Slots are a universal casino favourite because they are easy to play. There’s nothing complex, no strategy, and it’s fast: you just put in your money and watch what happens. Boom.

Check the complete guide on How to play Slots.

Line ’em up to win. Identical symbols in a row is generally all it takes. But it’s good to know that machines vary: some combinations are left to right while others feature different winning patterns.

HOW SLOT MACHINES WORK

THE RANDOM NUMBER GENERATOR

Yes, slots really are random. The Random Number Generator (RNG) is a computer chip inside every slot machine that makes a thousand mathematical calculations per second.

As soon as you hit that button to initiate the spin, the RNG freezes on a random set of numbers that determine the corresponding symbols on the reels, and those symbols appear on your machine.

Random numbers are revealed beneath machine symbols

WHAT DOES THE RNG MEAN FOR YOUR GAME?

The outcome is determined by the RNG the second you hit the spin button. The spinning symbols just add entertainment to the game. There are simply no strategies to beat a slot machine – the RNG makes every win purely random.

See How the random number generator works

In every slot machine, each symbol is equal to a number. You see symbols, the machine sees numbers.

WHAT YOU SEE

WHAT THE MACHINE SEES

On some slot machines, a symbol may have more than one corresponding number.

The slot machine uses a random number generator (RNG for short) to constantly randomize numbers even when the machine is not in use. When you hit SPIN, the RNG freezes and lands on the numbers that determine the corresponding symbols.

Hit the SPIN button to see which symbol corresponds with which number.

When you hit the SPIN button, the outcome is determined instantly. The spinning action and flashy graphics are there simply for your entertainment.

Hit the SPIN button to see it in action.

WHAT YOU SEE

WHAT THE MACHINE SEES

What are paylines, credits and paytables? Let’s break slots down to the details.

Learn more here

HOW TO PLAY IN 4 EASY STEPS

1

Start with a game plan; set a budget in advance and stick to it.
2

Know that every win is totally random.
3

Know what you’re playing for: Check the machine’s paytable to understand its payouts and bets. Or ask a slot attendant.
4

Load up your machine. Choose your paylines, set your bet, hit the button. Stay cool and have fun.

START WITH A GAME PLAN

SET A BUDGET

Decide how much you want to spend in advance. Treat slots as part of your entertainment budget: Money you’d spend on a night out, not expecting to bring it home.

Credit Card with a diagonal line across it.

DON'T BRING CREDIT CARDS

To make sure you only spend what you bring, use cash and leave the cards at home.

SET A WIN LIMIT

It’s no fun to be up and then lose it all. When you’re winning, decide in advance when it’s time to walk away. Some players set this at the point when they double their money.

Loading up the machine

Ready to play? Slots accept cash or tickets with cash value called TITO, or “ticket in, ticket out”.

If you want to bail after a few spins once you've put in your money, just hit the cash-out button. You'll get back a TITO ticket with the remaining money on it - all set to use on other machines, or to cash in.

How to Set Your Bet in Slots

Here’s an easy guide to setting your bet:
Credit value: Note the machine’s credit value, for example, pennies, nickels or dollars
Paylines: Choose how many paylines you want to bet on
Credits Per Spin: Multiply the number of paylines by the machine’s credit value
Cost Per Spin: Multiply the number of credits per spin by the actual cost per credit
Example: If you bet the max of nine paylines on a nickel machine, the credits per spin will be 45. Since the machine calls for five cents per credit, the total cost per spin (and of your bet) is $2.25.

Learn more about betting on slots

9 paylines at 0.5 cents per spin equals a $2.25 bet

Tip

Because of how the cost per spin is calculated, penny and nickel machines aren’t always the lowest-cost way to play. Playing multiple paylines can cost upwards of $1 per spin on a penny machine – so a 50-cent machine might have been a better choice if you’re trying to spend less per spin.

Tip

You set your bet by choosing which paylines to bet on. But if a payline you didn’t bet on ends up winning, you won’t win on that turn.

Slot machines offer a variety of fun and excitement, from vibrant themes to styles of play. Discover the differences in the machines and ways to play here.

Learn more about slots features

Find a casino near you open in a new window Play Slots at OLG.ca open in a new window

SEE NEXT : ODDS