243 Ways to WinIt is a gambling term associated with the mechanics that is present in slot machines and video slot games.
Active PaylineAn active payline is one that is in play, and will result in a payout if it contains a winning combination. Slots with multiple paylines usually allow players to choose how many paylines theywish to have active on a spin. Mechanics that is integrated into the designing of slot machines or video slots is referred to as active payline.
All WaysThis is a feature in a slot game that gives players hundreds of possible paylines which can move from left to right, or right to left.
Auto Play / AutoplayAn option to spin the reels a certain number of times in succession automatically, without have to press a button or pull a lever every time.
Basic SlotsThese are simple and traditional slot games that feature a single playline and a static jackpot that will not change in value over time.
Bet MaxTo bet the maximum number of lines and the maximum amount per line based on the current coin denomination.
Bet Per Line / Bet Per PaylineThe amount being staked per line. It’s multiplied by the number of active pay-lines being played to determine the total bet per spin.
Betting Units / CreditsA single betting unit. Players use it to place bets online or at land-based casinos. In slots games, credits are used instead of visualizing bets.
Bonus Feature / Bonus FunctionSome slot games have bonus features which can be triggered randomly or based on a specific combination of symbols. These bonus features give the player the chance to win a bonus payout or earn free spins. Slot games often have some type of bonus function or feature. Different versions of bonus functions can include scatters, wilds and similar, but also bonus courses where the chances of winning are better than in the basic game.
Bonus RoundThe bonus round in slot games is when the player moves up from the basic game to a bonus course which involves free spins, multipliers and other functions that often increase the chance of higher wins.
Branded SlotsThese are special types of slots that are inspired by famous TV shows and Hollywood movies. A number of software providers in the market have collaborated with top Hollywood studios to create these types of games. Some popular branded slots available today are Planet of the Apes, Dracula Slot and Aliens Slot.
Cascading / Collapsing ReelsIt is a bonus feature which appears when the winning combination is landed every time.
Classic SlotA traditional slot game, typically with three reels and just one pay-line.
Coin SizeThe amount bet on each spin is measured by the number of coins. Coin size determines how much each coin is worth.
Colossal WildsThese are special type of wilds that are bigger in size, often taking the space of a whole section. These monstrous wilds which come in sizes of 3×3 or 4×4 may appear during the Free spins round and will deliver larger winnings. Colossal wilds can also can also replace other symbols in the game except for the bonus symbols.
EGMs (Electronic Gaming Machines)An electronic gaming machine such as pokies or pokie machines are a computerised gambling device that has a video screen displaying symbols on simulated reels. Cash is inserted into the machine and buttons are used to place bets. The machine randomly determines the position of symbols on the screen. Wins are returned as credits back into the machine.
Expanding SymbolIn slots games, this is a symbol that expands to fill the reel.
Expanding WildsIt is a term used for bonus features which appear in video slot games and slot machines.
Feature RoundIn slots games, this is a special round that may include free spins, interactive games and/or the opportunity to win additional prizes.
Fixed JackpotA jackpot which pays out the same fixed amount of coins when it’s won.
Free SpinsIn slot games, ‘Free Spins’ refers to a bonus feature in which the player triggers a number of free spins in-game. These free spins are still considered part of one game round. A term that is used for representing bonus features in video slot and slot machines. Spins where the player gets to keep all winnings but doesn’t have to pay. Free spins can be awarded by spinning a specific combination, or from a bonus feature. Free spins may also be given toplayers as a reward by a casino.
Fruity1. A general term for slot machine in the UK; 2. A specific kind of arcade-style slot machine with a fixed payout percentage in the short-term.
Gamble ModeMost popular slot games today feature the gamble mode that allows players to double their winnings, or lose it all if done the wrong way. Different software providers design their gamble feature in different ways, but the most popular version is for a player to guess the color or the suit of the card. If the guess is right, the winnings will be doubled but when the wrong guess is made, the player will lose his winnings.
HitA slang term for a winning spin.
JackpotA jackpot is a cumulative prize whose value keeps increasing a small amount every time someone plays that particular video slot. The jackpot will keep on growing until someone hits the jackpot. The same process would restart after the jackpot has dropped.
