Basic slot machine terminology
We prepared an overview of all the basic terms used when playing slot machines in casinos and on the internet.
3-Reel: A three-reel slot machine. These usually come with three reels and three lines.
5-Reel: A five-reel slot machine. These are usually video slot machines with three or 4 lines.
Autospin: A function which allows players to set a number of spins to be made, without requiring him/her to manually spin each round separately.
Bonus Round: A bonus round. A special function which allows players to win money above the scope of their classical winning spin. These usually come in the form of free spins or bonus cash.
Feature: A special property of a given slot machine, such as bonus rounds.
Freeplay / Free-to-play: Play for free. Online casinos with slot machines allow players to try out their slot machines for free and learn how they work. Of course, wins from freeplay games are not paid out. (this is disabled in some countries due to local regulation)
Free Spins: A free spin. A form of bonus you obtain from a certain combination of symbols.
Jackpot: The highest possible win a slot machine offers; it can either be fixed (a fixed jackpot) or gradually grows as the slot machine is played (a progressive jackpot).
Online Slot: A slot machine that you can play virtually, in the online environment of the internet, either on a computer or a mobile device.
Payline: A winning line consisting of symbols which guarantee a certain win.
Payout: The amount of money paid by the slot machine after getting a payline.
Progressive Jackpot: A special function offered by certain slot machines. The jackpot grows as the slot machine is played until someone wins it. This often leads to truly fantastic payouts.
Reels: Reels. Vertical columns with slot machine symbols.
Rows: Horizontal lines with slot machine symbols.
RTP (Return to Player): The average return to a player, listed in percentage points. In particular, this is the amount the slot machine will return on average per bet Euro.
Video Slots: Video slot machines. A special type of slot machine, most frequently an online slot machine, which use graphical animations to display symbols on reels.
Winning combination: A winning combination of symbols, i.e., one that leads to the payout of a win.
If you want to learn more, read the complete termbase for slot machines on slotgamesonline.eu. There you’ll find all the usual terms used when playing slot machines in casinos as well as online.