one-armed bandits’ in casinos and are also very popular in online casinos. Video slots differ from their analogue predecessors in terms of high-quality graphics, sound effects and animations.

They usually have five reels and offer a wide range of themes and special features such as wild symbols, free spins and bonus games.

Slots with progressive jackpots

While progressive jackpots have now been banned from online casinos with a German licence, the biggest real money wins at slots in casinos in the USA are achieved through progressive jackpots.

The Bavarian casinos also offer a chance to win with the Bavarian jackpot, in which stakes from various casinos are pooled.

That is why we are explaining the topic here so that you know what is meant by it.

‘Progressive jackpots’ are so called because the jackpot increases incrementally with each bet placed by players. The progressive jackpot slots are connected to a network, which means that many players contribute to the jackpot that sooner or later a single person wins.

With each bet, the jackpot increases until it is triggered. Then one lucky player wins the entire jackpot. After that, the possible winning amount is reset to a minimum amount and the jackpot starts growing again.

At the time of writing, the largest online jackpot win in the history of slot machines was $19.6 million.

The largest real-life slot win occurred in Las Vegas in 2003. An anonymous player from Los Angeles won almost $40 million.

Popular topics

The most popular slot topics range from ancient times to futuristic space adventures. Slots on the topics of adventure, pop culture, fruit, fantasy and jackpot are particularly common.

Fruit slots

Fruit-themed slots are the classics among slot machines and have had a loyal fan base for decades. These themes include symbols such as cherries, watermelons, lemons and other fruits. Fruit slots are known for their simple game mechanics and high chances of winning.

Well-known representatives of this category are Sizzling Hot, Fruit Mania and Super 7.

Adventure slots

Adventure themes seem to be very popular, which is evident from the large number of games in this category. These themes often include mysterious treasure hunts, journeys through the jungle or across the ocean. The many different elements in the games are designed to keep the gameplay fun for as long as possible.

Some of the most well-known adventure slots include Tomb Raider, Gonzo’s Quest, Book of Ra and Eye of Horus.

Pop culture such as films and TV series

There is a relatively high probability that successful films and TV series will be made into video slots sooner or later. These slots offer fans of the original a familiar gaming environment with well-known graphics, animations and sounds.

What’s more, the reels feature familiar characters or symbols from the films and series. Cult films such as Star Wars, Jurassic Park or Terminator can be played in many casinos and online casinos in the form of a video slot. Players can immerse themselves in the world of their favourite films while playing for real money.

Fantasy slots

Fantasy slots are recognisable by their mystical creatures and symbols such as wizards, dragons or goblins. When it comes to bonus rounds and extra chances to win, the features can be as imaginative as the theme.

Popular fantasy slots include Game of Thrones, Immortal Romance and Thunderstruck II.

How do slots work?

Slots work by means of a Random Number Generator (RNG), which ensures that each spin is completely unpredictable. Players can set their stakes and the number of paylines.

The game begins when the ‘Start’ or ‘Spin’ button is pressed, and the reels spin at a rapid pace.

If the reels come to a stop again after a short time and several identical symbols are on a payline in certain combinations, the player wins an amount specified in the game’s paytable.

The minimum win for two or three identical symbols is about as high as the stake of the spin.

For combinations with four identical symbols, the slots pay a multiple of the stake.

The best possible combinations of five identical symbols on a payline often win the stake with a multiplier of 100 or even significantly more in the case of jackpot slots.

For this reason, many slots fans hope to win a lot with a small stake.

Special features

Slots offer a variety of features and ways to win, such as wild symbols that substitute for other symbols to complete winning combinations. Bonus symbols that trigger wins independently of paylines are particularly popular. Bonus rounds give players the chance to win without placing any further bets. It is important to understand the features of each slot to ensure the best possible gameplay experience.

Simple winning combinations

The simplest way to win at a slot machine is to get a combination of three matching symbols on an active payline. The size of the win depends on the type of game and the wager. Some slots have only three reels and a few paylines. A winning combination is rarer here, but therefore also more valuable than in slots with many reels and paylines.

Wild symbols (jokers)

Wild symbols can substitute for other symbols to complete winning combinations. Some of these wild symbols have multipliers that can significantly increase winnings.

