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Although the principle behind online slots is the same as the physical slot machines, there are several key features of online slots that are important to be aware of.

Reels

The rotating mechanism of slot machines, whether online slots or not, are known as reels. The reels rotate when activated and each reel features a set of symbols. The symbols form random combinations once they stop spinning, showing the result of the spin. Physical slots most often feature a total of three reels, while online slots usually have 5 or more reels.

Paylines

Paylines are the lines on which a payout will be awarded based on winning combinations of symbols. Each slot game has its unique set of paylines, which can run horizontally, vertically, diagonally, or even in zigzag patterns across the reels.

• Variety: The number of paylines varies from game to game. Classic slots may have a single payline, while modern video slots can have multiple paylines, sometimes even hundreds or thousands.
• Checking Paylines: Before you start playing, it's a good idea to check the payline patterns of the slot game. This information is usually available in the game’s help section or paytable.
• Winning Combinations: After you spin the reels, the game will automatically check the symbols that land on the paylines. If they match a winning combination, you'll receive a payout based on the value of the symbols and your bet.
• Active Paylines: Some games allow you to choose the number of paylines you want to activate. The more paylines you activate, the higher your chances of hitting a winning combination, but it will also increase your total bet amount.

For example, in a game with 20 paylines, you might see lines running straight across the reels, as well as lines that zigzag in various patterns. If a game’s payline includes a winning combination of symbols, you’ll receive a payout. Always check the game’s paytable to understand the potential payouts and how different symbol combinations affect your winnings.

Symbols

Symbols are the images that appear on the reels. Slots feature different symbols that repeat in order to create winning combinations. Some of the classic slot symbols include fruits, diamonds, and stars, but online slots feature a wide range of colourful and interesting symbols across their reels. These symbols are usually determined by the theme of the online slot, or they may have different functions (such as awarding free spins) that trigger in certain circumstances.

Standard symbols are the basic designs featured on the reels.
Multipliers do exactly what they say on the tin - they multiply possible wins. Each multiplier can augment a win by a different multiple, with x2 and x3 being the most common multipliers.
Wilds are like the blank piece in scrabble, their function is to replace a missing symbol to create a potential winning combination.

Scatter Symbols appear anywhere on the game screen, not just within the reels, and provide extra profits for the player. Bonus symbols activate minigames within the online slot game. The games are activated by specific symbol combinations. The type of game will also depend on the theme of the slot.