A guide to online slot features: Paylines, RNGs, scatter symbols and more
Online Slots are among the most popular types of games played in online casino platforms, due to reasons such as their diverse offering of features that enhance gameplay.
Whether you're already familiar with the basics of online Slots and want to explore new functionalities, or you simply want to understand slot features better, the more you know can help enhance your gameplay.
Therefore, we’ve put together a guide to the key elements you might encounter when playing various games – whether it’s classic Slots variations or even games like Big Bass Amazon Xtreme, for example.
Paylines and ways to win
One of the first features of online Slots to know about is paylines. A payline refers to the line on which matching symbols must land in order for you to receive a payout.
Traditional Slots often feature a single payline, while more modern online Slots can include dozens or even hundreds of paylines. Some games even have a system where matching symbols on adjacent reels are sufficient regardless of alignment. This flexibility and diverse range of options makes paylines a fundamental aspect of Slots gameplay.
Random number generators (RNGs)
Fairness is a huge aspect of online Slots gameplay, and it’s important that every spin of the reels is determined by a RNG. This technology uses algorithms that ensure outcomes (i.e., where the reels land after a spin) are entirely random and cannot be influenced by any external factors or previous spins.
RNGs make the results of reel spins unpredictable, reinforcing the fact that Slots are chance-based games. This fairness mechanism is also a legal requirement in licensed casinos, providing transparency to all players.
Scatter symbols
Another feature of Slots to know about is scatter symbols, and these can activate various other features within a game. This includes things like free spins or bonus rounds which can be activated without needing to align on a specific payline.
Scatter symbols will often be tied to the theme of the slot, and landing something like three or more scatter symbols, for example, might trigger a unique in-game bonus feature.
Wild symbols
Wild symbols are more versatile and can be used as substitute for other symbols on the reels – except for special symbols like scatters. Wild symbols are there to help form a matching combination on the reels.
In some Slots, wild symbols come with even more added features such as multipliers or expanding capabilities, which can cover entire reels to increase the number of combinations.
Volatility and return to player (RTP)
Volatility and RTP are two factors that contribute towards the risk and potential return of a slot game:
- Volatility: This indicates the frequency and size of payouts in a slot game. High-volatility Slots may offer larger payouts, but less frequently, while low-volatility games provide smaller but more regular payouts.
- RTP: Expressed as a percentage, RTP represents the average return a game offers over a significant number of spins.
Do remember, however, that these metrics are only there to help you choose games that align with your preferences, and they are not in any way a method of predicting or increasing chances of a payout.
You’ll find a wide variety of mechanics when playing online Slots that cater to diverse player preferences. From paylines to scatter symbols, these many components ensure every game offers something unique for players, whilst maintaining the fairness guaranteed by RNGs and regulations.
