Carousel: A group of slot machines.

Free game: available here at Top Casino Offers: free slot machine games

Hopper: This is where the money is stored inside the machine. 

Low Level: Slot machines you can sit at to play.

Payback: The percentage of winnings a machine will payout in relation to the amount put in.

Pay for Play Machines: These are generally one-two-three coins option slot machines with staggered payoffs. The more coins you put the better the payoffs.

Payline: The line at which the symbols must align to win.

Progressive Slots: A group of slot machines called a Carousel linked together to pay one common big jackpot.

Reels: The rotating narrow barrels on which the symbols appear.

Stand Up: Slot machines where you play standing up.

Take/Pay Cycle: Based on the assumption that most slot machines work on cycles, it is when to expect a machine to pay out following a certain amount of coins fed into it.

Tilt: When a machine stops operation, usually following a malfunction.

Slot machines are not a game of skill and therefore it is difficult or impossible to device a strategy that gives the player the advantage. So if you're one of the 70 percent willing to do battle against these cybernetic one-armed bandits, some of these slot tips below will help you overcome the casino's huge house advantage.

The only true skill to playing slots is machine identification. Example: progressive machines offer the opportunity to compare and shop around for the best value. One 25 cent "slot machine carousel" can have a progressive jackpot of $2,600, and another bank of machines- exactly the same and standing side by side-$1,900. You should always be looking for the best slot opportunities possible.

The same goes for online progressive machines. Comparison shop! There are tons of online progressive machines, and since they are all connected to different casinos, not just other machines, the jackpots can be huge. Surf around, check them out.

Casinos will advertise machines that have a 98.5 percent payback. WOW! A casino game holding just a percent and a half, and on a slot machine no less. But there's a down side. If you look closely at the advertisement, it will probably say "on select machines." Furthermore, it probably won't be posted on the machine itself, and it will generally be limited to a single bank of machines in the casino. Now it becomes your responsibility to find them. Easiest way: Ask a slot employee, and if he or she doesn't know, have one of them ask a direct supervisor. They will tell you, it's their job to serve you, not protect the casino's money!

Casinos give away millions of dollars in comps each year, and as a slot player, you deserve your share. Repeat, you deserve your share. How? Casinos now offer you the ability to "comp yourself" by using one of their player's club slot cards. It's generally based on the number of coins you cycle through a machine, so you might as well get credit for all those quarters you're inserting. Shop casinos for comp value and find out what you're worth to them.

Again, in the comp department, online casinos have their own programs, and they usually beat the land based casinos. Online casinos have a much lower overhead, they don't have an electric bill and they don't pay any dealers a salary. They also have a lot more competition, and they know it. So they're willing to go the extra mile to keep you as a player. Shop around and see who's willing to give you what you want, aside from the awesome games.

You always want to treat "comps" as a form of profit, but you never want to gamble just to receive them. It's much better to play a 98percent payback machine and increase your winning opportunities than play machines with a poor return that cycle more of your coins. Remember, you're there to stay in action and possibly win, not lose your bankroll for a free buffet.

If you can't afford to play the maximum amount of coins, you shouldn't be playing that denomination of machine. If dollar slots are too rich for your blood, drop down to a quarter machine. It's always better value to play five quarters versus one dollar or five nickels instead of one quarter.

It is recommended not to play back the credits you've accumulated. Cash out and take stock. The problem with playing back credits is that the longer you stay, the machines built-in advantage eats away at them. It doesn't take long to zero out.

Can't decide which type of slot machine to play? If you're going to choose between video poker and slots, play video poker. Even poor play on a video poker machine will have a better payback than most slot machines. Check out the Video Poker School for some tips and strategies.

Before you walk away from a machine, don't forget to press the cash-out button. Millions are lost each year by gamblers forgetting their winnings (stored credits).

It is your responsibility, if destiny favours you, that you receive full payment when hitting a jackpot. Even with some relatively small jackpots, if the slot is short coins in the hopper, you'll receive only a partial cash payment in the tray, with the balance to be paid by a slot attendant. If you were to insert more coins and pull the handle, say bye-bye to the remainder of your jackpot.

