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Slot Machine Terminology – Slang & Lingo Glossary
Whether you’re a seasoned casino-goer or a newcomer to the world of online slots, the language of slot machines can often seem like a cryptic puzzle. This glossary aims to provide a comprehensive guide to slot machine terminology, offering clear explanations for all the jargon, slang, and technical terms you’re likely to encounter during your gaming experience.
3 Reel Slot
Starting with the basics, a 3 Reel Slot is the most fundamental form of slot machine. It features three rotating reels, each adorned with various symbols. The goal is simple: match symbols across the middle line. Some modern versions of 3 Reel Slots may also include additional features.
5 Reel Slot
A step up from the 3 Reel Slot, the 5 Reel Slot offers a more complex gaming experience. The increased number of reels allows for a greater number of potential winning combinations, and these types of slots often incorporate additional features and bonus rounds.
243 Ways to Win
In traditional slots, winnings are determined by predefined paylines. However, 243 Ways to Win slots break away from this convention. Instead, players can win by matching symbols from left to right across adjacent reels, regardless of specific lines. The result? A whopping 243 potential ways to score a win.
3D Video Slots
3D Video Slots represent a leap forward in slot machine technology. Offering a three-dimensional gaming experience, these slots boast vibrant graphics and animations.
Active Payline
An Active Payline refers to the lines on which winning combinations can occur. The number of active paylines can typically be adjusted by the player, providing control over bet size and potential winning chances.
All Ways
In All Ways slots, winning combinations can occur anywhere on the reels as long as the same symbol appears on paylines or adjacent reels from left to right or right to left. This increases the potential number of opportunities to form winning combinations.
Autospin
Autospin is a feature that automates the gameplay process. Rather than manually clicking the “Spin” button for each round, players can set a specific number of spins, and the machine will do the rest. However, due to regulations, this feature may not be available in all regions.
Backing
Backing refers to the act of a player supporting another player. This could involve lending money, sharing winnings, or simply providing moral support.
Bar
“BAR” is a common symbol found in many slot machines. It can come in various forms, such as single, double, or triple BARs.
Bet
The Bet is the amount of money wagered on a single spin. The size of the Bet can influence potential winnings and losses.
Bet Max
The Bet Max button allows players to wager the maximum permitted amount on a single spin of the slot game.
Bet Min
Conversely, the Bet Min (or Min Bet) is the smallest amount that can be wagered on a single spin.
Bet One
Bet One is a term often used in classic slot machines. It allows the player to bet a single coin on the next spin.
Big Bertha
Big Bertha isn’t a person but a term used to refer to oversized slot machines that were popular in the early days of gambling. These mechanical giants often had multiple reels and were a spectacle in casinos.
Big Hit
A Big Hit refers to landing a significant win on a single spin.
Bonus Buy
Some slot machines offer the Bonus Buy feature, which allows players to purchase direct access to the game’s bonus round. However, due to regulations, this feature may not be available in all jurisdictions.
Bonus Round
The Bonus Round is an additional game within the slot that offers extra winning opportunities. These rounds can vary significantly in style and rules, ranging from free spins to interactive mini-games. The ways to trigger them can typically be found in the slot’s paytable.
Branded Slots
Branded Slots are based on popular franchises, such as movies, TV shows, or celebrities. These slots often feature characters and themes from the associated brand, adding an additional layer of entertainment for fans.
Casino Bonus
A Casino Bonus is a promotional offer provided by a casino, which typically involves extra funds or free spins for slot games.
Cascading Reels
Also known as Tumbling Reels, Cascading Reels provide a unique twist on traditional slot mechanics. Winning symbols disappear, and new ones fall from above, potentially leading to multiple wins in a single spin.
Cashback
Cashback is a rare casino promotion that offers a percentage of a player’s losses back, acting as a form of insurance for their gambling activities.
Cash Out
To Cash Out is to convert casino chips or winnings into cash. It’s the process of turning your digital winnings into something tangible.
Certified Slots
Certified Slots are games that have been officially tested and approved for fair play by external parties and gaming authorities. Playing these slots can offer players a level of confidence in the integrity of the game.
Classic Slots
Sometimes referred to as “fruit machines”, Classic Slots hark back to the early days of slot gaming, featuring timeless symbols like fruits, BARs, and 7s.
