Look at the payouts for different symbol combinations. The paytable will show you how much you can win for landing three, four, or five matching symbols on a pay line. Note which symbols are the most valuable and which you’ll hope to see frequently on the reels. Check if the game has any wild symbols. Wilds can substitute for other symbols to help create winning combinations, and some slots even have expanding or multiplier wilds for extra win potential.
The pay table will also detail the game’s scatter or bonus symbols. When you land enough of them, these unique symbols typically trigger exciting features like free spins, pick-them bonuses, or jackpot rounds. Please note how many bonus symbols you need to hit and what rewards they offer. Look for any other features or mini-games the slot might include. Some games have special expanding reels, tumbling symbols, or multi-level bonuses that can significantly boost your winnings. The pay table is your key to understanding all the possibilities a slot has to offer.
Banking on bonus features
If you’re like most slot zeus players, you love the excitement of bonus rounds and unique features. After all, that’s where the most significant wins tend to hide! When evaluating online slots, always check what types of bonuses a game offers and how often they tend to hit. Various engaging bonus features can take a slot from entertaining to exhilarating.
- Free spins are the most common type of slot bonus. Usually triggered by landing three or more scatter symbols, these spins play out automatically and often come with multipliers or other enhancements to boost your wins. Some slots even have different free spin modes to tailor the volatility to your liking.
- Pick them bonuses are another popular feature, adding an element of interactivity and suspense. When triggered, you’ll be presented with a grid of symbols to select, revealing prizes, multipliers, or extra picks. Look for slots that offer multi-level pick-them games with increasing rewards as you progress.
- Progressive jackpot slots are in a class by themselves, offering the chance to win staggering sums. These games take a small portion of each bet and add it to a communal prize pool. Some jackpots are local to a specific game or casino, while others link across many sites for even more significant potential paydays. When a lucky player finally triggers the jackpot, they scoop the entire pool for a massive windfall. Just keep in mind that the enormous rewards come with very long odds.
Investigating the volatility
The game’s volatility or variance is another crucial factor in choosing an online slot. Volatility refers to the risk involved in playing a particular slot and the size and frequency of payouts it generates. Games fall from low to high volatility, with medium volatility games striking a balance in the middle. Low volatility slots pay out small wins regularly. You’ll hit winning spins often, but the prizes will usually be just a few times your bet size. These games are great if you have a limited bankroll and want to stretch your playing time as long as possible. Casual players who enjoy lots of action and are less focused on huge jackpots often prefer low-volatility games.
High volatility slots are the opposite. They pay out significant wins but much less frequently. It’s normal to have long stretches of losing spins in these games, but it is massive when you hit a win. Some high volatility slots pay out 1000x your stake or more prizes on a single spin. These games are popular with players chasing big thrills and life-changing payouts, but be aware they also come with higher risk. Many slot fans find medium volatility hits the sweet spot, balancing reasonably sized prizes with decent payout frequency.
