A slot machine is a specialized gaming machine that often includes a display screen, control panel, and computer software. A random number generator is used to issue the characters or other game units (like cards), such as when the game is played (RNG). Gambling may be entered into quickly and easily without having to invest money if you play pokies online. Play now at the Onesouthafricaforall.

Types of pokies

Machines for gambling entertainment are broadly divided into two groups. The first is the mechanical machines found in land-based gambling establishments. They consist of:

• a casing with a coin-operated device;
• screen;
• a lever to spin the reels or a control panel with buttons;
• a bucket to dispense the winnings.

The old mechanical machines offered players to spin three reels, and combinations fell on 1-10 prize lines. Modern mechanical slot machines have a variety of reels, prize lines, and special bonuses.

Online slots are digital copies of mechanical machines found on numerous online casino sites. In most cases, the physical and digital versions are identical (e.g., Igrosoft, Novomatic), but some manufacturers make changes, such as additional bonus games. There are no restrictions on the number of reels and paylines in online slots.

Features of free and paid machines

As a rule, the user can play without registration. The casino website allows the user to open and play slots for free. Demo currency is credited to the account. The winnings are accrued in the reels.

Register on the casino website and make a deposit. Funds from the deposit are used instead of demo coins and credits. After the game, session winnings are transferred to the player’s account in his cabinet. Casino operators have different conditions for withdrawing funds from your account.

Account management is the main difference between the free and paid versions of slot machines. Whereas in free slots, it is sufficient to refresh the page to get an updated balance, you need to make real money in paid slots.

The control panel

The machine consists of the main playing field, where the reels are located, and the control console, where the buttons are located. As a rule, on the console, there are keys:

• Bet – used to set the rate per line;
• Lines – allows you to select the active prize lines;
• Max Bet – sets the maximum bet per line and the number of lines;
• Spin – starts a single spin of the reels;
• Autoplay – starts a series of automatic spins.

Button names vary depending on the machine. To familiarize yourself with the keys’ functions, you can usually find them in the game guide.

Also, on the control panel, there are info blocks that show the total bet per spin (how much one reel will cost), winnings per spin, and the player’s balance.

Bonuses and prizes

You may play slot machines for free without having to worry about your gaming account’s balance. However, even the demo cash is designed to be multiplied rather than spent. As a result, you may use methods and strategies from sophisticated versions of free slots.

First and foremost, we are discussing bonus rounds and additional rewards on free slots. Before beginning a game session, read the paytable or the machine’s regulations. All of the extra rounds are detailed here, as well as the availability of risk games and their restrictions, and unique requirements for receiving bonuses.

Often bonuses are brought by special symbols.

• “Wild” symbol – appearing on a line can replace any simple image to form a winning combination. Sometimes, in addition to this property, wild still increases the payout for combinations in which it participates. There are several variants of the “wild”:
• “sticky” – after a roll, it is fixed on the reels for one more spin;
• “expanding” – after the image “unfolds” and fills the entire reel;
• “shifting” – with each spin moves one reel to the left or right;
• “Filling” – the image is immediately dropped by three or four cells to cover the entire reel.

The Scatter (Scatter) symbol often brings rewards (payouts or bonuses) without reference to the lines and location on the reels. In most slot machines, the scatter payout is calculated based on total, not line bets. Most often, scatter brings free spins (free spins).

Bonus is a special symbol that does not usually earn a payout but only activates a bonus round. Sometimes it counts without reference to the lines and location on the reels. However, some slots require two or more symbols to fall in certain positions.

Also, apart from the bonus rounds, some slots have a risk game (upside-down game, Gamble, Double Up). This particular round becomes available on any winning combination at the end of a spin. The essence of the risk game is to guess the color or suit of a hidden card. In some versions, it is necessary to choose a card higher in value than that of the virtual dealer. The player receives a 2 or 4 times increased amount for a correct answer. An incorrect choice results in losing the bet.

Game strategies

In addition to using bonuses and risk games, you can vary the style of play. For example, raise the line bet by one level with each spin, starting with the minimum. This is a rather costly method but allows you to recoup the demo credits already invested at high stakes.

Another, also quite costly, way of playing is called “swing.” Its essence is that the player alternately assigns the minimum or maximum bet per line. The obvious disadvantage of this approach – a winning combination can fall out on the minimum line bet and bring a few demo credits.

But since the accessible version restricts the number of demo credits, you can try a variety of strategies.

Conclusion

Free slot machines are universally available for personal computers, mobile devices, and tablets. The only requirement is a stable Internet connection. Then, you can play anywhere and online slots of all manufacturers.