Coin Slot
The Coin Slot is the part of the slot machine where players insert their coins or tokens to place their bets. The term is a remnant of the era of mechanical slots and is still used today, even with digital credits.
Cold Slot
A Cold Slot is a term used to describe a machine that doesn’t seem to have paid out recently. It’s worth noting that slots are governed by random number generators, so this is more a perception than a statistical fact.
Collect Button
The Collect Button is used to claim any winnings and transfer them to the player’s casino balance.
Comps
Comps are complimentary items and services given by casinos to encourage players to stay/keep playing. These can range from free meals and hotel stays to tickets to shows or even airfare, depending on the casino.
Credits
Credits are the digital representation of a player’s money in a slot machine used to place bets.
Demo Slots
Demo Slots allow players to play a game for free, providing a way to learn the game’s mechanics and features before wagering real money. However, due to regulations, Demo Slots may not be available in all jurisdictions.
Denomination
Denomination refers to the value assigned to each credit in a slot machine. Different slots have different denominations, allowing players to choose the value of their bets.
Double Up Slots
Double Up Slots provide players with the opportunity to gamble their winnings from a previous spin, potentially doubling their money.
Drops
In the context of slot games, Drops refer to features where symbols “drop” into the reels instead of spinning. This can create a unique visual effect and change up the gameplay.
Expanding Reels
Expanding Reels is a feature that can dramatically change the gameplay. When active, some reels can expand to accommodate more symbols, possibly increasing the player’s chances of landing potentially winning combinations.
Feature
In slot terminology, a Feature refers to a special game or bonus round within the slot that offers additional opportunities to win. These can include free spins, pick-and-win games, or interactive storylines.
Feature Buy
For players eager to access a game’s special features, the Feature Buy option allows them to pay a premium to access the slot’s bonus round. Again, this may not be available in all jurisdictions.
Free Spins
Free Spins are a common feature in many slot machines. Triggering Free Spins allows players to spin the reels a set number of times without using their own credits.
Fixed Value Slots
Fixed Value Slots have a set Jackpot or top prize that does not change, in contrast to progressive slots, where the Jackpot increases as more players participate.
Five Liner
A Five Liner is a classic slot machine with five paylines, offering players five potential ways to win.
Fruit Machine
A Fruit Machine is a specific type of classic slot machine that typically features fruit symbols like cherries, lemons, and plums. They are a nod to the early days of slot gaming.
Gamble Feature
Some slots offer a Gamble Feature that allows players to try and double their winnings by guessing the outcome of a game of chance.
Grid Slots
Grid Slots break away from the traditional reel format. They feature a grid of symbols that can lead to potential wins in various ways, often using cluster pays instead of paylines.
Hawking
Hawking is a slang term for constantly playing slots. It serves as a reminder to gamble responsibly and avoid chasing losses.
Hit
A “Hit” in slots refers to a winning spin. Whether it’s a small win or a massive Jackpot, a hit is what every player hopes for with each spin.
Hit and Run
The Hit and Run strategy involves aiming for a quick win and then cashing out, moving on to another machine or leaving the casino.
Hit Frequency
Hit Frequency is a statistical metric indicating how often a slot machine is likely to award a winning spin.
Hold
Hold refers to the average percentage of wagers that a slot machine retains for the casino over time. For example, if a slot has a 5% hold, it may return 95% of the wagers to the players as winnings. However, as slots are random, this might not always be the case.
Hold Percentage
Hold Percentage is another way of expressing the casino’s edge over players. It represents the portion of the wagers the casino keeps, typically as a percentage.
Hot Slots
Hot Slots are machines that appear to be paying out frequently or that have recently delivered a big win.
Hopper
The Hopper is a container that holds the coins inside a slot machine. When a player wins, the machine dispenses the winnings from the Hopper.
Icons
In slots, Icons refer to the various symbols displayed on the reels. These symbols can include fruits, numbers, letters, and thematic images related to the slot’s theme.
Instant Winner
An Instant Winner is a slot machine that pays out a Jackpot as soon as a player spins the reels. It’s a rare occurrence that has the potential to make a player’s day.
i-Slot
i-Slots are a product of the digital age. These interactive slots often feature storylines, characters, and evolving narratives as you play, making the game experience more engaging.