Linked Progressive JackpotThis is a special type of slots jackpot wherein the prizes are pooled together from a number of participating slot games, creating a much larger jackpot. This is different from the usual fixed jackpot slot games since the amount of jackpot may vary, depending on the amounts contributed by participating games.
Loose SlotA slang term for a slot game with a high payout percentage.
Mechanical SlotsTraditional slot machines that have physical reels rather than the video equivalents.
Multi-Line SlotsSlot games which have more than one pay-line.
MultiplierThis can be a symbol which multiplies the payout from any winning combinations it appears. Multipliers can also be awarded in bonus features and can apply to free spins.
Near Miss This means that a player nearly achieved a winning combination. And in some special slot games, a near miss can activate a special feature where the player is given another spin to fully complete the winning combination.
Network JackpotThis type of jackpot is made up of bets from players across all online casinos that host it. An example of this would be NetEnt’s Mega Fortune.
Nudge Reel / NudgesThis is a traditional feature in slot machines that allow players to nudge or move the reels to create a winning combination after a near-miss. Today, a number of modern slots also feature an electronic version of this feature, increasing the chances of players of winning the prizes.
Pay Table / PaytableIndicates all the possible winning combinations on a slot machine, and their respective payouts. Each and every video slot comes with a pay table that provides players with essential information such as winning payline combinations and how the slot works. It ultimately encompasses winning amounts for each payline combination. This describes the possible combinations and values of winning symbols and what the wild, scatter and other symbols mean in each casino game.
PaylineA line going across the reels on which symbols must appear in a winning combination to result in a payout. Some games have just one pay-line, typically across the center of all the reels, butsome games have many lines going in different directions.
Payout / PaybackThe percentage of bets returned to players from a specific game – on average and over time.
Payout PercentageA payline is a sequence of positions on the reels that read from left to right. When you’re playing an online slot, you’re usually betting on a number of paylines. If symbols form a winning combination on a payline you’re betting on, then you will receive a payout. The percentage of all stakes that a slot will pay out over time.
PokiesIn Australia, the general term for slot machines.
Pooled JackpotsA larger jackpot that is pooled from several operators through the same game.
Progressive Jackpot / Progressive Jackpot SlotA fixed amount from each wager will go towards the progressive jackpot, which will continue to build until it is won. A jackpot which grows over time as more people play the relevant slot game. A progressive jackpot is a jackpot that keeps on growing based on the number of players playing the slot that hosts it and placing bets. This refers to an EGM on which the potential jackpot size increases with each credit that is played. When the progressive jackpot is finally hit, the jackpot amount resets to the starting number.
Progressive SlotA progressive slot is a game that has a jackpot that increases incrementally as players play the game.
Random FeatureThis is a feature in a slot that happens randomly. You may be introduced into something completely different from the regular base game and even taken to another level. A well known random feature is the Wild Desire in the slot Immortal Romance.
ReelsIn slots, a reel refers to one of the columns on which players try to hit certain symbols or prizes. Often five reels that look like columns. The rotating barrels (in mechanical slots) on which the symbols appear. Video and slots use a virtual equivalent, and they are still referred to as the reels. A reel is a wheel/column that is spun alongside other reels in an attempt to create winning combinations.
RNG (Random Number Generator)A computational algorithm designed to generate a sequence of numbers or symbols that is entirely random. Slot games are also known as RNG games. A RNG is a normal video slot that determines the winning and losing combinations and ultimately produces the outcome of each spin.
RTP (Return to Player / Payback & Payout)The percentage of bets returned to players from a specific game – on average and over time. This is the term casinos use to describe the percentage of all the wagered money a VLT or slot machine will pay back to players over time. For example, if you make a hundred $1 bets on a machine on which the RTP is 90%, you might expect to get back about $90 in wins.
Scatter / Scatter SymbolSymbols in a slots game. Three of these symbols are often needed to unlock a bonus round, win free spins or similar. Scatters rarely need to appear on any specific line
SEGMs (Skill-based Electronic Gaming Machine)An electronic gaming machine that allows players to win, or increase their win, based on how they perform in a skill-based feature. Most are hybrid gaming machines with the machine randomly determining the position of symbols on the screen. When a feature is activated, the player is able to participate in a skill-based activity, such as shooting or driving. A skilled player may be able to win additional credits from the feature on the screen. Wins are returned as credits back into the machine.
