For those new to slot machines, sitting down to play can be a bit confusing. There are numerous symbols and buttons on the game and someone who has never played might not be able to understand everything. It all may be a bit of a shock to the system for new players. While the machine itself can tabulate winning spins, understanding the machine also makes for a more rewarding experience at a casino or when playing online. Learning a few of the essential concepts will help players as they spin those reels. How to Read a Slot Machine: Step-by-Step Guide Locate the Paytable: Before playing any slot machine, identify and read the paytable, usually accessible on the machine's screen or a designated button. This table tells you the value of each combination and any special bonuses. Understand the Symbols: Standard Symbols: These are the basic symbols that spin on the reels. Getting a specific number in a row determines if you win. Wild Symbols: They can replace any other symbol to create a winning combination. Scatter Symbols: Typically unlock bonus features or free spins. They usually pay when two or more appear anywhere on the reels. Bonus Symbols: Trigger special bonus rounds where players can win extra prizes. You can find the full article on slot symbols here. Check the Number of Paylines: Traditional slot machines have a single payline, but modern video slots can have anywhere from 10 to 100s paylines. Some machines allow you to choose the number of paylines to bet on, while others have fixed paylines. Identify Special Features: Many modern slot machines have bonus rounds, free spins, or progressive jackpots. Familiarize yourself with how to activate and play these features. Determine the Bet Amount: Decide how much you want to bet per line and how many lines you want to play. Remember: the total bet is the bet per line multiplied by the number of lines played. Look at the RTP (Return to Player): This is a percentage that estimates how much of the betted money the machine will pay back over time. A higher RTP means the game will return more money to players over a long period, but it doesn't guarantee short-term outcomes. Spin the reels: After understanding the machine, press the 'Spin' button to play. Observe Outcome: Once the reels stop, the machine will automatically determine any wins based on the symbols that are displayed and the paytable. Any winnings are immediately added to your credit. Decide on Cash Out or Continue: If you've won money and want to cash out, follow the machine's prompts to get your winnings. Otherwise, continue playing. Practice Responsible Gaming: Set a budget, know when to stop, and be aware that slot machines are games of chance, with outcomes determined by random number generators. Here are a few of Jackpot Party's most famous Vegas slots: Click here to discover all of our free slots for your enjoyment. 1 – Reels Someone new to a slot will notice a set of three to five lines in the center of the screen featuring various symbols. These “reels” spin vertically on every spin. These are what a player is watching to see if they are a winner on the spin. These reels derive from original slot machines that featured mechanical working reels that determined the winner. Nowadays, a random number generator (RNG) determines a winner, and most reels are now of the digital graphic variety. These are visual representations of what the RNG determines for that spin. Slot manufacturers have improved this experience greatly since the days of actual mechanical reels. Players will see unique graphics, video, and other features on these reels in modern games. Slot machine reels are a key feature on a slot and display the result of each spin. The popular slot Zeus II, available on Jackpot Party, serves as an example throughout this article. Here’s a look at the 4x5 reels on this game. 2 – Spin Button Now that you know what the reels are, it may be time to give those reels a spin. The spin button gets the game underway, initiating the reels to spin after you’ve selected the number of credits you’d like to wager. Once that spin button has been pressed the reels spin and eventually come to a stop. Players will then be able to see if they won any credits on that particular spin. Once credits have been paid out to a player’s account, he or she can then hit the spin button again to initiate another spin of the reels. Online, players may find a spin button that is located on the game itself. For example, in this version of Zeus II, the button looks like a triangular “play” symbol typically associated with playing music online. Simply click this button to see the reels spin. Players on Jackpot Party will find a similar spin button on most games. 