Jackpot
The ultimate goal of many slot players is to hit the Jackpot – the highest possible payout in the game.
Jackpot King
The Jackpot King is a popular progressive Jackpot system that links various slots, with all of them contributing to a single massive Jackpot prize.
Lever
The Lever, also known as the “one-armed bandit”, is a classic component of older slot machines. Pulling the Lever was the original way to set the reels in motion.
Line
A Line in slots refers to a payline – the path along which you must match symbols to form a winning combination. The number of lines can vary from one to hundreds, depending on the slot.
Line Bet
The Line Bet is the amount wagered on a single payline in a multi-line slot. It’s an important factor in determining the overall bet amount.
Linked Progressive Jackpot
Some slots are part of a network of machines that contribute to a single, shared Jackpot known as a Linked Progressive Jackpot. Any player on any connected machine can potentially win this Jackpot.
Loose Slot
A Loose Slot is a machine that appears to pay out more frequently compared to others.
Maximum Bet
The Maximum Bet is the highest possible wager that can be placed on a single spin.
Minimum Bet
The Minimum Bet is the smallest amount that can be wagered on a spin.
Megabucks
Megabucks is a famous slot game known for its huge Jackpots.
Megaclusters
Megaclusters is an innovative slot mechanic where symbols can split into smaller ones if they form part of a winning combination.
Megaways
Megaways slots offer an increased number of ways to win. The number of symbols on each reel can change with every spin, creating thousands of potential ways to win.
Multiplier
A Multiplier is a feature that can multiply winnings by a certain factor. For example, a 2x win multiplier can double the win, while a 5x multiplier can increase it fivefold.
Multi-Line
Multi-Line slots feature multiple paylines, allowing players to bet on more than one line at a time. This can increase the chances of potentially winning, but it also usually has higher betting limits.
Multi-Way
Multi-Way slots offer players multiple ways to win, going beyond traditional paylines. These slots typically feature 243 or more possible winning ways.
Near Miss
A “Near Miss” is when a player is just one or two symbols away from landing a win or triggering the Jackpot. It’s the moment when the reels stop just short of aligning those winning symbols.
Nudge
“Nudge” is a term that harks back to the classic mechanical slot machines. In some of those games, players could “nudge” the reels after a spin to try and form a winning combination.
One-Armed Bandit
The “One-Armed Bandit” is a nickname for early mechanical slots. These machines typically had a lever on one side, which players pulled to set the reels in motion.
Online Slot
Online Slots are the virtual counterparts of traditional slot machines, allowing players to enjoy the thrills of casino gaming from the comfort of their own homes.
Payback Percentage
The “Payback Percentage” is the theoretical percentage of the money taken in by a slot machine that it may return to players over a long period of time. However, as slots are random games of chance, this may not be reflected in a slot gaming session.
Payline
A “Payline” is a predefined line or pattern on the slot reels that shows the different ways symbols must land to form a winning combination.
Payout
If you hit a winning combination on a slot machine, you’re in for a “Payout” – the amount of money that the machine gives you as your prize.
Paytable
The “Paytable” is the guide to understanding a slot machine’s potential payouts and how its bonus features work.
Penny Slots
Penny Slots allow players to place small bets, typically as low as one penny (£0.01) per spin.
Pokies
In some parts of the world, including Australia, slot machines are affectionately known as “Pokies”.
Primary Jackpot
The “Primary Jackpot” is the main prize that a slot machine offers. It’s the grand prize of the game.
Progressive Jackpot
A Progressive Jackpot is a Jackpot that grows over time, with a portion of every Bet made contributing to the pot.
Random Number Generator (RNG)
Behind the scenes of every slot machine, there’s a “Random Number Generator” (RNG), ensuring that the outcomes of each spin are entirely random and not influenced by previous results.
Reels
“Reels” are the rotating columns on a slot machine that display the game’s symbols.
Reel Modifiers
“Reel Modifiers” are special features that can change the way the reels behave during a spin. These modifiers may include adding extra wild symbols, expanding reels, or changing the direction in which the symbols fall, depending on the game.
Reel Stop
“Reel Stop” is the moment when the spinning reels come to a halt after you hit the spin button. This is when the fate of your spin is sealed, and you discover whether you’re in for a win or a loss.
