Slots Rules

Today’s slots come in two varieties: progressive slots or straight slots. The only major difference between the models is the way the payout is calculated and awarded. Straight slots payouts are a set amount, whereas progressive payouts are influenced every time a player puts a coin into the machine. Each new coin is calculated to increase the potential payout.

As the jackpots available in progressive slots have the potential to be substantially more than those offered by straight slots, progressive slots are fast becoming the most popular of the two models.

Apart from the basic distinctions between straight and progressive slots, a player has many options when it comes to choosing a slot machine to play on. Slots differ in the number of reels they have, the number of coins they use and the nature of these coins, and the number of pay lines they offer.

The most common machines are of the three-reeled variety, although many casinos now offer players slot machines featuring four and five reels. Slots with three reels are obviously easier to win at than slots with four or five reels because of the higher number of symbols featured in the four and five reel varieties. Payouts also differ depending on what model of slot machine a player chooses to play at. Most slot machines pay out between 83 and 98 percent of coins that are used in the machine. The computer program responsible for the operation of the slot machine must ensure that the jackpot does not occur too often so that the casino can still generate a healthy profit from each machine.

The number of pay lines also effect how frequently a slot machine will pay out. For machines with multiple pay lines, the player must insert one coin per line to be in with a chance of winning. Most standard slots machines however only possess one pay line.

The way in which payouts are awarded by slot machines depends on the model of the slot machine, the payout policy specific to each casino and the size and nature of the jackpot itself. Many machines will simply spit coins out at a delighted player. But for larger jackpots, casino employees are notified of a win by a flashing light on the slot machine and will pay the player out his winnings.

No matter which model a player chooses to play or how new he is to the game of slots, playing a slot machine is incredibly simple. All a player has to do to initiate a game is to place a bet by inserting a coin inside the slot machine. Many different coins are accepted in slot machines and the number of coins a player enters determines the value of his bet. The player then presses a button on the machine or pulls a lever (depending on the model of slot machine) and the game begins. The symbols on the slot machine wheels must stop at certain combinations in order to constitute a win. Different payouts and odds correspond to these combinations. For example, three cherries may mean a payout of 3:1 while three gold bars may award a payout of 10:1.

The odds on progressive jackpots obviously range from casino to casino and depend on the type of machine a player is playing at, but there is no doubt that the potential jackpot available on progressive machines can be huge. Because the jackpot is calculated on the coins placed inside the machine, it is customary to have to make the maximum bet in order to win the entire jackpot. Some jackpots available on progressive slots can reach the million dollar mark and beyond! After the jackpot has been won, the machine starts to build the jackpot up again based on the coins inserted by new players.