Slot Machine Rules

There are no "rules" to slot machine play – either online or in a casino. Slots are fun and easy to play and because the player's main object is simply to push a button and spit out the correct random numbers, there isn't much in the way of rules. Besides basic rules of etiquette, there are really no particular rules you need to be concerned with. The main object of the game is to hit a jackpot, with some small wins and bonuses sprinkled throughout to help your bankroll out along the way. Drop in a coin and pull the handle. The flashing or blinking lights and sirens or ringing bells will let you know when you have hit that long awaited jackpot. If you have a question or are unsure of something, simply ask a slot attendant for assistance. The game is popular because it truly is this simple – as for etiquette, we've covered that in another article, check the bottom of this page for the link.

A single session of a slot game should go something like this. A player's bet is determined by the denomination a player is using. The slot machine has a display which allows you to select the 5¢, 50¢, $1, $2, and $5 coin denominations, or even higher in some casinos for you high rollers. The payouts are made using the same value of the coin used when the reels were spun, or when play began.

Placing a Bet on a Slot Machine

To place a bet, first select the denomination you'll bet with, after determining your "bankroll", or amount you are willing to lose. This will help you select the value of the coin played. You must then deposit the coins, click the bet button that represents how many credits you wish to bet at a time -- there is no standard, and some online slots offer ridiculously high levels of wager amounts. When you do this, the amount of money wagered is removed from your credits. This happens each and every time you click the button. If you have a sufficient credit balance you can opt to click the 'bet max' and bet a maximum of coins according to what the machine is capable of betting. Once you do this, the reels start spinning immediately, with the outcome decided by random number generator. One can also use the cash out button to return the coins you have bet to your overall credit balance.

Reading the Slot Payout Chart

The reels may spin together or one by one and then stop at a random symbol. It doesn't really matter what the reels do, as they are for show at best. You will have to compare the resulting combination with the payout chart to determine your payout amount. Compare this to what you've actually received to make sure the machine is valid. It's important to remember that all winnings are to be redeemed at the cashier's station. The management usually reserves the right to limit play to one machine during peak hours. Don't forget that decisions by the management are final on all games – they run the show.

All slot machines display the payout schedule (that all important chart that lets gamers know what they're playing for) and those that work in a unique or specific way have instructions on them for players – slots are about the most user friendly of all the casino games.

Slot Machine History

Slot machines were introduced around the turn of the century, and their popularity increases all the time. Recently, an explosion of slot machine play has occurred due to online availability – thousands of online venues offering slot play to users almost anywhere in the world. There are also video poker and slot machine type games at gas stations and liquor stores near you, or they are on their way soon. The point is, for many players, playing slots is the most enjoyable and relaxing form of gambling simply because of its lack of rules.

Slot Machine Rules Once known as 'one-armed bandits', it seems that random number generators and the introduction of computers to slot machines has legitimized their play to the point that there is little or no stigma for playing slot machines now. They can be found in every casino, with a variety of models and denominations and gadgets to please every player, including mechanical, video, and even the newest touch-screen slots. The rules don't change between systems, only the way the player interacts with the machine.

Touch Screen Slot Machines

Touch screen slot machines require even less work than traditional push button or reel pulling machines. With a single touch of the screen, you can change from video poker (a particularly rule intensive game) to slots, which is a more relaxing environment. There are three to nine reels, criss-crosses, progressive machines, multiple play machines, and specialty machines such as 21, Keno, Video Poker, Poker Bingo, and Video Horse Racing and Dog Racing. With this kind of variety and very little to get in the way of the player, it is no surprise that slots are as popular as they are.

Slots Bonus Game System

One addition to slot machines in recent years is the bonus game system – you could think of a bonus game situation as a kind of rule. If a bonus game appears during a slot game, the player is required to "play along" as it were – usually bonus slot games can pay the player in a variety of ways like with free slot spins, coin multipliers or progressive jackpots. The player triggers these bonus games generally by getting three bonus symbols on a single pay line or (if you're on a good machine) three bonus symbols anywhere in the pay field. The bonus game is usually a little bit lame, and may involve skill touching (where players have to use eye hand coordination to 'catch' symbols, etc) or just a simple game of video poker. Bonus games are a huge opportunity for slot players to earn a kind of comp not available to players of other games. Even online casinos have utilized the power of computer software to create some of the most exciting versions of bonus games in the industry.

As I said before, there are no rules in slot play. Don't attempt to cheat the casino using slugs or coins on strings, and certainly don't try to tilt the machine or otherwise interfere with the computer. Relax and enjoy one of the simpler casino games – slot machine play.

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