For many slot players, the ultimate dream is to hit a jackpot. Whether you're playing in a casino, online, or with friends in a social gaming setting, the idea of winning big is a common goal. Jackpots come in different sizes – mini, major, or minor – and they can turn a regular slot session into a winning one. While those massive six- and seven-figure jackpots are alluring, the odds of winning them are quite long, including one in 34 million for games when you wager the maximum amount. The odds could be even higher or lower, depending on the game. But it's not all about the huge jackpots; smaller jackpots happen more often with better odds. So, what are the actual chances of hitting a slot machine jackpot? This article explores those odds, the factors that influence them, and whether any strategies can increase your chances of winning. What’s a Jackpot in Slots? Those new to slots may not realize exactly what a jackpot is. A jackpot is generally considered a much larger payout than one might find on a normal spin of the reels. The pay lines on a modern slot machine offer numerous ways a player can theoretically win. However, not all of those are considered jackpots. These larger payouts are much rarer and may even require what is called a “hand pay” at a live casino. This means that a member of the casino staff has to pay out a player personally “by hand” because the jackpot is so high. That may also require a winner to fill out a tax form, although that may not be a major concern considering you’ve just hit it big. These jackpots mean that a player will usually see multiple symbols that occur less frequently on a single spin. A player faces much longer odds in seeing events like this happen. Sometimes these wins may also come in bonus games or free spins. These are extra winning opportunities a player receives by seeing certain symbols in the game to trigger these bonus opportunities. The chances of winning larger prizes may be better in these bonus games, but not necessarily for those much larger jackpots. Pick and indulge in our mesmerizing slots below: Click here to explore all of our free slots. Types of Jackpots Players hoping for a big jackpot always have a shot at a larger payout at least to some degree. But it’s important to remember that a casino has a house edge when it comes to slot machines. There is no legal way to overcome this such as card counting in blackjack or gaining a skill edge at the poker tables. Luck is a key factor in playing a slot machine, especially in winning one of those massive jackpots that make headlines. However, jackpots of various types are available for those who take a seat at a slot machine or play online. According to SciPlay director of slot strategy and performance Kelly Trask, being aware of the various jackpots and your possibilities of winning can help a player form reasonable expectations: When you walk into a casino it’s easy to be distracted by the bright lights, the music and all of the energy behind the bells and whistles of slot machines firing off bonuses and jackpots! Your odds of hitting a jackpot vary greatly on which machine you’re playing and how the RTP to those jackpots are being distributed. Some casinos also have linked jackpots where the Grand Jackpot is shared across multiple machines, every spin on any of those linked machines has a faster chance of being the winning spin! Here’s a look at a few jackpot types. Mini Jackpot – These are smaller jackpots one might find playing a typical slot machine in a casino. These usually come about by triggering certain bonuses or finding a certain number of key symbols on the reels. These may include multipliers that increase a player’s winnings. Mini jackpots are much more common than larger payouts. Obviously the higher the jackpot, the longer the odds are of hitting it. This is the first tier usually on a slot machine’s jackpot sequence. Major Jackpot – This is a larger jackpot than the Mini version and the second tier of larger payouts on slot games. As expected, players face larger odds of achieving this level. While on a penny machine, a Mini Jackpot may be $50 to $100, and a Major may bring a few hundred dollars. Minor Jackpot – This is the third tier of the jackpot and sees that potential payout rises even more. This is a more difficult level to reach because of the longer odds involved. This type of jackpot could register a few thousand dollars for a lucky player. This may not be life-changing money, but any player would be happy to see the bells and whistles on a machine go off to advertise this type of win. Mega Jackpot – This is a hefty payout as the name implies. A player hitting a Mega Jackpot has accomplished something and can usually expect a payout of up to tens of thousands of dollars at least heading their way. These can be huge payouts and don’t come around every day for slot players. They are more difficult to achieve with longer odds. Progressive Jackpot – These are colossal seven-figure and higher jackpots that might even make headlines in the new media. A progressive slot is tied into other machines throughout a certain state or territory. With so many machines feeding money into the prize pool, these potential payouts can get truly astronomical. The odds of winning these types of jackpots can be astronomical as well. For an in-depth guide on mastering slot machine gameplay, click here. Some jackpots may also vary or have slightly different names than those above, but this is the general sequence and names for slot machine jackpots. Some players may also see payouts called Local Jackpots, which are similar to progressives but may include players in a pool smaller than a traditional progressive but still achieving larger jackpots than traditional games. Huge jackpots in these games can also be rare as well. Odds of Winning a Jackpot As noted above, hitting