Slot Machine Lingo Explained

Slot machines are some of the most widely played games in both land-based and online casinos. Their simple gameplay, varied features, and rich themes make them popular for players of all experience levels.  

While spinning the reels might be straightforward, the language around slot machines can be less so. From classic terms like Wilds and Scatters to newer phrases such as Megaways or Sticky Reels, knowing what these terms mean can help you better understand how different slots work. 

So, let's dive into the most common terms you're likely to come across when playing online slot games. 

Reels, Rows and Paylines

Starting with the basics: 

• Reels are the vertical columns that spin when you play a slot. Most online slots have five reels, but you'll also find classic three-reel machines and newer games with six or more reels. 
• Rows refer to the horizontal lines that symbols land on. A common layout is 5x3 (five reels and three rows), but this can vary. 
• Paylines are the lines across the reels where matching symbols need to land to trigger a win. Older slots may have just one payline, while modern slots can have 10, 20, or even hundreds. Some slots offer ways to win instead of paylines; in these games, winning combinations can land in any position on adjacent reels. 

Wild Symbols 

Wilds are special symbols that can substitute for most other symbols to complete a winning combination. 

Different types of Wilds include: 

• Expanding Wilds - These grow to cover a whole reel. 
• Sticky Wilds - These stay in place for multiple spins. 
• Walking Wilds - These move across the reels with each spin. 
• Random Wilds - These appear unpredictably during the game. 

Wilds often play a big role in bonus rounds or feature-heavy slots, adding variety and extra win potential. 

Scatter Symbols

Scatter symbols are typically used to trigger bonus features. Unlike regular symbols, Scatters don't need to land on a specific payline. If you land enough Scatters - usually three or more - anywhere on the reels, they can unlock a bonus feature like Free Spins or a Pick Me game. 

Scatters are often easy to spot as they tend to stand out visually and are usually tied to the slot's theme. 

Free Spins and Bonus Rounds

Many slots include special rounds triggered by Scatters or Bonus symbols. 

• Free Spins are exactly what they sound like: free slot spins that don't cost you anything. During these rounds, features like multipliers, additional Wilds, or increased paylines may be in play. 
• Bonus Rounds are mini-games or special features within the slot. These might involve spinning a prize wheel, picking hidden objects, or other interactive elements. Bonus rounds vary from slot to slot and are often where the biggest win potential lies. 

Multipliers 

Multipliers increase the value of your win by a set amount. For example, a 3x multiplier means your win could be tripled. 

Multipliers can appear during the base game, within Free Spins, or as part of specific features like Cascading Reels. Some slots feature increasing multipliers that grow with every consecutive win, especially in Megaways games.

RTP and Volatility

Two terms you'll often see when reading about slots are RTP and volatility.

• RTP (Return to Player) is the theoretical percentage of all wagered money a slot is expected to pay back to players over time. For example, a slot with 96% RTP returns £96 for every £100 staked, on average. 
• Volatility describes the risk level of a slot: 
• Low volatility: Frequent but smaller wins. 
• High volatility: Bigger wins, but less often. 
• Medium volatility: A balanced mix of both. 

Choosing a slot with the right volatility for your playing style can make a big difference in how the game feels. 

Types of Slot Symbols

Understanding the role of different slot symbols helps you make sense of the action on the reels. 

• Standard symbols: These usually follow the theme of the game and come in high and low values. Low symbols are often playing card values (10, J, Q, K, A), while high-value symbols tie in with the game's design. 
• Wilds and Scatters: As mentioned earlier, these offer special functions. 
• Bonus symbols: These often trigger unique features or game rounds and are typically distinct from Scatters. 

Special Slot Features 

Modern slot games come packed with special game features that can turn up the thrills. Here are a few you might come across: 

• Megaways™: A popular slot mechanic where the number of symbols on each reel changes with every spin, creating thousands of possible ways to win. 
• Avalanche/Cascading Reels: When a winning combination is formed, those symbols disappear, and new ones fall into place, potentially leading to more wins. 
• Sticky Symbols: These symbols remain in place for a set number of spins, often during bonus rounds. 
• Re-Spins: Some slots offer a free re-spin of the reels when certain conditions are met, like landing a particular symbol or combination. 

Jackpots and Progressive Slots

• Fixed Jackpots offer a set top prize that doesn’t change. 
• Progressive Jackpots increase over time as more players spin the reels. A portion of each bet contributes to the total, which continues to grow until someone wins it. 

If you're curious about how these jackpot types compare, take a look at our guide: Progressive vs Fixed Jackpot slots explained. 

Some games also feature Daily Jackpots or Must Drop Jackpots, which are guaranteed to pay out within a certain timeframe or before reaching a specific amount.

Your Reel Recap 

Slot machines have evolved a lot over the years, from single-line classics to modern games packed with features and creative mechanics. While the reels may spin the same way, knowing the lingo behind what's happening on screen can help you better understand the gameplay and enjoy it more. 

Whether you're discovering how Free Spins work or just getting your head around paylines and Wilds, learning the language of slots is a great place to start. 

At Virgin Games, we're serious about play. That means offering a wide range of online slots and making sure players have the knowledge to enjoy every spin. 

Ready to spin? Play thrilling online slots packed with bonus rounds, Free Spins and more. Join Virgin Games today for straightforward gaming.

All offers mentioned correct at the time of writing but may be subject to change.