Various Definitions For Online Slots

Their are various type of slots available at online casinos. From single line slots that have only one pay line, to slot machines that have various pay lines with bonus games and progressive jackpots that run into the millions!

Here we will try to explain each type of game available on the various software platforms and keep you, the player, up to date as to what is happening in the world of online slot machine games.

Software Platforms

In the world of online gaming, their are various software platforms available that the online casinos use. As there are quite a few that use proprietary software, and thus have their own custom online slots, it is near impossible to review and explain them all. This doesn't imply they are not excellent well presented games, but merely that they increase the variety available to the player.

We at Slot Online will and do endeavour to cover them as well, but it doesn't make sense to describe them in detail, if the main idea behind them is the same as other software vendors' offerings. Usually the only difference is a different theme (i.e. images, sounds and colours). If we do find a game to work in a completely different manner, you will be the first to know!

What is a Pay Line?

Pay lines are the lines on the screen that, when the appropriate symbols line up on them, cause the lights to flash and the sounds of winning to fill your ears.

Pay lines on machine range from a single pay line slot machine to a multi pay line slots, that could have as many as 50 pay lines! Pay lines can run horizontally, vertically, diagonally or even follow no fixed pattern. So be sure to check the online slots game that you do choose as to how the pay lines are defined and how many pay lines are supported.

The number of pay lines activated is usually determined by the amount you bet on the spin of the reels. Also be sure to check when, and what what pay line, the progressive jackpot pays out (if the game does have one). You don't want to hit the symbols on the correct pay line, and then find out that, to win the largest jackpot ever, you had to deposit another 10c!

Bonuses And Jackpots

There are various online slot games that offer bonuses and jackpots. Usually the bonuses are in the form of free spins or bonus levels. They can pop up at any stage. Bonus games normally have the theme of the slot machine, where the player gets to choose certain items that then translate into a certain monetary value.

The bonus feature is typically activated by getting a certain number of bonus images on a certain pay line

The slot games that have the progressive jackpot feature, usually require that the maximum bet is placed before the progressive jackpot feature is enabled.

Reels

The reel on  a slot machine is the wheel that has the various images on it. The reels are spun and then stop randomly. The position of the various images on a reel when stopped and the pay line(s) selected determine if and what the player has won.

Depending on the slot game being played, there can be from 1 reel to multiple reels. Below some examples:

Bar Bar Black Sheep is a 3 reel 1 pay line slot game.
Break Da Bank is a 3 reel 5 pay line slot game.
Mega Moolah is a 5 reel, 25 pay line slot game. At time of writing the Progressive Jackpot of Mega Moolah was standing at $3.7 million!