Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Video Slots Online

A video slot is a simulated slot machine which utilizes a random number generator to generate a vast number of different symbols on each "reel." While many online slots simulate the traditional 3 reel layout (which would only have between 10 and 20 symbols in a land-based casino), it’s interesting to note that all online slot machines technically fall into the category of video slots.

Due to the fact that all symbols had the same chance of appearing on the payline, early slot machines could be analyzed to find the odds of any single combination being hit. All one had to do was count the number of symbols on the reel and work it out from there. For example, a traditional slot machine with 15 symbols on each of its three reels would have 3375 (15x15x15) different possible combinations. Therefore, the chance of hitting the jackpot would be 1 in 3375.

The newer video slots have added features such as free spins, wild symbols, scatter cards, instant wins and bonus round incorporated into the game. They do not use actual reels with these slots. Instead, they use virtual reels that have 32 or 64 virtual stops on each reel.

Many of the newer slots have 5 reels and many more paylines than the classic slots. There can be between 10 paylines and as many as 50 paylines. You can choose the number of paylines that you wish to play or the coin amount that is bet on each line.

But with video slots often having between 30 and 90 stops on each reel, a player’s chance of hitting the jackpot is significantly smaller. Take, for example, a video slot with 60 stops on all five reels. Only one of those 60 stops will include the jackpot icon. That means there would be more than 700 million combinations (60x60x60x60x60) to hit the jackpot. That’s why these video slots jackpots get to more than $1 million.

Progressive Jackpots Online

Nothing gets an online slot player more excited than the allure of hitting a huge jackpot. Therefore, it’s hardly surprising that one of the most popular features of internet and land-based casinos is the progressive.

Progressives are jackpots which are contributed to and built from wagers by players at casinos all across the web. You can usually recognize progressive slots by the ticker displaying the jackpot amounts as they increase with each passing second. This usually works with a group of progressive slots, where each time a player plays a coin, the jackpot is raised for the entire group.

Online casinos usually even link with other casinos' online slot games, bringing the jackpot to incredibly high amounts (sometimes in excess of one million dollars).

Keep in mind that online progressive slots will usually require you to play a max bet if you would like to be eligible to win the progressive jackpot. A lot of the newer slots will not have an option to bet anything but the max bet. This is usually $5 per spin for a lot of the progressive video slots that I have seen. If you aren’t sure about the rules and requirements for winning the jackpot, be sure to read the payout schedule. This will have all of the basic information posted on it.

It is always a smart idea to read this payout chart before you begin playing a slot machine for real money. Each video slot is different. They each have their own rules, symbols, winning combinations, number of paylines and more. The alternative to deciphering the payout chart is to play these slots for free before playing for real money.

Free Slots Games Online

Many online casinos offer free slot games for those who aren’t yet ready to risk playing for real. While some might say that this makes about as much sense as drinking beer without alcohol (what's the point?), it’s an excellent option for beginners, because it allows you to learn all the slot terminology and machine layouts, as well as seeing if you like the particular software used by the casino.

Many modern slot machines are loaded down with numbers and multiple ways to win on any given spin, not to mention all the options for betting and payouts. While all the bells and whistles of online slots might seem daunting to some beginners, wading into the shallow end via free games will have you playing like a veteran in no time.

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