Slot Terms

243 Ways to Win: 243 Ways to Win is a slot win mechanic where winning combinations are formed without fixed paylines. Instead, a win occurs when matching symbols land on adjacent reels from left to right, regardless of their exact position on each reel. In a standard 5-reel, 3-row slot, there are 3 × 3 × 3 × 3 × 3 = 243 possible symbol combinations — hence the name. This setup gives players 243 potential "ways to win" on every spin.
777: 777 is a well-known symbol of luck in gambling and is often used in slot games as a theme or key symbol. It typically represents a winning combination in classic slot machines.

Autoplay: Autoplay is a feature commonly found in online slots and some other casino games that allows players to automate a set number of spins or game rounds without manual input. Typically, the player selects a fixed bet amount and the number of spins or rounds, after which the game proceeds automatically until the limit is reached or certain stop conditions are met. Some games include advanced autoplay settings, enabling players to define win/loss limits or stop the feature when a bonus round is triggered. In some slot games, this feature may also be referred to as Autospin, particularly when presented as a simplified version with only basic options like spin count and bet amount, without additional stop conditions.

Bar Symbol: Bar symbol is a symbol used in classic slots that comes from traditional offline slot machines. It is often part of winning combinations in classic slot games.
Bet Max: Bet Max is an option in casino games that allows players to automatically place the highest possible bet per spin or round, as allowed by the game. However, the actual maximum bet may be limited by the casino’s terms, bonus terms, or local gambling laws.
Bet Per Line: Bet Per Line is the amount a player bets on a single payline in a slot game with paylines win mechanic. The total bet is calculated by multiplying the bet per line by the number of active paylines. Understanding how bet per line works helps players avoid accidental overbets and better manage bankroll.
Bonus Buy: Bonus Buy is a slot feature that lets players pay for instant access to the bonus round, instead of waiting to trigger it during regular gameplay.
Bonus Game: Bonus Game is a special feature round, mostly found in slot games. It gives players extra chances to win through features like free spins, re-spins, collect vs gamble, and more. Bonus games are usually triggered during the main game by landing a certain number of bonus or scatter symbols, filling a meter, or activating special in-game events. Some slots also let players enter the bonus game directly by using the Bonus Buy option.
Buy-a-Pay: Buy-a-Pay is a type of slot machine mechanic, mostly found in land-based slots, where you need to place the maximum number of coins or credits to unlock full features or bonus payouts. If you bet less than the required amount, some winning combinations or jackpots won’t be available — even if the symbols land. For example, in some classic slots, you can only win the top jackpot or activate a special feature when you play at the maximum bet.
Bet Level: Bet Level is a setting in slot games with a payline win mechanic that lets players choose how many coins or credits to bet per active payline. It works together with coin value and number of paylines to calculate the total bet per spin. If a slot has 20 paylines, a bet level of 2, and a coin value of $0.05, the total bet would be: 20 × 2 × 0.05 = $2.00 per spin. Higher bet levels increase the total bet and potential payout. Some bonus features or jackpots may require a minimum bet level to be active.
Bet: Bet is the amount of money a player chooses to risk on the outcome of a round in a casino game such as slots, roulette, blackjack, or others. It is placed before the result is known, with the goal of winning more money depending on the outcome. The size of the bet directly affects potential winnings.

Cascading Reels: Cascading Reels (also known as Avalanche, Tumbling, and Rolling Reels) is a reel mechanic used in online slot games where winning symbols disappear from the reels, allowing new symbols to fall into their place. This process can trigger consecutive wins within a single spin and is often accompanied by increasing multipliers. It replaces the traditional spin-and-stop reel behavior and adds dynamic movement to the gameplay.
Classic Slot: Classic slot is a type of slot game, also called old, retro, or traditional. It has simple gameplay, graphics, and features compared to new video slots. Most classic slots have 3 reels and a small number of paylines. Popular classic symbols include 7, BAR, and similar icons.
Cluster Pay: Cluster Pay is a win mechanic in slot games where you need to land a group (cluster) of matching symbols that touch each other horizontally or vertically. Usually, it takes 4 or more adjacent symbols of the same kind to create a winning combination. Wins are based on connected symbol groups anywhere on the grid. Slots with this mechanic often have larger layouts like 5×5, 6×6, or bigger, and are frequently combined with additional reel mechanics like Cascading Reels.
Coin Size: Coin size is the value of a single coin used when placing bets in some slot games, especially classic or older video slots. It helps control how much you bet per spin. Coin size usually works together with other settings like bet level or number of coins per line. For example, if your coin size is $0.10 and you're betting 50 coins, your total bet per spin is $5 (50 × 0.10).
Cold Slot: Cold Slot is a slot game that, over a recent period, has paid out less than expected based on its theoretical RTP. This means the actual RTP during that time was lower than the slot’s documented average. However, because each spin result is controlled by a random number generator (RNG), this does not affect the chances for the next player — every spin is independent and random.

