Slot Machine Terminology
Most players do not take the time to learn the language and terminology associated with slot machines, but in fact it is crucial. Not only will it help you learn more about the game, but also remove some misconceptions.
Multiline is a slot term that are used by players to describe the number of pay lines in a machine. Before there used to be only one, but now it is not uncommon for machines to have more than five pay lines. If you want to get the most from your time playing, always pick those with several pay lines.
Progressive jackpot is used to denote several machines that are linked together in a casino (or over several casinos) that give away a single top prize. Similar to the lottery, the amount grows as more people play.
The slot term used to describe this machine is progressive slot. If you are going to play in a progressive slot machine, always make sure that you go for the maximum coins playable.
The random number generator (RNG) is the computer chip that determines the outcome of every spin in a slot machine. The numbers that the chip generates are sent out to another apparatus that matches them with the symbols that appear on the reels.
The payout percentage of every slot is also determined by these computer chips. In fact, the entire function of the machine is handled by these tiny computers and the lever and handle are just for aesthetics.
When you are playing, you will hear references to scatter symbols. When you hit a combination of scatter symbols, you will get a win, even if it does not appear on any of the pay lines. They are usually found in machines with five lines.
Today, slot machines are still termed one arm bandits, and this refers to the way the machines operated in the past. During the old days the results of each spin were determined by the lever (the arm). They were called bandits because most players played in haphazard fashion and kept losing money.
The fact is that the more you know about slot terms, the better off you will be. A lot of players do not know the difference between a multiline and a single pay line slot, and have no idea of how progressive machines should be played. With the knowledge in hand, you will have an easier time planning your strategies.
