All specialized sub-cultures, such as gaming enthusiasts, have their own nomenclature. If you are not part of the group, there is a good chance you will not have any idea what many of the words those people use mean. Therefore, part of the path to becoming an experienced slot player is to learn the lingo.

Since playing slots involves little more than dropping a coin into a slot and pushing a button (or pulling a lever), learning the specialized language of the gaming enthusiast might be all it takes to allow a newcomer to blend in long enough to not be noticed until they really are experienced. As such, some of the more important terms to know are listed below, with links to a full glossary following:

The Terms

Call Attendant - When someone hits a major jackpot, this is the person who comes and makes a “hand” payout. It also the person who oversees the operation of the machines.

Randon Number Generator (RNG) -- This lies at the heart of the slot machine, perhaps better described as its brain. It is a computer chip inside the slot machine that randomly selects hundreds of numbers and symbols every second. When the machine is played, the RNG captures a number sequence and that determines the winner.

Reels -- These are the wheels that display the symbol combinations. There usually are three, but some slots have five.

Slot Schedule - This is information posted on the front of slot that discloses what type of slot, denomination, and win amounts possible for each coin played.

Loose/Tight -- Loose slots are said to be ones with larger payouts on average over a period time. They usually have more paying symbols per reel. The reverse is true for a tight slot. Essentially, the more paying symbols a machine has, the greater the probability of payouts.

Up/Down Slot Cycle - All slots are required by law to pay off a certain percentage over a specified period, possible as long as one year. Therefore, a slot with a 98 percent payoff rate will pay off at 130 percent sometimes and 50 percent at other times. The lower percentages indicate a down cycle and the higher numbers an up cycle. This also is known as a “Sizzling” or “Sputtering” slot.

Flat Top -- Slots that have a constant top jackpot payout that does not change no matter how much the machine is played.

Multiplier Slots - These slots pay for certain symbols on a graduating scale. The payouts for playing one coin are much smaller than if you played maximum coins. So-called "Onesies" players stop here.

Progressive Slots - These offer growing jackpots that depend on the amount of money played through a linked bank or carousel of slots. They require a larger bankroll.

Bonus Video Slots -- The most graphically loaded, glitziest slots to hit the market. The machines offer the chance to go to a second level bonus round. They have many options.

Short Win -- A large jackpot win after a small cash outlay.

Sound of Rain - The coins dropping into the holder after a payout.

Slot Talk - The information traded between players, a good way to improve slots knowledge.

Onesies -- Slot players who insist on playing one coin per spin.

Slot-aholic Pain - This comes from staying too long at one machine.

Slot Machine Terms:   A-D | E-O | P-Z

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