Read all the posted material on a slot machine. It is your responsibility to fully understand all printed information concerning the number of coins to insert, lines needed to be lit, prizes or awards. In most cases, when someone calls a slot attendant over and complains the machine "just ripped me off," that individual generally didn't read the pay schedule correctly.

When you insert coins, don't assume all the tokens register before you pull the handle. Played five but only four recorded? Sorry. You'll get a sympathetic pat on the back from the casino, but no money.

Avoid machines that use video representations of symbols. With these slots, there is absolutely no way to figure out what the payoff percentage of that machine is.

Most casinos will hold a slot for you while you go to the restroom, take a short break or even go on a buffet run. Just ask a slot supervisor to reserve your machine and give a specific time when you'll return.

Don't chain yourself to a cold machine, even if it's your favourite. Why? Because the longer you stay on any slot, the more time the machine's built- in mathematical advantage has to work you over. This is how casinos build megaresorts, time always working on their side and a mathematical edge on each and every slot.

When searching for high payback machines, ask a few employees where the local players find the best slot value. Simply put, locals don't play dog machines.

The rules for slots are one of the simplest set of rules for any casino game. There ARE no real rules. All the player has to do is drop coins in the slot and pull the handle or push the spin button.

The payoff table tells players what the winning combinations of symbols are for that machine and what each combination pays based on the number of coins put in for the spin. Players have a much greater chance of hitting any of the lower-paying combinations.

There are basically two kinds of slot machines: flat tops / straight slots, and progressives. These slots are essentially the same, but for one feature: flat tops will pay the winner a predetermined amount, whereas progressive slots have a jackpot that grows by a percentage of each coin played. Oftentimes a number of progressive machines feed into one jackpot where any machine in the group can win, and the jackpot grows into an astronomical amount. These groupings can be a number of machines in one casino, or can be tied to all of the same machines in a whole state. Progressive machines can be identified by flashing electronic payoff signs displayed either on top of the machine or above a grouping.

The most common machines have three reels, but casinos do offer machines with four or five. When it comes to the odds of winning what is most important are the number of reels a machine has, and how many symbols are displayed on each reel. Essentially, the greater the number of reels and symbols, the harder it is to hit the jackpot or any other winning combination. The number of symbols on each reel is programmed into the computer that operates the slot machine, and the actual number of symbols depends on the size of the jackpot that the machine offers. The reason for the programmed symbols is to make the jackpot rare enough that the machine will generate enough money to pay for the jackpot and yield a profit for the casino. Most machines are set to pay out anywhere from 83 to 98 percent of the coins that are played in the course of a pay cycle.

This usually one of the favourite games to play for casino fans because of the anticipation that the next spin will be a winning one. It is a popular game for beginners because it is just them against the machine. They don't have to worry about rules and regulations, or being laughed at by the other players for making a bad play, all they have to do is try to hit the jackpot by matching the highest paying symbols on one of the pay lines.

An enterprising American, Charles Fey, began inventing and manufacturing slot machines in 1894 from his workshop in San Francisco. Fey pioneered many innovations of coin operated gaming devices, including the original three reel, bell slot machine in 1898.

This "Liberty Bell" is considered to be the grandfather of all modern American slot machines as its basic design continues to be used in mechanical gaming devices today. The simple mechanical devices with three old-style reels holding 20 symbols have evolved into microprocessor-controlled devices with up to five spinning reels holding hundreds of symbols.

It was during the 1930's that slot machines began to proliferate across the US, and in the late 40's the infamous Bugsy Siegel added machines to his Flamingo Hilton hotel in Las Vegas. Originally installed as a way to entertain the wives and girlfriends of high rollers, revenue from the slot machines soon began supplanting that of the table games. In the mid 1980's the popularity of slot machines and table games were on par with each other, but by the 90's slots had taken over and now account for over two-thirds of casino revenue in the US! Apparently casino enthusiasts greatly enjoy the spinning wheals and the excitement of the winning bells!

