{"id":45511,"date":"2024-08-21T13:18:05","date_gmt":"2024-08-21T13:18:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/safestcasinosites.co.uk\/?page_id=45511"},"modified":"2024-08-21T13:18:05","modified_gmt":"2024-08-21T13:18:05","slug":"a-guide-on-how-to-play-slots-in-the-uk-for-cur_year","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/safestcasinosites.co.uk\/slots\/how-to-play\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide on How to Play Slots in the UK for 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"

Learn how to play slots in a few easy steps right here. These diversely-themed games come in a range of variations that provide multiple ways to enjoy online casino gaming. Knowing how to play online slots makes it even easier to enjoy the games available and see which ones are earmarked for generous payouts.<\/p>\n

We show you how these games work, what the different symbols mean and which strategies are best when playing slots online.<\/p>\n

How Do Online Casino Slots Work?<\/h2>\n

Before we dive into the mechanics of how to play online slots, it is crucial to understand how these games operate. Online slot machines come in various styles and themes but follow the same gameplay as those found at a land-based casino. Again, the different variations of online slot games all play the same way.<\/p>\n

A slot game features a grid-like display of symbols and numbers. Your aim is to see if you can get matching symbols to line up. To begin, you must select your bet and hit the “Spin” button, which activates the game. The rest is up to chance as the reels spin. When the reels come to a stop, you can earn payouts depending on whether there are several matching symbols lined up or whether a rare symbol is on display.<\/p>\n

The results of these slot games are entirely random, as the\u00a0best slot sites<\/a>\u00a0offer games from top developers. These developers include Random Number Generation (RNG) software in their games, which ensures that the casino cannot rig the game and that all outcomes are random and fair.<\/p>\n\"Online\n

How To Play Slots<\/h2>\n

Understanding how to play slots online is relatively straightforward. Generally, all you need to do is select your bet value and hit spin, and the rest is up to fate. However, several components make up a slot game, and it is essential to understand these if you truly want to learn how to play a slot machine online.<\/p>\n

Below, we take you through the various elements that make up a slot game:<\/p>\n

Reels<\/strong><\/span>Rows<\/strong><\/span>Symbols<\/strong><\/span>Paylines<\/strong><\/span>Payouts<\/strong><\/span><\/div>
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Reels<\/h3>\n

The reels are the vertical columns that make up the grid-like structure of the slot game. While classic slot games usually only have three reels, more common online video slots have five. However, you may find games with up to nine reels. Each reel has a combination of symbols depicted on it.<\/p>\n

Once you have clicked the “Spin” button, the reels are set in motion and begin to spin. When they come to a stop, they will display a random set of symbols.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Rows<\/h3>\n

Rows on a slot game are the horizontal lines that determine how many symbols on a reel are visible on the screen. Some slot games only have three rows, while others can features five or six, depending on the game style.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Symbols<\/h3>\n

When learning how to play casino slots, you\u2019ll find that each slot game has a unique set of symbols. These are images of letters, numbers, and unique pictures. Each symbol has a specific value or offers a special feature. The payouts a slot game provides are dependent on the symbols and their unique values. Typically, the more rare symbols have a much higher payout value.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Paylines<\/h3>\n

In a game of slots, the paylines are the unique patterns that zig-zag across the screen from left to right. These lines are often not displayed on the screen itself, but instead, you can find these varying payline patterns under the game’s info section.<\/p>\n

Each slot game has a set of paylines, which differ in number depending on the game’s setup. Most five-reel games have around 20 paylines, but this number can go up to 243 paylines.<\/p>\n

The payline is the line along which the symbols must line up to earn you a payout. Additionally, the higher the bet you place, the more paylines you include in the game.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Payouts<\/h3>\n

When learning how to play slots online for real money, checking the payout table before you begin is critical. Here, you can find the values ascribed to each symbol and how much a specific combination of symbols will earn you in payouts. You’ll also find other important details on bonus features, free spins, wilds, and scatters.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\"Slot\n

Slot Symbols<\/h2>\n

When you learn how to play video slots, you\u2019ll find that each slot game has a fun set of symbols that match its theme. For instance, the Book of Ra has Ancient Egyptian-themed symbols, whereas Sweet Candy Cash has candy-themed symbols with gummies and chocolate coins.<\/p>\n

While slot games all have unique-looking symbols, their meaning remains the same across the board. For instance, all slot games have scatters and wilds; they just look different from game to game. Below, we add to your knowledge of how to play slots by walking you through the meaning behind these different symbols.<\/p>\n

