Slots are one of the most popular games when playing at casinos that accept Canadian dollars. It does not matter whether it is online or land-based, slots come in several varieties with different themes, sounds, lights, and prizes.

What makes them such a hit is they are one of the easiest games to learn. They do not need as much strategy as you will find in other games such as blackjack, baccarat, or poker.

Even if they are easy to play, players need to know how they work. Knowing the basics about how slots work will help you make the best of them. Maybe you will even win something.

This article will break down what you need to know about how slots work.

Parts and Mechanisms

When you look at slot machines, you will notice they have standard parts. You will find these across every slot you play though they may differ in placement physically compared to virtually.

Slot machines consist of parts that make it work including a coin slot, lever, payout trigger, reel plate, and winning line. The coin slot is where you insert money, coin, or credit cards; the lever activates the reels, and the payout trigger is the determinant of the payout quantity.

At land-based slots, you will find a metal shaft that supports the reels and moves most elements of the slot.

Reels

Have you noticed the groups of symbols that usually spin vertically on slots? They usually have the symbols that spin and create combinations that could earn you rewards. Those are reels.

Slots come with several reels. The most common ones are 3 and 5 reel slots.

Classic slots are the 3-reel slots. They are easy to play and low risk. 5-reel slots are the upgraded and modern version of 3-reel slots. They add extra reels plus state-of-the-art graphics, features, sounds, and funky images that will draw you in.

Whether it is 3-reel or 5-reel, playing slots will mostly be the same with a few unique features based on the themes and reel type.

Random Number Generator and Payback Rate

One of the biggest concerns for casino players is the fairness of the game they are playing. Slots have a system that makes sure that players have a fair and random playing opportunity every time they play.

Random Number Generator (RNG) Technology is the algorithm that generates combinations on the slots in a way that cannot be predicted. All your spins are independent of each other. Thus, if you had a good or poor run previously, it will have no impact on your next play.

Beyond RNG, there is another number you should keep an eye out for. That is the hit frequency. This number shows how often a winning combo lands on a slot machine. If it is higher, you can expect more winning combinations.

Despite such slots looking attractive, they have a low payback percentage. If you are looking for a higher payout rate slot, look for a low hit frequency.

Paytables and Paylines

When playing slots, the list of payouts and winning combinations for a specific game is the paytable. You will need to access it before you start playing.

How will you identify it? You can look for a question mark or a trophy. Once you access it, you will be shown the symbols for the reels on the slot. You will also know which symbols are high paying and which are low paying.

Similarly, there is a limited number of pay lines. They may be fixed or flexible. You can tell how symbols need to align for you to win. This can range from 1 payline to over 1000 pay lines. But what you will find with most slots is between 25 and 30 pay lines.

Something you need to remember when playing with pay lines is the fewer pay lines you play, the lower your chances of winning. But on the other hand, you get the advantage of each spin costing you less.

As you observe pay lines, figure out which symbols you will need to line up to enjoy winning slots. Some images are a scatter, others are a wild, and others may be bonus symbols or multipliers.

Conclusion

Slots can be a lot of fun but can be even more fun when you know what to look out for. As you learn how to play slots, you should have an understanding of the parts and mechanics, reels, RNGs, and Paylines and Paytables.

The parts and mechanics help you understand what components make up physical and virtual slots. You also get to know what each component does. Reels show you the different types of slots you will come across and which may have more to lose or win.

RNGs solve the fairness concern that players have. You can play slots knowing all your spins are random not just for you but for every other player. All players have a fair shot at losing or winning.

Finally, pay lines and paytables will help you understand which symbols and combinations will win. Once you understand the symbols and combinations, you will be in a better position to play slots.

As you enjoy slots, remember these key areas. You will have a better slot experience once you understand how they work.