Respins
“Respins” are a feature offered in many modern slot games that allow you to spin some or all of the reels again without placing an additional bet.
Rows
The “Rows” of a slot machine refer to the number of symbol positions on each reel.
Return to Player Rate (RTP)
The “Return to Player Rate” (RTP) is a critical figure in the world of slots. It represents the theoretical percentage of all the money taken in by a slot machine that it may pay back to players over time.
Scatter Symbol
A “Scatter Symbol” is a special symbol that can award payouts from anywhere on the reels. It can also trigger various bonus features, such as free spins, multipliers, or bonus games, regardless of its position on the reels in many slot games.
Skill Bonus
Some slots may offer a “Skill Bonus” that involves some degree of player skill to achieve a potentially winning outcome.
Skill Stop
“Skill Stop” is a feature that allows players to manually stop the spinning reels, adding an element of skill to the game. However, this feature is not permitted in the UK.
Short Win
A “Short Win” is a small, unexpected win in a slot game.
Slingo
“Slingo” is a unique blend of slots and bingo, creating a whole new gaming experience involving spinning a slot reel to match numbers on the grid and mark them off.
Slot Club
The “Slot Club” is a loyalty programme offered by some casinos.
Slot Host
A “Slot Host” is a casino employee who takes care of the needs and requests of slot players.
Slot Tournament
Slot Tournaments are events that gather players to compete against each other to try and achieve the highest winnings within a set time frame.
Sound of Rain
The “Sound of Rain” is the satisfying noise of coins clinking into the tray when a slot machine pays out a win.
Spin
A “Spin” is the action of setting the reels in motion and watching the symbols dance before your eyes.
Streaky Slots
“Streaky Slots” refer to machines that seem to have periods of frequent payouts followed by dry spells.
Stacked Symbols
“Stacked Symbols” are identical symbols that appear in a group on the same reel. If these symbols line up, they can potentially create more significant wins by covering multiple positions on the reels.
Stacked Wilds
“Stacked Wilds” are wild symbols that can cover entire reels, potentially increasing the chances of forming winning combinations.
Symbols
“Symbols” are the images or icons that appear on the slot reels.
Three-Liner
A “Three-Liner” is a classic slot machine with 3 reels and a single payline.
Tight Slots
“Tight Slots” are machines known for their lower frequency of payouts.
Total Bet
Your “Total Bet” is the amount of money you wager on each spin.
Trail
A “Trail” is a progression feature in some slot games that lets players attempt to advance along a path or trail by hitting specific symbols or combinations.
Tumbling Reels
“Tumbling Reels” is a feature found in some slots where winning combinations can disappear, making way for new slot symbols to fall from above.
Variance
“Variance” is a term used to describe the long-term volatility of a slot machine.
Video Slots
“Video Slots” are a modern evolution of the classic slot machine. They can feature intricate graphics, animations, and sound effects.
Virtual Reel
Behind the scenes, the “Virtual Reel” determines the position of the symbols on the actual reels.
Volatility
“Volatility” describes the theoretical behaviour of a slot game in terms of the frequency and size of potential wins.
Wide Area Progressive (WAP)
A “Wide Area Progressive” (WAP) Jackpot is a networked Jackpot that connects multiple slot machines in different casinos.
Wager
Your “Wager” is the amount of money you bet on each spin.
Wild Symbol
A “Wild Symbol” can substitute for other symbols to help create potentially winning combinations.
Wild Multiplier
Not content with just being wild, some symbols go a step further and become “Wild Multipliers”. These symbols can substitute for others and also multiply any wins they help create.
Win
Landing a win means that you’ve matched a combination of symbols that meets the game’s criteria for a payout.
Winning Combination
A “Winning Combination” is a group of symbols that have landed in a way that results in a payout.
Win-Both-Ways
Traditionally, wins in slot machines are paid from left to right, starting from the leftmost reel. But in “Win-Both-Ways” slots, wins can be awarded not only from left to right but also from right to left on the same paylines.
Zig-Zag
Finally, “Zig-Zag” refers to paylines that don’t form classic straight lines.
Conclusion
This has been an all-encompassing guide to the fascinating world of slot machine terminology and slang. From the simplicity of Three-Liners to WAP Jackpots, understanding this lingo could help enhance your gaming experience by helping you avoid being caught off-guard by unfamiliar terms.
