When you visit the Grande Vegas instant play casino games lobby, you may be attracted to a specific slot machine because of its visual imagery or even because of the various levels and elements that the game features. This is one way to choose a slot.
But perhaps you have a specific type of slot in mind. If you enjoy a certain kind of slot machine, you can make it easier to choose the machine on which you want to play by understanding more about the different types of features, themes and gameplay mechanics that are available for your gaming entertainment.
Classic Slot Machine
Classic slot machines are often referred to as "one-armed bandits" or "fruit machines." They are a symbol of the early days of casino gaming and they hold a nostalgic charm for many gamblers who appreciate their simplicity and retro appeal. Casinos feature these machines as today’s version of the original 19th century mechanical or electromechanical gambling device that were once commonly found in arcades, salons and even candy shops.
The classic slot machine typically has three reels. Until recently, the reels – rotating cylinders – featured symbols such as bars, bells, fruits and Lucky 7s but some of the modern classic slots feature more engaging symbols. Each symbol represents a different value and combinations of symbols lead to payouts – there are high-payout symbols and low payout symbols so the payout is dependent on the symbol combination.
The classic slot machine usually has a single horizontal payline across the center of the reels which is where the matching symbols align. The player places bets on the symbols that s/he thinks will come up as a matching combination. Many classic slots feature visual and audio efforts that enhance the gaming experience with winning combinations triggering celebratory sounds, music and flashing lights.
Video Slot Machine
The video slot machine is a modern, interactive version of the mechanical slot machine. It has vibrant, high-resolution digital display screens that display the gameplay and its outcomes. The video slot machine can have multiple, even dozens, of paylines that are the patterns in which matching symbols must align in order to trigger a win. Paylines can be straight, diagonal or zigzag and the player bets on the specific paylines that s/he wants to enable. Bets are paid out based on whether the matching combinations occurred on a payline that had been enabled with a bet.
Many slots gamers choose their machine based on the graphics that indicate the machine’s theme. Video slots feature themes on a wide variety of dynamic subjects ranging from history and ancient civilizations to fantasy, science fiction, whimsy, holidays, romance, intrigue, mythology, mysticism, magic and more.
After the bet is placed, the player spins the reels, usually by pushing a button. When the reels come to a stop, the machine evaluates the symbols on the active paylines to determine if a winning combination has been achieved. Then the machine will deliver the payout, based on the specific combination and the player's bet.
Video slot machines often include bonus features that are triggered by special bonus symbols or specific symbol combinations. They include free spins, bonus rounds, multipliers, scatter symbols (that trigger scatter combination payouts, wild symbols (that can substitute for any other symbol to complete a combination), pick-a-bonus game and more.
Jackpot Games
Some video slots include a special jackpot competition in which you can join a side jackpot competition. There are games with:
- Progressive jackpots that are linked to a progressive jackpot network – a small side bet is placed on the jackpot. That bet joins bets of other players from around the world who are playing that exacted linked game. The jackpot can be randomly triggered by achieving a specific combination.
- Jackpot prizes within the slot machine gameplay.
Today, video slot machines combine technology with engaging gameplay to provide players with a visually appealing and interactive gambling experience.
Mobile Slots
Ten years ago, it was hard for mobile players to find slots that were adapted for their mobile devices but today, almost all of the slot machines are mobile-enabled. Mobile slots are optimized for smaller screens. They feature touch controls, simplified navigation and easy-to-view interfaces. Such a large percentage of today’s gaming takes place on mobile that a slot machine that isn’t mobile-enabled will probably not be marketable on today’s market.
Megaways Slot Machines
Megaway slots, also called 243 Ways to Win, feature a dynamic reel structure where the number of symbols on each reel can change with every spin. There are no paylines on megaways slots so you don’t bet on the line but rather on the spin. The symbols don’t have to line up on a specific line to form a winning combination. This means that every spin offers 243 Ways to Win. Megaways is gaining in popularity because many players see it as a more winnable machine.
Future Slots
In the future, gaming consultants see Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality slots coming to the casino. These 21st century slot machines are already in the design phase and are being developed to give the gamer the sense that s/he is actually IN the game. Keep your eyes out for these new slots options.
