Slot machines are a mainstay of casino gambling. They appear to happen to be around for as long as the technology that has existed to make them and that technologies have been improving all of the time. The original slot machines consisted of a box containing three reels which were set into motion by pulling a handle once money has been deposited. In the event the reels landed on three matching symbols, you won. Simple as that.

Current slot machines are entirely computerized. The symbols come up on a video screen as well as the "reels" are set in motion by pushing a button, although some still have a handle that one can pull for that old time slot machine effect. As always, over the internet, all you need to do is point and click your mouse to set the reels in motion.

The basic principles of a slot machine are simple. You put one or more coins within the slot, push the button and hope three matching symbols come up. You may sometimes win if a particular symbol, like a cherry one example is comes up even once and some symbols may double or triple your payout if the other two symbols match. What ever machine you use may have a chart with the payoffs clearly outlined. In best online casino gambling play, there will be a menu through that you just can find out the payoffs.

There are a number of advantages to online slot play. For one, you should not have to be worried about carrying your bulky bucket of coin winnings to a change window; you may just transfer them directly to your casino account. For another, there should be posted on the someplace on the site information about payback. Payback is the amount each slot machine pays out for every dollar it takes in. A slot machine should payback at least 90 percent of every dollar as well as in some cases more. Alternatively, many people like the flashing lights and live clinking sounds of coins dropping into their tray and generally benefit from the full casino experience of live play. (Live casino tip: the machines with the most payback sit near the entrances to the casino, so potential players walking by are able to see slot players winning.)

You will often have the choice of putting more than one coin in to a slot machine at a time. Multiple coins will either multiply your payout whenever you win, or give you more ways to win (for example, you could see three symbols on each reel and if you match three across, horizontally, or diagonally you win).

When you play slots, be sure you know exactly how your machine is played, what multiple coins are certain to get you and what symbols you'll need to receive money. If you don't like the payoffs, or even the appearance of the equipment, move to another one; there's no shortage of different machines around to play. In the event you can find out what your machine pays back, do so and always look for paybacks over 90 percent. Good luck!