3 – Bet Button When taking a seat at a slot game, you’ll first insert some cash or a credit voucher. Online players can also select the amount they want to use on that particular spin of the reels. If you are playing a penny machine and insert a $20 bill, you’ll then have 2,000 credits to play and this should show up on the screen. That amount will increase and decrease depending on your winning or losing spins. Players can determine how many credits they want to wager per line on each spin. More credits wagered per spin means you’ll receive more on each winning spin. Players can easily adjust the number of credits bet by tapping this bet button. At Jackpot Party, simply click the chips/coins icons above and below the play button on the screen to adjust your wager per spin. Click the top icon to increase and the bottom icon to decrease. An image will show up noting the total bet above the buttons as seen in this image from Zeus II. You can also click on the menu button to the left of the play symbol to adjust your bet as well. 4 – Pay Lines Pay lines are what visually show the ways that a player wins based on the reels on the screen. On classic slots, there was usually a single line across the center of the reels and paid out when certain symbols showed up. Eventually, that evolved into multiple paylines. With the advent of video slots, slot manufacturers were able to get even more creative. Most games now offer numerous paylines. That can include horizontal paylines as well as lines that seem to zigzag across the reels. Different slot games offer different ways to win. Some symbols may allow lines to link across the reels in seemingly random patterns. Players also have the chance to see multiple payouts with various paylines connecting across the reels. Multi-line payouts mean more winnings are possible per spin. However, don’t worry that you won’t be able to recognize which symbols align on each spin. Games now determine the winners via the RNG and display which symbols are connected to the screen after each spin. This makes it easy to see which spins are winners. Players will easily see winning lines and credits in their bank before spinning again. This also allows players to start recognizing which symbols pay off at higher rates than others. Some symbols, such as Wilds and Scatters, can offer players not only winning pay lines but also higher payouts than they might earn otherwise. Modern slots, whether in a live casino, online, or on social media platforms, feature plenty of creativity and numerous ways to win. Players can also increase the number of credits paid per line to win even more. In the Zeus II game, here’s a look at how the game shows how a person has won by highlighting the lines and icons that align to make the spin pay off. The game will also highlight multiple wins as well. 5 – Pay Table For more information about how a slot machine pays out, players may want to check out a slot’s pay table. This can be found on the exterior of the game itself sometimes, but can often be viewed on the screen of a video slot as well. The pay table shows the player the number of paylines on a certain machine as well as prizes and payouts. Players will find the betting requirements for the game as well as the symbol combinations on the reels and how they pay out. Some symbols pay more and players will be able to observe these. The top row on the pay table will offer players some insight into the largest jackpot payouts. The symbol also shows how much each combination pays depending on the number of credits played. Most machines allow players to pay from three to five credits per line. The paytable shows how each jackpot pays out for these varying bets. Players at the max bet will often find some of the higher payouts that are multiple times better than the other payouts on the same line at smaller levels. A pay table is key to learning more about the possible wins and payouts on each game. These pay tables are also available for online games at Jackpot Party. For Zeus II, click the menu button (three horizontal lines) to the left of the play icon. This brings up a small box in the middle of the screen. There are five more icons at the top allowing players to adjust bets, volume, and more. Click on the “i” tab at the top to see more information on the game and scroll down to the pay table, which looks like this. 6 – Scatters Slot developers have gotten creative through the years, moving beyond just allowing players to win with certain symbols that show up on screen. Some symbols can be used in multiple combinations to produce wins and even trigger bonus games. The scatter symbol is just one of those. These act as triggers and their exact use depends on the game a player is playing. Seeing some of these may bring about different types of bonus features including free spins and other bonus rounds (more on those below) as well as other interesting gameplay aspects. These are typically some of the highest-paying symbols and players traditionally need to see multiple symbols appear on the reels to reap some real rewards from them. In Zeus II, the lightning bolt serves as the scatter symbol. When lining up at least three of these scatters, players will earn a free spins bonus. In this game, players can earn up to 150 free spins when five scatter symbols show up. Here’s a look at one of the symbols, located in the upper right. The symbol is pictured in the informational box as part of the pay table. 