Basic Slot Terms Slot Basics

A vertical column of symbols that spins is called a reel. The term comes from the cylinders in old slot machines. Games are often described by reel count, such as 3-reel classic slots, 5-reel video slots, and 6-reel Megaways.

In contrast to reels, a horizontal line is called a row. “5×3” means 5 reels and 3 rows, with 15 symbol positions visible on screen.

The full set of positions on screen formed by reels and rows is called the grid. It is written as 5×3, 6×5 (Sweet Bonanza), or 7×7 (Sugar Rush), and cluster pays games often use large grids. Some games, like Pirots, grow the grid during a bonus.

A simple slot like the old offline slot machines, with 3 reels and symbols such as cherries, 7s, and BARs. It has few features and easy rules.

A modern slot with animations, themes, and bonus features like free spins on screen. Most slots you see online today are video slots.

A set path that counts as a win. A win occurs when 3 or more identical symbols line up along that path starting from the leftmost reel. Besides straight lines, there are V-shaped and zigzag lines, and the number varies by game, such as 10, 20, or 25 lines.

A setup where all paylines are always active and the player cannot change the number of lines. Most slots today use fixed paylines.

A setup where the player chooses how many lines to bet on. Fewer lines lower the cost per spin but also reduce your chances to win. This is mostly seen in older games.

With no fixed lines, a win happens when the same symbol appears at least once on each of consecutive reels starting from the first reel on the left, regardless of position. A 5×3 grid gives 3×3×3×3×3 = 243 ways, and 5×4 gives 1,024 ways. When the number of positions changes on each reel, it becomes Megaways.

Normally a win requires a connection starting from the leftmost reel, but in both-ways games a connection starting from the rightmost reel also counts. Starburst is the best-known example.

A win happens when a certain number (usually 8 or more) of the same symbol appear anywhere on screen, regardless of lines or adjacency. Sweet Bonanza and Gates of Olympus are the best-known games that combine this mechanic with tumbling.

An in-game info screen that shows how much each symbol pays for a given number in a row, along with special feature rules and the RTP. It is usually opened with an “i” or “?” button.

The total amount wagered on a single spin. Multipliers such as a slot’s “max 5,000x” are all calculated based on this total bet.

The value of one coin, the betting unit. In many games, total bet = coin value × number of coins (or bet level × number of lines).

The step that sets how many coins you bet per line (or per spin). Raising the level increases the total bet and the winnings by the same ratio.

The smallest and largest bet per spin that the game allows. The maximum bet may be capped lower depending on operator or jurisdiction rules.

The balance you can use for bets inside the game. In free demos you are given virtual credits, so you play without real money.

One turn of the reels, in other words one round of a slot. The result is decided by the random number generator (RNG) the moment you press the button.

The normal state of spinning outside of free spins or a bonus. RTP is shared between the base game and the bonus, and the higher a game’s volatility, the larger the share that comes from the bonus.

A feature that automatically repeats spins a set number of times. You can set it to stop when your balance drops below a certain level or when a big win lands. Some jurisdictions, such as the UK, ban autoplay.

A setting that shortens the reel-spinning animation so you see results faster. It has no effect on results or RTP.

A mode where you play with virtual credits instead of real money. You can try out a game’s rules, features, and volatility in advance. All of AI Slot’s free slots are in demo mode.

An optional feature where, right after a win, you stake that win on a simple game like guessing a card color to try to double (or quadruple) it. If you guess wrong, you lose that win.

Short for Random Number Generator, the program that randomly determines the result of every spin. Each spin is independent of previous results. Testing bodies such as GLI, BMM, QUINEL, and iTech Labs verify that the RNG is fair.

The percentage of all spins that produce a win, regardless of the amount. A hit frequency of 25% means a win comes about once every 4 spins on average. Frequent wins do not mean a higher RTP.

The maximum amount you can win in a single spin or bonus round, usually shown as a multiple of the total bet. In many games, the round ends once the max win is reached, even if free spins remain.

A result that falls just short of a win, such as one scatter missing or a high-paying symbol landing one position off. The result is decided by the RNG, so it has no bearing on the odds of the next spin.