Slot machines gained their universal appeal in casinos because unlike the other games, they are played at the pace of the player and don't require the player to have any skill. Commonly referred to as "one-armed bandits", the goal of the game is to spin the reels so that the symbols on all reels line up on the payline in a winning combination. When this occurs, the slot machine pays out according to the payoff table posted on its front.

There are many different types of machines, and whether playing a progressive or a straight slot, players will be faced with a number of choices. Machines vary on denomination of coins, the number of reels, how many coins to play, and single or multiple paylines. And now there are even similar 'Video' Poker machines based the same idea as slots.

Since the quarter and dollar machines are most popular, they can be found in many areas on the casino floor. Nickel machines can still be found in small pockets, depending on the casino. For the high-rolling player, casinos have instituted $5, $25, and $100 machines segregated to special VIP areas. These machines require the use of custom coin tokens or cash bills.

On average, machines operate on a two or three coin maximum. When it comes to multiple coin playing machines, there are subtle variations. With some machines, the number of coins played is proportional to the payoff, and with others, the payoff is more than proportional. Some machines don't even pay a jackpot on one coin, and the three-coin jackpot often pays 150% of a two-coin win. In this case it is best to play the maximum number of coins.

When players hit one of the smaller winning combination they will be paid automatically by the machine. The larger jackpots however, will be paid out directly by a casino employee who is notified by a light on the top of the machine. Each casino's slot payoffs will vary.

If you are ready to wrestle with the one arm bandits, try playing on various Free Online Slot Machines.

Playing slots on the internet works much the same way as slot machines in more tradtiotnal casinos. You put coins in a slot, pull an arm, and hope the same pictures on the reels line up. However, online slots offer the convenience of being able to play without leaving your home, any time of the day. And on most sites, the payout is set as high as the highest paying machines in Los Vegas; which means that, generally, it can be more profitable than real life slots.

Like it's real life counterpart, online slots are one of the most popular casino games. Both online and off, any people find slots less stressful and easier to play than games such as blackjack and roulette. They are a simple, carefree game based on luck.

If you have never played online slots, you may want to start by finding a site that lets you play with virtual money. That way you can familiarize yourself with without loosing money. Once you are comfortable playing, you can start gambling with real money. Just as with real life slots, when playing online slots you have the potential to make money, but you also have the potential to loose money. Check into sites to find out which have the highest payout percentage.

Many people worry that you may get cheated; but these machines are powered by random number generators, and the results of every game are generated completely randomly. If you go to reputable sites, you do not have to worry about being cheated. The best way to avoid scams is to read reviews and recommendations for multiple sites.

Some people also worry about giving out their credit card information online. Again, if you do a bit of research and go to reputable sites, you don't have to worry. Your credit card information will be sent over an encrypted connection to a secure server. Just to make sure, do a spyware and virus scan on your computer before putting in your credit card information anywhere over the internet.

Just as with real life slots, there are different types of online. Although all online slots are really video slots, there are some that imitate three reel, five reel, and slots jackpots. You can play different online games and find out which type works best for you.

Slot machines have evolved a whole lot since the days of a single payline with only stars, bells and numbers on them. Not only are there ones with multiple paylines and more than the standard three reels, but some have gone high-tech, with Video Slots now a huge draw at most casinos.

Below is a list and synopsis of the most popular types of Slots variations, along with examples of each type that you would find at an online casino.

