Online slot games work on the same basic principles as their offline counterparts – you bet, the reels spin, and you either win or lose. While the odds of winning are lower than those of losing, there’s a reason they’re called “slots” – luck plays a significant part in the outcome of every spin! Having said that, knowing what to look for can go a long way to improving your chances of success. Payout percentages are always a good place to start, and keeping an eye on new features and mechanics is also helpful.
When you click “spin”, the RNG (random number generator) generates a sequence of three numbers that correspond to each stop on the reels. The computer then uses an internal sequence table to match these numbers with the correct reel positions. This is why it can appear that a particular symbol was so close to a win, but it wasn’t – the odds were simply against it!
It’s worth checking out the RTP and volatility of each online slot game before you play it for real money. These provide crucial information that will let you know how frequently you can expect to receive payouts, and will help you choose the best games for your playstyle. Where possible, it’s also worth taking advantage of the demo modes available – accessible on desktop and mobile devices – as these give you the chance to experience all the gameplay and features without putting your own money at risk.