As always, please gamble responsibly.
Whether you’re a seasoned casino-goer or a newcomer to the world of online slots, the language of slot machines can often seem like a cryptic puzzle. This glossary aims to provide a comprehensive guide to slot machine terminology, offering clear explanations for all the jargon, slang, and technical terms you’re likely to encounter during your gaming experience.
3 Reel Slot
Starting with the basics, a 3 Reel Slot is the most fundamental form of slot machine. It features three rotating reels, each adorned with various symbols. The goal is simple: match symbols across the middle line. Some modern versions of 3 Reel Slots may also include additional features.
5 Reel Slot
A step up from the 3 Reel Slot, the 5 Reel Slot offers a more complex gaming experience. The increased number of reels allows for a greater number of potential winning combinations, and these types of slots often incorporate additional features and bonus rounds.
243 Ways to Win
In traditional slots, winnings are determined by predefined paylines. However, 243 Ways to Win slots break away from this convention. Instead, players can win by matching symbols from left to right across adjacent reels, regardless of specific lines. The result? A whopping 243 potential ways to score a win.
3D Video Slots
3D Video Slots represent a leap forward in slot machine technology. Offering a three-dimensional gaming experience, these slots boast vibrant graphics and animations.
Active Payline
An Active Payline refers to the lines on which winning combinations can occur. The number of active paylines can typically be adjusted by the player, providing control over bet size and potential winning chances.
All Ways
In All Ways slots, winning combinations can occur anywhere on the reels as long as the same symbol appears on paylines or adjacent reels from left to right or right to left. This increases the potential number of opportunities to form winning combinations.
Autospin
Autospin is a feature that automates the gameplay process. Rather than manually clicking the “Spin” button for each round, players can set a specific number of spins, and the machine will do the rest. However, due to regulations, this feature may not be available in all regions.
Backing
Backing refers to the act of a player supporting another player. This could involve lending money, sharing winnings, or simply providing moral support.
Bar
“BAR” is a common symbol found in many slot machines. It can come in various forms, such as single, double, or triple BARs.
Bet
The Bet is the amount of money wagered on a single spin. The size of the Bet can influence potential winnings and losses.
Bet Max
The Bet Max button allows players to wager the maximum permitted amount on a single spin of the slot game.
Bet Min
Conversely, the Bet Min (or Min Bet) is the smallest amount that can be wagered on a single spin.
Bet One
Bet One is a term often used in classic slot machines. It allows the player to bet a single coin on the next spin.
Big Bertha
Big Bertha isn’t a person but a term used to refer to oversized slot machines that were popular in the early days of gambling. These mechanical giants often had multiple reels and were a spectacle in casinos.
Big Hit
A Big Hit refers to landing a significant win on a single spin.
Bonus Buy
Some slot machines offer the Bonus Buy feature, which allows players to purchase direct access to the game’s bonus round. However, due to regulations, this feature may not be available in all jurisdictions.
Bonus Round
The Bonus Round is an additional game within the slot that offers extra winning opportunities. These rounds can vary significantly in style and rules, ranging from free spins to interactive mini-games. The ways to trigger them can typically be found in the slot’s paytable.
Branded Slots
Branded Slots are based on popular franchises, such as movies, TV shows, or celebrities. These slots often feature characters and themes from the associated brand, adding an additional layer of entertainment for fans.
Casino Bonus
A Casino Bonus is a promotional offer provided by a casino, which typically involves extra funds or free spins for slot games.
Cascading Reels
Also known as Tumbling Reels, Cascading Reels provide a unique twist on traditional slot mechanics. Winning symbols disappear, and new ones fall from above, potentially leading to multiple wins in a single spin.
Cashback
Cashback is a rare casino promotion that offers a percentage of a player’s losses back, acting as a form of insurance for their gambling activities.
Cash Out
To Cash Out is to convert casino chips or winnings into cash. It’s the process of turning your digital winnings into something tangible.
Certified Slots
Certified Slots are games that have been officially tested and approved for fair play by external parties and gaming authorities. Playing these slots can offer players a level of confidence in the integrity of the game.
Classic Slots
Sometimes referred to as “fruit machines”, Classic Slots hark back to the early days of slot gaming, featuring timeless symbols like fruits, BARs, and 7s.