7 – Wild Symbols Slot manufacturers work to make their games fun and exciting. Adding more ways to win helps accomplish this and wild symbols go a long way in accomplishing this. These symbols are similar to the Joker in a wild-card poker game, they can serve to substitute for other symbols to make a winning combination. A player finding a few symbols on the reels will find that a wild often helps reward them with some winnings. In Zeus II, the Temple Wild symbol accomplishes this task. These can replace all other symbols, except for the lightning bolt, to form winning combinations. Here’s a look at the Temple Wild in Zeus II, located in the upper left via the information box. 8 – Bonus Rounds and Free Spins To make games more exciting, slot manufacturers build in differing features that can be triggered through various means. This may range from making a pick for a prize to free spins, respins, and more. Some games even feature completely different screen video clips and other exciting features as part of a bonus game. These offer players a chance to win even more in the game. Winning free spins is a common bonus game. This means players earn several spins that don’t take away from a player’s credits. Free spins offer players even more chances to win and those awarded can range from just a few to 100 or more. In some games, the most lucrative symbols appear more often during the free spins section. Additionally, players can often earn even more free spins during the free spins bonus. This means the round gets extended and gives you even more opportunities to win. Bonus games have become some of the most popular elements found on modern slots. These really ramp up the excitement and slot operators continue bringing even more to the casino floor and online platforms, notes SciPlay director of slot strategy and performance Kelly Trask. She offered some insight on a few trends in the industry: “Mechanics and bonuses found in slots have evolved immensely over the last several years,” Trask says. “In today’s market, we’re seeing the evolution of ‘Hold and Spin’ mixed with trending mechanics like ‘three-pot persistence.’ This is the element of collecting symbols on the reels that fill a pot, bag, or even a pig. You watch this thing get bigger and bigger anxiously awaiting for a bonus to hit, and it’s magical when it does.” In Zeus II, players have a chance at a free spins bonus. This happens when you find three lightning bolt symbols on reels one, two, and three. Players will earn 10 free spins for accomplishing this and can earn even more with scatter symbols and wilds showing up as well. Zeus II also includes another bonus, the Hot Hot Super Respin. Respins occur on this game during the free spins bonus. Respins occur when certain bonus symbols appear, locking them in place and spinning the other reels again for a shot at more winnings. The Hot Hot Super Respin occurs when a Zeus symbol appears on reel one, triggering a few respins to the free spins bonus. The Zeus symbol locks in place while the other reels continue spinning, with some wild symbols hopefully showing up to add even more winnings to your bank. Here’s a look at the free spins feature on Zeus II. 9 – Conclusion Slot games, whether playing in a casino or online, may be intimidating at first but learning just a few of the key features will help a player understand what they are doing. Here’s a quick review of some of the key concepts to remember. For a full list of slots terms, please visit our slots terms page. 10 – Frequently Asked Questions

Every slot machine player dreams of hitting it big – lining up those reels exactly right to see those bells and whistles go off signifying a massive jackpot win. Winning a few thousand dollars can be a great feeling, but for some those figures can be even higher. For an even luckier group, those winnings even go way beyond a six-figure jackpot. These players have defied the jackpot odds and scored some of the biggest amounts ever seen by slot machine winners. Here’s a look at some of the biggest slot machine winners in history: 1 – Excellence at Excalibur: $39.7M Location: Excalibur, Las Vegas Game: Megabucks Winning amount: $39.7 million This massive score came in 2002 making a nice Vegas vacation so much better. This lucky slot player hit it big after putting just $100 into the machine. That was quite a score and certainly made for a nice Vegas vacation. Bonus Bucks: The lucky player agreed to receive his winnings in 25 annual installments. That means another few years of getting some big checks in the mail. 2 – Keeping Cool in the Desert: $35M Location: Desert Inn, Las Vegas Game: Megabucks Winning amount: $35 million Cynthia Jay Brennan was a 37-year-old cocktail waitress who joined her boyfriend for some slot play to celebrate his mother’s birthday. After only an hour of play, she became extremely hot at the Desert slots. She hit it big for a cool $35 million, certainly much more than she'd ever earn in tips serving drinks. Sadly, not long after her win, she and her sister were stopped at a red light when they were struck by a drunk driver. Her sister was killed instantly and Brennan was paralyzed from the chest down. Since the accident, she’s worked to help others by donating more than 1,000 wheelchairs to others in need. Bonus Bucks: Despite her massive good fortune, Brennan showed some real commitment to her job and still showed up for work the next day after her jackpot win. 3 – Retirement Riches: $26.7M Location: Palace Station Casino, Las Vegas Game: Megabucks Winning amount: $27.6 million This slot player became real royalty at the Palace Station, a local casino in the Las Vegas area. The 67-year-old woman had recently retired and was a longtime Vegas resident. She hit it big while playing a dollar machine with her husband. Despite the big score, the new millionaire wasn't planning on making any major purchases. “I don't know what I'm going to do,” she told the Las Vegas Sun about her big win. “I have no big wish list -- maybe some travel that we had not already planned. I have not notified the jewelers or the car people. It will brighten my life. But my life was good before. I was just in the right place at the right time.” Bonus Bucks: The former flight attendant planned to only wager $100 on the machine, but decided to drop an additional $100. The big win came just $40 into that second hundred. 