* Free Slots: Believe it or not, more and more online casinos are offering free Slots and other games. These are often called 'fun' games, 'demo' or 'practice' games. Of course, if you hit on a winning combination in these free games, then you don't get any money, since none was wagered. But these Slots provide a very good service in that they allow a player to get familiar with each type of Slot machine offered by that particular casino. They also allow for people to preserve their bankroll while elongating their playing time by letting people play for free. This is a great tool to hone any strategy you might be using as well.
* Traditional Slots: These are remarkably similar to the original Slot machines that came about in the 1800s. They have only three reels inside of them and only one payline. They can be played with single or multiple coins though to increase your payout should you hit on a winning combination. Popular examples of this type of Slot on the internet would be Pharoah's Fortune, Cash Splash, Diamond 7s and Wow Pot.
* Five-Reel Slots: This is exactly what it sounds like, a traditional Slot with two extra reels on it. The extra reels usually make the game more exciting and can also make for more winning combinations as well. Many Video Slots are five reels as well. Some popular online casino five-reel Slots would be Treasure Nile and Genie's Gems.
* Multi-line Slots: This can be either a traditional three-reel game or the fancier five-reel game. But either way, this type of Slot would have more than one payline, like traditional slots. There could be three, five or more different ways to win. Some of the more popular Video Slots can have as many as 15 lines. These lines can be horizontal, cross-ways or even some odd combination of slanted or crooked lines. Some examples at actual online casinos include Flower Power, Fruit Fiesta and Treasure Nile.
* Progressive Slots: This type of Slot is a part of a group of Slots that have a jackpot connecting them. The jackpot increases with each play. One lucky person will hit the spin that pay out the jackpot, which at some online casinos can be over a million dollars. Find high paying progressive slots on the Swiss Casino.
* Bonus Slots: This is a Slot machine (typically the video kind) that, after a win allows for a bonus round of play. Depending on the type of bonus round, you can double your winnings, or go even further and multiply them many times over. There is potential for a big win this way.

To be a good slots player you should know some basic slot terms. It is vital to know basic slot language whn entering a casino (land based or online).

RNG Random Number Generator : it is a computer chip inside the machine, which job is to select hundreds of random numbers and symbols every second. The chip is very fast and it is working even when noone plays the slot machine. Every number is related to specific symbol combination that is randomly chosen when someone plays the slot machine. As you can imagine the smallest number of combinations represents jackpots. This program computer chip is also designed to determine that particular slot's average payout %.  No slot machine will pay back its preset payoff percentage rate every time. Because the final outcome of every spin is randomly selected.

Reels: specially made wheels/reels with symbols on them. Mostly there are three reels, sometimes five.

Slot Schedule: this is the basic slot information, it should be placed at the front of the slot machine. Describes the slot type, denomination, and win ammounts for each combination. It is important to read this information before you start playing.

Loose/Tight slots: Loose slots will have better payoffs to a certified high of 100%, on average over a period time. A machine will have a symbol; let's say 2-3 cherries, which pay a couple of coins. These cherries will replace a symbol that doesn't pay, and presto you have a loose machine. Reverse this procedure for a tight slot. In other words, the more paying symbols a machine has, the greater the probability of payouts - thus a loose slot.

Up/Down Slot Cycle: Slot's average payoff percentage rate applies over the long haul, as long as one year.  Therefore, a slot with a 98% payoff percentage rate will sometimes pay off at 130% and other times at 50% … sometimes at 28% and other times at 502%. The lower percentages indicate a down cycle and the higher number an up cycle.  Also known as Sizzling/Sputtering Slot.

Slots Drop/Hold: Drop the ammount of money that goes through the slot. Hold the ammount of money that is not paid as wins (stays in the slot machine). These two determine slot machine's payout percentage.

Slot testing: it is a kind of planned palying strategy. One may test the slot in order to find out the possible payout percentage for one particular slot machine.

Slot-mix or Slot Placement: the loosest slots are placed in high-traffic areas where other people can see other players winning often. Important to analyze a slot's location, in other words - crack that slot-mix code - start at the main cashier/change booths in the casino. Don't play two machines at a time, side-by-side; tight slots are placed next to loose ones. What one giveth, the other taketh away. Remember not to play next to the winning machine. If someone next to you wins, try to find another slot machine.

Slot Types/Versions: regular slots (flat-top slots) have a predefined jackpot level which is constantly the same, no matter how much the machine is palyed. Multiplier Slots pays for certain symbols on a graduating scale. On a three reel, you get 5 coins for a cherry playing 1 coin, 10 pay for 2 coins and 15 pay for 3 coins. The payouts for playing 1 coin are much smaller than if you played maximum coins.

