1Understand the basics
Online slots are digital versions of the classic fruit machine. The core components are:
Reels
The vertical columns that spin. Most slots have 5 reels.
Rows
The horizontal lines of symbols. Usually 3 rows.
Paylines
The lines across which matching symbols must land to win.
To play, set your bet size (usually by adjusting coin value and number of paylines), then click "Spin". If matching symbols land on an active payline from left to right, you win.
2Learn symbol types
Regular symbols
Standard paying symbols - usually themed icons like fruits, gems or characters. Higher-value symbols pay more.
Wild symbols
Substitute for any regular symbol to complete winning combinations. Variants include expanding wilds (cover a whole reel), sticky wilds (stay in place for multiple spins) and walking wilds (move across the reels).
Scatter symbols
Pay anywhere on the reels regardless of paylines. Usually trigger the free spins bonus when 3 or more land.
Bonus symbols
Trigger special bonus rounds like pick-me games, wheel spins or jackpot features. Usually need 3 or more to activate.
3Understand paylines and ways to win
Modern slots use several different win mechanics:
Fixed paylines
A set number of lines (e.g. 20 or 25). You must bet on all of them. Simple and predictable.
Megaways
A dynamic system where the number of symbols per reel changes every spin, creating up to 117,649 ways to win. Used in popular slots like Gates of Olympus.
Cluster pays
Wins are formed by clusters of 5 or more matching symbols touching horizontally or vertically. Used in Sweet Bonanza.
Cascading reels
Winning symbols disappear and new ones fall in, potentially creating chain wins from a single spin.
4Trigger bonus features
Bonus features are where the biggest wins happen. Common types include:
Free spins
The most common bonus. Usually triggered by 3+ scatters. Spins are free and often include multipliers.
Multipliers
Increase your win by a set amount (e.g. 2x, 5x, 100x). Can apply to individual wins or the entire bonus round.
Pick-me games
Choose from hidden items to reveal prizes, multipliers or extra spins.
Progressive jackpots
A prize pool that grows with every bet until one player wins the full amount. Can reach millions of rands.
Try bonus features for free: Sweet Bonanza, Gates of Olympus, Starburst.
5Choose the right slot
Two key metrics help you choose the right slot for your style:
RTP (Return to Player)
The percentage of all bets returned to players over time. Higher is better.
- 96%+ is good
- ~94-96% is average
- -Below 94% is poor
Volatility
How frequently and how much a slot pays out.
- Low: frequent small wins - good for bonuses
- Medium: balanced wins and losses
- High: rare but large wins - for big bankrolls
Always check the RTP before playing - aim for 96% or higher.
Recommended slots: Starburst (96.1% RTP, low volatility), Fruit Shop (96.7% RTP, medium volatility). Or try all slots for free.