those massive jackpot payouts isn't easy. The reason those huge paydays make news is because they’re not only handing a player massive money, but they’re also extremely rare considering the number of players pumping credits into slot machines around the world each day. The largest jackpot in history came in 2003 at the Excalibur casino in Las Vegas. A software engineer played about $100 in a Megabucks, a popular progressive machine seen at casinos around the world. When three Megabucks symbols stacked up on the screen, this player struck gold – taking home $39.7 million. So what are the odds of actually winning a million-dollar jackpot, not even one at these gargantuan levels as won at the Excalibur? Numerous intricacies in each game can make this vary, but in general, many experts concede that the odds of hitting that kind of jackpot come in the range of 34 million to one or even as high as 100 million to one. Just as a comparison, the odds of getting struck by lightning are about one in a million, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. That shows just how difficult it is to win one of these life-changing prizes. Also, playing progressives to win at this level usually requires betting at the max-bet level and higher stakes. This allows a player to win, but those odds at huge payouts are still long. Here are a few pros and cons of playing progressive slots: PROS Chances at larger payouts Usually, better comps/rewards because of higher limits Better chances at smaller wins because of higher RTP CONS Can deplete a bankroll at higher betting stakes RTP may not be that much better depending on individual games May have more limited game options, depending on the casino or online site Does that mean a player shouldn’t hop in a casino for some fun or fire up the computer or mobile device for some online slots? Certainly not. Slots should be seen as a form of entertainment only with a chance that you could win some money on a gambling excursion. Players regularly win smaller jackpots and these are much more likely than a massive progressive jackpot. A few nice scores and a winning session can make for a fun night spinning those slot machine reels. Improve Your Chances to Win Slot Jackpots Winning jackpots on slot machines primarily relies on chance, and there's no foolproof strategy for guaranteed success. However, you can maximize your odds by choosing high RTP machines, betting responsibly, understanding the game mechanics, considering progressive jackpots, and practicing responsible gambling. While some believe in optimal timing, the key is to enjoy the gaming experience while keeping in mind that it's fundamentally a game of luck. Jackpots: Online Versus Live Casinos As noted, the odds of hitting massive jackpots are long. Online slot players face similar odds, but there are some opportunities to win major payouts at a virtual casino as well. Players playing online casinos or on social media platforms, such as at Jackpot Party, can expect some opportunities to see some major boosts to their credits if those reels line up just right. Do slots pay out better than live casinos when it comes to slot games? Probably not. Your chances of winning largely depend on the RTP of each game, whether in a casino or an online setting. Numerous online sources offer the RTP of individual casinos, whether in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, London, Monte Carlo, or some other location around the world. Many RTP rates are also available for online casinos. An RTP rate can also vary by game, and that can often be found online as well. A game or casino with a 96% RTP has a better shot at winning than a game or property with a 92% RTP. Players having some fun playing in a social gaming environment are usually playing simply for virtual coins and player rewards within the game. These types of games usually pay out more regularly than a real casino. The operator hopes to keep players at the games and there isn't any money involved. Exploring the differences between playing online and live casino slots goes beyond odds and RTP rates to the overall experience. Online casinos offer the availability to play at any time and a large game selection, while brick-and-mortar casinos offer a unique, immersive environment with real social interaction. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, and it all depends on your personal preference. Knowing both the statistical and the social sides of gaming can greatly influence your gaming experience, whether you prefer the convenience of playing online or the lively atmosphere of a casino. Frequently Asked Questions

A few things instantly stand out when taking a seat at a slot machine or grabbing that mobile phone to play online. The reels are certainly a key part of the game, but those symbols on each reel are also what many players are attracted to. Today’s slot developers work to appeal to a broad range of casino players looking to win at the slots. That includes plenty of high-tech sound and graphics as well as unique features that seem to offer players numerous ways to win. These manufacturers also feature every slot theme and character imaginable and make use of these as part of the symbols on each machine. Along with numerous characters and other unique images, designs, and patterns spinning on those reels, developers also work in some additional slot symbols to add even more fun and winning options to each game. Designers also still work in classic slot symbols, and that creativity carries over to online slots and social gaming platforms. Continue reading to learn more about slot machine symbols and their significance to these games. THE MEANING BEHIND SLOT MACHINE SYMBOLS Each symbol on a slot machine is not just for decorative or entertaining purposes; they have specific meanings and implications that can