Expanding Reels: Expanding reels is a slot reel mechanic where the number of reels or rows increases during the base game or bonus rounds. This expansion creates more ways to win and boosts the potential for landing winning combinations.

Free Spins: Free Spins are a popular slot feature and a type of casino bonus that allow players to spin the reels without using funds from their balance. They can be triggered during gameplay like a bonus feature in a slot, or received as part of a casino bonus — either with a deposit or without, depending on the bonus type and requirements.

Game Credits: Game Credits are the virtual currency used in casino games. Players use them to place bets and receive winnings. The credit balance is usually funded by depositing real money using available payment methods.
Gamble Feature: Gamble Feature is a slot feature (primarily found in Play'n GO slots) that lets players choose between Gamble and Collect after a winning spin. By using this feature, players can try to increase their winnings by playing an additional round — choosing either a color, which multiplies the win by 2x, or a suit, which multiplies it by 4x. Multipliers and game types may vary depending on the provider, but the core idea remains the same. In some cases, you can collect part of your win and continue gambling with the rest. Games often set certain limits for the Gamble Feature, such as a maximum of 10 rounds or a 10x multiplier cap.

High Limit Slots: High Limit Slots are slot games where the maximum bet per spin starts at $1 000 or more. These slots are developed for high rollers who prefer to bet large amounts and aim for big wins. High limit slots often offer above-average winning potential and may include features like progressive jackpots.
Hit Frequency: Hit Frequency is a win potential characteristic of slot games that shows, in percent, how often winning combinations appear within a certain number of spins. For example, if a slot hits 35 winning spins out of 100 total spins, its hit frequency is 35%. Game providers sometimes include this information in slot documentation. It is calculated during testing and certification processes, helping players understand and compare slots by their winning potential. Some casino operators also provide real hit frequency data based on recent sessions, giving players information into the slot’s win potential over periods like a day, 7 days, or a month. The higher the hit frequency, the more often a player can expect to get winning combinations.
Hold and Win: Hold and Win is a slot feature that locks special symbols in place and gives you respins. The goal is to collect as many winning symbols as possible before the respins run out. Also known as Hold and Spin and Lock-and-Spin.
Hot Slot: Hot Slot is a slot game that, over a recent period, has paid out more than expected based on its theoretical RTP. This means the actual RTP during that time was higher than the slot’s documented average. However, since each spin result is controlled by a random number generator (RNG), this does not affect the chances for the next player — every spin is independent and random. Also known as Loose Slot.

Jackpot: A jackpot is the top prize offered by a casino in certain games, either as a fixed amount or a progressive one. In fixed jackpots, you win a predefined payout based on the game’s rules. In progressive jackpots, the prize grows with every real-money game round from all players and can be triggered randomly or through bonus features.

Low Limit Slot: A low limit slot is a game that allows small bets per spin, usually ranging from $0.10 to $1. These games often feature low to medium volatility, offering more frequent but smaller wins. Some of them are known as “penny slots.” However, despite the name, the actual minimum bet on penny slots is often higher than one cent, since players typically bet on multiple paylines.
Locking Reels: Locking Reels is a reel mechanic used in slot games where one or more reels temporarily stop spinning (lock) during gameplay or a bonus feature. When locking reels are active, selected reels hold their current symbols while the others continue to spin. This increases the chances of landing winning combinations or triggering bonus features.

Maximum Win: Maximum Win is the highest possible payout in a slot game, also referred to as maximum exposure. It is determined by the win multiplier set by the provider and the game's maximum allowed bet. This value defines the upper limit of what a player can win. Once the Maximum Win is reached during the base game or a bonus round, the game usually ends automatically.
Megaways: Megaways is a type of Ways to Win mechanic used in slot games. It offers a dynamic, non-fixed number of ways to win, which changes with every spin depending on how many symbols appear on each reel. The Megaways system was originally developed and patented by Big Time Gaming.
Multiplier: A multiplier is a part of the win mechanic in slot games that increases your winnings by multiplying them by a certain factor, such as ×2, ×3, or more. By default, all wins are paid with a multiplier of ×1. Multipliers can increase during base gameplay or bonus rounds, multiplying the total win amount. For example, a ×2 multiplier doubles your win, while a ×5 multiplier multiplies it by 5.

Nudge Symbol: Nudge Symbol is a slot symbol mechanic where a symbol moves (nudges) up or down by one or more positions after the reels stop spinning. The main purpose is to help form a winning combination or trigger a bonus feature. In most cases, it applies to stacked bonus symbols so they nudge into full view and complete a winning combination.

