POKIES
Some Important Terms Explained
SLOTS TERMS EXPLAINED
• The humble slot has come a long way since its debut on the world stage in the late nineteenth century by inventor Charles Fey. The popularity of the Liberty Bell (the name of the first slot machine) has seemed to grow with each successive generation, with the slot machine keeping relevant, exciting, and profitable for the house. It's these two simultaneous concepts: house profitability married with consumer enjoyment that mean a recipe for success.
SLOTS TERMS EXPLAINED
• We want to explain a few key terms when it comes to slot machines so that you understand what you playing for and how you’re paid out. The terms we will cover are: • Bonus • Pay line • Theoretical hold • Credit meter
SLOTS TERMS EXPLAINED
Bonus • A bonus is a special feature that tends to be particular to certain slot themes. Remember, most slots have very similar mechanical/technological underpinnings in terms of payout ratios. What changes is how the device looks from the outside, and particular winning combinations. Bonuses vary according to the game, and will sometimes award free spins, extra payouts, or anything else not related to ordinary/regular play.
SLOTS TERMS EXPLAINED
Pay Line • A slots machine can pay on either a straight or diagonal line (sometimes zigzagged too) that crosses through one symbol on each reel and evaluates a winning combination. In general, the higher the initial wagering amount, the more pay lines one is entitled to make use of.
SLOTS TERMS EXPLAINED
Theoretical hold worksheet • All slot machines pay out a certain percentage of their deposits. Most slots tend to be fixed at between 95 to 97%. This means that that slot will pay out 95 to 97% of all deposits over its lifetime. The theoretical hold worksheet is a document provided by the slot manufacturer that specifies this payout ratio. It also specifies the rules, the bonuses that are available, and any other relevant information. Although this isn't strictly relevant for patrons, this would help you choose the best machines to play on.
SLOTS TERMS EXPLAINED
Credit meter • The credit meter is a display that registers the amount of money or credits that are available on the machine. But this can also be very dangerous, because it's easy to lose track of just how much money one is playing for. Probably the best advice for beginner patrons would be to start with coins before buying a proprietary gaming card on which is loaded prepaid lines of credit. Always keep track of your spending habits and your intended bankroll.
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