If you haven’t played online slots before, you might be wondering how it all works. Don’t worry–we’re here to help! In this article we provide a step-by-step guide to playing slots online, from creating an account to depositing money to spinning the reels and understanding some of the different types of symbols you’ll come across.
Ready to begin? Let’s go!
Step 1: Create your account
Before you start playing online slots, you’ll need to create an account at a trusted online casino like Spin Genie. To register on our website, just click ‘Join’ in the top right and fill in your details. You’ll need to provide your phone number, date of birth and a few other pieces of information so that we can securely verify your identity.
Remember your username and password, as you’ll need it to log in when you want to play at Spin Genie.
Step 2: Deposit some money
To be in with a chance of winning a real money prize, you’ll need to deposit some money into your account. It’s quick and easy to make a deposit, and you can choose from payment methods such as Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay and PayPal.
When depositing money to gamble with, it’s important to spend within your means. Only gamble with money that you can afford to lose, and always play responsibly.
Step 3: Choose your game
Now it’s time to choose your game. At Spin Genie, we’ve got thousands of the best online slots to choose from. There’s a huge range of themes, from TV shows to animals, classic fruit machines and much more. If you’re not sure which type of game you like, why not try a few different ones to see which you prefer?
Step 4: Check out the rules and paytable
Once you’ve decided which game to play, you should always look at the slot paytable before you begin. Each game has its own paytable within the game screen, which lists the different symbols and how much they pay. You can usually find the paytable by clicking on an ‘i’ button on the game screen, or a burger menu (three horizontal lines that look like a burger, if you use your imagination!).
Step 5: Place your bet
Next, it’s time to decide how much money to bet. For some slots, you can also choose how many paylines you would like to bet on. Paylines are not usually visible, but they are the lines that run across the reels to determine payouts. For example, in many slots if you get more than three matching symbols on a payline (i.e., in a certain combination) you will win a cash prize. The more paylines you bet on, the greater your chances of winning - but the more money you have to bet too.
Many slots have a fixed number of paylines and do not give you the option to choose. In this case, you just need to decide on your total bet per spin. Bets can usually be adjusted throughout the game, but it’s important to check the specific rules of the game you choose.
To make a bet, look out for a stacked coins symbol or similar on the game screen, and adjust your bet accordingly.
Step 6: Spin the reels
And now for the best bit: spinning the reels! The design of each slot game differs, but there will usually be a large button to click to spin the reels. If you land a winning combination, you will be awarded a cash prize which will be added to your winnings.
Many games also have bonus features to unlock through slot spins, such as free spins rounds or fun mini games to give you more chances to win a prize. Check the rules of the specific game you’re playing to find out more about how it all works.
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Important symbols in online slots
Each slot game has its own unique set of symbols to suit its theme and design. For example, Irish-themed slots usually feature symbols like leprechauns and four-leaf clovers, but if you’re playing a fruit machine-themed slot you’re likely to see cherries, lemons and the like.
However, there are some common types of symbols that have similar functions in slot games. In this section, we’ll introduce you to some of these symbol types. Or if you’re curious to learn more about how casino slot machines work, you can read our blog.
Standard Reel Symbols
Standard symbols are those which usually award a cash prize for landing a certain combination of them on the reels (usually a minimum of three matching symbols, but this can vary).
Many slot games use the traditional card values A, K, Q, J, 10 to represent the lower-paying symbols, while the higher-paying symbols are likely to have a more unique design.
However, this can change according to the game, so always check the paytable of the game you’re playing.
Scatter Symbols
Most slot games (but not all of them) feature Scatter symbols. They can usually activate some kind of bonus round if a certain number of them appear on the reels, but again this will depend on the specific game.
Scatters get their name because they can be ‘scattered’ across the reels. Unlike standard symbols, which usually have to appear on adjacent reels from left to right, Scatters do not need to be next to each other to trigger the bonus feature.
Scatters are sometimes easy to identify because they may have the word ‘Scatter’ written on them. Otherwise, check the paytable to find out what the Scatter symbol is in your chosen slot game (if there is one).
Bonus Symbols
Bonus symbols are very similar to Scatter symbols, but they always trigger a bonus round. You might need to land a certain number of Bonus symbols on the reels to get access to the bonus round, or the symbols may need to land on certain reels.
Bonus symbols often have the word ‘Bonus’ written across them to make identifying them easier, but this isn’t always the case. Check before you play to see what the rules are for your chosen game.
Wild Symbols
If you’re familiar with card games, a Wild symbol in online slots is similar to a Wild Card. In slots it can replace any other standard symbol, hopefully helping you to land a winning combination.
Usually Wilds can’t replace ‘special’ symbols such as bonus or Scatter symbols, but this will depend on the specific game you’re playing.
Sometimes Wilds will be easy to recognise as a symbol that reads ‘Wild’, but in other games it may be less obvious.
Check the paytable to find out what the Wild is in the slot you’re playing, and remember that most, but not all slot games feature Wild symbols.
Play Online Slots at Spin Genie
Spin Genie is a safe and trusted casino where you can find all the latest online slots, as well as live casino and instant win games. Sign up today for an amazing gaming experience that puts you first, with secure deposits and withdrawals and a website that is easy to use. Always gamble responsibly, and never spend more than you can afford to lose.
