Slot Machine Terms
To avid slot players, there are various terms used on a regular basis to define types of slot machines, common functions and typical lingo used by slots players. In this slots glossary, we will list and define all of the common terms associated with playing the slots.
Slots Glossary
Bankroll: A player’s bankroll is the amount of money they bring to spend on slot machines, or in the casino in general. If you are playing online then your bankroll can be seen in the cashier section of the casino.
Bonus Slots: Bonus Slots are slot machines with special bonus features. These features are unlocked by achieving specific combinations of symbols on a single payline. Examples of bonus rounds include free spins, multiplied payouts and/or special games played within the slot.
Bet Max: This button is used to instantly bet the maximum number of coins and set the reels in motion.
Coin Size: This is the amount each credit played is worth. If playing 5 paylines, you are paying five credits of the chosen coin size.
Credit Meter: Most slot machines today accept a large sum of money at one time, instead of inserting one or several coins per play. In this case, there is a credit meter displayed showing how many credits remain, according to your chosen coin size.
Hopper: Classic slot machines that still take coins have a special reserve box called the hopper. This is where the coins are held. An attendant must empty the hopper on a regular basis. Once it becomes full, the slot is out of order until the hopper is emptied.
Hit: This is a slang term that refers to a winning combination.
Networked Jackpot: Some progressive slot machines of the same name are found in more than one casino. In many cases, the progressive jackpots are linked to one another. This means when a player in Vegas spins the reels, the jackpot rises, and when another player in Atlantic City spins the reels, the jackpot again rises. Networked Jackpots often result in faster growing progressives and higher overall jackpots, therefore are incredibly popular. They are found in many online casinos as well.
One Armed Bandit: This is a slang term that refers to the original slot machines, where players actually pulled a lever to set the reels in motion.
Onsies: This is a slang term that refers to slots players who always play a single coin per spin.
Pay-Line: Slot machines can have anywhere from 1 to 50 or more paylines. A payline is a single row where a winning combination can be achieved. The basic payline is the center row of reels, running left to right. Other paylines may run high, low or diagonal, or zigeven -zag across the reels in higher payline slots.
Pay Table: Every slot machine has a Pay Table, where the winning requirements and payouts are displayed. Be sure to check the pay table to see what and how many symbols can be combined to win, and the respective payouts for each. Note that if there is a jackpot available, the pay table will reveal the requirements to qualify for the jackpot as well. In classic reel slots, the pay table is often displayed directly on the machine. Video slots will offer a Pay Table or More Info button. Press this button to view the pay table.
Payout Percentage: slot machines are pre-programmed to award a specific payout percentage. This is the amount the slot machine will pay out over a period of time, according to how much the machine takes in. Land-based casinos average an 80-88% payout percentage on slots, while online casino much higher, 95-98% payouts.
Progressive Jackpot: This is a jackpot that continues to rise every time a player spins the reels. A small amount of each wager goes toward the jackpot. There is no limit to the height of a progressive jackpot. Once a player strikes the jackpot, it is reset to a predetermined starting amount and begins its climb once more.
Random Number Generator: Also known as an RNG, this is a computer program that ensures every reel has a random outcome. Complex mathematical schemes are used to determine absolute unpredictable results for each reel as it comes to a stop.
Reel Slot: Classic slot machines also known as 3-reel slots are physical, mechanical reels that actually spin and come to a stop individually. The very first slot machines developer, from the late 1800’s to the mid-1900’s, were reel slots.
Scatter: A special symbol on many slot machines that can unlock special bonus features (see “Bonus Slots” above). When a player achieves 3 or more scatters on a single payline, a corresponding bonus feature is unlocked.
Simulation Slots: (see “Video Slots” below.)
Slots Tournaments: Similar to other casino game tournament players ante up and play for the largest sum at the end of a set amount of time.
Spin: A button on most slot machines used to set the reels in motion. Unless using the Bet Max button, players must press the spin button after placing a wager to start the reels.
Static Jackpot: A Jackpot Slot that is not progressive. The jackpot amount is always the same.
Symbol: All of the different images found on the reels of a slot machine are called symbols.
Video Slot: Introduced in the late 1960’s to early 1970’s, Video Slots are now the most popular slot machine in the world. They are also referred to as Simulation Sots because there are no mechanical reels but are virtual reels that consist of 5 reels. The entire slot is based on animated graphics, a programmed computer chip and integrated RNG system.
Wild: This is a symbol that can take the place of any other necessary symbol to complete a winning combination. Note that Wild symbols cannot replace Scatters.