Coin Slot
The Coin Slot is the part of the slot machine where players insert their coins or tokens to place their bets. The term is a remnant of the era of mechanical slots and is still used today, even with digital credits.
Cold Slot
A Cold Slot is a term used to describe a machine that doesn’t seem to have paid out recently. It’s worth noting that slots are governed by random number generators, so this is more a perception than a statistical fact.
Collect Button
The Collect Button is used to claim any winnings and transfer them to the player’s casino balance.
Comps
Comps are complimentary items and services given by casinos to encourage players to stay/keep playing. These can range from free meals and hotel stays to tickets to shows or even airfare, depending on the casino.
Credits
Credits are the digital representation of a player’s money in a slot machine used to place bets.
Demo Slots
Demo Slots allow players to play a game for free, providing a way to learn the game’s mechanics and features before wagering real money. However, due to regulations, Demo Slots may not be available in all jurisdictions.
Denomination
Denomination refers to the value assigned to each credit in a slot machine. Different slots have different denominations, allowing players to choose the value of their bets.
Double Up Slots
Double Up Slots provide players with the opportunity to gamble their winnings from a previous spin, potentially doubling their money.
Drops
In the context of slot games, Drops refer to features where symbols “drop” into the reels instead of spinning. This can create a unique visual effect and change up the gameplay.
Expanding Reels
Expanding Reels is a feature that can dramatically change the gameplay. When active, some reels can expand to accommodate more symbols, possibly increasing the player’s chances of landing potentially winning combinations.
Feature
In slot terminology, a Feature refers to a special game or bonus round within the slot that offers additional opportunities to win. These can include free spins, pick-and-win games, or interactive storylines.
Feature Buy
For players eager to access a game’s special features, the Feature Buy option allows them to pay a premium to access the slot’s bonus round. Again, this may not be available in all jurisdictions.
Free Spins
Free Spins are a common feature in many slot machines. Triggering Free Spins allows players to spin the reels a set number of times without using their own credits.
Fixed Value Slots
Fixed Value Slots have a set Jackpot or top prize that does not change, in contrast to progressive slots, where the Jackpot increases as more players participate.
Five Liner
A Five Liner is a classic slot machine with five paylines, offering players five potential ways to win.
Fruit Machine
A Fruit Machine is a specific type of classic slot machine that typically features fruit symbols like cherries, lemons, and plums. They are a nod to the early days of slot gaming.
Gamble Feature
Some slots offer a Gamble Feature that allows players to try and double their winnings by guessing the outcome of a game of chance.
Grid Slots
Grid Slots break away from the traditional reel format. They feature a grid of symbols that can lead to potential wins in various ways, often using cluster pays instead of paylines.
Hawking
Hawking is a slang term for constantly playing slots. It serves as a reminder to gamble responsibly and avoid chasing losses.
Hit
A “Hit” in slots refers to a winning spin. Whether it’s a small win or a massive Jackpot, a hit is what every player hopes for with each spin.
Hit and Run
The Hit and Run strategy involves aiming for a quick win and then cashing out, moving on to another machine or leaving the casino.
Hit Frequency
Hit Frequency is a statistical metric indicating how often a slot machine is likely to award a winning spin.
Hold
Hold refers to the average percentage of wagers that a slot machine retains for the casino over time. For example, if a slot has a 5% hold, it may return 95% of the wagers to the players as winnings. However, as slots are random, this might not always be the case.
Hold Percentage
Hold Percentage is another way of expressing the casino’s edge over players. It represents the portion of the wagers the casino keeps, typically as a percentage.
Hot Slots
Hot Slots are machines that appear to be paying out frequently or that have recently delivered a big win.
Hopper
The Hopper is a container that holds the coins inside a slot machine. When a player wins, the machine dispenses the winnings from the Hopper.
Icons
In slots, Icons refer to the various symbols displayed on the reels. These symbols can include fruits, numbers, letters, and thematic images related to the slot’s theme.
Instant Winner
An Instant Winner is a slot machine that pays out a Jackpot as soon as a player spins the reels. It’s a rare occurrence that has the potential to make a player’s day.
i-Slot
i-Slots are a product of the digital age. These interactive slots often feature storylines, characters, and evolving narratives as you play, making the game experience more engaging.