Wilds<\/strong><\/span>Scatters<\/strong><\/span>Multipliers<\/strong><\/span>Image Symbols<\/strong><\/span>Numbers and Letters<\/strong><\/span>Free Spins<\/strong><\/span><\/div>
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Wilds<\/h3>\n

Wilds are a unique symbol that you’ll find in most slot games. The idea behind the wilds symbol is that you can use it to substitute for most other symbols in the game to create a winning line or combination with the other symbols surrounding it. The only symbol you cannot replace a wild for is a scatter symbol.<\/p>\n

Additionally, several wilds can also combine to form a winning combination, and if they all appear on the same line, you will earn an even greater payout.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Scatters<\/h3>\n

The scatter symbol is another symbol worth knowing when you learn how to play slots. Like the wilds symbol, the scatter is a special symbol. There are fewer of these symbols on the reels, making them pop up on rare occasions.<\/p>\n

These symbols earn their name because they can be scattered. In other words, they pay out irrespective of their placement on the screen; they don’t need to line up or be next to one another to earn you a payout.<\/p>\n

A scatter symbol usually has the largest payout of all the symbols and may cause other bonus features to kick in, like free spins.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Multipliers<\/h3>\n

Multipliers are symbols found in some slot games that multiply your winnings. For instance, if your current winning combination earns you \u00a310 and you hit a 4x multiplier, your winnings increase four-fold to \u00a340. However, a multiplier may apply only to a specific payline or the entire bet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Image Symbols<\/h3>\n

Many slot games also have a number of pictorial symbols based on the theme of the game. These usually have higher payouts according to the image they represent. For instance, in the game Book of Ra by\u00a0Novomatic<\/a>, you\u2019ll find the explorer pays up to \u00a3100 if you get five in a row, while the Sphynx only pays \u00a340 if you get five in a row.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Numbers and Letters<\/h3>\n

These are \u201cfiller\u201d symbols and usually include the letters K, A, J, and Q and the number 10. When looking at the slot game pay chart, you\u2019ll find these are the lowest value symbols in the game, paying not more than a few GBP for a full line.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Free Spins<\/h3>\n

While not a symbol as such, free spins is a bonus activated by getting several matching wilds or scatters on the screen. Here, you enter into a free spins bonus round, where you get to spin the reels for free a number of times. This is a great bonus round where you can easily make additional winnings for free.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\"Slot\n

What is RTP in Slots?<\/h2>\n

Another must-know aspect to come to grips with when you learn how to play slots online for money is the RTP and volatility of the game. The Return to Player (RTP) percentage highlights how much a slot game should payout over an extended period of play.<\/p>\n

According to top gaming auditor,\u00a0eCOGRA, the RTP of a game is calculated by dividing the total bets on the slot by the total value players have received in payouts<\/a>. This value is then represented by a percentage showing the expected payout over longterm play.<\/p>\n

For example, if a slot machine has an RTP of 97%, that means that for every \u00a3100 you wager, you\u2019ll receive back \u00a397, with the remaining \u00a33 going to the casino as commission.<\/p>\n

While RTP is based on a theoretical rate, it provides a good indicator of whether the game pays well or not. Typically, you\u2019ll find high RTP slots at the\u00a0best payout casinos<\/a>\u00a0in the UK.<\/p>\n

RTP & Volatility<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re learning how to play online slots for real money, another aspect to consider is the volatility of the game. While understanding RTP<\/a> can you realise how much you can expect as a return on your bet, the volatility tells you how much and how regularly you\u2019ll receive your winnings.<\/p>\n

A slot game with low volatility pays out frequently, but the payouts you\u2019ll receive are small. In other words, a low-volatility game pays out smaller amounts more regularly. Conversely, a high-volatility game pays out less frequently, but the sums it pays out are usually far higher. So, while you may get more wins from a low volatility slot, they will be of a lesser value.<\/p>\n\"Slot\n

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How to Find the Payout Percentage on a Slot Machine<\/h3>\n

It is essential to know the RTP of a slot game, especially when you are learning how to play slots. There are several ways to find out what the RTP of a slot game is:<\/p>\n

