Have you ever been confused about all the terminology attached to slot games?
It’s true that slot games are very straightforward once you get the hang of them. Indeed, they do not require high levels of skill or strategy that other casino games might. But there is quite a bit to them behind the scenes and many players prefer to fully understand how they work.
Although there is minimal strategy involved, knowledge of slots can actually help players to win. This is because there are certain slot games that are better to play if you have larger or smaller bankrolls, or if you prefer winning through bonus rounds. Free spins no deposit casinos in particular, might also be a bit confusing for new punters.
Glossary
So, buckle in as we take you through all the key slots terms that will help build up your knowledge!
Auto Spin
If players don’t fancy clicking the spin button each time, they can set the reels to spin by themselves. Simply decide on a stake, hit the Auto Spin button, and sit back!
Big Bertha
A Big Bertha is a very large slot machine at a brick-and-mortar casino. Big Bertha’s pop up in all sorts of different contexts but in the casino they are the machines that draw people’s attention.
Bonus Rounds
Bonus rounds take players away from the main base game for a special round of spins. Bonus rounds often involve mini-games and other changes to the layout of the game. Most importantly, they offer great cash prizes.
Cascading Reels
Also known as Avalanche Reels, Rolling Reels or Tumbling Reels, Cascading Reels see winning combinations of symbols drop off screen. New symbols then take their place within the same spin and could lead to a double win.
Free Spins
Free spins give players the chance to spin the reels without spending any of their coins. They can still land players the same real money prizes without the risk! Free spins often pop up during the slot games themselves or through slot promotional offers.
Megaclusters
A Big Time Gaming slot design where players can hit winning combinations using the cluster pays mechanic. Cluster pays sees winning symbols grouped together in clusters rather than lines. Megaclusters takes this a step further by creating a 4×4 grid where winning symbols are replaced by 4 smaller symbols.
Megaways
Another Big Time Gaming phenomenon, Megaways slots modify the slot reels like never before. In Megaways games, the number of symbols per reel can change on each spin. This not only makes the slot unpredictable but creates many more ways to win.
Multiplier
Multipliers are commonly found in slots as part of bonus rounds or just during the main game. They multiply the amount a player receives for a win. Players can often build up multipliers through the game.
Paylines
Paylines refer to a line of symbols on a slot machine that constitute a win. If you can match a certain number of symbols across a payline, you will receive a payout. The number of paylines in play can be adjusted by the player; more paylines give a greater chance of winning but cost more per spin.
Payouts
A payout is simply the player receiving money for a win. Payouts vary depending on a number of factors such as volatility and the RTP.
Pick Me Round
A special bonus feature where players choose different objects to reveal prizes. Try and choose correctly and you could nab a big prize mid-game!
Pokies
A Pokie is an Australian term for slot machines. The name is thought to have come from the original poker machines.
Reels
The reels are the main component of a slot machine that display the symbols and spin each round.
RTP
Return to Player (RTP) refers to the amount of money a slot machine pays out of all the money it takes in through player wagers. It is expressed as a percentage that is accurate over the lifetime of the slot, rather than the short term. A 96% RTP means that on average players will receive €96 back for every €100 wagered.
Scatters
Scatters are special game symbols that are most commonly used to activate bonus rounds and free spins. Usually, three or more of them need to land on one spin to have this effect, and the more of them you land the more free spins you usually get. Scatter symbols also pay out a big win themselves.
Symbols
Symbols are the pictures spinning on the slot reels. Players need to match them up to win prizes.
Volatility/Variance
Volatility refers to how risky a game is to play. A low volatility game is ideal for players with a small bankroll as there are small but consistent wins. Players who have the budget and patience to see out dry spells may want to try a high volatility game; these have more infrequent wins but bigger jackpots.
Wager
Another term for bet or stake, the amount of money placed on a spin.
Wilds
Wild symbols are another special game symbol. They can substitute for regular symbols to create winning combinations. This means you may only need two 7s and the Wild will complete the triplet. Expanding Wilds are another more powerful type that enlarge to cover the entire reel.
Win Both Ways
Winning combinations of symbols can be formed from both left to right and right to left. This makes it easier to land wins and a lot less frustrating!
Well, that’s all for now! Head over to on of our recommended casinos for 2022 to see if you will be our next lucky player.