Understanding Slot Machine Terminology- Part 1
For anyone who wants to get into playing slots, it’s important to understand the terms. Though sltos are straightforward, there are still some small nuances for everyone to understand. Here are some importand terms to cover before you start pulling the reels.
- Reel. The most basic concept is understanding the reel. That is the cylinder that spins and has various symbols on it. It is what is going to show you what your outcome is and hopefully align the right way for a payout.
- Symbols. The symbols are some of the best features of a slot game. This is where the developer can really customize the game to whatever theme it is built around. For example, if a slot machine is Egyptian-themed, expect the reels to have symbols like pyramids, Tutankhamen, pharaohs, gold figures, etc. Whereas if the slots game is centered on luxury, expect the symbols to reflect that with pictures of money, gold, jewelry, sports cars, mansions,etc.
- Low Level/slant top. This is a term that means the game comes with a stool to sit on while players enjoy gaming.
- Upright/stand up. This is just the opposite of the low leve/slant top. This is where you stand at the machine and play. Often times it is used for mechanical slot games.
- Carousel. A carousel is a specific row or line of slots. Machines are normally segregated based on wager requirement. So one carousel will be machines that are penny-machines and another carousel will have machines that are $10-machines.
- Tight slots. A tight slot machine is a machine that gives away only a small percentage of the winnings to the player.
- Loose slots. On the other hand, there is the loose slot machines. These are machines that give out a higher percentage of winnings to the players.
- RNG/Random Number Generator. The RNG is what dictates where the reels stop. Inside every machine there is a RNG and based on what numbers are chosen, the reels stop and expose the symbols. This is where anyone who wants to dupe or influence a machiine realizes that it is impossible. Everything about a slot machine is based on randomness and the player can’t do anything to change it.
Part two coming next.
