Slot machines have come a long way since Charles Fey built the first machine in 1895. The first machine had the pictures of the Jack, Queen, and King from a standard deck of cards. The typical fruit symbols that we all associate with slots were first featured in 1910. In the 1930's the manufacturers started decorating the machines. Today every machine is colorfully decorated to attract players. The fruit symbols are still widely used but there are now many themes for slots, each having their own symbols. Along with the gambling element, slots have truly become a form of entertainment.

With the advent of the internet and modern electronics, players can choose to "play the slots" in many different ways. There are 3-reel and 5-reel slots. Some slots have as many as 100-paylines but most slots offer up to 25-paylines. Players can network with other players from all over the world and play in slot tournaments. The large number of players online means that the progressive jackpots grow fast and can reach very high amounts. While it is true that you have to be very lucky to win a progressive jackpot, the winners go home much wealthier than before.

Slot machines have long been the most popular casino game. It takes almost no time to learn how to play. Many players prefer the constant action of the spinning reels to the slow-motion action of poker. Whether you play online or in a land-based casino, you can always switch between games. When you are looking for a high entertainment level you may indeed decide to try a few or many "pulls" on the casino's slots.

The payouts online are usually higher than on land. That's because the land-based casino has much more overhead. Payouts online are generally 95-98% whereas on land they are usually 85-90%. Most online casinos pay their big winners in one lump sum but land-based casinos often "make payments" to their big jackpot winners.

Since slots are so easy to play, you would expect that there are few rules to learn. That's true but there are some things you should know before starting.

• Modern machines offer a variety of ways to win. You may have the option of choosing how many lines to play. In some games, the winning line will be a diagonal. In others it will move like a wave across the screen. Be sure you know how the machine is set up for you to win.



• You will be asked to choose the number of coins you are playing. You can always choose to play only one coin. Be sure you understand the game for the number of coins you choose to play.



• Most progressive jackpots require you to play the maximum number of coins.

Slots are not like poker or blackjack where there is complicated strategy. Nevertheless, there are some pointers to keep in mind when playing the slots.

• Casinos post their payout schedules. Online casinos can pay out up to 99% and still turn a profit. Land casinos have more expenses so they typically pay out no more than 90%. This doesn't mean you should only play online. It does mean that if you are in a land-based casino and their slots payout schedule is only 85%, it might be time to find another casino.



• Most casinos pay out the simple jackpot and the progressive jackpot only if you are playing the maximum number of coins for that machine. The maximum is usually three coins. Some players choose to play one coin in order to conserve their money. If you want to both play for the jackpots and conserve your money, you should play the maximum number of coins at the cheapest slot that offers a progressive jackpot.