Gone are the days that you walk into your local pub or arcade and have a measly choice of slots to play. In recent years, with increasing advancements in technology, gamers can now play on their phones or tablets and have hundreds of different games at their fingertips, all in one place with online casinos. But as technology advances, software providers are constantly looking for new ways to keep players entertained and spending money. So, what are the different kinds of slot you can play online?
3-reel slots
3-reel slots are often referred to as classic slots as they were the first to be invented in land-based casinos. The slots consist of three reels and the window will show three rows by three columns. Traditionally, 3-reel slots only have one pay-line, meaning that all three symbols must line up in a horizontal direction for the player to win. Despite advances changing this, 3-reel slots are the best slot for a beginner: easy to understand and easy to play. However, even experienced players may return to this humble slot for some non-energetic gaming.
5-reel slots
5-reel slots (often referred to as ‘video slots’) were created to rival the classic 3-reel design, in order to make the game more exciting and appealing to the player. An increase in reels sees an increase in pay-lines, creating a higher chance of winning. Pay-lines also vary and games can offer over 1,000 ways to win!
The grid is bigger than you’d expect from a 3-reel and can be 3×5 or even 4×5. As well as the regular symbols, 5-reel slots also offer ‘wild’ and ‘scatter’ symbols to advance a player’s options. Wild symbols will substitute regular symbols in the game, helping to form winning combinations where possible; while the scatter symbols pay-out, so regardless of where the reels land, the player will win. Players may also be able to unlock bonus features, depending on how their symbols line-up.
5-reel slots are particularly popular online as they are a lot more exciting and players can enjoy numerous different themes, ranging from TV and film to music; and from Ancient history to pretty much anything in between!
6- and 7-reel slots are also available online, although still aren’t as common.
3D slots
3D slots are one of the newer forms and certainly highlight how the software and technology has advanced. The gameplay is exactly the same as a video (or 5-reel) slot; however, contains 3D animated characters that interact with players during gameplay.
Advances will only see additional exciting features, like symbols moving around. In addition, the games follow a narrative, with each game following a specific storyline and setting to enhance the overall experience.
In the future, we will no doubt see i-slots, which are interactive and players will be able to develop their own storyline by spinning different combinations of symbols, or even taking part in side games to advance. Games will be played out and completed in a wide variety of ways, with plenty of bonus features to ensure that all players – even the most demanding – don’t get bored!
Progressive slots
Progressive slots come in all shapes and sizes and are probably found within everything we have covered above. The big difference here is the jackpot. Unlike all the examples we’ve already highlighted that will most likely have a fixed jackpot per pay-line, progressive jackpots are forever increasing, so in addition to the fixed pay-out, there’s also an additional bonus waiting to be won. For every gamer that plays, a small percentage of their bet goes into the pot, which in turn, builds the jackpot. The jackpot will continue to increase until one lucky winner wins mega moolah. The jackpot will then return to its initial prize fund and will go on again, increasing with every play.
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