Most people look at the vast array of casino slot machines and assume they are all alike. They see a handle, a coin slot, flashing lights and figure one is as good as another. However, in making this assumption, they fail to see a lot of valuable information to help determine if they should play a particular slot machine.

Read more about how slot machines work in our win at slots article. Slot Machine Question - Do slot machines have a pattern or sequence they follow which can be figured out by intensely analyzing the outcomes? As you can see, playing slots is a very simple way of having some fun gambling at a casino and to have the chance at coming out a winner with little need for skill. In our opinion the most important step is the first one as reading the pay out table is a MUST for every slot player. How Slot Machines & Coin Slots Work Slot machines are the most popular games in any casino, but a lot of people don’t have a clear understanding of how they work. In fact, some people have an out-and-out misunderstanding of how they work, while others are more than willing to take advantage of the gambling public’s ignorance in such matters. Slot machine video from casino expert Steve Bourie that teaches you the insider secrets to winning at slot machines and how a slot machine really works.

Surprisingly perhaps, machines aren't all the same. The best way to separate one from another is to learn how to “read” a machine by looking at the payout schedule on the front. Let’s see what information can be found on a typical slot machine.

Casinos here in the U.S. and abroad keep several types of slot machines in play at any given time. A few you'll most often see:

Multiplier: This machine has a payout for a certain symbol and the number of coins played multiplies it. If the machine pays 5 coins for three lemons when you play one coin, it would pay 10 for the second coin and 15 for three coins played. This machine does not penalize you for not playing maximum coins. If you plan to play only one coin at a time, this is the type of machine you should look for.

Bonus Multiplier: This machine operates like the multiplier but offers a bonus when you play maximum coins and hit the jackpot. Three 7’s may pay 1,000 for one coin, 2,000 for two coins and 10,000 for maximum coins. The central question is whether the bonus is worth playing the extra coin.

Multiple Payline: These machines have more than one line of play. Each coin activates a particular line. If you hit a winner on a line that is not activated, you will not receive anything. The older machines used to have three lines but the newer video slots can have up to nine lines.

Buy-a-Pay: These are the most misunderstood machines in the casino. Each coin activates a different payout. You need the maximum coins to receive the largest jackpot.

One example is the Sizzlin' 7s machines. This machine will pay on cherries, bars, and sevens. The sevens pay 1,000 coins. If you play one coin you collect only on the cherries. If you play two coins you collect on cherries and bars.

Three coins are required to collect on the Sizzlin' 7s. If you hit the jackpot with one coin in you will not win anything -- do not play this machine under any circumstances unless you are playing the maximum coins.

Progressive Slots: The progressive slots take a certain percentage of the money played and add it to a pool for the top jackpot.

First and foremost, It is never wise to play a progressive machine with less than the maximum coins -- stories abound of people losing out on lesser progressive jackpots because of short coin play.

Some casinos link machines together within their own facility to offer mini-progressive jackpots.

Megabucks and Quarter Mania are examples of machines from several casinos linked together to offer 'life-changing jackpots'. It's important to keep in mind that payback percentage on lesser wins is lowered to allow for these jackpots.

All of the information you need is posted on the front of each slot machine. Before sitting down to play, taking a minute to “read” the machine will help make you more knowledgeable in determining which machines may be best suited for you.

Until next time, remember:
'Luck comes and goes...Knowledge Stays Forever.'

How To Read Casino Slot Machines Jackpots

While there are countless variations of video slot machines they are all played in a very similar way. Once you learn what all the buttons do and how to read the payout tables you should be able to play any game without any trouble.

Always remember though that the way you play has no outcome on the reels or the payout percentage. If you ever find a machine that you cannot figure out then ask the casino staff as they will always be happy to assist you.

The Buttons

All video slots have a front area where there are a range of different buttons. All of these buttons have a different use or purpose. In general there are two rows of at least five buttons although this can range from between five and seven.

The back row of buttons tend to be related to the amount of credits you want to bet per line. These go from the lowest on the left to the highest on the right. For example 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 credits per line. The back row buttons also often control the gamble feature.

The front row of buttons include the lines per spin, the bet max button, the cash collect button and in some cases a help button. The purpose of these buttons is explained in detail below.

Lines Per Spin
These buttons control how many lines you are betting on per game

Bet Max
This button automatically bets the maximum number of coins and starts the game

Cash / Collect
Press this button to take your money out of the slot machine.

Help / View Payouts
On some slots this lead to additional screens of game information

Read the Pay Table

In general the pay table of a video slot machine can be in one of three places. On the top front of the game above the screen, on the lower panel below the screen or on the screen itself accessible via a view payouts or help button.

Before you play you should take a minute or two to read all of the information on the payout table as it will contain information on the games payouts, the bonus features and betting requirements. If max bet is required for a jackpot the pay table will always indicate this so it is relatively easy to find out.

Step by Step Guide

How To Read Casino Slot Machines Free Play

Step 1 : Read the pay out table before you do anything else
Step 2 : Insert coins or bills and confirm that you have the correct amount of credits
Step 3 : Choose your credits per line
Step 4 : Choose your lines per spin
Step 5 : Start the reels spinning
Step 6 : Win or lose
Step 7 : Go back to step 5
Step 8 : Press Collect to take out your cash

How To Read Casino Slot Machines Without

As you can see, playing slots is a very simple way of having some fun gambling at a casino and to have the chance at coming out a winner with little need for skill. In our opinion the most important step is the first one as reading the pay out table is a MUST for every slot player.