Bonus Multiplier Slots offer larger top jackpots as incentive to play max coins. Multiplier Wild Symbol Slots include bonus credits scatter pays and extra spins. Double machines are the type that pay double or triple for certain symbol combination, for example Double Diamond or Triple Diamond. Signature slots are the casinos brand slot machines, mostly these are looser, to create a special atmosphere around the slot machine. Progressive slots are by far the most popular type. They offer a growing jackpot which grows with every dollar playued on the machine. To hit the main jackpot one must play the maximum number of coins. The winner takes it all. When one hits the jackpot the jackpot level resets to minimum. Bonus Video Slots are the youngest of all slot types. Bonus Slots are described as branded machines, entertainment-content, brand recognition, participation games, and interactive slots. The name Bonus Slots says it all, an opportunity to go to a second chance bonus round where the real money is. Regular slot players will recognize the names: Monopoly, Elvis, Let's Make a Deal, Wheel of Fortune, Piggy Bankin, Reel Em In.

Call Attendant: Once you hit the jackpot you will be all excited and happy. During your waiting for your beloved winnings arrival ask for some extra comp!

Short Win: The time when one hits the jackpot after winning a small ammount of money with one slot. It is very common.

Sound of Rain: the beloved sound of coins dropping into the holder after a pyout.

Slot Club Cards/Comps: Don't waste your chance and sign up for freebies. Take advantage of all the attractions the casino has to offer.

Slot Talk: all the information you will get form other player, change people and host often to locate the winning slots.

Always read the payoff information that is posted next to each machine, especially on Pay for Play machines.

Never leave your machine - always call an attendant if you have a problem - they will come to you.

Always check you have inserted the correct number of coins when playing Progressive Slots or Pay for Play machines.

Set limits on how much you are prepared to lose, and don't exceed that limit. Greed is the biggest motivator, if you play to have fun and not to make money you won't end up working out how to pay the mortgage next month.

If you do intend to play for the big money, do as much research as possible about the machine you intend playing - but still set yourself a limit.

Always play machines that you understand, never just randomly float around playing just any of them.

Watch others play for a while to see how the machine works.

Never underestimate luck. You may think you can know a machine's take or pay cycle, but always remember luck plays is the biggest factor.

Don't just assume because you have spent all night feeding one particular machine that it will suddenly return all your money plus bonuses. The old 'just one last go' always turns into just another, then another.

If you do hit a streak and end up in the money, consider having a 'couple' of goes on a high end machine - maybe even a $5 slot - if you win on one of those take the money and run!

# lay max coins: If you only play a single coin, you will win a minimal amount, no matter how good a combination of symbols you hit on. If you play max coins, however you will be eligible for things like higher payouts or even a Progressive jackpot, if one is attached to your particular Slot machine.

# Understand paylines: This is mostly aimed at Video Slots, which can sometimes have as much as 25 paylines. You must understand that in cases like these, it is not enough to play max coins. You can play max coins, but if you only did it on one payline and there are 25, then you still will not win the biggest payout or Progressive jackpot. In order to get the biggest win possible for your symbol combination, you must play not only max coins but also max paylines. It may cost more, but when you win you will be happy you did so.

# Do not become a zombie: A ‘zombie’ is an industry term for a Slots player who sits in front of a machine in a trance and mindlessly puts more and more money into it. If you feel yourself becoming a zombie, it’s a good idea to get up, walk around, take a break or move to another game. Staying with one machine, especially if it’s not paying out, can be frustrating and lead to big losses. Move around or take breaks, but never become a zombie.

# Understand the bonus rounds: A bonus round is an excellent way to increase a win, but be aware that if you lose, you will lose your win, too. For instance, let’s say that you won two dollars off your spin, and you enter the bonus round. There are many ways the bonus round can be played- for instance, some ask for you to pick between black and red or a suit of cards, etc. If you pick the right one, you have increased your win. If you pick the wrong one, your win may go bye-bye. So be absolutely sure you feel comfortable with potentially losing your win before you engage in a bonus round.

# Use the full download version of software: While it may be quicker to use the Flash version of a casino’s software, these are very limited in the amount of games they offer. If a casino advertises 100 games you can play, they are talking about the downloadable version, not Flash or Java. In fact, the no-download versions usually have a bare-bones amount of games, and only a small fraction of the Slots games you would have if you used the full version. So if you want the max amount of fun Slots games to choose from, always use the fully downloadable version.