4 – A Mad Win: $23.6M Location: Online Game: Absolutely Mad Mega Moolah Winning amount: $23.6 million Online slots have become one of the fastest-growing sectors in gaming. This score from April 2021 now checks in as the largest online slot jackpot in history. A Belgian player scored $23.6 million after wagering only €15 wager. “The feeling at that moment is just indescribable,” the new millionaire said after the win. “At first you can hardly believe it and I think it will take a long time to sink in completely. It was on my last spin that it happened.” Bonus Bucks: The Absolutely Mad version of Mega Moolah is an adaptation of Alice in Wonderland. No doubt this winner was grinning like the Cheshire Cat. 5 – Even More Mega Moolah: $23.5M Location: Online Game: Mega Moolah Winning amount: $23.5 million This lucky player also cashed in on a Mega Moolah game in September 2018. The player’s country of origin remains unknown, but the manufacturer confirmed a gigantic win on its popular online slot game. The game has awarded numerous jackpots and the name certainly fits. Bonus Bucks: The big win earned recognition by Guinness World Records at the time. 6 – Big Finnish: $24M Location: Online, Scandinavia Game: Mega Fortune Winning amount: $24 million The luck of the Finnish? That may not be the expression but was certainly the reality on Jan. 20, 2013, when an online player from Finland bet 25 cents to win this gigantic eight-figure payday. This progressive slot game registered a 100,000,000X return on investment. Bonus Bucks: Perhaps this player may have gotten a bit tired of the cold weather. That $24 million score could easily afford an extra $7 million Italian-style villa on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca complete with pool, jacuzzi, views of the golf course, and located just minutes from the beach. It’s a good bit spending even half that would probably bring a pretty nice getaway home as well. 7 – Banking Big at Bally’s: $22.6M Location: Bally’s, Las Vegas Game: Megabucks Winning amount: $22.6 million Memorial Day turned out to be quite a holiday for Johanna Heundl in May 2002. Things hadn't gone too well when the 74-year-old retired printer from Covina, California, decided to take in some slot play at Bally’s Casino on the Vegas Strip. She was already down $177, but things turned around quickly. Heundl originally thought she’d hit a smaller, yet still nice, jackpot of $2 million. She was quickly corrected and couldn't believe her good fortune. "Everybody said, no – it's $22 million,” she recalled after learning of the much larger sum. “I still can't believe it.” Bonus Bucks: At the time of her win, Heundl had been on her way to breakfast but stopped to play a bit. She usually visited Las Vegas five or six times a year with some friends. Her husband and son were both deceased, however. When no one could make the trip with her in 2002, she decided to go it alone after Bally’s sent her two free hotel rooms for her birthday. That turned out to be quite a celebration. 8 – Doubling Down on Jackpots: $21.1M Location: Cannery Casino, North Las Vegas Game: Megabucks Winning amount: $21.1 million Why win just one huge jackpot when you can win two? That was the case of 92-year-old World War II veteran Elmer Sherwin in 2005. The Las Vegas area local scored this massive jackpot for more than $21 million. But this wasn’t his first big win on a Megabucks machine. In 1989, Sherwin landed a $4.6 million jackpot at the Mirage in Las Vegas. The lucky man described it as his life’s dream to win a jackpot for a second time. The odds of winning the game’s grand prize are less than one in 10 million. Bonus Bucks: "I'm glad I finally hit,” Sherwin said after the second jackpot. “I've been trying to do it again.” Most slot players would settle for just one of those massive wins. Here are a few of Jackpot Party's most famous Vegas slots: Click here to uncover our selection of free slots. 9 – Hail Caesar: $21M Location: Caesars Palace, Las Vegas Game: Megabucks Winning amount: $21 million Another Las Vegas gambler hit it big at one of the city’s premier resorts in June 1999. The 49-year-old man from Illinois man may have been planning his own trip to Rome after crushing this Herculean jackpot. A self-employed business consultant, the lucky winner dropped 10 bucks in the machine and saw those Megabucks symbols line up just right on his first spin. That’s some luck indeed. "This is just the greatest feeling in the world," Caesars Palace Vice President of Slots Mike Tomasello said at the time. "A player comes in, puts $10 in the machine's bill acceptor and 'Bingo!' with the first pull he wins $21 million. He's set for life." Bonus Bucks: After winning such a big jackpot, staff moved in quickly to rope off the area as crowds gathered. Casinos try to give these big winners some space – many times other slot players hope to touch the big winner for luck. 10 – Late Night Knockout: $17.3M Location: Online, Norway