Shifting WildsShifting Wild shift around the reels with each spin every time there is a winning combination. During a winning combination, the winning symbols will be removed and the Shifting Wilds will shift positions.
Slot MachinesThese are games that can either be instantly played or downloaded.
SlotsA digital form of the classic slot machines. Reels have to be spun and symbols have to line up in order to achieve a payout.
Slots / One-arm BanditsA slang term for a slot machine. The term is used because mechanical machines used to have a lever on the side that was pulled to start a spin. Some machines still use the levers. New Yorkers Sittman and Pitt built the first slot machine in 1891 using poker symbols to denote winning combinations. A digital form of the classic slot machines. Reels have to be spun and symbols have to line up in order to achieve a payout.
SpinRefers to a bet in a slot game. The player presses the spin button to spin the reel once.
Stacked WildsMultiple wild symbols positioned on top of each other on a single reel. These Wilds act as substitutes replacing other symbols in the process to help create winning paylines and bringing you wins.
Standard SymbolsThese are the most common symbols that one can encounter in all types and variants of slot games. The most common are the low-paying symbols that are represented by the suits in a deck of playing cards. Examples of these are the Kings (K), Queens (Q), Jacks (J) and Aces. There are also some high-paying symbols that are also considered standard symbols like the number 7s, BAR, bells and diamonds.
Sticky WildsSimilar to a standard wild, a Sticky Wild will substitute for other symbols to create a winning line with the sole difference that these will stay put for subsequent spins.
SymbolThe images on the reels that need to appear in certain combinations for a win.
System Based GameA gambling game comprising a server (or system) and client stations resembling slot machines that together form a single integrated device in which the system portion of the game determines the outcomes of the individual games conducted on the client stations. The client stations cannot operate independently from the system with this type of game.
System Supported GameA gambling game comprising a collection of conventional slot machines,or client stations resembling slot machines,connected to a system for the purpose of downloading control programs and other software resources to the conventional slot machine or client station on an intermittent basis.The slot machines and client stations connected to the system are capable of operating independently from the system once the downloading process has been completed.
Tight SlotA slang term for a slot game with a low payout percentage.
TITO (Ticket In Ticket Out)A form of cashless gaming whereby a ticket storing cash value on a bar code can be inserted into EGMs instead of cash and can also have winnings paid on to it. A TITO system operates at Victorian clubs and hotels, as well as Crown casino. Tickets can only be used between machines in the same venue."
TokenA coin-like money substitute, in various denominations, used for gaming transaction.
TriggerTo activate a special feature, most commonly in video slots.
Video SlotsThese don’t have physical reels, but use graphics to represent them.
VLT (Video Lottery Terminal / Video Gaming Terminal / Video Lottery)Similar in look to a pokie machine, this is a stand-alone device that allows the player to bet on the outcome of a video game. VLTs are considered to be uniquely addictive as they have unparalleled speed of play and speediness of returns.
VLT (Video Lottery Terminal)This is a type of electronic gambling machine. They are typically operated by a region's lottery, and situated at licensed establishments such as bars and restaurants.
Volatility / VarianceIt helps explain the swings of slots. On a high variance slot you can generally expect very low payouts over many spins but when a winning spin finally lands it has potential to be massive. A low variance slot works in the opposite way. You can expect many decent wins, but the max win potential is not that great.
Walking Wilds / Random WildsThis is considered as one of the most unique and exciting type of wild in the market today. Often seen in slots from NetEnt, these wilds will randomly appear during the game and will activate a re-spin. During the re-spin, the walking wilds will be seen ‘walking’ from its original place to the left side of the screen. This feature will continue as long as the wild will appear on every spin.
WAPJ (Wide Area Progressive Jackpot)A jackpot generated from a wide area progressive system.
WAPS (Wide Area Progressive System)Progressive slot machines that are operated at multiple locations and are connected by a linked network.
Wild / Wild SymbolIn slot games, wilds are symbols that will substitute for winning symbols if they land on a payline, helping players to enhance their wins. However, these rarely substitute for scatter or bonus symbols. A symbol that can be used to substitute for other symbols to create a winning combination. There are a number of different wilds but wilds in general have one specific aim: To substitute for any other symbol to help create a winning combination.
Winning CombinationAny combination of symbols that results in a payout.