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Slots are undoubtedly the most popular casino games played online, with hundreds of different varieties for players to choose from. With so many varied themes and gameplay mechanics, it’s no surprise that online Slots remain at the top of the charts.
But beyond the core concept of spinning the reels, how much do you know about online Slots and games like Gold Cash Free Spins? Read on to see if you already know these key facts about Slots and how these games work.
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Online Slots run on random number generators
Unlike classic slot machines, which used mechanical parts like gears and levers, online Slots determine the outcome of their spins through random number generators (RNGs). These computer algorithms ensure that every spin is completely independent of any other, with results that are random and unpredictable.
When a player activates a spin, the RNG locks in its current set of randomly generated numbers, each of which will line up with a symbol on the reels. This allows the game to determine where the reels will stop at the end of their spin, even without any mechanical mechanisms.
RNGs also mean that there is no such thing as ‘hot’ or ‘cold’ slot games, as every spin has the same odds no matter what.
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The first online slot game was launched in 1996
As slot games in land-based casinos were already almost entirely digital, this made the jump to online play simple for Slots. That’s why slot games were among the first to debut on the first online casino in 1996.
Early online Slots were limited in their graphics and gameplay, due to the technology of the time. But they still allowed players to spin the reels over the internet for the first time.
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Slots have more themes than any other casino game
Many other casino games have varieties, whether that’s Roulette or Blackjack, but none of them have the same number of different themes as online Slots.
There are more slot game designs and themes than we can list here, with theming based around concepts from ancient civilisations and mythology to pop culture and wildlife. In terms of variety, no other casino game comes close to the hundreds of different slot games available to choose from.
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Progressive jackpots continue to grow
Some online Slots still offer fixed jackpots – where the value always remains the same – but many others use progressive jackpots. These jackpots have the potential to grow larger than fixed jackpots, as a fraction of every wager goes towards the pot.
Linked games can see their jackpots climbing into the hundreds of thousands, or even higher over time. The odds of landing the jackpot combination are lower in progressive jackpot games compared to fixed ones.
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How the return to player percentage works
All online Slots list a factor known as the return to player (RTP) percentage on their information pages. This is an important piece of information when deciding on which game to play, as it gives an indication of the relative risk.
An RTP of 95% indicates that a game will – on average – return 95 out of every 100 wagered. But this is worked out over a very long timeframe, so it doesn’t guarantee any short-term outcomes.
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How many of these facts did you already know? Understanding the inner workings of Slots is important for any player, especially when choosing between different games.