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  1. You can look at the game info<\/strong>\u00a0– most slot games have an information page. Here, you can find details such as the game payout information, the game volatility, and the RTP.<\/li>\n
  2. Search online<\/strong>\u00a0– the RTP of a slot game is not set by the online casino. Instead, the software developers that create these games establish the Return to Player percentage. By Googling the game or visiting the software developer\u2019s website, you can find the game RTP.<\/li>\n
  3. Calculate the RTP yourself<\/strong>\u00a0– if you can get hold of the game\u2019s win and turnover information, you can divide the one by the other to see what the RTP is and whether this matches with what the game outlines as its RTP. The\u00a0UK Gambling Commission shows that you can work this out by dividing the wins by the turnovers<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

    Slot Machine Strategies<\/h2>\n

    When learning how to play slots, you\u2019ll find that the game is based solely on chance. For this reason, there aren\u2019t any slot-specific strategies that you can put into play that will affect the outcome of the game. However, there are a few strategies you can try that may help boost your winnings, which we discuss below:<\/p>\n

    Levels Betting - Winning Back Losses<\/strong><\/span>Martingale Betting System<\/strong><\/span>Fixed Percentage Wagering<\/strong><\/span><\/div>
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    Levels Betting – Winning Back Losses<\/h3>\n

    If you\u2019re learning how to play slots, this is a good place to start. Since you have no control over the game, it can be easy to lose bets in succession. However, this strategy allows you to recoup some of your losses, provided you\u2019re playing a low volatility game.<\/p>\n

    The idea here is to choose a betting unit, for instance \u00a31. Once you have chosen your betting unit you begin with that value on your first bet. If you lose your bet five times in a row, you increase your wager by five units. So, if you begin with \u00a31 and lose five spins in a row, you then increase your bet to \u00a35. If you then lose another five rounds in a row, you increase your bet to \u00a310.<\/p>\n

    The premise here is that when you eventually win, you will regain any losses and a small profit. However, this is not the ideal option if you have a small betting limit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    Martingale Betting System<\/h3>\n

    A popular betting strategy to learn when playing any online casino game is the Martingale betting system. This may be a good option if you\u2019re learning how to play on a slot machine and you want to gain back some of your losses.<\/p>\n

    As in the betting limits strategy, you\u2019ll need to choose a betting unit, like \u00a31. It is also best to set yourself a limit to ensure responsible gambling. The idea behind this strategy is that with each loss, you increase your bet by doubling the betting unit until you win. Once you have won, you reset your bet back to \u00a31.<\/p>\n

    Again, this strategy can help you win back losses and can be particularly fruitful if you land a free spins bonus or multiplier based on your current bet value.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    Fixed Percentage Wagering<\/h3>\n

    Unlike the other two betting systems we have discussed, this strategy isn\u2019t based on wins or losses but rather on the amount you have available for betting. Here, you settle on a fixed percentage, for instance, 4%.<\/p>\n

    If you begin your betting round with a bankroll of \u00a3100 and your percentage is 4%, your initial bet will be \u00a34. If you win your first bet and earn \u00a314, your bankroll increases to \u00a3110. In this case, you can increase your bet to \u00a34.40. Similarly, if you experience a loss, you will again lower your bet accordingly.<\/p>\n

    While this option allows you to make a profit off winning streaks and can be beneficial on high-paying games, it has drawbacks, too, in that it requires you to continually recalculate and adjust your bet according to the result of each spin, which makes things a little less fun.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n

    Types of RTP Slots<\/h2>\n

    Not all slot games have the same RTP percentage. Some offer a lower RTP, while others have a higher RTP. However, since the RTP significantly affects the game\u2019s ability to payout, it is always a good idea to take this into consideration when choosing your next slot game.<\/p>\n

    There is also the idea floating about on whether some slot online games are hot or cold. A \u201chot\u201d game typically pays out while a \u201ccold\u201d game rarely pays at all. Our recommendation is to rather look at the game\u2019s RTP for a better indication of whether it pays.<\/p>\n

    Low RTP Slots<\/h3>\n

    When learning how to play slots at a casino online, make it a habit to look at the game\u2019s RTP first. Typically, a slot game with an RTP below 96% is considered a low RTP game. While these games can be fun to play and practice using demo mode, rarely are they worth playing for real money.<\/p>\n

    However, there is one exception here: the progressive jackpot slot. These games tend to have a lower RTP, but they offer a substantial amount of money if you hit the jackpots, making them worth playing.<\/p>\n

    High RTP Slots<\/h3>\n

    Conversely, high RTP slots<\/a> have a payout above 96%. These games are more likely to pay in the long run, which can lead to bigger value wins. As such, we recommend playing these options, and the higher the RTP, the better. Some of the highest RTP games include:<\/p>\n

    <\/span><\/p>\n