Glossary of terms for free slot players
Below are concise and precise definitions, with an emphasis on how the term helps in demo mode (no money and no registration).
A. Basic concepts and mathematics
RNG (random number generator) - an algorithm that randomly determines the result of each spin; backs are independent. * In the demo: works the same as in real life.
RTP (Return to Player, theoretical return) - the share of bets returned to players over a long distance (e.g. 96%). * In the demo: the indicator is identical to the version for money.
RTP ranges - the same slot can be released with different RTP (e.g. 96/95/94%). * In demo: check the value in "i "/Paytable.
Volatility (variance) - spread of payments: low = more often, less; high = rarer, larger. * In the demo: helps to find a comfortable pace.
Hit Frequency -% of spins with any win. * In demo: a benchmark for the length of sessions.
Max Win (maximum multiplier) - theoretical winning ceiling (e.g. x5 000). * In the demo: evaluate the potential of the bonus.
House Edge (casino advantage) - 100% RTP −. * In the demo: teaches you to look soberly at the odds.
Distribution - how the winnings are "scattered" across the ranges. * In the demo: the nature of the slot is visible.
B. Interface and rates
Bet/Stake - amount per spin. * In the demo: train the size of the "unit."
Min/Max Bet - available bet bounds. * In demo: useful for simulating future bankroll.
Denomination/Coin Value - the weight of the coin in the currency of the slot. * In the demo: affects the pitch of the bet.
Lines - fixed or configurable payment directions.
Ways to Win - payments for matches from left to right without fixed lines (243/1024/... methods).
Cluster Pays - payments by clusters (groups of touching characters).
Autoplay (autoplay) - a series of auto-spins according to given conditions.
Turbo/Quick Spin - accelerated spin animation.
Spin/Respin - rotation/repeated rotation of drums.
Balance - virtual credits in the demo.
Win (win) - spin result; in demo - conditional credits.
Bet Config - Select denomination/coins/lines.
Stop-loss/Stop-win - personal stop limits. * In demo: practice discipline.
B. Symbols and payouts
Paytable - rules, value of symbols, lines/methods, bonuses.
Low/High Symbols.
Wild - replaces other characters (except special characters).
Sticky Wild - "sticky" Wild, remains on the drums a few spins/bonus.
Expanding Wild - expands to full drum/cages.
Walking/Shifting Wild - shifts to neighboring positions.
Multiplier Wild - gives a multiplier to the line/cluster.
Scatter is a trigger for bonuses (often freespins), pays regardless of lines.
Collect/Coins - symbols for collecting coins/values in bonuses.
Stacked Symbols - "stacks" of identical symbols on the drum.
Mystery Symbols - turn into one random symbol.
Nudge - Shift the drum to complete the combination/bonus.
D. Bonuses and modes
Free Spins - a series of free spins with special rules. * In the demo: study the frequency and average result.
Bonus Game - a separate round (peak game, wheel, levels).
Respin Bonus - repeated spins with fixing prize symbols.
Hold & Win (or Hold & Spin) - grid with 3-8 spins; collect coins/cells that are fixed and restart the counter.
Bonus Buy/Feature Buy - paid (in the game for money) entry to the bonus for xX bets. * In the demo: test expectation and risk.
Ante Bet/Double Chance - a premium to the bet, increasing the chance of a bonus.
Gamble (Double Up) - double the game after winning. * In the demo: assess the risk/reward.
Progress Bar/Collection - accumulation of symbols/charge for the function/super bonus.
Multiplier - Increases the payout (fix/progressive).
Retrigger - re-run the freespins inside the bonus.
D. Popular mechanics
Megaways (BTG) - dynamic number of characters on the drums; thousands of ways to win.
Cascading/Tumble/Avalanche - winning symbols disappear, new ones "fall" from above (series of wins for one spin).
Infinity Reels (ReelPlay) - Add reels each time you win without an upper limit.
Gigablox/Splitz/MultiMax (Yggdrasil-series) - large blocks, symbol division, cascade factors.
Link & Win/Cash Collect/Coin Feature - variations of the "collection" of values /coins.
Ways + Multiplier Reels - ways + separate multiplier reels.
Book mechanics - an expanding "symbol-book" in freespins.
Scatter Pays - payouts simply for the number of characters on the screen (not lines/clusters).
E. Jackpots
Fixed Jackpot - fixed amount/multiple rate.
Progressive - accumulates with each bet; is local/network.
Daily/Hourly Drop - "drops" guaranteed to the specified time. * In the demo: demonstrated conditionally, without real payments.
G. Platform, technology and access
HTML5 is a standard that allows you to run slots in a browser without Flash/downloads.
WebGL/WebAudio - acceleration of graphics/sound in the browser.
Mobile-First/Responsive - adaptation for smartphones/tablets.
Demo/Fun Play is a free virtual balance mode.
Local Storage/Cache - local storage of settings/sessions; is cleared by the browser.
Geoblocking - region/jurisdiction restrictions.
iFrame - embedding the provider's demo client on the aggregator site.
Z. Law and liability
18 +/Age-gate - access to content only by adults.
License (MGA/UKGC/Curacao, etc.) - regulation of the provider/casino.
KUS/Verification - confirmation of identity (relevant for a real game).
Responsible play - limits, pauses, risk communication.
Advertising/Disclaimers - "no real wins" marks in the demo.
I. Session Analytics (useful in demos)
Sample Size - the number of spins for the pins (200-500 +).
Average Win/Median Win - average/median win in betting.
Bonus Frequency - bonuses for 100 spins.
Drawdown - maximum balance drop in "bets."
Volatility Profile - your subjective comfort in tempo/drawdowns.
K. Frequent Anglicisms and Labels
Base Game is the main game (no bonus).
Feature/Trigger - bonus function/its activation.
Retain/Hold - hold characters.
Stack/Reel/Row/Grid - stack/drum/row/grid.
Reel Modifiers - random improvements (adding Wild, extensions, etc.).
Pay Any/Both Ways - payments in any direction/left-to-right and right-to-left.
RNG Seed - internal initialization of randomness (does not affect the "luck" of the player).
L. Typical misconceptions (what is important to learn on the demo)
"Slot remembers series" - no, RNG is independent.
"Demos are more generous/skimpier than real" - licensed providers have the same math; only the psychology of the player is different.
"Strategy guarantees plus" - slots - randomness; strategies - about controlling the pace/risk, not about hacking mathematics.
"I'll catch the bonus on the schedule" - the trigger is unpredictable.
How to Use the Glossary in Demo Practice (Short Outline)
1. Open Paytable → mark RTP/Volatility/Mechanics.
2. Spend 200-300 spins on a fixed rate → fix Hit Frequency, Bonus Frequency, Drawdown.
3. Compare 1-2 more slots with different mechanics (Megaways vs Cluster).
4. Select the tempo and limits (Stop-loss/Stop-win) for future sessions.
This glossary closes the basic terms found in free slots without downloading. Keep the material close at hand: it speeds up the analysis of any new game and helps test the slots in the demo consciously and efficiently.