Most Common Online Slots Mechanics
Online slots are a popular type of casino game that has undergone significant changes since their inception. The mechanics of online slots are the technical aspects that determine how the game works. See below the mmost common ones:
Reels: Reels are the vertical sections that spin independently to display different symbols. Most online slots have either three or five reels, but some have more
Paylines: Paylines are the lines on which matching symbols must land to create a winning combination. Most online slots have multiple paylines, with the majority of five-reel slots featuring a standard 20 paylines
Random Number Generator (RNG): Slot machines use a random number generator (RNG) to determine the outcome of each spin. The RNG is a computer algorithm contained on a microchip inside the slot machine that generates thousands of numbers per second, each of which is associated with a different combination of symbols. When a player clicks the spin button, one value is chosen randomly, and the corresponding combination of symbols is displayed on the reels.
The RNG is programmed to generate numbers that are statistically random and independent of previous or future spins. The RNG is continuously generating numbers, even when the machine is not being played. The numbers generated at the exact instant a player activates each play determine whether they win or lose.
RTP stands for Return to Player, which is a percentage that indicates how much of a player's money they can expect to get back when playing an online slot game. The RTP is calculated by dividing the total winnings by the total stakes. For example, if a player won $100 from a $200 stake, their RTP would be 50%. The higher the RTP percentage, the better chance a player has of winning money from an online slot game
It's important to note that the RTP is not a guarantee of winnings, and actual results may vary depending on factors such as the amount of money bet, the number of paylines played, and the volatility of the game. However, all things being equal, a higher RTP will usually result in more frequent payouts. A good RTP for a slot is 97% or better.
Bonus features: Slots bonus features are special features that are triggered by certain symbols or combinations of symbols. These features can include free spins, multipliers, scatter symbols, and wild symbols.
Megaways mechanic: The Megaways mechanic is a popular feature in modern online slots that increases the number of ways to win. Created by the online slots software developer Big Time Gaming, the Megaways mechanic is a random reel modifier that changes the number of symbols landing on each reel during a spin. This means that every time a player hits the spin button in a casino slot online featuring this system, a different number of symbols will hop onto each reel, providing tens or even hundreds of thousands of ways to win. The number of available paylines changes from spin to spin, making Megaways different from traditional slot machines. The number of paylines/ways to win is drastically more than traditional games, with some Megaways slots offering up to 248,832 different ways to win
InfiniReels mechanic: The InfiniReels mechanic is a slot machine feature that was first introduced in 2020. The mechanic works by starting with three reels on the playing field, and after a win, the player gains a free re-spin, and simultaneously, the playing field expands with one additional reel. This process can go on as long as the player keeps on winning, and in theory, the player can have an infinite number of reels.
Other Slots Mechanics
Infinity Reels: This mechanic is similar to InfiniReels. It starts with three reels, and after each win, a new reel is added to the right of the playing field. This process can go on infinitely, providing players with a colossal number of ways to win and boosting their chances of hitting a big win.
Cluster Pays Mechanic: This mechanic pays out when a cluster of symbols appears on the reels. The size of the cluster can vary, and the symbols can be adjacent horizontally or vertically. This mechanic is used in many online slot games and provides players with a new way to win.
Splitz Mechanic: This mechanic splits symbols into multiple instances, creating more ways to win. The number of instances can vary, and they can appear on any spin. This mechanic is used in many online slot games and provides players with a new way to win.
Gigablox Mechanic: This mechanic features giant symbols that can cover multiple positions on the reels. These symbols can be as large as 4x4, and they can appear on any spin. This mechanic is used in many online casino slots and provides players with a new way to win.
Are Hit Frequency and Payout Percentage the Same?
Hit frequency refers to the likelihood of a slot hitting a payout combination, while payout percentage refers to the percentage of wagers placed in a game that is eventually returned as winnings. While both metrics are theoretical averages calculated by the developer over a large sample of spins, they serve different purposes in guiding which online slots to play.
A high hit frequency means that a slot is more likely to hit a winning combination, but it does not necessarily mean that the payouts will be significant. On the other hand, a low payout percentage means that the game will return less money to players over time, regardless of how often it hits a winning combination.
High and Low Volatility in Online Casino Slots
Calculating the volatility of an online slot game can be a bit tricky, as there is no standard formula for doing so. However, there are some general guidelines that can help players get an idea of a game's volatility:
Look at the RTP percentage: The RTP percentage is a projection of how much gamblers can expect in winnings, and it is determined by the game developer. Generally, the higher the RTP percentage, the lower the volatility of the game. However, this is not always the case, as some high RTP games can still be highly volatile.
Look at the standard deviation of payouts: The deviation of payouts is defined as a way of measuring how much prizes vary from the average. The higher the standard deviation, the higher the volatility of the game.
Play the game: The best way to get a sense of a game's volatility is to play it. If you win frequently but the payouts are small, the game is likely low volatility. If you win less frequently but the payouts are larger, the game is likely high volatility
What is the Difference Between Return to Player and Volatility?
RTP and volatility are two important concepts in slot games, but they are different from each other. RTP is a percentage that indicates how much of a player's money they can expect to get back when playing an online slot game, while volatility is a term used to assess the risk of losing a bet. RTP is a projection of how much gamblers can expect in winnings, while volatility is how often a slot typically pays out. Both RTP and volatility are important factors to consider when choosing an online slot game.
Other online casino games
If you enjoy playing online slots, but you’d like to try something new, we also have a whole array of different casino games. Try your chances playing online online blackjack, roulette, video poker or online bingo.