Slot Guides and Bonus Guides: A Reading Path
These slot guides explain the numbers behind slots, bonuses and our Originals in plain English. Read them in the order below if you are new, or jump to the one you need.
Where should you start with slot maths?
Begin with how a slot decides a spin, then move to the three numbers that describe it. The path runs from the mechanics to what a single figure can and cannot tell you.
- How online slots work: reels, paylines and the random number generator. You get a clear picture of what happens between pressing spin and seeing the result.
- RTP explained: what return to player measures and what it does not. You learn why a 96% slot does not return 96% of your session.
- Slot volatility explained: low and high variance side by side. You can pick a slot that suits the size of your bankroll.
- Hit frequency, how often a spin pays anything at all, is covered inside the volatility guide, because it explains why two slots with the same RTP can feel so different.
How do bonus terms work, step by step?
Bonus guides run best in one order, because each term changes the value of the one before it. Read them from the headline requirement down to the final cap.
- Wagering requirements explained: how a multiplier turns into total play. You get the sum behind a headline offer.
- Bonus game weighting: why a slot and a table game count differently towards wagering. You see how much of your stake really counts.
- Sticky vs non-sticky bonus: what happens to your own funds while a bonus is active. You learn which type leaves you free to withdraw.
- The bonus max bet rule: the stake limit that can void a win. You find out where the limit sits in the terms.
- Free spins value: how to price a spin bundle. You can compare two offers on one scale.
- Max cashout limits: the term that caps what you can withdraw from bonus winnings. You see how the cap changes an offer’s worth.
- Wagering calculator: a tool that does the sums for you. You enter the terms and see the total you must play.
Where are our own games explained?
The Originals run on simple maths, and the guides show it with real numbers. They are the quickest way to see how risk and payout trade off.
- How crash games work: the rising multiplier, the bust point and what a cash-out target does to your odds.
- Plinko odds explained: how rows and risk level shape the payout buckets.
- Mines game maths: how each safe tile changes the next multiplier and the chance of a mine.
- Slots maths course: six interactive lessons with live numbers and check questions, from wilds and ways to volatility and scatter odds.
Try any of them on the Originals hub.
Is there a guide for live dealer games?
Yes. Live dealer vs RNG compares tables with a human dealer and tables run by random number generators, and sets out what to look for in a live casino.
Where do the lists and our method sit?
If you want the lists rather than the explanations, go to our slot and casino lists. If you want to know how we score them, read how we review. Gambling is for adults, 18+. Help is on our responsible gambling page.
All guides
- how online slots work
- RTP explained
- slot volatility explained
- max cashout limits
- live dealer vs RNG
- wagering requirements explained
- bonus game weighting
- sticky vs non-sticky bonuses
- the max bet rule on bonuses
- how to value free spins
- wagering requirement calculator
- how crash games work
- Plinko odds explained
- the maths behind Mines
- slots maths course
Frequently asked questions
Which guide should I read first?
Start with how online slots work, then RTP and volatility. Those three cover the numbers every slot page uses.
Do I need the slot guides before the bonus guides?
No. They stand alone, but the bonus guides use RTP and weighting, so the slot path makes them easier.
Are the guides written by the same people as the lists?
Yes. Each guide names its author and the date it was last verified.
Do the guides recommend casinos?
No. Guides explain terms and maths. Operator recommendations live on the lists.