VIDEO SLOTS

Whether you prefer land-based or online casino gaming, you’ve definitely come across video slots — brilliantly coloured digital games inspired by the first slot machines. Video slots, also called online slots or simply slots, are the bread-and-butter games in land-based and online casinos alike. These games are simple, entertaining and almost entirely automated, making them a popular attraction for players of all experience levels. Online casinos like LV BET work with dozens of industry-leading providers, like NetEnt, Microgaming, Synot and Play’n GO, to deliver timeless classics and newly released chart-toppers to players all over the world. Want to learn more about video slots and bonus features? Join us as we take a quick look at the ins and outs of online video slots!

All online video slots are based on the first poker machine developed by Sittman and Pitt in 1891. The original game featured cards as symbols and several spinning drums; players inserted a coin into the machine and pulled a lever to spin the drums. If the player landed a poker hand, they would win a prize, depending on the it’s rank. The popularity of these poker machines was unmistakable, as the owners of saloons and gambling parlours across the United States rushed to get their hands on this new form of entertainment.

Due to the widespread popularity of these machines, other manufacturers were quick to pick up the trend and produce their own versions of the famous Sittman and Pitt machine. One of them was Charles Fey, who created the Liberty Bell — a colourful slot machine that used new symbols, like bells and horseshoes, and featured automated coin payouts. The top prize of $0.50 was awarded for landing three golden bell symbols, equivalent to approximately $16 today. This brilliant invention paved the way for modern video slots, which made their first appearance in the late 20th century in Las Vegas. These new slot machines used digital displays and, for the first time, included bonus rounds and features that were previously unheard of.

Today, there are thousands of online video slots from hundreds of talented game providers and studios. These games come in a variety of themes, each with unique graphics and memorable bonus features. Players will find simple games with three reels and a handful of paylines as well as interactive, modern titles with innovative features and bonuses, like multipliers, mini-games, and free spins.

HOW TO PLAY VIDEO SLOTS

The premise of each game is simple: place a wager and spin the reels for a chance to win. The games will have a varied number of reels, paylines and symbols, and the payouts will also differ. Players can easily navigate to the paytable and rules, which can be found directly on the user interface. They will outline all winning symbol combinations, payouts and any special rules that you should keep in mind — like which symbols a Wild can substitute for or how to trigger the Free Spins bonus feature.

Generally, symbols must land from the leftmost reel and fall adjacently to one another; however, there are video slots where players can win from left to right and from right to left. Advanced slots may also have dynamic features, like Cascading reels and Megaways™, allowing players to hit multiple wins in one spin and play without paylines entirely.

BONUS FEATURES IN VIDEO SLOTS — SPECIAL SYMBOLS, FREE SPINS, MULTIPLIERS AND MORE!

A good rule of thumb is that landing more identical symbols on a payline yields greater payouts, but that’s not the only thing that impacts the game’s payouts. As you explore the vast diversity of online slots, you’ll come across hundreds of different bonus features that make casino gaming that much more entertaining.

The most common are special symbols, like the Wild and Scatter. The Wild can substitute for other regular symbols, and the Scatter is often the key to activating the game’s Free Spins bonus. Slot symbols can also have additional, upgraded features, like the Sticky and Expanding symbols. A Sticky symbol remains in place for a number of spins, and an Expanding symbol can duplicate itself over multiple positions on the reel to trigger even more paylines.

Multipliers are also popular; they can drop as symbols or when landing consecutive wins, multiplying the player’s winnings in the process. But the most popular feature of all is the Free Spins bonus — after all, what’s better than playing your favourite slot for free? The Free Spins bonus is often locked behind a specific symbol combination, like landing three Scatters anywhere on the reels in one spin. Players who fulfil the triggering conditions will enjoy a bonus round with a number of free spins at a value of the triggering bet. Usually, these bonus rounds also include additional features, like multipliers or Expanding symbols.

Jackpots are another popular attraction; these massive prize pools are offered in select slots, like Mega Moolah and Divine Fortune, and are incredibly difficult to win. All in all, the possibilities are endless — so make sure to carefully read through the game’s rules before you play.