Jackpot
The ultimate goal of many slot players is to hit the Jackpot – the highest possible payout in the game.
Jackpot King
The Jackpot King is a popular progressive Jackpot system that links various slots, with all of them contributing to a single massive Jackpot prize.
Lever
The Lever, also known as the “one-armed bandit”, is a classic component of older slot machines. Pulling the Lever was the original way to set the reels in motion.
Line
A Line in slots refers to a payline – the path along which you must match symbols to form a winning combination. The number of lines can vary from one to hundreds, depending on the slot.
Line Bet
The Line Bet is the amount wagered on a single payline in a multi-line slot. It’s an important factor in determining the overall bet amount.
Linked Progressive Jackpot
Some slots are part of a network of machines that contribute to a single, shared Jackpot known as a Linked Progressive Jackpot. Any player on any connected machine can potentially win this Jackpot.
Loose Slot
A Loose Slot is a machine that appears to pay out more frequently compared to others.
Maximum Bet
The Maximum Bet is the highest possible wager that can be placed on a single spin.
Minimum Bet
The Minimum Bet is the smallest amount that can be wagered on a spin.
Megabucks
Megabucks is a famous slot game known for its huge Jackpots.
Megaclusters
Megaclusters is an innovative slot mechanic where symbols can split into smaller ones if they form part of a winning combination.
Megaways
Megaways slots offer an increased number of ways to win. The number of symbols on each reel can change with every spin, creating thousands of potential ways to win.
Multiplier
A Multiplier is a feature that can multiply winnings by a certain factor. For example, a 2x win multiplier can double the win, while a 5x multiplier can increase it fivefold.
Multi-Line
Multi-Line slots feature multiple paylines, allowing players to bet on more than one line at a time. This can increase the chances of potentially winning, but it also usually has higher betting limits.
Multi-Way
Multi-Way slots offer players multiple ways to win, going beyond traditional paylines. These slots typically feature 243 or more possible winning ways.
Near Miss
A “Near Miss” is when a player is just one or two symbols away from landing a win or triggering the Jackpot. It’s the moment when the reels stop just short of aligning those winning symbols.
Nudge
“Nudge” is a term that harks back to the classic mechanical slot machines. In some of those games, players could “nudge” the reels after a spin to try and form a winning combination.
One-Armed Bandit
The “One-Armed Bandit” is a nickname for early mechanical slots. These machines typically had a lever on one side, which players pulled to set the reels in motion.
Online Slot
Online Slots are the virtual counterparts of traditional slot machines, allowing players to enjoy the thrills of casino gaming from the comfort of their own homes.
Payback Percentage
The “Payback Percentage” is the theoretical percentage of the money taken in by a slot machine that it may return to players over a long period of time. However, as slots are random games of chance, this may not be reflected in a slot gaming session.
Payline
A “Payline” is a predefined line or pattern on the slot reels that shows the different ways symbols must land to form a winning combination.
Payout
If you hit a winning combination on a slot machine, you’re in for a “Payout” – the amount of money that the machine gives you as your prize.
Paytable
The “Paytable” is the guide to understanding a slot machine’s potential payouts and how its bonus features work.
Penny Slots
Penny Slots allow players to place small bets, typically as low as one penny (£0.01) per spin.
Pokies
In some parts of the world, including Australia, slot machines are affectionately known as “Pokies”.
Primary Jackpot
The “Primary Jackpot” is the main prize that a slot machine offers. It’s the grand prize of the game.
Progressive Jackpot
A Progressive Jackpot is a Jackpot that grows over time, with a portion of every Bet made contributing to the pot.
Random Number Generator (RNG)
Behind the scenes of every slot machine, there’s a “Random Number Generator” (RNG), ensuring that the outcomes of each spin are entirely random and not influenced by previous results.
Reels
“Reels” are the rotating columns on a slot machine that display the game’s symbols.
Reel Modifiers
“Reel Modifiers” are special features that can change the way the reels behave during a spin. These modifiers may include adding extra wild symbols, expanding reels, or changing the direction in which the symbols fall, depending on the game.
Reel Stop
“Reel Stop” is the moment when the spinning reels come to a halt after you hit the spin button. This is when the fate of your spin is sealed, and you discover whether you’re in for a win or a loss.
