Vertical Symbol Columns
Slots can use different numbers of reels and symbol positions.
SANDS33 SLOT GUIDE
Online Slots Australia – Explore Slot Types, Features & Mechanics
Learn how different online slot formats work before choosing a category. Explore classic reels, video slots, paylines, ways-to-win systems, cascading reels, hold-and-win features, free-spin mechanics and other common slot concepts through the SANDS33 slot guide.
SLOT GAME BASICS
What Are Online Slots?
Online slots are digital reel-based games that use symbols, reels and a defined result system. Depending on the individual title, the game may use fixed paylines, adjustable paylines, ways-to-win, clusters or another symbol-matching format.
Online slots can range from simple classic-style games to video slots with animated features, bonus rounds, free spins, expanding symbols, wild symbols, multipliers and changing reel layouts.
In Australia, online slots are also commonly called online pokies. This page focuses on slot formats and game mechanics, while the main online pokies page acts as the wider SANDS33 pokies information hub.
Visit the Online Pokies Australia GuideLines, Ways or Clusters
The method used to evaluate matching symbols varies by title.
Additional Game Mechanics
Some titles include free spins, cascades, multipliers or bonus rounds.
COMMON SLOT FORMATS
Types of Online Slots
Slot categories can overlap. A video slot may also use ways-to-win, cascading reels, jackpot features or a hold-and-win bonus.
01
TRADITIONAL FORMAT
Classic Reel Slots
Classic-style slots usually use a smaller reel layout and a more direct symbol-matching format. They may use familiar symbols, fixed paylines and fewer bonus mechanics than modern video slots.
- Smaller reel layouts
- Direct payline structures
- Fewer layered features
- Simple game presentation
02
MODERN PRESENTATION
Video Slots
Video slots generally use detailed themes, animated symbols and a wider range of features. A title may include wilds, scatters, free spins, multipliers, expanding reels or interactive bonus rounds.
- Animated visual themes
- Multiple bonus mechanics
- Variable reel layouts
- Free-spin features
03
ADJACENT REEL MATCHING
Ways-to-Win Slots
Ways-to-win slots do not always depend on fixed payline patterns. Matching symbols may need to appear across consecutive reels according to the rules displayed by the individual title.
- No single fixed line pattern
- Adjacent reel matching
- Variable numbers of ways
- Game-specific symbol rules
04
REPEATING SYMBOL DROPS
Cascading Reel Slots
Cascading mechanics remove symbols involved in a result and replace them with new symbols. Additional cascades may continue according to the rules and limits of the individual game.
- Symbols are removed
- New symbols enter the reels
- Multiple cascades may occur
- Multipliers may be included
05
RESPIN FEATURE
Hold-and-Win Slots
Hold-and-win features generally lock selected symbols in place while the remaining positions respin. The feature can use reset counters, collected values, multipliers or prize levels.
- Selected symbols remain held
- Remaining positions respin
- Respins may reset
- Feature rules vary by title
06
PRIZE-BASED FORMAT
Jackpot-Style Slots
Jackpot-style slots can include fixed, local, linked, progressive or tiered prize formats. Qualification rules and displayed jackpot values should be checked before play.
Read the Jackpot Pokies Guide
HOW RESULTS ARE EVALUATED
Paylines, Ways-to-Win and Cluster Formats
The visible reel layout does not by itself explain how results are evaluated. The paytable or information screen should be checked to understand the actual symbol requirements.
Fixed Paylines
Matching symbols are evaluated along a defined number of active lines.
Adjustable Paylines
Some titles allow the number of active lines to be adjusted before play.
Ways-to-Win
Matching symbols are evaluated across adjacent reels without one fixed payline pattern.
Cluster Pays
Results are created by connected groups of matching symbols instead of traditional lines.
SLOT MECHANICS
Common Online Slot Features
A feature changes how part of the game operates, but it does not guarantee a particular result or successful withdrawal.
Wild Symbols
Wild symbols may substitute for selected symbols according to the individual game's paytable.
Scatter Symbols
Scatter symbols may trigger a feature or create a result without following a standard payline.
Free-Spin Rounds
A free-spin feature can include a fixed number of spins, multipliers, special symbols or changing reels.
Win Multipliers
A multiplier can increase an eligible result according to the displayed feature rules.
Expanding Symbols
Selected symbols may expand across more positions or reels when the required condition is met.
Respin Features
A respin feature repeats selected reels or positions under the rules shown by the game.
Collection Features
Symbols, values or progress may be collected during a base game or bonus feature.
Expanding Layouts
Some games increase or change the reel layout when a feature is active.
GAME INFORMATION
Understanding RTP and Volatility
RTP means return to player. It is a theoretical percentage calculated across a large number of plays under the game's stated configuration. It does not predict the outcome of an individual spin, session or account.