Multiplier symbols

Multiplier symbols can increase your winnings many times over. If you get a winning combination with a multiplier symbol, you get a win increased by the stated multiplier. Some games have multiple multiplier symbols.

Scatter symbols (bonus symbols)

Scatter symbols can trigger bonus features such as free spins, bonus games or cash prizes. They usually pay out regardless of their position on the reels.

Bonus Games

Bonus games are special features triggered by a specific combination of symbols. They can offer free spins, cash prizes or other rewards.

How is the RTP (Return To Player) calcuted?

A slot game’s RTP stands for ‘Return to Player’ and refers to the percentage of the stake that players receive back over time.

For example, a game with an RTP of 96% pays an average of €96 back to players for every €100 wagered.

It is important to note that the RTP is not a guarantee of a win payout, but rather a long-term forecast for a large number of game rounds, combining all players of the game.

While one player may lose their entire stake, others may be lucky enough to get more than 96% of their stake back and even make a profit.

Calculating the RTP value is a complex process that is carried out by independent testing agencies such as eCOGRA. The testing agencies test and analyse the games to ensure that they are fair and random. The test results are then used to calculate the RTP value.

The calculation of the RTP value is based on the likelihood of a particular winning combination appearing on the reels. Most slots have a set RTP value, which is stated in the game rules. This RTP value is determined by the odds of the various symbols and winning combinations appearing on the reels.

Factors that influence the RTP

The most important factor is the number of reels and symbols. Slots with more reels and symbols usually have a lower RTP because the chances of winning become more complex.

Another factor that can influence the RTP is the bet. Slots with higher stakes usually have a higher RTP because they offer a higher payout per winning combination. However, it is important to note that higher stakes also mean higher risk.

The slot’s volatility is another important factor that can affect the RTP. Slots with a higher volatility usually have a higher RTP because they deliver wins less often but then pay out more.

Slots with a lower volatility usually have a lower RTP because they pay out smaller wins more often.

Getting started with real money slots

Playing real-money slots at an online casino is actually quite easy. Beginners can simply follow our step-by-step guide.

1. Choose a casino

When choosing an online casino, you should make sure that the provider has a gambling licence in your country. In addition, the online casino should offer a wide selection of slots that you can test for free. If you are hunting for a welcome bonus, you should carefully read the terms and conditions of the online casino.

2. Create an account

Once you have chosen a casino, the next step is to open a player account. Don’t worry! This is much easier than with a bank. The online casinos provide a clear form for this purpose, which you fill out with the most important information about yourself.

To stop fraudsters in their tracks, the casino checks whether the data is correct and that the person is genuine. For this purpose, an email confirmation is sent and verification is carried out using an identification document such as a passport or driving licence. Some casinos also require proof of residence in the form of an electricity or telephone bill.

3. Deposit money

Even without depositing, you can play slots for free in many online casinos. However, if you want to take advantage of the chance of winning, you have to make a deposit. Most online casinos offer many different payment methods. The most common way to deposit is via an instant transfer from a bank account, a credit card from Visa or Mastercard, or an online payment provider such as PayPal, Skrill, Neteller or Paysafe. This should ensure that every player has the opportunity to deposit money into their account quickly and easily and start playing immediately.

4. Choose a game

The number of slots in an online casino can be overwhelming for beginners. It is worth browsing through the selection of slots and testing interesting games in free demo mode. The casino usually also lists relevant information about each game so you can get an idea of what it is about. Once you have found a suitable slot, set the stakes and the number of paylines and start the game.

Good luck!

Play for real money in mobile in mobile slots in apps

There are many high-quality casino apps for smartphones and tablets that allow you to play slots for real money anywhere. If you already have an account with the app provider, you can simply log in to your player account with your access data.

New players can create an account directly through the app.

Mobile slots in a smartphone app are hardly any different from the games on a computer. The biggest advantage is that the games are displayed more clearly and can also be played on the go.

Even though most games are optimised for playing on a mobile phone, playing on the smaller screen of a mobile device can take some getting used to for computer fans.

The most popular games are available as mobile slots on your phone. Even if this is not the case with the casinos, the selection should still be quite large, so there is bound to be a slot for you to play.

Some online casinos even offer an extra bonus for mobile slots. This is either activated automatically or can be claimed when you make a deposit using a bonus code.