Slots games are developed around random number generators. These are crucial components to all slot games for their role in the randomised outcomes and the fairness of gameplay.

In the iGaming world, online slots are arguably the most popular type of online casino games, yet many players may not know exactly how do online slots work. While they generally appear to be simple games of spinning reels, the digital mechanics that determine every outcome are more sophisticated in nature. That is why Wink Slots will be detailing how do online slots work in a simplified manner, as well as diving into the technology behind them and any other elements that define slot gameplay.

The core of online slots: Random number generators (RNGs)

The key factor which must be touched upon to understand how online slots work is the random number generators around which these games are developed. These are central components to all slot games and other casino games, playing a pivotal role in the randomised outcomes and the fairness of gameplay.

What is an RNG?

Random number generators, also referred to as RNGs, are at the heart of every online slot game today. In essence, these are highly advanced algorithms that produce sequences of random numbers repeatedly. Once the spin button of a slot has been pressed, the RNG selects a random number that then determines the symbols and the order in which they appear on the reels. This means that the outcome of a spin is locked in, even before the reels come to a stop.

How RNGs ensure fairness & unpredictability

Each spin of an online slot is completely independent of the one that came before it or any that will follow. This ensures that there is no memory of past wins or losses when playing a game. Each spin has the same chance of winning, regardless of the time of day or if the machine is perceived to be on a streak, something which guarantees there are no patterns or cycles in gameplay.

Regulation and auditing

RNGs are designed to be uncrackable, ensuring operators and players can't manipulate any outcomes. It is not just this tamper-proof design which determines how do online slots work, as random number generators are also tested and certified by external audits to make sure, they are fair. Some of the most common third-party agencies which audit RNGs include eCOGRA, iTech Labs and GLI.

Key components of an online slot game

Besides the foundations of a game mechanically, there are a couple of other components which determine how do online slots work on the most basic of levels. These include the following: 

• Reels and rows: Most online slots today feature between 3 and 6 vertical spinning reels with 3 or 4 horizontal rows of symbols in each. These playgrids are where all gameplay takes place across, and when the reels come to a stop, symbols align across this basis to potentially form matching combinations.

• Symbols: The most standard of symbols in online slots display basic images. These are often themed icons which match a game's aesthetic and commonly include things like fruit and numbers. These are what players must land in combinations to potentially trigger a prize return. However, it is not just these standard symbols to factor in when trying to understand how do slots work. There are also bonus symbols, such as wilds which could substitute for other symbols to potentially form or increase a combination by stepping in place and assuming value. Some wilds could even stick to the reels or expand if landed, depending on the game. Scatter symbols are also another common part of online slots, with these tending to trigger special features like free spin bonus rounds or other inventive features regardless of their position.

• Paylines / Ways to win: One of the most essential components are the paylines they come with. These are patterns across the reels which matching symbol combinations must land across to trigger a base game combination return. These paylines vary from one game to another and could span vertically, horizontally or in zigzag patterns across a playgrid. Some games allow players to choose the number of active paylines they are playing with by adjusting their bet stake accordingly, whereas others have the total amount fixed instead. In addition to this, certain games may implement other forms of paylines. Megaways slots, for example, could determine combinations for matching symbols landing on adjacent reels.

Understanding payouts: RTP and volatility

Being aware of how RTP and volatility work and what these are is also extremely important when understanding how do online slots work.

Return To player (RTP)

RTP is a theoretical percentage of the total bet stakes placed on play that a slot could return to players over a long period of time. For example, when the return to player is 95%, this means that the game is programmed to pay out £95 for every £100 wagered over millions of spins on the same game. A higher RTP indicates that the game provides better long-term value in theory; however, it is worth noting that this percentage is calculated over a long period of time from countless players and bet stakes made.

Volatility (variance)

Moving on to volatility, which is often referred to as variance, this relates to the mechanics which determine the size of prizes and how often they are triggered in play. Lower volatility games could see frequent but smaller wins, whereas higher volatility releases may see larger but less frequent returns. Medium volatility slots also strike a balance between this risk and return. Volatility is separate from RTP, however, despite them often being placed alongside one another. For example, two games could share the same RTP percentage but provide completely different gameplay experiences due to the variance they have.

Engaging features & bonus rounds

Online slots often come with a varied selection of bonus rounds and other creative mechanics, with these frequently being what makes the games unique besides their theme. The features in question are extremely different from one another, with some of the most popular types of bonuses being as follows:

• Free spins: These are often triggered by scatter symbols or the player meeting a certain specified criteria during base gameplay. These rounds let users spin the reels without placing a new bet, with the free spins often including extra modifiers, which diversify the experience further.
• Multipliers: Multipliers are some of the simplest bonuses to get a grasp of when learning how do online slots work. These could essentially upgrade potential returns if they are landed or made active during gameplay. These are common inclusions in free spin rounds, especially.
• Pick-and-click games: Also, being triggered by meeting certain game rules, pick and click games in online slots often present players with a play screen filled with images or items. From here, they can make selections on screen to reveal unique features or even hidden prize values.
• Cascading/ Tumbling reels: Often included in cluster pay-based games and Megaways slots, cascading reels cause any symbols in a combination to disappear from the playgrid. This makes room for new symbols to fall into place and fill out the playtable once again, something which could result in a chain reaction of combinations being made.
• Progressive jackpots: The last of the most common bonus features found in online slots is progressive jackpots. These mechanics link multiple games together to form a shared jackpot pool, which could continue to grow by taking a percentage of all player wagers. If triggered, these jackpots reset to a seed value before beginning to increase again.

Setting expectations

It is essential that you remember that slot games are purely based on chance. Slot gameplay relies entirely on luck, with there being no strategy behind it. Before playing any of these games, it is important to set limits. This is just one of the ways to ensure responsible gambling, as users should also take breaks and understand that no wins are guaranteed. 

No matter the game you may have selected, though, making sure that a casino platform is both regulated and holds the correct license is essential. This ensures that the slots are fair, payments are secure, and the site's overall integrity is maintained through thorough auditing.

FAQs

Are online slots fair, or are they rigged?
 If you play at a licensed and regulated online casino, slots are fair and not rigged. They operate using a sophisticated technology called a random number generator (RNG), which ensures that every spin's outcome is completely random and unpredictable, preventing any manipulation by the casino or the player.

What is a random number generator (RNG) in online slots?
 An RNG is the core technology behind online slots. It's an algorithm that continuously produces random sequences of numbers, even when the game isn't being played. When you hit the "spin" button, the RNG instantaneously determines the symbols that will appear on the reels, making each spin independent and truly random.

What are RTP and volatility, and why are they important?
 RTP (return to player) is a theoretical percentage indicating how much of the wagered money a slot will pay over a very long period (e.g., 96% RTP means $96 returned for every $100 wagered). Volatility (or variance) describes how often and how much a slot pays out. Higher volatility means infrequent but larger wins, while lower volatility means more frequent but smaller wins. Understanding both helps players choose games that match their risk tolerance and playing style.

Do previous spins affect future results on an online slot?
 No. Due to the random number generator (RNG), every spin on an online slot is a completely independent event. The outcome of your next spin is not influenced by any previous wins, losses, or streaks. Each spin has the same probability of winning.

What are common bonus features in online slots?
 Common bonus features include wild symbols (substitute for other symbols), scatter symbols (often trigger features regardless of payline), free spins (spins without wagering), multipliers (boost winnings), bonus rounds (mini games with extra prizes), and progressive jackpots (accumulating jackpots that can reach huge sums). These features add excitement and different ways to win beyond standard payline combinations.

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