greatly influence a player's chances of winning. Over the years, as slot machines evolved, so did the variety and significance of their symbols. Fruits: Originating from the flavor of gum one could win, these colorful icons are often associated with traditional or classic slots. Cherries might pay out even if only one or two appear on a payline, whereas other symbols require a set of three or more. Bells: Originating from the Liberty Bell machine, bells often act as high-paying symbols today. Bars: Previously a representation of gum packets, the bar symbol is now synonymous with slots, with single, double, or triple bars indicating different payout levels. Sevens: Universally considered lucky, sevens in slot machines typically offer large payouts due to various cultural and religious beliefs. Playing Cards and Suits: Often denoting low-paying symbols, playing cards influenced the very names of slot games in certain regions. Wild and Scatter Symbols: Primarily seen in video slot games, wild symbols can substitute for others to create a winning combo, and scatter symbols can provide free spins or activate bonus rounds. Modern slot machine symbols also delve into realms of creativity and imagination. Many contemporary slots feature symbols aligned with a game's specific theme or narrative, enriching gameplay with special features, bonus rounds, and interactive mini-games. History of Slot Machine Symbols The creation of slot machines can be traced back to 1887 when German immigrant Charles Fey introduced the concept in San Francisco. His invention, the Liberty Bell game, featured three reels where players could insert a nickel to play. Symbols such as fruits, playing cards, and bells decorated these reels, with specific combinations offering rewards like free cigars or drinks, marking the birth of "comps" for slot players. Fey's designs, while elementary by modern standards, rapidly gained popularity, laying the groundwork for a billion-dollar industry. Many of the early symbols remain relevant in today's machines. However, during the Prohibition era, to sidestep gambling restrictions, slot machines mimicked vending machines. They employed symbols like fruits, which corresponded to gum flavors, as a covert means to indicate the flavor of gum a winner would receive. This clever disguise allowed these machines to operate as "trade stimulators" rather than gambling devices. For instance, Chicago’s Stephen Harper Mills in 1907 produced machines that added the bar symbol, originally linked to a chewing gum packet logo. Such innovations showcase how the industry adapted to circumvent legal challenges. Playing cards' prominence as symbols in Australia and New Zealand gave rise to the nickname "pokies." In contrast, England's affinity for fruit symbols led to the terms "fruit machines" or "fruities." Today, the number 7, imbued with its cultural reputation as a lucky symbol, stands as a testament to the early slot symbols' enduring appeal. Decide on your preferred slot from the choices below: Click here to enjoy our wide selection of free slots. MOST COMMON SYMBOLS ON SLOT MACHINES Slot machines have showcased a myriad of symbols over their long history. While many new symbols have been introduced, especially with themed slot games, certain symbols have withstood the test of time and are commonly seen across various machines. Here’s a complete look at classic slot machine symbols that still often appear in games today: Fruits: The quintessential symbols of many slot machines, fruit icons have a storied history dating back to the earliest slot games. Typical fruit symbols include cherries, lemons, oranges, plums, grapes, and watermelons. They're so iconic that slots are often referred to as "fruit machines" in the UK. Bars: The bar symbol, originating from the early designs of slot machines, is another staple. It often appears in various forms, like the single, double, or triple bar. Sevens: Holding a special place in many cultures as a lucky number, the number 7 is a recurring symbol in slots. It might appear in different colors, and in many games, landing a combination of sevens offers high payouts. Bells: This symbol can trace its origins back to the original Liberty Bell slot machine. The bell typically symbolizes a mid-tier payout and is a nod to the roots of slot gaming. Stars: A common sight in both old-school and modern slots, stars can be both standard symbols and indicators of special features or higher payouts. Playing Cards: Playing card symbols, such as A, K, Q, J, 10, and 9, are prevalent in many video slots. They generally represent the lower-value symbols in a game. Jewels and Gems: Symbols of opulence, diamonds, and assorted gems often find their way into slot games. They resonate with themes of luxury, riches, and treasure hunts. SLOT MACHINE SYMBOL TYPES Slot machines have evolved significantly over the years, and with them, the variety and functionality of the symbols they employ. While classic symbols like fruits, bars, and bells still make appearances, modern video slots offer a wider array of symbols, each with its unique feature. Here's a breakdown of some of the most common symbol types: Standard Symbols: These are the basic symbols that you'll see in most slot games, and they often align with the game's theme. In a pirate-themed game, for instance, you might see treasure chests, swords, or pirate hats as standard symbols. These typically offer payouts when matched in combinations on active paylines. Wild Symbols: Wilds are the chameleons of slot symbols. They can substitute for nearly any other symbol (except usually for scatter and bonus symbols) to help create winning combinations. Some slots also offer expanding, stacked, or sticky wilds, each with its unique functionality. Scatter Symbols: Scatter symbols are unique because they don't need to land on an active