Pokies Glossary
Autoplay
This is a special option in pokies online, thanks to which one can automatically play a certain number of spins or rounds. This way there is no need to manually press the button every time. You can choose both the quantity and special conditions for stopping (for example, the appearance of a bonus round).
Bonus round
This option in slots allows players to have a chance to win additional rewards on top of the standard payouts. To activate it, you need to collect a specific combo of symbols. There can be different formats, from free spins to multi-level mini-games.
Bonus symbols
These are special icons in pokies that act as a trigger for bonus features when a certain number of them appear on the reels. They do not immediately give the usual payouts, but open up additional gameplay. An example would be free spins or mini-games.
Cascading reels
This is a characteristic in some online slots where winning symbols are removed from the reels after a payout, allowing new ones to fall into their place. This represents a chain reaction and can create additional wins from a single bet.
Expanding wilds
This is a type of wild symbol in pokies, which expands on the reel and takes up more positions. It converts standard icons into similar wilds and thus increases the chances of winning.
Freespins
This type of bonus allows players to spin the reels for free without withdrawing money from their balance. They are often provided as part of a welcome bonus or special promotions and provide a greater chance of making a profit without additional expenses.
Hit frequency
This is an indicator of how often the slot machine is likely to make a winning combo rather than a losing one. Expressed as a percentage value. For example, if a pokie has a hit frequency of 27%, it means that, on average, 27 out of 100 spins will show a profit.
Megaways
It is a unique slot mechanic that offers a dynamic number of ways to win. This system with unfixed paylines and non-standard layout allows you to land a random number of symbols of different sizes on each spin.
Multipliers
These are features within pokies that multiply winnings by a predetermined figure and can be triggered in various ways. For example, if a player wins $20 on a spin and activates a 2x multiplier, it will increase the prize to $40.
Payline
This is a specific line on the pokies reels on which the matching symbols must fall in order to form a winning combo. Traditional slots often feature a single, straight payline across the middle, while modern ones can have multiple ones in various patterns (from zigzag to diagonal).
Paytable
This is a chart or pop-up window that explains the payouts for various combos, bonus features, and rule details. It shows how much you can win for each combination of symbols based on the bet size. It also provides details on how to trigger special features like free spins or bonus rounds.
Progressive jackpot
This is a jackpot that constantly increases as soon as someone plays this game (for example, it can be some pokie). This happens by adding a small percentage of the bet to the prize pool. After winning, the size drops to a certain minimum level and begins to increase again.
Re-spins
This feature in pokies gives players an extra spin without having to make a new bet. This can happen as a result of a special combo or as part of a bonus feature.
RNG or Random Number Generator
This is a computer algorithm that is used by almost all online casino sites to ensure randomness of games and fairness. This technology is crucial for maintaining the integrity of Internet gambling.
RTP or Return to Player
This is a value calculated for each individual slot, which shows the percentage of return of the slot machine to the player in the long term. This is a statistical parameter that takes into account spins made by hundreds of players around the world. For example, an RTP of 95% means that, on average, for every $100 wagered, the game will return $95 in winnings.
Scatter symbols
These are special icons in pokies that may trigger bonuses or rewards, often regardless of their position or paylines. This is usually a bright and noticeable symbol that stands out from the rest. Like other icons, scatters appear randomly on the reels and they offer players a chance at extra wins without additional bets.
Sticky wilds
This is a type of wild symbol in pokies that does not disappear after the first spin. It remains in its place on the reel for several spins and this increases the chances of making a good combination and making a profit.
Volatility
It is a statistical indicator of slots that is determined by their developers. It refers to the risk level associated with a pokie, indicating how often and how much it tends to pay out. There are high volatility machines (bigger risks for bigger rewards) and low ones (smaller payouts more often).
Wager
This concept means the amount of money that a player bets on a round (for example, one spin in a slot or one hand in a card game). This amount is of great importance, since the possible winnings, as well as the size of the jackpot (if any), directly depend on it.
Wagering requirements
This term is directly related to online casino bonuses. Such requirements determine how much a player must bet in games before he has the opportunity to withdraw winnings received from bonus money. For example, a $100 bonus with a 40x wagering requirement means that you must make $4,000 worth of bets before any cashout.
Wild symbol
This is a special icon in slots that has a unique function – it can replace any other symbol on the reels. It can be compared to a joker card in a deck. For example, one wild next to two other identical icons on a payline can be considered a third, and this turns into a winning payline.