How Do Online Slot Machines Work?

min read
A white smartphone with an online casino display. There are casino chips on a white table.
BetMGM Jun 06, 2024, 5:02 PM

Slot games have been a consistent source of thrilling entertainment for over a century, ever since the early days of fruit machines and one-armed bandits. By harnessing the power of technology, these casino favourites have evolved over time, constantly innovating as players’ demands and expectations shift.

Nowadays, online slots are some of the most popular casino games worldwide, boasting a vast array of themes and features that keep players coming back for more. How do these games create such compelling gameplay? What makes them so captivating and fun to play? Keep reading to find out how slots have become the pinnacle of premium casino entertainment. 

Are Online Slots Real Casino Games?

Yes. Online slots use random number generation (RNG) to produce chance-based outcomes. All you have to do is place a wager and spin the reels. There’s no need for advanced skills or strategies, and the excitement comes from the surprise of never knowing what the result will be when the reels stop spinning.

Are Online Slots Legal?

Can you play slots online for real money? The short answer is yes, but you’ll need to meet the legal requirements for doing so. For example, BetMGM cash games are only available in Ontario, where online gambling is legal and regulated. If you want to know where to play slots online, the first step is to find a licensed service provider that offers a safe and secure gaming experience.

Types of Slot Machines

You’re spoilt for choice with the sheer variety of online slots that are available these days. Whether you’re looking for classic experiences or modern variations with innovative features, you’re guaranteed to find plenty of options right at your fingertips. 

Slots come in all shapes and sizes, with an eclectic assortment of themes ranging from ancient mythology to top sports teams. All slot games follow a few fundamentals when it comes to game design and standard mechanics, allowing you to figure out what the experience might entail with a quick glance at the game’s setup and statistics.

Reels and rows are your first indicators of what to expect from a slot. Generally, the smaller the reel setup, the closer the gameplay is to the traditional slot experience. Larger layouts, on the other hand, often indicate a more modern and complex game design.

Next up are paylines, also known as win lines. Think of them as patterns on the reels where matching symbols can trigger wins. Some games only have a handful of paylines, while others can have hundreds or even thousands. More paylines and a high return to player (RTP) usually mean better odds for winning combos.

What Is RTP in Slots?

Return to player is the expected return rate when you play slots. It’s the estimated percentage of funds paid back over time, and it’s one of the main statistics you should check when choosing which slots to play. The average RTP is around 96% for slots. So, if you spend $100 on a game with a 96% RTP, the average return would be $96. It’s important to note that this is a theoretical figure, and it doesn’t guarantee that every play session will reflect the RTP exactly.

What Does Volatility Mean in Slots?

Volatility (or variance) refers to a slot’s payout frequency and win size. Low-volatility slots offer frequent wins with smaller payouts. High-volatility slots have low payout frequency with big wins. Medium-volatility slots are the most unpredictable, striking a balance between high and low with a mix of both small and large payouts with moderate frequency.

How To Win Online Slots

Triggering a win in slots requires a matching set of symbols on any payline. Most slots require at least three matching symbols for a win, but you also get slots that only require two matches for a payout. The more symbols you match, the higher the prize multiplier. Activating special features can boost your odds of winning, add higher multipliers to payouts, or simply award instant cash prizes. 

Online Slot Jackpots

Jackpots are the ultimate prizes in slots. The two main types are progressive jackpots and fixed jackpots. Progressive jackpots are built up over time, with each bet placed by players adding to the pot until one lucky player wins it all. Fixed jackpots, on the other hand, are static amounts decided by the game’s developer, and the exact figure can be found in the game’s paytable.

Online Slot Features

Every slot game has a unique set of features, from wilds and scatters to special reel mechanics and mini-games. One of the most common features is the wild symbol, which can substitute for other symbols to help you form winning combos. 

Another common feature is the scatter symbol, which usually unlocks extra rounds and special wins. Scatters don’t need to land on paylines but can drop anywhere on the reels.

There are games with cascading reels, expanding reels, or reels that spin with shared symbols. Some symbols can expand to cover multiple reels at once. You can find mystery symbols in many slot games, some of which award instant cash prizes, while others can fill collection meters that trigger additional prizes.

You can trigger extra spins, respins, and all sorts of other special features in slot games. There are so many different types of features that it’s impossible to cover all of them in one go. Take extra rounds, for example, which can be pick-and-click mini-games or even completely unique rounds based on the theme.

Explore the Exciting World of Online Slots at BetMGM

Enjoy one of the most comprehensive collections of high-quality slot games when you register with BetMGM. Take advantage of exclusive rewards and promotional offers when you sign up, including a tiered loyalty program with points that can be redeemed both online and in BetMGM casinos. BetMGM cash games are only available for members in Ontario, where BetMGM is legally active.

About the Author

BetMGM

Read More

Our BetMGM editors and authors are sports experts with a wealth of knowledge of the sports industry at all levels. Their coverage includes sports news, previews and predictions, fun facts, and betting.

Our BetMGM editors and authors are sports experts with a wealth of knowledge of the sports industry at all levels. Their coverage includes sports news, previews and predictions, fun facts, and betting.