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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?

Playing a slot machine can bring hours of entertainment and excitement, but like many games, these popular devices have their distinct terminology. Beginners may be a bit overwhelmed when playing at a live casino or on an online gaming platform. From jackpots and payout percentages to bonus games and progressive games, numerous terms exist to learn and consider when jumping into the action. While not a complete grasp of all the ins and outs of a slot isn't required, having a basic knowledge can be understandable. With that in mind, here's a look at some of the terminology that goes along with playing a slot at your local casino or simply on your mobile phone. This article offers readers everything they might need to know about slot terminology and some of the key concepts synonymous with slot machines. Slot Payout and Money-Related Terminology These terms involve a player's money and credits on a machine. You'll find these terms helpful in adding credits to a machine, determining how much to play for, and what to expect when cashing out. Balance – This is the amount of money you have in the machine. Once you deposit your money, you should see this on-screen in the form of credits for that machine. For example, if you slide $100 into a 25-cent machine, the balance should be 400 credits. This amount goes up and down depending on winning and losing spins. Cash-out – This simply means taking your funds out of the machine. There is usually a "cash out" icon on the screen or a real button on the machine itself. Once a player has cashed out, he or she will receive a voucher. This can be used in other slots instead of cash or can be taken to the cashier to exchange for cash as well. Online slot players can also cash out their winnings and go to a different game. Coin-in – This is an industry term for the amount of money input into a machine. Slot machines pay a certain percentage of coin-in back to players. Credits (also known as units) – This is the amount of a coin-in you have inserted into a machine. A single credit is the lowest denomination allowed on a machine. For example, a player on a penny machine may put in $20. That would mean the player would have a balance of 2,000 credits to begin the session. Minimum bet – As the name implies, this is the minimum credit that can be bet on a certain slot game online or in a live casino. Payline –  These are the lines on a machine or online slot where the game's symbols must line up to determine a winner. The paylines can be horizontal but also vertical, diagonal, and run in other directions, especially on video slots. On more traditional-type slots, these can be found right on the exterior of the machine in front of the reels. However, on video slots, the paylines can be determined in many ways and the machine will visually display the multiple ways a player has won using paylines. Also, players have the option to play numerous paylines on modern video slots as well. This system can also be found on online free slots. Active payline – These are all the paylines in play during a certain spin of the reels. A player with the max paylines will have all paylines active on each spin. Payout Percentages (also known as RTP, meaning a return to player) – This is the amount of coin-in paid back to players at a particular casino. These numbers are usually available online, and finding properties with better payout percentages may offer a better chance for players to win. Players may want to look for rates above 90 percent. Occasionally, some of these get higher than 95 percent. Pay Tables – This is a chart (or table) found on the machine itself or the screen of a video slot. This details the combinations that will win and how much they return depending on the slot machine symbols that appear on the machine. The table features several rows to show higher levels of combinations and also columns that show various payouts depending on the number of credits paid per spin. Progressive Slots – Progressive jackpots are slot games that are linked to a certain region or jurisdiction. A certain amount of each player's spin is siphoned into a much larger prize pool. With so many players linked together, those player pools can grow extremely large. Online slot players can also benefit from playing these types of games as well. Some of these mega jackpots regularly pay out seven figures; historically, some have even reached eight figures. Click here to learn how to play progressive slots. Ticket or voucher – The paper coupon printed by a slot machine when a player cashes out. This functions as cash at a slot machine and can be input at another slot to continue playing. You can also exchange these for real cash at the casino cashier or kiosks throughout the property. Take your pick and enjoy our incredible slots below: Click here to dive into our wide array of free slots. Slot Gameplay Terminology Auto-play/Auto-spin – This is a setting on a slot where the reels spin automatically and a player doesn't have to keep hitting the "spin" button. Auto-play spins the reels automatically for a certain amount of time, with atop-spin keeps the reels spinning for a certain number of spins. Basic slot – This is a traditional-style slot with only one payline and fixed payouts. Bonus game – This is an extra game aside from the normal spinning of reels on a game. Players can activate these bonus features depending on a combination of symbols that show up on the machine. These games may have players making certain selections or competing in other forms. Bonus games offer players a chance at more significant wins and can help create a winning session. Second screen bonus – A bonus game that shifts the action to another screen, often found above the main screen. These usually offer players options and other secondary games to determine further winnings and possibly a jackpot. Cascading reels (also known as tumbling reels) – This is another fun twist seen on some modern slots where certain symbols disappear, with others sliding in to take their place. Free play – These are free spins often given to players who join a casino's slot club (also known as a players club or a rewards club). Many casinos offer a certain amount of free play just for signing up for the club. You may also earn free play as you accumulate reward points for playing. Free spins – This is a type of bonus that certain symbol combinations in a game can also trigger. The game often begins spinning the reels automatically and counts down from the free spins. Players can accumulate wins and credits without having to dip into their balance. This offers an opportunity for players to accumulate extra wins toward a nice session. Hit frequency – This is the term used for the number of times a slot may be expected to pay out. Hopper – This type of machine features an option where players can keep certain lines