Respins
“Respins” are a feature offered in many modern slot games that allow you to spin some or all of the reels again without placing an additional bet.
Rows
The “Rows” of a slot machine refer to the number of symbol positions on each reel.
Return to Player Rate (RTP)
The “Return to Player Rate” (RTP) is a critical figure in the world of slots. It represents the theoretical percentage of all the money taken in by a slot machine that it may pay back to players over time.
Scatter Symbol
A “Scatter Symbol” is a special symbol that can award payouts from anywhere on the reels. It can also trigger various bonus features, such as free spins, multipliers, or bonus games, regardless of its position on the reels in many slot games.
Skill Bonus
Some slots may offer a “Skill Bonus” that involves some degree of player skill to achieve a potentially winning outcome.
Skill Stop
“Skill Stop” is a feature that allows players to manually stop the spinning reels, adding an element of skill to the game. However, this feature is not permitted in the UK.
Short Win
A “Short Win” is a small, unexpected win in a slot game.
Slingo
“Slingo” is a unique blend of slots and bingo, creating a whole new gaming experience involving spinning a slot reel to match numbers on the grid and mark them off.
Slot Club
The “Slot Club” is a loyalty programme offered by some casinos.
Slot Host
A “Slot Host” is a casino employee who takes care of the needs and requests of slot players.
Slot Tournament
Slot Tournaments are events that gather players to compete against each other to try and achieve the highest winnings within a set time frame.
Sound of Rain
The “Sound of Rain” is the satisfying noise of coins clinking into the tray when a slot machine pays out a win.
Spin
A “Spin” is the action of setting the reels in motion and watching the symbols dance before your eyes.
Streaky Slots
“Streaky Slots” refer to machines that seem to have periods of frequent payouts followed by dry spells.
Stacked Symbols
“Stacked Symbols” are identical symbols that appear in a group on the same reel. If these symbols line up, they can potentially create more significant wins by covering multiple positions on the reels.
Stacked Wilds
“Stacked Wilds” are wild symbols that can cover entire reels, potentially increasing the chances of forming winning combinations.
Symbols
“Symbols” are the images or icons that appear on the slot reels.
Three-Liner
A “Three-Liner” is a classic slot machine with 3 reels and a single payline.
Tight Slots
“Tight Slots” are machines known for their lower frequency of payouts.
Total Bet
Your “Total Bet” is the amount of money you wager on each spin.
Trail
A “Trail” is a progression feature in some slot games that lets players attempt to advance along a path or trail by hitting specific symbols or combinations.
Tumbling Reels
“Tumbling Reels” is a feature found in some slots where winning combinations can disappear, making way for new slot symbols to fall from above.
Variance
“Variance” is a term used to describe the long-term volatility of a slot machine.
Video Slots
“Video Slots” are a modern evolution of the classic slot machine. They can feature intricate graphics, animations, and sound effects.
Virtual Reel
Behind the scenes, the “Virtual Reel” determines the position of the symbols on the actual reels.
Volatility
“Volatility” describes the theoretical behaviour of a slot game in terms of the frequency and size of potential wins.
Wide Area Progressive (WAP)
A “Wide Area Progressive” (WAP) Jackpot is a networked Jackpot that connects multiple slot machines in different casinos.
Wager
Your “Wager” is the amount of money you bet on each spin.
Wild Symbol
A “Wild Symbol” can substitute for other symbols to help create potentially winning combinations.
Wild Multiplier
Not content with just being wild, some symbols go a step further and become “Wild Multipliers”. These symbols can substitute for others and also multiply any wins they help create.
Win
Landing a win means that you’ve matched a combination of symbols that meets the game’s criteria for a payout.
Winning Combination
A “Winning Combination” is a group of symbols that have landed in a way that results in a payout.
Win-Both-Ways
Traditionally, wins in slot machines are paid from left to right, starting from the leftmost reel. But in “Win-Both-Ways” slots, wins can be awarded not only from left to right but also from right to left on the same paylines.
Zig-Zag
Finally, “Zig-Zag” refers to paylines that don’t form classic straight lines.
Conclusion
This has been an all-encompassing guide to the fascinating world of slot machine terminology and slang. From the simplicity of Three-Liners to WAP Jackpots, understanding this lingo could help enhance your gaming experience by helping you avoid being caught off-guard by unfamiliar terms.
