How to Play Video Slots

In the basic structure, a video slot consists of five spinning reels with various symbols on them. Three rows of symbols are on display at any time. Today video slots have more than five reels and more than three rows, but the basic operation remains the same.

You place the bet, spin the reels and then wait for the outcome. The combination of symbols that appear on the screen when the reels stop, determine if you will win and how much. You require three or more like symbols on an active payline aligned from left to right. The payouts for each combination are displayed in a payout table.

  • All symbols do not award the same payouts.
  • Longer winning combinations will result in bigger payouts.

Popular Video Slots Features

Over the last few years, slots developers have been bringing innovative features in their video slots. Here we look at some of the basic ones that have stood the test of time.

Wild Symbols

A wild symbol substitutes for another in order to complete a winning combination and you will not find a video slot without it. Wild symbols often come with other lucrative properties and this adds to the excitement.

  • Wild multipliers multiply payouts when they complete winning combinations
  • Sticky wilds remain fixed on the reels for a number of subsequent spins
  • Expanding wilds grow to cover the entire reel

Free Spins

When this feature is triggered you will be awarded a number of spins for which the bet amount is not deducted from your balance. However, whatever you win will be credited to your account. Free spins are usually triggered by landing three or more designated symbols anywhere on the reels.

Bonus Games on the Second Screen

In this feature the reels disappear for a while and you play some sort of game in which you win bonus credits. There is no cost for playing the game. The basic structure involves in choosing from a number of objects and winning random amounts. The best video slots developers create interesting mechanisms for this game so as to make it appear different.

Themes Add Interest to Video Slots

The symbols in video slots are not random and unrelated. They are chosen from a particular theme. The same theme pervades the background graphics and bonus features giving soul to the structure. If you have interest in a theme then you will find greater joy in playing slots with that theme. Some popular themes are:

  • Sports
  • Music
  • Ancient civilisations
  • Fantasy
  • Halloween

A recent trend is branded slots that use original content from movies, television shows and video games. Jurassic Park, Narcos and Grease are popular branded slots.