Slots Glossary of Terms

Last Updated
November 17, 2022 6:20 pm PST

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There are a few words and phrases associated with slots that you may not be immediately familiar with.

Some of them are fairly self-explanatory, but some require an explanation.

If you are going to be playing slot games, then it’s well worth being aware of these terms, as you are likely to come across them at some point.

On this page we have listed some of the more commonly used slots related terms, and explained what their meanings.

Active PaylineAn active payline is one that is in play, and will result in a payout if it contains a winning combination. Slots with multiple paylines usually allow players to choose how many paylines theywish to have active on a spin.
Auto PlayAn option to spin the reels a certain number of times in succession automatically, without have to press a button or pull a lever every time.
Bet MaxTo bet the maximum number of lines and the maximum amount per line based on the current coin denomination.
Bet Per LineThe amount being staked per line. It’s multiplied by the number of active pay-lines being played to determine the total bet per spin.
Bonus FeatureSome slot games have bonus features which can be triggered randomly or based on a specific combination of symbols. These bonus features give the player the chance to win a bonus payout or earnfree spins.
Classic SlotA traditional slot game, typically with three reels and just one pay-line.
Coin SizeThe amount bet on each spin is measured by the number of coins. Coin size determines how much each coin is worth.
Fixed JackpotA jackpot which pays out the same fixed amount of coins when it’s won.
Free SpinsSpins where the player gets to keep all winnings but doesn’t have to pay. Free spins can be awarded by spinning a specific combination, or from a bonus feature. Free spins may also be given toplayers as a reward by a casino.
HitA slang term for a winning spin.
Loose SlotA slang term for a slot game with a high payout percentage.
Mechanical SlotsSlot games which have more than one pay-line.
Multi-Line SlotsA single wager that covers multiple selections. All selections must win for the bet to be successful. Also known as a parlay.
MultiplierThis can be a symbol which multiplies the payout from any winning combinations it appears. Multipliers can also be awarded in bonus features and can apply to free spins.
One-Armed BanditA slang term for a slot machine. The term is used because mechanical machines used to have a lever on the side that was pulled to start a spin. Some machines still use the levers.
Pay-lineA line going across the reels on which symbols must appear in a winning combination to result in a payout. Some games have just one pay-line, typically across the center of all the reels, butsome games have many lines going in different directions.
Payout PercentageThe percentage of all stakes that a slot will pay out over time.
Pay TableIndicates all the possible winning combinations on a slot machine, and their respective payouts.
Progressive JackpotA jackpot which grows over time as more people play the relevant slot game.
Random Number GeneratorCommonly abbreviated to RNG, the computer program which randomly determines where the reels will end up on each spin.
ReelsThe rotating barrels (in mechanical slots) on which the symbols appear. Video and slots use a virtual equivalent, and they are still referred to as the reels.
ScatterSymbols that don’t have to appear in a specific combination on an active pay-line to result in a win. Typically three (or more) symbols anywhere in view will lead to a payout. Scatters are alsofrequently used to activate bonus features and free spins.
Stacked WildsMultiple wild symbols positioned on top of each other on a single reel.
SymbolThe images on the reels that need to appear in certain combinations for a win.
Tight SlotA slang term for a slot game with a low payout percentage.
Video SlotsThese don’t have physical reels, but use graphics to represent them.
Wild SymbolA symbol that can be used to substitute for other symbols to create a winning combination.
Winning CombinationAny combination of symbols that results in a payout.