payline to trigger a win. They can appear anywhere on the reels, and if you get enough of them, they might unlock special features or bonus rounds, such as free spins or multipliers. The name "scatter" comes from the fact that they can be "scattered" anywhere on the reels and still count. Bonus Symbols: These symbols often trigger special bonus rounds or features when they appear in specific combinations. The nature of the bonus round can vary greatly, from simple free spins to complex, interactive mini-games. Multiplier Symbols: As the name suggests, these symbols multiply your winnings. For example, if you have a combination with a 3x multiplier, your winnings for that combination would be tripled. Expanding Symbols: These symbols can expand to cover an entire reel, increasing the chances of forming winning combinations. They are common in modern video slots and often come with impressive animations. Sticky Symbols: Once these symbols land on the reels, they stick in place for a predetermined number of spins or until a special event occurs, increasing the chances of a win on subsequent spins. Progressive Symbols: These symbols are typically found in progressive jackpot slots. When collected or matched in a certain combination, they can trigger a jackpot bonus round or contribute to an increasing jackpot pool. Symbols on Today’s Slot Games Any trip to a casino will include quite a sensory experience when checking out the slot games on the gaming floors. Today’s games have advanced well beyond traditional playing cards, fruits, and 7s on those reels. Those reels have also advanced as well to include even more options when playing. Games are also not based on mechanical reels anymore with most machines even featuring only video options. No longer do the machine’s mechanical inner works and the symbols landed on determine if a player wins or loses. Instead, the machine’s random number generator creates a completely random result which is then represented by the reels on the machine. No doubt gamblers aren’t thinking about this as they look to see those key symbols show up in front of them, but a modern slot is just a computer with the software determining wins and losses. But that doesn’t mean the graphics, video, and slot symbols can’t make playing a fun experience. Quite the contrary, slot machines have advanced to almost becoming video games that involve a bit of gambling along the way. Manufacturers offer something for every taste and interest from movies and TV shows to rock bands, mythology, and fairy tales. Online and social slot games are equally as creative and a quick scan of the games offered at Jackpot Party and you’ll find games focused on: Luck of the Irish Wild animals Gold mining Greek mythology Cute and cuddly puppies and cats Cowboys Aliens from outer space Dragons There are numerous other games and slot themes to choose from as well. As one might expect, some of the more important and interesting characters, images, or animals associated with a game’s theme or storyline are usually some of the most important symbols in a game. These tend to offer players bigger payouts and some even offer opportunities for bonus games, free spins, respins, and maybe even a huge progressive jackpot. Knowing a game's symbols is fun and can add to the excitement and anticipation of seeing which ones appear on those pay lines, but a machine will guide players who can’t keep up with it all. Today’s games highlight those wins with coins/credits hitting your bank on the machine with no need to worry about coins at all. Pop Culture Slots and Symbols What’s great about modern slot machines might just be the sheer number of gaming options available not only on a casino floor but also online, where you can also play for free or even real money depending on your location and jurisdiction. A trend over the last decade or so has been to add even more links among slot games and pop culture. As noted earlier, slot developers also work to appeal to numerous slot players by making use of classic characters from movies and TV shows as well as rock bands, celebrities, and more. As an example, Jackpot Party also includes James Bond Casino Royale, The Flintstones, and Cirque Du Soleil: Kooza. This is just the tip of the iceberg on what is available for players looking for something unique or maybe just for a bit of slot-playing nostalgia. Many symbols in this game of course revolve around Bond and the film itself. For example, fans of 007 will get a kick out of James Bond Casino Royale. In this game, players will be hoping the international superspy helps pave the way for some winnings while on Her Majesty’s secret service. The game features five reels, 25 pay lines, and clips from the film as part of the fun. Conclusion Symbols are the images that appear on a slot game’s reels. While the exact result of a modern slot game may depend on a random number generator, the symbols offer a visual interpretation of the slot’s computer-generated result. Game manufacturers offer plenty of creativity when it comes to themes and storylines and the symbols of the game will represent this. Some of the traditional symbols will pay more than others and offer a chance at winning along the way when playing. However, players are hoping for more key symbols to make an appearance. This can include items such as wilds and scatters. Wild symbols can replace other symbols and offer extra chances at winning combinations. Scatter symbols give you a shot at bonus games and free spins, also meaning more opportunities at winning. Slot machine technology has come a long way from those early days in Charles Fey’s machine shop. Players can now even play right on their mobile phones at sites like Jackpot Party. The games may have changed considerably, but plenty of fun remains.

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