on one spin and then "hop" them into another. This gives players an extra shot at landing highly-sought combinations that might result in larger wins. Jackpot – This is a larger than the typical payout on a slot machine. Players will usually find that games in a live casino and online have several jackpot tiers, from a small jackpot to even much larger payouts. These are often mini, major, minor, and mega jackpots. That range offers players multiple ways to win more than the average amount that can be found on an average spin of the reels. Players on online slots also have a shot at these jackpots. Loose slots – These slots are deemed to have a high payout percentage, meaning that a higher-than-normal amount of coin-in is paid back out to players. These offer players a higher chance at a winning session. Max bet – A player is betting the maximum amount of credits per spin allowed on a machine. There is often a "max bet" button on the machine itself or as an icon on the screen. Max bets pay the most for win on the pay table. Players usually have from one to five credits allowed to be played per spin. Mobile slots – Games that can be played on a mobile phone or tablet device. This is a fast-growing segment of real-money casino gaming, but this can also refer to free-to-play games. In addition, social gaming in the form of fun and free slot games has also seen significant growth in the gaming industry. Multiplier – This symbol or image allows players to see their point total multiplied by a certain amount if activated. Nudge slot – This is a popular feature on many modern slots in which machine may "nudge" the reels up or down into a winning position. What may have looked like a losing spin may turn into a winner once the nudge function repositions the symbols on the reels. Reels –  vertical cylinders spin within a traditional slot machine that display various symbols to help determine a player's win or loss. Originally, these were mechanical devices, and where they stopped was totally determined by the mechanics of the machine. In modern slots, however, the random number generator (RNG) determines a winning spin. Many games that look like traditional machines may still have reels, but the RNG still determines where they stop and with what symbols are displayed. Video slots, including digital online and social gaming slots, also feature "reels". Still, these are simply graphical, but mimic a slot's traditional look and feel but with modern gameplay twists. Three-Reel Slot – As the name implies, these are simply games featuring three vertical reels as found in traditional slots Five-Reel Slot – This is just simply a game with five spinning reels. There were three reels when slots were invented, but games have expanded through the years to offer more reels and ways to win. 3-D slots - 3-D slots are modern video slots often found online that feature three-dimensional images and graphics. RNG – This stands for "random number generator" and is the key to how the results turn out on a modern slot game. No longer do machines make use of mechanical reels to determine if a player wins. Instead sophisticated software and casino algorithms are used as part of the machine's random number generator to determine completely random winners. Slot tournaments – These are multi-player contests in which players spin the reels of a slot machine in competition. Casinos often run these as promotions for loyal players. Slot tournaments are often large payouts and other prizes from the casino for winners. Symbols (also known as icons) – These are the graphical images used on the front of reels as well as on video and online slots that visually display a slot result. If the RNG determines a win then these will align in a certain pattern or combination. Traditional and historic symbols include fruits, bars, 7s, playing cards and suits, and much more. Video slots now use numerous symbols, video, and other graphical elements. Wild multiplier – A wild symbol that can activate a multiplier when triggered, giving a player more winnings than might otherwise have been awarded. Those winnings are multiplied by a certain amount. Other slot terms Here are some other terms players may want to know as they begin playing slot games. Free play – This is free slot play usually given to players as a reward for a certain accomplishment. Many casinos offer free play for those who join the casino's rewards program. Regular players in a players club may also earn free play as they accumulate reward points. Hold percentage – This is a casino's amount of money played into a slot machine. This is the house edge and the money a casino collects from all players' coin-ins. Hot and cold slots – Generic terms for a machine that has been paying out a lot (hot) and one that hasn't been paying out (cold). However, these notions are mostly a myth with modern slot machines, as the RNG determines random winners. Lever – This is a remnant of early slots in which a player pulled a lever on the side of the machine to spin the reels. Modern technology has made this part of a slot machine obsolete. However, some machines still offer a lever as a throwback to those classic machines. You can pull the lever to activate the reels, but the lever doesn't have a mechanical function. The machine's computer activates the reels with the lever functioning like the "spin" button. Licensed slots – This refers to a game using a popular character, TV show, movie, or other brands in pop culture. This has become a trend in modern slot games, with more slot manufacturers offering players a bit of pop culture or nostalgia. Mechanical slots – This refers to older, classic mechanical slot machines that feature real mechanical mechanisms inside the machine. Modern slots no longer need mechanical parts or a lever crank to get the reels spinning. Mobile slots – These are just online slots that can be played on a cell phone or tablet device. Multi-line slots – These are games that feature numerous paylines beyond just the traditional horizontal paylines found on older machines. Players club (also known as a loyalty or rewards club) is the casino's program to reward loyal players. Those who play often at the casino can earn free play., hotel stays, food comps, and other prizes. It pays to join the rewards club. Players will receive a player card to insert every time they play a slot game. This helps track your play so that you accumulate points based on your play. Online casinos may also have rewards programs that offer prizes and bonuses. Volatility – Refers to a game's payout frequency. Those with a "high volatility" pay out high amounts but with fewer payouts overall. "Low volatility" slots pay out more often but in smaller amounts overall. Conclusion These are some basic terms a player may want to be familiar with when heading to play some slots. However, don't get overburdened with jargon. Instead, learn the basics, know what you're getting into, and have fun!