Section 1 of 4
13 headwords, from adjacent pays to credit meter. Each gives a short meaning, an example where one helps, and the words it is often confused with.
A pay rule under which a winning combination may start on any reel, provided the matching symbols sit on reels that are next to each other.
Example Three matching symbols on reels 2, 3 and 4 would pay under adjacent pays, but not under a left-to-right rule, which needs reel 1.
A setting that starts spin after spin without a button press each time. Where a game offers it, the rules screen says how it is started and stopped.
What a winning combination pays. Paytables usually list awards in credits, and the amount actually paid depends on the bet that produced the win.
Example If a paytable lists 50 for a combination and the award is multiplied by a 2-credit line bet, the win is 100 credits (invented figures).
The ordinary spins of a game, as opposed to a feature. Rules screens often describe base-game awards and feature awards separately.
A number chosen with the bet that scales the awards. On games that use one, the paytable may show awards for a multiplier of 1 and say that they scale with the multiplier.
A position on a reel that holds no paying symbol. On screen a blank can look like the gap between two symbols, but it is a stop in its own right.
A loose word for any extra round. On a rules screen it usually names a particular feature with its own trigger, so read which one is meant.
A pay rule that counts a combination from the leftmost reel and also from the rightmost reel, instead of from the left only.
also tumbling reels
After a win, the winning symbols are removed and the symbols above drop down, with new ones filling the gaps. Further wins can follow from the same paid spin.
1 · Win marked
2 · Winners removed
3 · Symbols drop in
Wins made by a group of touching matching symbols on a grid, rather than by symbols along a line. The rules state the smallest cluster that pays.
also cash out
To take the balance off the credit meter. Depending on the machine, this may print a ticket or start another payout process described by the venue.
The unit a game counts in. Bets, awards and the balance are usually shown in credits; the value of one credit in money is set by the denomination.
Example At a 1-cent denomination, 100 credits are worth $1.00; at 2 cents, 250 credits are worth $5.00.
The display that shows the current balance. Some screens show it in credits only, some in credits and dollars; check which before reading a number.