Understanding Slot Machines

If you haven't played a slot machine in a few years, be prepared for a surprise. They are not the one-armed bandit of even ten years ago. Many modern day slot machines don't have a handle, nor do they take coins. Instead, you insert a bill or a voucher, pick the number of lines, the number of credits and push a button. Slot machines can no longer be described as "one size fits all." They are fun, but sophisticated machines, and are available in several combinations of components. To play slot machines today, it is helpful to understand them.


Types of slot machine reels

Generally, slot machines have one of two types of reels: Mechanical-reel slots and video slots, which display virtual reels. The traditional slot machine had three mechanical reels. Three reels is still the standard for a mechanical-reel machine, but there can be up to five reels. Video slots typically display five virtual reels.


Denominations

Slot machine plays come in all denominations, from ½ cent per line (you get to play two lines per penny) to $25 or more per line. Typically, the denominations will be between 1 cent and $5 dollars. Some of the newer machines allow you to choose the denomination you wish to play. These are called multi-denomination machines.


Paylines

The old fashioned slot machine had one payline, that of the middle display. Current machines can have 50 lines, and some machines determine winners if winning symbols match on the first three reels. And some five-reel machines enable you to win if winning symbols "wrap-around, " i.e., a winning combo on reels 5,1 and 2. A three-reel mechanical machine will typically have between one and five paylines. Video slots, however, will typically have between nine and thirty paylines.


Cost of a spin