The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Online Slots
Online slots have become a favorite among casino players, thanks to their winning opportunities and easy-to-learn rules. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, the immense popularity of slots has made them a staple in both land-based and online casinos. In fact, they constitute a considerable part of the gaming collections of all well-known online casinos in the industry.
With hundreds of enticing slots available online, there is something to meet all interests and preferences. From classic slots to multi-payline slots and 3D slots, the options are endless. In this ultimate guide, we will explore the different types of online slots and their unique features.
Classic Slots
If you prefer simplicity over excess, classic slots are the way to go. These games closely resemble the original slot machines found in land-based casinos. Classic slots typically have three reels and one horizontal payline that stretches across the reels. However, some 3-reel slots available online might feature more paylines.
Symbols in classic slots often include fruits like cherries, lemons, and oranges, as well as bars, lucky sevens, and bells. While these simplified slots may lack extra features, some 3-reel slots include bonus game rounds and wild and scatter symbols.
One example of a classic slot is Microgaming’s “Break Da Bank,” which features three reels with five different paylines. Another example is Playtech’s “Chinese Kitchen,” where players are presented with three reels and eight different paylines.
Classic slots are perfect for inexperienced players and those with tighter budgets, as they offer a more limited range of betting options.
Multi-Payline Slots
For more excitement and winning opportunities, multi-payline slots are the way to go. These slots feature more than three reels and multiple paylines, allowing for more than one winning combination to appear simultaneously. The number of paylines in multi-payline slots ranges from nine to as high as one hundred.
With multi-payline slots, players can choose how many paylines to activate, offering greater flexibility and control over their bets. The minimum coin value is usually £0.01, while the upper limit rarely exceeds £1.00 per active line.
To increase your chances of winning, it is recommendable to spread your total bet amount over all available paylines instead of wagering a higher amount on a few lines.
One popular multi-payline slot is NetEnt’s “Viking’s Treasure,” which features a Viking theme and offers multiple paylines for players to enjoy.
Slots with Bonus Games
Slots with bonus games are incredibly popular among gambling enthusiasts. These slots incorporate bonus games that are activated by specific symbols or combinations of symbols on an active payline. The bonus games often align with the overall theme and story of the slot.
During the bonus game, players are required to perform specific actions, such as collecting points to earn additional prizes or choosing from several objects. Some bonus games may involve selecting treasure chests that correspond to specific amounts of money.
In addition to mini-games, bonus symbols can also trigger a predetermined number of free spins that players do not need to pay for. Many slots allow for the “retriggering” of bonus games, which often leads to more substantial wins. Wild and scatter symbols are also common in bonus slots, increasing players’ chances of turning a bigger profit.
NetEnt’s “Hall of Gods” is an example of a slot with bonus games. This slot features a Norse mythology theme and offers a progressive jackpot as well.
3D Slots
With the advancement of technology, game providers like NetEnt and Betsoft have introduced 3D slots to their portfolios. These slots feature superb graphics, animations, enhanced sound effects, and interesting features that create a more immersive gaming experience.
The themes of 3D slots are diverse, ranging from popular movies like Terminator and Bridesmaids to well-known comic series. Some 3D slots even have complex storylines that require players to unlock different levels to progress through the game.
In addition to their visual appeal, 3D slots offer various features such as rounds of free spins, wild and scatter symbols, and multipliers, designed to make the gaming experience more rewarding. These slots are compatible with both desktop and mobile devices, providing an ultimate gaming experience anytime, anywhere.
NetEnt’s “Robin Hood” is an example of a 3D slot with stunning graphics and engaging gameplay.
Progressive Slots
Progressive slots offer the chance to win life-changing jackpots that grow incrementally as players place bets. A small portion of each player’s bet contributes to the overall jackpot, which starts accumulating again once it has been won.
There are three types of progressive jackpots: standalone, linked, and wide-area. Standalone jackpots are tied to a single slot game, while linked jackpots connect multiple games within a single casino. Wide-area jackpots are the most alluring, as they accumulate across multiple online casinos.
Progressive slots offer fewer regular wins compared to other slots but have the potential for massive payouts. It’s important to note that to qualify for the jackpot, players often need to play with the maximum bet amount.
Microgaming’s “Mega Moolah” is a famous progressive slot that holds a Guinness World Record for its massive jackpot payout.
Slots with Unconventional Payout Structure and Gameplay
To stay relevant, game-making studios continuously create slots with unconventional payout structures and gameplay. These slots aim to grab players’ attention with unique features and innovative mechanics.
Crazy Tooth Studios, a game developer known for pushing boundaries, has introduced The Incredible Balloon Machine, a slot that requires players to inflate a balloon using a special machine and collect the offered prize before the balloon pops. This game offers a refreshing and interactive experience.
NetEnt’s INFINIREELS™ mechanic, featured in Gods of Gold: INFINIREELS™, allows the number of reels to grow infinitely, creating more winning opportunities as the game progresses.
Yggdrasil has also introduced novel game mechanics like Splitz and GigaBlox, which significantly increase the winning potential of their games. Splitz reveals between 3 and 9 symbols of the same kind, while GigaBlox changes the reel size with every new game round.
Slot Types Based on the Number of Reels
Slots can also be categorized based on the number of reels they feature. Classic 3-reel slots were once the most popular, but now 5-reel slots dominate the market. These slots offer multiple winning opportunities, with paylines ranging from 9 to over 1,000. Some slots even feature 6 or 7 reels, providing an even greater number of winning combinations.
Megaways Slots
Megaways slots have gained popularity for their unique random reel modifier, offering a significantly greater number of ways to win. These slots can produce a maximum of up to 117,649 ways to win, creating opportunities for big wins.
One of the first megaways slots, Dragon Born, quickly became popular, and Big Time Gaming’s Bonanza took the concept to new heights. Players don’t need identical symbols on a payline to win; instead, matching symbols on neighboring reels from left to right create winning combinations.
Conclusion
Online slots offer an array of options to suit every player’s preference. From classic slots to multi-payline slots, 3D slots, progressive slots, and more, the variety is endless. Each type of slot comes with its own unique features, providing thrilling gameplay and the potential for big wins.
Whether you enjoy the simplicity of classic slots or the immersive experience of 3D slots, there is a slot type to cater to your preferences. Keep exploring different types of online slots to find your favorites and discover exciting new games along the way. Good luck and happy spinning!