Game: Arabian Nights Winning amount: $17.3 million Just 20 years old and probably set for life. That was the case in 2011 when a student in Norway decided to give an online slot a few spins after watching a movie. That decision not to go straight to bed paid off in a big way. No doubt he became quite a big man on campus. “It was just impossible to sleep, and I am shaking and sweating,” the Norwegian man said after his life-changing turn of luck. “I haven't thought about what to do with the winnings. I need to try and calm down before even thinking of what I do with the money!” Many slot players can surely relate to those sentiments. Bonus Bucks: This lucky winner was already making some good decisions about his future. Shortly after his win, he’s reported to already have been working with a financial consultant to make his winnings last for the long run. 11 – Soldiering on for the win: $17.2M Location: Online, United Kingdom Game: Mega Moolah Winning amount: $17.2 million Mega Moolah paid off in a big way in October 2015 for 26-year-old Jonathon Heywood from Cheshire, UK. The British soldier was playing 25 pence per spin when he hit the life-changing jackpot. "I couldn’t believe that I’d won all this money at the time – and it still hasn’t sunk in," Heywood said after his win. The win was particularly well-timed as Heywood’s father was awaiting a heart and lung transplant. “The first thing I will spend it on is the best possible medical treatment for my dad,” he said. “That’s more important than anything. Family comes first and I’d give all this money back for him to be healthy again.” Heywood also planned a Mediterranean cruise for his family after the win and upgraded his car to a yellow Bentley Continental GT. Read more on slot machines on Cruise ships. Bonus Bucks: Amazingly, Heywood has just deposited £30 at an online casino for the first time when he began playing Mega Moolah. The jackpot turned up just seven minutes after he started playing. 12 – ‘M’ for Mega Jackpot: $17.3M Location: M Resort, Henderson (Las Vegas area) Game: MegaBucks Winning amount: $17.3 million A lucky visitor to this casino in December 2012 didn’t even realize he’d won a jackpot, but quickly became aware when a fellow gambler pointed out his big win. The eight-figure sum certainly made for a nice holiday season and topped another big Vegas MegaBucks jackpot earlier in the year at the Aria for $12.7 million. Bonus Bucks: Casino comps often mean a few free extras for a gambler. In this case, taking advantage of those may have led to a multi-million prize. The lucky winner took advantage of a free play and food voucher before hitting it big at M Resort. The meal that night may have been quite a party. 13 – Birthday Surprise: $12.8M Location: Aria, Las Vegas Game: MegaBucks Winning amount: $12.8 million A woman visiting this stellar casino on the Las Vegas Strip for her niece’s birthday gave herself quite a gift as well to the tune of almost $13 million. Her path to the jackpot seemed to come on a whim. Maybe she had a premonition? “I was on my way to my room when I saw this machine and decided to play,” she said after the win. Initially, the player thought the game had malfunctioned. However, her niece was quick to provide some excellent news – she was a new millionaire. No doubt the birthday girl received quite a birthday present that year. Bonus Bucks: Many jackpot dreamers imagine buying a fancy car, dream vacation, or a palatial new home on the beach. This lucky winner was a bit more practical however. She simply hoped to use a chuck of her winnings to pay off her current mortgage. 14 – Going Downtown: $11.8M Location: Fremont, Las Vegas Game: Megabucks Winning amount: $11.8 million Downtown Las Vegas is a trip back in time, a Sin City or yesteryear with plenty of interesting properties and people. A stroll into the Fremont Casino paid off big for Rodolfo T. in August 2017. The California man was on vacation and a $3 bet turned into a life-changing turn of events. The lucky gambler was playing the IGT Megabucks Double 3X4X5X slot and made the maximum bet on the machine. That proved to be the right choice at the right time. Bonus Bucks: The Fremont is a big part of Las Vegas’s history and when it opened in 1956, the property was the tallest building in the state of Nevada. 15 – Big Check to Cash: $11.6M Location: Online, country unknown Game: Mega Moolah Winning amount: $11.6 million In 2016, a woman named D.P. spent some time playing some slots on her cell phone while her husband was cooking dinner. Just as he announced that it was time to eat, D.P. made a big announcement of her own. She’d hit a massive jackpot after playing for just a few minutes. “I started screaming, crying, and running all around the house!” she said. “It’s incredible! Not possible! Could I be a multi-millionaire?” The couple called the online casino to confirm that what she was seeing was indeed real. Afterward. She and her husband retired and planned a big vacation for the family. Bon voyage, indeed. Bonus Bucks: D.P. told media outlets that she’d always dreamed of making $1 million somehow. She’d been reading a self-help book that set if someone puts their mind to something that the universe will eventually make it happen. After reading the book, she wrote a check for a millions bucks to herself and tacked it to her wall as inspiration. The rest is history.

