When playing online Slots in the UK, you may encounter a range of terms that describe the mechanics and features of the games.
Understanding these terms can help you navigate the game and its rules more effectively. So, if you would like to know more about some of the terminology used within the online Slots section of your chosen casino site, read on.
Reels and rows
- Reels: Vertical sections that spin when you start the game. Most Slots have three or five reels, but some games feature more.
- Rows: Horizontal sections of symbols. The combination of reels and rows forms the grid where symbols appear.
Paylines
- Paylines: Lines on which matching symbols must land for a win. Some games feature a fixed number of paylines, while others let you choose how many to activate.
- Ways to win: An alternative to paylines, where combinations can form in any direction, as long as they are on adjacent reels.
Symbols
- Wild symbols: Special symbols that substitute for other symbols to help create matching combinations.
- Scatter symbols: Unique symbols that often trigger bonus features or free spins, regardless of their position on the reels.
- Bonus symbols: Symbols that activate bonus rounds when you land enough of them during a spin.
Volatility and RTP
- Volatility: High-volatility games offer larger but less frequent payouts, while low-volatility games deliver smaller, more consistent wins. But it’s worth noting here that despite a game’s volatility rate, a win is never guaranteed.
- RTP (Return to Player): A percentage that represents the theoretical return of a game over an extended period. For example, a 96% RTP means the game returns 96 coins for every 100 coins wagered, on average.
Betting terms
- Bet level: The number of coins or credits you wager per payline or spin.
- Coin value: The monetary worth of each coin or credit you wager. Adjusting this alters the total cost of each spin.
- Max bet: An option to place the highest possible wager allowed for a single spin.
Special features
- Free spins: Bonus rounds where you spin the reels without placing an additional bet. Scatter symbols often trigger these.
- Multipliers: Features that increase the value of a win by a specific factor, such as 2x or 5x.
- Bonus round: A mini-game within the slot that offers additional opportunities to win.
Progressive jackpots
- Progressive jackpot: A prize pool that increases with every bet placed until it is won. These jackpots can grow to significant amounts and are shared across multiple casinos offering the same game.
- Local jackpot: A progressive jackpot tied to a single casino, often smaller than networked jackpots.
Game mechanics
- Autoplay: A feature allowing you to set a predetermined number of spins to occur automatically.
- Cascading reels: A mechanic where matching symbols disappear, and new symbols drop down to replace them, potentially creating additional wins.
- Cluster pays: A format where wins are determined by clusters of symbols touching horizontally or vertically rather than along paylines.
Responsible play features
- Session limits: Tools to set a maximum duration for your play session.
- Betting limits: Settings to restrict the amount you can bet per spin or overall.
- Reality checks: Notifications that remind you how long you’ve been playing.
