Slot games are the most popular online casino entertainment for many reasons. First, they are easy to play and offer quality theming. Secondly, they can cost next to nothing per spin and reward major prizes. Slot machines include unique features that make reel spinning fun and can lead to big wins, such as wilds or bonus rounds. Learning to use the elements to your advantage can help boost your win potential.
Below are a few elements connected to slot games that can increase your chance of earning wins. Use the tips to give yourself the upper hand while playing at online casinos.
Return to Player Percentage (RTP)
The return to player percentage (RTP) of slots is the percentage at which you are expected to receive a return on your investment. RTPs typically range from 92-98%. You want to select games with a higher RTP to put the odds in your favor.
Once you open a slot game, check the info section, paytable, or rules. Here, you will find the RTP. Playing games with a 96% RTP or higher gives you the advantage and lowers the overall house edge. Watch for games with a ranging RTP and avoid those with lower percentages.
Progressives tend to have a lower RTP and are known for being harder to win. Taking note of the percentage can help you avoid major losses.
Volatility
Another element to consider is a game’s volatility. Also located in the info section, volatility tells you how often the game will provide prizes. Slots with low volatility pay out more often but only feature smaller prizes.
Games with higher volatility pay out less frequently but offer larger prizes. There are also games that fall into the middle. Consider whether you would rather have a better shot at winning or try for larger overall prizes, and review the volatility of a title before playing.
Free Spins
One of the more popular features of a slot game is free spins. Most players look for free spin rounds to be able to play at no cost. Most slots require hitting three or more scatter icons to trigger a free spin round. Then, you earn a set number of spins at a select price point (typically $0.10-$0.20).
Use the spins and see if you earn wins. The special feature is a great way to play for free and earn in-game rewards. Free spin rounds can include added incentives such as:
- Specialty wilds for symbol substitutions.
- Retriggering the round with more scatters on the reels.
- Avalanche or cascade features for more win potential.
- Jackpot prizes in games such as Hold & Win titles.
Review the details of a free spin feature to see how to trigger the round and what you can earn once it is activated. Some games may allow you to buy the round before it activates to take advantage of the feature.
Cascades/Avalanche Feature
Another popular feature of a slot game is a cascade or avalanche option. You can win more than once on a single spin when this feature is present. Once a win occurs with matching symbols, those icons are removed from the game grid. New symbols drop into place, and they can create yet another match, which equals a new win.
The removal of symbols and new icons falling into place will continue until there are no new matches. Players have earned wins after winning with this element, ensuring big prizes from a single spin. Cascades and avalanches are excellent features to look for when selecting a slot game.
Wilds
Look for wilds in slot games to access symbol substitutions for more win potential. Wilds can help you to earn more wins from a single spin. Games can include several wild variations, helping you score wins or more incentives. Wilds can:
- Substitute for symbols to create a winning combination.
- Appear stacked for more win potential.
- Include a multiplier for boosted wins.
- Expanding wilds can grow on the reels for more wins.
Games can offer wilds in multiple ways to help you win more and enjoy a better reel-spinning experience.
Multipliers
You can also check for multipliers on the reels of slot games to boost your wins. Some games include multiplier trails, where the multiplier can grow as you progress, or there are options to trigger multipliers with wins.
The feature can start at 1x and go as high as 1,000x or more, giving you plenty of extra ways to increase your win.
Conclusion
With so many features to consider, it’s easy to find online slot games that will pay out handsomely. Take a few minutes to read the info section of a game and get to know the paytable and features. You are ready to spin once you locate a game with a high return to player percentage and quality features!
