The Complete Slots Guide for 2023

The origin of slot machine games can be traced back to the late 1800s when Charles Fey, a mechanic from San Francisco, invented the Liberty Bell. This was the first known slot machine, featuring three spinning reels, one pay line, and an automated payout system. Despite its relatively simple design, the Liberty Bell was an instant hit among players.

Fey's invention revolutionized the gambling industry and led many other inventors to create slot machine versions. The Liberty Bell quickly became a popular attraction at saloons and bars, and the game's simple mechanics made it easy for anyone to play. Fey's contribution to the gambling world cannot be overstated, as his invention paved the way for the modern slot machines that we know and love today.

In 1907, the slot machine underwent a significant transformation by introducing fruit symbols to the reels. This feature became a staple of slot machines for decades, providing players with an exciting new way to win big. A decade later, Mills Novelty Co. created the "Skill Stop" feature, allowing players to press a button to end the reel spin and try to influence a win.

This feature remains popular today in slot games throughout the Illinois Video Games Terminal (VGT) market. In 1963, Bally introduced the first electro-mechanical slot machine, Money Honey.

This technological advancement was significant, featuring electrical components allowing more advanced features and gameplay mechanics. Despite this, the machine needed the user to yank a mechanical lever to set the reels in motion, leading to the nickname "One-Armed Bandit."

The 1970s saw the rise of video slot machines, which were more advanced than their mechanical predecessors. In 1976, the world's first video slot machine was created, followed by many other advancements, such as multiple pay lines and bonus rounds.

In 1994, the first iGaming casino was introduced, allowing players to play video slot machines from the comfort of their homes. These online slot machines featured enhanced graphics, including High-Def and 3-D imagery, & paved the way for other VGT operators to exist.

Another exciting development in slot machine technology is the 'Class II Bingo Slot Machine'. This tech was created to allow Tribal casinos to offer slot machines while remaining compliant with gaming regulations. These machines effectively engage in a bingo game but display the result on a slot reel, providing an exciting new way to win big.

Slot machine games have continued to evolve, providing players with exciting gameplay and the chance to win big. From the basic design of the iconic Liberty Bell to the advanced features of modern video slot machines, slot games have come a long way since their inception over a century ago.

To fully understand slot machine games and increase your chances of winning, it's essential to know the following standard terms:

• Volatility: The level of risk associated with a particular slot game.

• RTP: Stands for Return to Player. This is the percentage of all wagered money a slot machine game will pay back to players over time.

• Variance: A term that describes the frequency and size of wins in a particular slot game.

• Expanding Reels, Collapsing Reels, Exploding Reels: Features that change the size and position of the reels during gameplay.

• Scatters, Wilds, and Bonus Symbols:  Special symbols that trigger bonus features or free spins.

• Autoplay: A feature that allows players to automatically set the number of spins they want to play.

• Free Spins and FreePlay:  Bonus features allow players to spin the reels for free.

• Bonus and Promotion:  Special offers or bonuses are provided by online casinos to attract new players or reward existing ones.

• Gamble Feature:  A feature that allows players to gamble their winnings for the chance to double or quadruple their payout.

• Progressive and Standalone Jackpot: Players can win types of jackpots while playing slot machine games.

By understanding these standard slot terms, players can make informed decisions and improve their chances of winning while playing slot machine games.

Slot machine games are some of the most exciting games you can play at a casino. They are easy to learn, offer the potential for big wins, and come in various themes and formats to suit every player's taste.

Here are some general rules to keep in mind when playing slot machine games:

1. Set a budget: Before you start playing, set a budget for yourself and stick to it. This will help you avoid overspending and ensure you play within your means.
2. Understand the pay table:  Each slot machine game has a pay table that shows the winning combinations and the payouts for each combination. Make sure to read and understand the pay table before you start playing.
3. Bet size:  Choose a bet size that fits your budget and your desired level of risk. Remember that higher bets offer the potential for bigger wins but also come with a higher risk.
4. Pay lines:  Pay lines match symbols that must land to create a winning combination. Check how many pay lines the game has and adjust your bet accordingly.
5. Bonus features:  Many slot machine games have bonus features such as free spins, bonus rounds, or gambling features. Read the rules and understand how to trigger these features for the best chance of winning.
6. Know when to stop:  It's essential to know when to stop playing, especially if you're on a losing streak. Set a loss limit and stick to it, and don't chase your losses by continuing to play beyond your budget.

By following these general rules, you can maximize your chances of winning and have a fun and exciting experience while playing slot machine games.

While there is no surefire way to guarantee a win when playing slot machine games, there are some strategies you can use to increase your chances of winning. Here are some of the best strategies to keep in mind:

1. RTP: Look for slot machine games with a high Return to Player (RTP) percentage. The RTP is the amount of money a slot machine game will pay back to players over time. The higher the RTP, the better your chances of winning in the long run.
2. Volatility/Variance:  Consider the volatility or variance of a slot machine game. High-volatility games offer bigger payouts but are more unpredictable, while low-volatility games offer smaller payouts but are more predictable. Choose a game with a volatility level that matches your desired level of risk.
3. Bet size and chip denomination:  Choose a bet size that fits your budget and your desired level of risk. Remember that higher bets offer the potential for bigger wins but also come with a higher risk. Also, consider the chip denomination when placing your bets, as some machines may offer better payouts for certain chip denominations.
4. Types of games:  Consider the type of slot machine game you are playing. Jackpot slots and games with many features, such as bonus rounds and free spins, tend to have lower RTP percentages because these features eat into the overall payout percentage. Classic slots with fewer in-game features can be better for more regular, lower-value payouts.
5. Stop when you're ahead:  Knowing when to stop playing is essential, especially if you're on a winning streak. Set a win limit and stick to it, and don't risk your winnings by continuing to play beyond your limit.

In general, the best strategy for playing slot machine games is to choose a game with a high RTP percentage and a volatility level that matches your desired level of risk.

By managing your bets and being mindful of the type of game you are playing, you can increase your chances of winning and have a fun and exciting experience while playing slot machine games.