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Reel slot machines

In the world of online casino entertainment, slots machines are a mainstay. This brief overview gives a broad introduction to all slots games, including what they are, how to play and what bonus features you can expect. Explore this guide to reel slot machines.

What are Reel Slot Machines?

Reel slot machines, or fruit machines, poker machines or pokies, are gambling machines that operate according to a game of chance. Online slots and casino-based machines have three or more reels or columns that spin when activated, using random number generators to display configurations of symbols that change with every spin. Reel slots typically have three reels or five reels with each reel featuring between one and five symbols. A five-reel slot, for example, with three symbols per reel (the array) would be referred to as a 5x3 slot.

The payline is a line that goes across the reels covering one position per reel. The object is to land enough matching symbols on consecutive reels on the payline to secure a win. Most paylines run from left to right. Different slots games come with different Return-To-Player values and volatility rates. Slots volatility is how often a slot typically pays out, whereas (RTP) is how much a casino game pays back to players.

Different types of reel slots machines

Players may wonder how to play casino games; there are many different varieties, each with varying mechanics and features that adapt the winning potential of each game. Here’s a brief introduction to some types of paylines, jackpots and slots games you may encounter.

Classic Slots

Classic Slots are online video slots that mimic the paylines and playing style of traditional land-based slot machines, typically using a single or small number of paylines.

Single payline slot machines

Old reel slot machines had a single payline that ran across the centre of the reels, typically with classic fruit symbols. These are still around in many brick-and-mortar and online casinos, characterised by limited betting options.

Multiple payline games

Combination payline casino games are known as multiple payline games. A reels slots machine with multiple paylines comes with a maximum bet that is equal to the number of lines. The more paylines a player chooses, the higher the bet and the more chances to win on each spin.

Progressive jackpot games

Progressive Slots are Jackpot games in which the total prize keeps on rising (progressing) every time a player places a bet and spins the reels. A small fraction of each bet is added to the prize pot, and typically this amount is displayed in real-time on the game. Some slots are connected to a player network across casinos hosting a specific game provider.

Bonus features

Bonus features have the potential to dramatically affect the outcome of a reels slots game. Here are some to watch out for. With bonus features in play, players could obtain Free Spins, cash prizes, jackpots, win multipliers, or gain access to still more bonus features within the game.

Cascading Reels - When a win is made, the symbols which created it disappear and new cascading symbols replace them. either from above or below.

Bonus Wheels - Offer players one or more spins, with cash prizes, win multipliers, or other bonus features being picked when the rotating wheel comes to a stop.

Free Spins - Free Spins usually occur as a bonus round that is triggered when landing 3 or more identical symbols. Free Spins can also be activated by revealing certain symbols in bonus games or achieving a number of consecutive winning respins.

Multipliers - Multipliers allow you to multiply the amount of a win. The most common multipliers are the Free Spins Multiplier, Wild Multiplier (provides multipliers on any win achieved with a Wild symbol), Progressive Multiplier (generally found in games that provide for frequent respins) and the Bet Multiplier.

Scatter Symbols - Most reels slot machines have scatter symbols: special game symbols found on the game pay table. These may trigger bonus features and offer extra game payouts.

Wild symbols - Wild symbols are special symbols which can substitute for other symbols to complete or extend winning combinations. These include: Expanding Wilds, Migrating Wilds and Sticky Wilds.

Picking Rounds - This feature requires the player to select one or more objects to reveal hidden prizes that may be instant cash payouts, Free Spins or entry into other slots bonus features.

Gamble features - Allow players to wager wins made during the game on additional opt-in bets, by choosing a hidden card colour or suit, for example, to potentially multiply winnings (at the risk of losing the initial win).

Are reel slot machines different in online vs. physical casinos?

Reel slot machines found in a brick-and-mortar casino building are essentially the same as online casino slots games. Since the large, bulky slot machines in casinos use digital software Random Number Generators (RNGs) in the same way as online slots. The primary difference is that online slots are accessible on your phone or computer while the other requires a trip to a casino building. Another difference is that the variety of online slots accessible online is much larger than the limited selection offered in a casino building.

FAQs

What different Reel Slot Machines are there?

We have a wide selection of reel slot machines, including Classic Slots, Single and Multiple pay line games and Progressive Jackpots.

What are Reel Slot Machines?

These are slot machines with three or more reels that spin when activated, using random number generators to display configurations of symbols that change with every spin.

Do Reel Slot Machines have bonus features?

Most online slots offer bonus features. These are some of the bonus features in Reel Slot Machines; Cascading reels, Bonus wheels, Free Spins, Multipliers, Wilds and Gamble options.

How do you win on a Reel Slot Machine?

You win by landing three or more matching symbols on one of the pay lines. Usually, winning combinations are created from left to right.