Throughout history, from ancient Roman dice games to today's Las Vegas casinos, the concept of luck has been paramount in gambling. Lucky charms, by definition, are items or symbols believed to bring good luck and fortune to their bearers. Icons like rabbit’s feet, horseshoes, and clovers have long symbolized this sought-after luck. Whether viewed as superstition or genuine belief, their presence is undeniable in gaming culture. These symbols even grace many slot machines, beckoning players with the hope of good fortune. This article delves into the significance of these charms, from their historical origins to their role in modern gaming. As you spin the slots, whether in a casino or on your mobile, spotting these charms might just bring an added thrill to your play. Dive in to explore more. Physical Lucky Charms for Gambler 1. Horseshoes These symbols have come to signify a lucky turn of events or a need for a nice stroke of fortune. This symbol also fits well with horse race wagering. It’s believed this lucky charm dates back to the 8th Century. The Chaldeans, who trace their roots to ancient Babylon, believed the crescent shape represented various moon goddesses and protected against the curse of the evil eye. Horseshoes were even featured on slot machine inventor Charles Fey’s first slot machine, the Liberty Bell, which was manufactured in 1899. Lucky qualities: warding off evil spirits Bonus spin: Others believe horseshoes’ luck comes from St. Dunstan, the patron saint of blacksmiths. He’s believed to have tricked the devil, shoeing Satan’s own cloven hoof with great force and pain. Take your pick and enjoy our incredible slots below: Click here to dive into our wide array of free slots. 2. Rabbit’s feet How many poor rabbits lost their lives in the pursuit of luck? That might not be known, but carrying these devices on keychains remains popular for many seeking some positive vibes. Some historians believe Celtic tribes believed rabbits could communicate with gods and spirits because they spent so much time underground. In turn, someone carrying a rabbit's foot could do the same. By the 1600s, some believed these lucky charms could stave off ailments like arthritis as well. Some believe that notion comes from the “Hand of Glory” in the Middle Ages, which involved pickling the left hand of an executed man and keeping it for good fortune. The rabbit’s foot token of luck continues into modern times for some as well. Lucky qualities: warding off evil spirits; keeping good health. Bonus spin: Luckily for those poor bunnies, many rabbit feet now are artificially manufactured. 3. Clovers & Shamrocks Chances are you’ve seen clovers and shamrocks in many casinos and slots. Some Irish-themed casinos even incorporate these into the decor of the property. Why are these small green plants considered lucky? The four-leaf variety is not only rare, but for hundreds of years, the Irish saw them as being even luckier for those who found one. The four leaves themselves were said to represent faith, hope, love, and success. Four-leaf clovers are considered lucky for their rarity,” Parade magazine notes. “In the Middle Ages, it was believed by some Celtic groups that wielding a four-leaf clover would help you see fairies, as well as to ward off evil spirits, and grant the holder good luck. Lucky qualities: seeing spirits and fairies, warding off evil spirits, magical protections Bonus spin: Famed author John Melton may have been one of the first to mention the luck of a four-leaf clover. He wrote in the 1600s: “If a man walking in the fields find any four-leaved grass, he shall in a small while after finding some good thing.” 4. Gold Along with being synonymous with wealth, gold seems to have taken on a sense of luck on its own. Many see wearing gold as lucky, but the idea of this may have deeper roots in the U.S. and Canada In the 19th Century. Americans from all parts of the country headed west to be part of the quickly growing gold mining trade. Those seeking their fortunes traveled to areas like California, Nevada, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Alaska, British Columbia, the Klondike, and more. Gold fever brought many hoping for some success. Gambling halls also sprouted up in these areas as well, serving miners with plenty of cash looking to play some cards, dice, or roulette. Not only do many of these areas now offer casinos, including slot machines, of course, but the spirit of gold fever stays alive with the iconography of this precious metal still a major inspiration. A quick stroll through a casino will often yield many slots offering a chance at a gold strike. Some casinos are still featuring gold in their own slot themes including properties like the Golden Nugget (Las Vegas), Gold Spike (Las Vegas), Cities of Gold (Arizona), Golden Gulch (Colorado), Gold Country (California), and numerous others. Lucky qualities: wealth, success, money, good fortune Bonus spin: In the early days of slot machines, gold coins could be used in the U.S. as a form of currency. Some slots were built to even accept this form of payment. 