Video slots are one of the most popular gambling games in the world. They revolutionized the whole betting industry by offering a vibrant gaming experience.
But why are they so popular? Let’s find out!
What is a Video Slot?
Slots are gambling machines that come in various themes, types, or prize sizes. Our “What is a Slot Machine? Odds and Tips” article discusses different types of slots.
A video slot is a digital version of a traditional slot machine. It combines unique features, like:
- Multiple pay lines that can follow horizontal, vertical, diagonal or zigzag patterns
- Thousands of themes, ranging from ancient mythology to modern-day games
- Exciting audiovisuals and storylines
- Flexible bonus system and free spins that boost the winning chances.
Why are Video Slots so popular? Video slots are very popular among players since they offer unforgettable gambling experiences. Besides their unique features, their accessibility makes them a desired slot. They are available in casinos or online, and there are many free virtual video slots.
How to Choose a Video Slot?
Despite the differences between traditional and modern video slots, they have common odds. Our “Slot Machine Odds & Winnings” article discusses slot machine operations on Random Number Generator. The RNG ensures that every spin is random, so each player can have a fair chance of winning. Yet, gamblers can estimate their winning odds by looking at the RTP and Volatility numbers.
Return to Player
Return to Player helps players to identify their winning probability. It indicates a percentage the gambling machine will repay in the long term. (GLI). A good indicator could be starting from 95%. This means that for every 100$ wagered in a video slot, the machine is expected to pay out 95$ throughout its lifetime.
Volatility
Volatility or variance assesses the riskiness of slot machines is designed for long-term predictions. It indicates how frequently and how much a slot is expected to payout. Slot machines with low volatility offer smaller, more frequent payouts. Those with high volatility usually have more significant but less frequent payouts.
Verified Video Slots
Before choosing a video slot, it is crucial to check certifications. In our digital era, there are lots of scams on the internet, so be careful where you bet your money! You can check the reliability of a video slot on their website, under the certificates button. The most prominent and reliable certifications are, but not limited to:
Common Misconceptions about Video Slots
Gamblers might encounter scammers when betting online. Yet, it is important to note that slots in general are not a fraud. People either win or lose by chance, which is determined by a random number generator. Also, players should remember that video slots do not have “hot” and “cold” cycles. In other words, series of losses and wins in slots, happen but this is the way randomness works. The spins are not manipulated, as some gamblers might think.
Fee or F(r)ee Spins?
Free spins in video slots are the most loved by gamblers. Casino newcomers or players who want to learn about a certainvideo slot can try free spins. This way, they save money while also learning about the world of gambling.
Video Slot Unique Features
Video slots have unique features that make them interactive and desired by players. Those features positively affect the gaming experience.
Pick-and-Click Bonuses
Imagine that your one click decides the destiny of your game. Pick-and-click bonuses appear on video slots and encourage players to pick one. In the end, gamblers get a hidden prize, such as free spins, multipliers, or monetary surprizes. This unique feature makes video slots exciting and contributes to wins.
Storyline Bonuses
As mentioned, video slots immerse a variety of storytelling themes, such as Ancient Rome or Greek games. So, there are game-specific bonuses in video slots. For instance, players can influence the game’s storyline through their actions in bonus rounds. This means that the player’s decision about the storyline affects the overall gaming outcome.
Cascading Reels
Cascading reels, also known as collapsing reels, are game-changers for gamblers! Modern cascading reels have replaced traditional slot spins. Each symbol falls into a designated spot on the pay line, creating a cascade. When a winning combination is formed, it disappears, and new symbols start appearing. They continue falling into the pay line until no more winning combinations are formed. This innovative approach for video slots allows players to have consecutive wins.
Skill-Based Mini Bonuses
Innovation in video slots leads to increased chances of winnings. Not only do slots operate on random number generators, but they also embed mini-games. Those mini-games often require skills and smart strategy for a win. Each game round offers obstacles for the players to overcome and gain rewards. This is an opportunity to immerse yourself into a journey of exciting games.
Penny Slots
Penny slots are the most prominent video slots, and many casinos have them. These slots allow players to start betting with one cent per pay line. Even though gamblers have this option, they usually bet more than one cent on multiple pay lines. Players prefer penny slots, because of the base wager and vibrant gaming experience. This video slot incorporates exciting themes, bonus options and 20-40 pay lines. But, the payouts are relatively smaller, and players might spend more on bets than they earn. Nevertheless, penny slots are ideal for gamblers who have a limited budget and want to explore video slots.
Pay lines in Video Slots
It is vital to learn about pay lines in video slots, since they are interconnected with wins. A pay line is a horizontal line on a video slot where the winning combination is created. In contrast to physical slots, video slots can have 100+ pay lines. This means more winning opportunities! It is possible to mark multiple wins per game, like the example below.
Wilds
Wild symbols are a type of bonus that can match with any symbol on a video slot. For instance, the wild symbol creates a win diagonally with the two cherries. As a result, the wild symbol substitutes for the third cherry. Also, we note that the wild matches two lemons, and creates a double win.
There are various types of wilds that make this symbol even more useful.
Expanding Wilds
Expanding wilds grow horizontally or vertically to cover the entire reel. This substitutes for more and more symbols, thus increasing winning odds. Expanding wilds boosts many winning combinations and total prize size.
Sticky or Locked Wilds
This type of wilds stay in the same place for consecutive spins in a video slot. With this wild players have more combination opportunities, thus, more chances for wins.
Stacked Wilds
This type of wilds come in stacks or groups and are placed on top of each other with every spin. If you manage to gather stacked wilds vertically on the entire screen, you may unlock additional features. This symbol also contributes to more winning experiences.
Walking Wilds
This wild symbol moves throughout the game with each spin. In contrast to sticky wilds that remain in the same spot, walking wild changes its position. By moving, this symbol can act as a substitute for another symbol and create wins.
How do you know which type of wild is on your video slot? There are wild symbol descriptions on each video slot either written on the symbol itself or the info button. Before starting a game on a video slot, gamblers can learn more about game features, themes, and wild types.
Scatter
The scatter symbol in a video slot activates bonuses. Their position on the pay line does not matter, in contrast to the wilds. If there are more than one scatter on the reel, players activate free-spins or multiply their winnings.
Conclusion
To sum up, video slots have brought innovation to the casino world. They have unique features ranging from their number of pay lines, themes to special symbols, such as wilds. Video slots carry a vibrant gaming experience with desired wins.
HelpGamblers opts for responsible gambling. You can find all the necessary information for gambling in our blog.
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