Volatility is a general description of how a game may distribute results. Lower-volatility games are commonly designed around more frequent smaller results, while higher-volatility games may produce less frequent but potentially larger results.
Neither RTP nor volatility guarantees a profit. Every session can finish differently and the full entertainment budget should be treated as money that may be lost.
RTP
Theoretical Long-Term Percentage
Not a prediction for one session
VOLATILITY
General Result Distribution
Not a guarantee of frequency or value
SESSION RESULT
Always Uncertain
Set limits before starting
BEFORE CHOOSING A CATEGORY
What Slot Information Should Be Checked?
Use the paytable and information screen to understand how the individual title works before selecting a bet amount.
Reel Layout
Check how many reels, rows and visible symbol positions are used.
Win Method
Confirm whether the game uses paylines, ways, clusters or another format.
Bet Range
Review the minimum and maximum selectable bet before starting.
Feature Conditions
Check how free spins, respins, multipliers or bonus rounds are triggered.
Promotion Eligibility
Confirm whether the game or feature contributes to the active promotion.
Personal Budget
Choose the session amount and stop time before using an account balance.
DETAILED SLOT TOPICS
Continue With a More Specific Slot Guide
Use the relevant SANDS33 page when you need information beyond general slot types and game mechanics.
MAIN POKIES HUB
Online Pokies Australia
Explore the wider pokies category and supporting SANDS33 guides.
ACCOUNT BALANCES
Real Money Pokies
Review cash balances, bonuses, turnover and withdrawal conditions.
JACKPOT FORMATS
Jackpot Pokies
Learn about fixed, linked, progressive and tiered jackpot formats.
RECENT CONTENT
New Pokies Games
Review newer releases, changing mechanics and recently added content.
DEVICE COMPATIBILITY
Access SANDS33 Slot Guides Across Devices
SANDS33 pages are designed for compatible mobile phones, tablets and desktop devices. The same guides, account pages, promotion information and support options can be accessed through the website navigation.
Loading and performance can vary according to the browser, device, screen size and internet connection. Keep the browser updated and use a stable connection when managing account or payment information.
Explore the SANDS33 Game Directory
PROMOTION ELIGIBILITY
Check the Current Offer Before Using Bonus Credit
A slot promotion may include a minimum deposit, turnover requirement, selected game or provider restriction, claim period, expiry condition and maximum withdrawal.
Not every slot or feature necessarily contributes to every promotion. Review the current offer before using free spins, bonus credit or a deposit-based reward.
SANDS33 ACCOUNT ACCESS
Register, Log In or Contact Support
New members can create an account, while existing members can log in to review current account information. Contact livechat when assistance is needed with access, balances, promotions or payment questions.
18+ RESPONSIBLE PLAY
Slot Features Do Not Guarantee a Winning Result
Free spins, multipliers, jackpots, cascades and bonus rounds change how a game operates, but none of these features guarantees a profit or successful withdrawal.
Use only disposable entertainment money, set a fixed session budget and decide the stop time before play. Do not increase deposits or bets in an attempt to recover previous losses.
Read the Responsible Gambling Guide
COMMON QUESTIONS
Online Slots Australia FAQ
What are online slots?
Online slots are digital reel-based games that can use different layouts, paylines, ways-to-win systems, symbols and bonus mechanics. Features vary according to the individual title.
Are online slots and online pokies the same?
In most contexts, yes. Pokies is the familiar Australian term for slot machines, while online slots is the broader international term for digital reel-based games.
What is the difference between paylines and ways-to-win?
A payline game evaluates matching symbols along defined lines. A ways-to-win game can evaluate matching symbols across adjacent reels without requiring one fixed payline pattern.
What are cascading reels?
Cascading reels remove symbols involved in a result and replace them with new symbols. Additional cascades may occur according to the rules of the individual game.
What is volatility in an online slot?
Volatility is a general description of how a slot may distribute results. Lower-volatility games are usually designed around more frequent smaller results, while higher-volatility games may produce less frequent but potentially larger results.
What does RTP mean?
RTP means return to player. It is a theoretical percentage calculated across a large number of plays and does not predict or guarantee the result of an individual session.
Do all slot games qualify for every promotion?
No. Promotion eligibility can vary according to the game, provider, balance type, feature and current promotion conditions. Review the active offer before using bonus credit.
Can SANDS33 slot guides be accessed on mobile?
SANDS33 pages are designed for compatible mobile phones, tablets and desktop devices. Performance can vary according to the browser, device and internet connection.
SANDS33 is intended for adults aged 18 and over. Slot categories, features, promotions and account conditions may change. Review the current website information and play responsibly.