Paytable: Paytable is a table of rules for a casino game that shows the values of winning symbols or combinations. It explains how much each symbol pays, the rules for winning combinations, and how bonus rounds pay out in the game. It helps players understand winning combinations, how the game pays out based on them, and how payouts are influenced by the bet amount.
Payline: Payline is a win mechanic used in slot games where matching symbols must land on specific patterns across the reels to form a winning combination. It is one of several slot win mechanics, alongside others like Ways to Win, Cluster Pays, and Pays with defined payout patterns. Paylines can be fixed or adjustable, allowing players to choose how many lines to activate per spin. Some slots also feature options like Win Both Ways, which allow winning combinations to form from both left to right and right to left. The number of paylines and their patterns are usually detailed in the game rules, helping players understand how winning combinations are formed.
Penny Slot: Penny slot is a slot game that allows players to place very low bets, often starting from just $0.01 per spin. These games are commonly chosen by players who want to get more spins out of a small budget.
Pokie: Pokie is a local term used in Australia and New Zealand to refer to slot machines.
Progressive Jackpot: Progressive Jackpot — a jackpot that increases with each bet placed on the slot. It keeps growing until one player triggers the full jackpot, usually at random or by hitting a special combination.
Payline Pattern: Payline pattern is a specific line used in slot games with payline win mechanics. A winning combination is formed when the required symbols from the paytable land on this exact pattern. All available payline patterns are usually shown in the game's rules.

RNG: RNG (Random Number Generator) is a system used in online casino games to produce fair and unpredictable results by generating random outcomes for each game round.
Reels: Reels are the vertical columns in slot games that spin during each round. Each reel contains slot symbols, and when the reels stop, the positions of these symbols determine if the player gets a winning combination based on the game’s rules. The number of reels can vary, with common setups including 3, 5, 6 or more reels
Respin: Respin is a slot feature that gives the player a free additional spin without placing a new bet. It can be triggered during the base game or bonus rounds, depending on the game’s rules. Unlike a regular spin, a respin usually affects only specific reels while others stay locked. This increases the chances of landing a winning combination, hitting special symbols, or triggering bonus features.
RTP: RTP (Return to Player) is the payback percentage of a casino game, based on a RNG, that indicates how much money the game is expected to return to players over time. There are two types of RTP: 1. Theoretical RTP – provided by the game developer and calculated based on millions of simulated game rounds. This value is certified by independent testing laboratories such as eCOGRA, GLI, iTech Labs, and BMM Testlabs. 2. Actual (real-time) RTP – calculated from recent real-money gameplay sessions. This value may differ from the theoretical RTP, especially over a small sample of rounds. Theoretical RTP reflects the long-term average return, but in short-term play, actual outcomes may vary significantly. For example, a theoretical RTP of 96% means that, on average, the game is expected to return $96 for every $100 wagered over a large number of rounds. This corresponds to a 4% house edge.
Row: Row is a horizontal line with symbols in a slot game. It runs across the reels. Together with the reels, rows determine the overall layout of the game grid (for example, 5 reels × 3 rows). Rows play a role in forming winning combinations, especially in slots with payline winning mechanic where symbols must align across specific rows according to the game’s paytable and rules.

Slot Features: Slot feature is any extra action in a slot game that changes standard spins or increases the chance of a win. Examples: free spins, respins, special symbols. Features can be triggered by certain symbols, specific game events, or randomly.
Scatter Symbol: A Scatter symbol is a special symbol in slot games that can trigger bonus features, like free spins, when a required number of them, as defined by the game rules, land anywhere on the reels.
Slot Tournament: A Slot Tournament is a competitive event in online casinos where players compete against each other to achieve the highest score or win within a set period of time, typically by playing a specific slot game or a selection of slot games. Players are usually given a set number of spins or a certain amount of virtual credits to use during the tournament. The goal is to accumulate as many points as possible based on wins, combinations, or other criteria. The top players with the highest scores at the end of the tournament win prizes, which can include cash, free spins, or other rewards.
Slot Symbols: Slot symbols are the icons or images displayed on the slot machine grid. They represent different values according to the game’s paytable. Their main goal is to form winning combinations or trigger bonus rounds.
Sticky Symbol: Sticky symbol is a special slot symbol mechanic where symbols stay fixed (or “stuck”) in place on the reels for one or more spins. The main goal is to increase the chances of forming winning combinations or triggering bonus rounds.

Volatility: Volatility (variance) is a characteristic of a casino game’s win potential that describes how often the game pays out and the typical size of wins — whether small or large. Generally, volatility is categorized into 3 levels: low, medium, and high. Some providers blend these levels, creating hybrid levels like low-medium or medium-high volatility. Volatility can be measured qualitatively by levels or quantitatively, often on a scale from 1 to 10.

Ways to Win: Ways to Win is a win mechanic used in slots that awards payouts for matching symbols on adjacent reels, regardless of their exact position on each reel. Unlike paylines, there's no need to land symbols in specific patterns — as long as matching symbols appear on consecutive reels from left to right, you win.
Wild Symbol: Wild symbol is a special symbol in slots that can replace other symbols to help form winning combinations. It effectively stands in for the symbol that is needed in that position to complete a winning combination. There are several types of Wild symbols: Standard Wilds, Expanding Wilds, Sticky Wilds, Walking Wilds, Stacked Wilds, Random Wilds, and Colossal Wilds.
Win Both Ways: Win Both Ways is an additional modifier, mostly used with the paylines mechanic in slot games. It lets players form winning combinations in both directions — from left to right and from right to left — which increases the chances of getting a win.