How to Play Slots at MrQ
Slots are the simplest games in any casino to start playing and among the easiest to misunderstand. This guide covers how they actually work at MrQ, what the numbers on each game mean, and how to read a slot before you spin, using the way MrQ explains it on its own site.
You don't have to unlock anything to remove anything if you win on a slot at MrQ since everything you win comes in cash.
Slots are the simplest games in any casino to start playing and among the easiest to misunderstand. This guide covers how they actually work at MrQ, what the numbers on each game mean, and how to read a slot before you spin, using the way MrQ explains it on its own site.
You don't have to unlock anything to remove anything if you win on a slot at MrQ since everything you win comes in cash.
How a Slot Works
In essence, a slot is a game based on a set of symbols that are randomly spun on a reel. The matching symbols in the correct positions win a prize when the reels stop.
At MrQ, three or more identical symbols in a row (left to right across the available payline(s)) wins. The more symbols that are matched in a combination the larger the prize. Some pay on as little as two symbols and the specific payouts of each game are outlined in the game's paytable.
All the outcomes are determined by a random number generator (RNG). That is, spins are independent, random, and the payable nature of a slot is unpredictable for a specific spin. A game is not “due” a win and past spins aren't affected by prior spins.
Reels, Rows and Paylines
Most of the slots are set up in a similar fashion. A typical slot at MrQ has 5 reels, 3 rows and around 20 paylines. The payline is a line of action that passes through the reels; you win if you see the same symbol along the line from left to right.
Not all slots have set paylines. There are two popular modulations to the Win count:
Megaways slots offer thousands of paylines with the number being determined at random for each spin. Some can have up to 117,649 winning combinations on a single play.
Cluster pays slots are the slots that have no paylines. You get a win, however, by landing a group of equal symbols together anywhere on the grid.
The paytable explains how a particular game pays, the most valuable symbols, and the value of any special symbols.
Typical MrQ slot
- 5 reels
- 3 rows
- Around 20 paylines
Standard paylines
- Matching symbols from left to right
Megaways
- Variable number of ways to win
- Up to 117,649 winning combinations
Cluster pays
- No fixed paylines
- Matching symbols grouped together on the grid
Reading the Paytable
The paytable is the single most useful screen on any slot, and most players skip it. You reach it through the game's help or menu button.
It shows the value of each symbol, how many you need to match, which paylines are active, and how the bonus features trigger. Scatter and wild symbols are explained here too. A wild stands in for other symbols to help complete a win, and a scatter usually triggers a bonus, such as free spins when three or more land.
Two minutes in the paytable before you play tells you exactly what to look for, and it is where you confirm the game's RTP and volatility.
What the paytable tells you
- Symbol values
- Winning combinations
- Active paylines
- Wild and scatter rules
- Bonus features
- RTP
- Volatility
Understanding RTP
RTP is short for return to player. This is the percentage of every wager a slot returns on average over many, many spins of the reels, prior to its launch.
The 96% RTP translates to the average payout of £96 for every £100 wagered over that extended period. It is long term average, it is not a session promise. The results may be very different over one spin or several spins, but will tend to average around this number over time.
In fact, at MrQ, they list the RTP right up front and MrQ is constantly testing their games to ensure that they are in line with the RTP. MrQ also claims to be running the maximum available RTP version on the slots with variable settings.
A long-term average, not a promise
A 96% RTP slot returns £96 on average for every £100 wagered, over many, many spins. It says nothing about what happens on any single spin or session.
Understanding Volatility
What is often referred to as volatility indicates the frequency with which a slot pays, rather than how much money it pays back in total. It's the one that many players don't think about, and it has more impact than RTP.
A low volatility slot offers the advantage of having smaller winning payouts that are more frequent, which means that your bankroll fluctuates slowly, and the dry runs won't last as long. A high volatility slot pays smaller amounts more often, and can pay a big amount on rare occasions, which means you get to wait for a long time before you hit a big win.
As MrQ says, higher RTP slots are lower volatile because they provide a constant stream of wins, not the occasional big, big jackpot. High volatility slots tend to have a lower RTP, but a much higher potential payoff. Therefore, you should also consider the volatility of two identical RTP slots, as they can be vastly different to play.
Low Volatility
- More frequent smaller wins
- Slower bankroll movement
- Shorter dry runs
High Volatility
- Longer quiet periods
- Occasional larger wins
- Higher potential payoff
Choosing a Slot to Match How You Play
There is no best slot, only the one that suits how you want to play. Three figures, all shown on each game at MrQ, tell you what to expect.
RTP
- For the long-term return.
- Higher is better over time.
Volatility
- Low for frequent small wins and a longer session on a set budget.
- High if you are willing to ride out quiet spells for a shot at a big result.
Max win
- The largest possible payout as a multiple of your stake.
- Matters most if you are chasing a single big win.
Match those three to your budget and your patience, and you are playing the right game for you rather than a random pick.
Getting Started at MrQ
The practical steps are short. Sign up at MrQ, deposit, and choose a slot from the catalogue of over 900 games. Open the paytable to check the RTP, volatility and features, set your stake, and spin. New players can also put the welcome offer onto slots, with any winnings paid in cash and no wagering. The current offer is on our MrQ slots free spins page.
- 1Sign up at MrQ
- 2Deposit
- 3Choose from over 900 games
- 4Open the paytable
- 5Check RTP, volatility and features
- 6Set the stake
- 7Spin
Frequently Asked Questions
Using 3 or more of the same symbol on an available payline starting with the leftmost reel. Every game lists its paytable which pays it in a straightforward manner.
Return to player. The average percentage the machine pays back over many, many periods of play is its return. The percentage that the machine pays back over a long period of play, based on millions of spins, is its return. It's a long-term average, not a representation of any session.
The frequency and the size of the payouts of a slot. Low volatility: if it is low, then they will have a lot of little wins, but high volatility: if it is high, they will have a few big wins. It can make a big difference between two slots with the same RTP.
No. Each spin is determined by a random number generator and will be independent from previous spins, meaning no one can predict when the winner will spin.
In the game's paytable, reached through the help or menu button. MrQ shows the RTP, volatility and max win on every slot.
No. All winnings at MrQ are paid in cash with no wagering.
18+ only. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. Set a deposit limit before you play. Free confidential support is available from BeGambleAware on 0808 8020 133. Self exclusion across all UK licensed operators is available through GamStop.
Information taken from MrQ's published pages, subject to change by the operator. This site is a guide to MrQ and is not the operator.