5. Maneki Neko (Lucky Cat) A delightful blend of color, art, and belief, the Maneki Neko, or the beckoning cat, hails from the Land of the Rising Sun – Japan. This charming feline, often seen with one paw raised, promises not just companionship but also a wave of prosperity. While traditionally adorning shops and business establishments, the reach of the Maneki Neko has expanded to the buzzing tables and lobbies of casinos worldwide. Lucky qualities: wealth and prosperity. Bonus spin: The color palette of these cats is diverse and each hue promises a different kind of luck. Gold beckons wealth, while white promises purity and happiness. 6. Dream Catcher A testament to Native American wisdom and artistry, the dream catcher is a symbol steeped in legend. Traditionally handcrafted using natural materials, its intricate web and feathers were believed to filter dreams. While its primary role was to protect sleepers, ensuring only positive visions reached them, gamblers have reimagined its purpose. Many now hang them in gambling venues, believing these ancient talismans could sieve out bad luck. Lucky qualities: protection and positive energy. Bonus spin: The web's design represents the spider's web. This meticulous pattern is believed to catch and hold anything harmful. 7. Elephant Majestic and wise, the elephant holds a revered spot in many cultures, particularly in the vast landscapes of Asia. Its towering presence and gentle demeanor symbolize both strength and tranquility. The elephant's significance isn't merely in its physical grandeur; it's also viewed as a reservoir of wisdom and a remover of obstacles. Many gamblers, inspired by these noble creatures, often carry miniature figurines or tokens, hoping that the elephant’s revered qualities might guide their endeavors in the unpredictable world of casinos. Lucky qualities: wisdom, loyalty, and remover of obstacles. Bonus spin: The orientation of the elephant's trunk can be telling. An upward-facing trunk is believed to shower prosperity and good fortune. 8. Lucky Dice Dice, quintessential to the essence of many gambling games, are more than just tools of chance. Their origins trace back to ancient civilizations, symbolizing both fate and fortune. While inherently connected to gambling, the allure of dice extends beyond the games. Many gamblers, even those who don’t play dice-centric games, carry a pair with them, viewing them as tangible representations of luck and the exciting unpredictability of life. Lucky qualities: chance and good fortune. Bonus spin: Julius Caesar's declaration, "Alea iacta est" (The die is cast), is an eternal testament to the weighty outcomes a simple roll can determine. 9. Acorns The humble acorn, a symbol of potential and growth, traces its lore to the Norse folklore. To the ancient Norse, the acorn wasn't just a seed but a promise. The mighty oak tree, revered for its longevity and strength, begins its journey as this small seed. Drawing parallels, many gamblers see the acorn as a token that embodies hope, believing that small beginnings can lead to grand outcomes in their gambling pursuits. Lucky qualities: potential, growth, and protection. Bonus spin: An acorn carried in one’s pocket is often viewed as a charm that ensures both good health and sustained wealth. 10. Lucky Penny There's an old adage that many still believe: "Find a penny, pick it up, and all day long, you'll have good luck." The simple penny, often overlooked, carries with it tales and traditions. For many gamblers, the penny is not about its monetary value but the symbolic weight it carries. Whether found by chance or passed down as heirlooms, these pennies are viewed as conduits of good fortune, especially if discovered heads up. Lucky qualities: wealth and protection. Bonus spin: There's a belief among some gamblers that tossing a new penny over one's left shoulder into a river can be a prelude to a successful stint at gambling. Lucky Charms Symbols in Gambling In the world of gambling, lucky charm symbols have always held a special place. These symbols, rich in history, give players hope and a touch of magic as they chase their fortunes. Dive in as we present the list. 1. Dragons These mythical beasts are seen as lucky in several cultures. Through the years, many people in Asian countries have viewed dragons as symbols of power and good luck. Some have even seen them as controlling water-related weather such as rain, typhoons, and floods. Their mythical sense of luck is still recognized by many. For this reason, dragons are regularly featured in numerous slot games, especially those with Asian-inspired themes. Contrary to Asian culture, many Western countries view dragons as dark, mysterious, and even evil. This may add to Western gamblers' interest in dragon slots as well. Lucky qualities: good health, strength, power Bonus spin: The creature is also the fifth animal in the Chinese zodiac and symbolizes good luck and health. More babies are said to be born in the year of the dragon than in any other. 2. Unicorns These mythological one-horned and flying creatures have fascinated people throughout history. The legendary animals have been depicted in European culture and art for over a thousand years, and are said to have magical powers. Many ancient people believed unicorns, usually depicted with a white coat with a single horn, represented purity and grace. They also believed the mystical animals could heal the sick, among other powers often ascribed to them. Some argue that unicorns even allude to several times in the Bible. Lucky qualities: purity, grace, strength, healing powers, and more. Bonus spin: Hermit country North Korea claimed to have “discovered” a unicorn lair in 2012. The North Koreans seem to be living in a real fantasy world. This propaganda was likely meant to help legitimize the rule of Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un. 3. Rainbows Seeing a rainbow, or better yet a rare double rainbow brings a smile to the faces of most people. These bright multi-colored spectacles may seem like a mystical phenomenon but are a part of the real world. For that reason, along with their rarity, many cultures may see them as lucky. It’s easy to see that connection to using these symbols in modern slot machines. These natural displays of a light spectrum have been featured in numerous mythologies and cultures including Celtic, Greek, Norse, Christianity, Buddhism, and more. These beautiful specters naturally appear as symbols of good luck – hopefully at a slot as well. Lucky qualities: hope, promise, transition, peace, equality Bonus spin: Much of rainbows’ lucky charms can also be attributed to the Irish, where legend has it one could find a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. 4. Sevens (777) Numbers play a role in luck in many cultures. Friday the 13th is considered a spooky day where things can go completely wrong. Some elevators don’t even have a 13th floor. Many people have a lucky number also, but 7s are synonymous with luck in a casino, especially at slot machines. This superstition seems to run across many cultures, especially in religious contexts. Lucky number 7 is even the basis for many myths and folklore,” Reader’s Digest notes. “Ancient beliefs from around the world believed that the seventh son of the seventh son would be gifted with magical powers (both good and evil). In the Bible, scholars claim that God created the world in six days and used the seventh day to rest. There are also seven heavens in Islam and Judaism. In Confucianism, the number represents harmony made up of yin, yang, and the five elements. Hindus believe there are seven higher worlds and seven underworlds and in Buddhism, the newborn Buddha takes seven steps. Lucky qualities: harmony, magical powers, the afterlife, good fortune Bonus spin: This lucky number even had some influence on James Bond author Ian Femimg. Apparently, 2, 5, or 8 wouldn't work for the spy’s secret code – 007 seemed a much better fit. 5. Anything Irish Perhaps no other country or culture is associated with luck as that of Ireland. “The luck of the Irish” has become a regular part of the English language and many of the lucky charms on this list are also associated with the country such as shamrocks, rainbows, and leprechauns. There have been at least four films produced through the years with that exact phrase as the title. The idea of Irishmen being lucky, however, may have more to do with the North American gold rush than anything. It’s to America that we may have to look for the origins of the expression 'the luck of the Irish', IrishCentral.com notes It’s well known that in the 19th century wave after wave of Irish immigrants headed over the Atlantic to seek their fortunes. Many chose to take part in the search for gold and silver and there is some evidence to suggest that many of the most successful finds were made by Irish miners. That success became a legend and the Irish have been seen as lucky ever since. Casinos and slot manufacturers have played up the stereotype of Irishmen and the Emerald Isle. Lucky qualities: successful, rich, timeliness. Bonus spin: Numerous casinos have modeled their properties after all things Irish, such as O’Sheas in Las Vegas and Fitzgerald's, a brand used in multiple U.S. states. Ready to play? Dive into the enchanting world of Irish-themed slots now. 6. Leprechauns These supernatural beings come from Old Irish folklore and represent luck. The oldest known mention of leprechauns comes from the Echtra tale in which Fergus, the King of Ulster, falls asleep on the beach. He awakens to find three leprechauns dragging him out to sea. Instead, he captures the mythological trio, which then grants him three wishes for their release. The diminutive creatures are believed to be cobblers and mostly live a solitary existence, but also enjoy practical jokes. In Ireland, these fairies originally differed depending on which part of the country you were in. They also wore red clothing, not the green they typically wear in modern depictions These popular shoemakers are also said to own a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Those lucky enough to capture a leprechaun are entitled to these riches. Lucky qualities: wealth, riches, magical powers Bonus spin: Leprechauns have come to be represented in two American sports teams. The University of Notre Dame, known as the Fighting Irish, features a leprechaun who helps fans cheer on the home team. The Boston Celtics NBA franchise also Lucky the Leprechaun. A popular American kids’ cereal, Lucky Charms, also features one of these magical creatures. ***** Whether one believes in luck or not, many slot players and gamblers believe certain objects and icons come with some extra positivity, the belief goes that these lucky charms just might bring a nice winning session or perhaps an even bigger win – a nice jackpot perhaps. Open up your favorite slot game or take a seat at a slot machine in a casino. Which of these popular lucky charms can you recognize when spinning those reels?