Slot machines started out as simple machines with 3 reels, 3 paylines, a lever and some symbols that would spin on the reels to create matching paylines and trigger real money payouts. In those early days, all it took were 3 lemons or 3 oranges to complete a real money win. Today there are many different types of slot machines from which to choose. Slots vary in their game themes, their mechanics, their paytables, their online casino bonus payouts and much more.
Read this Grande Vegas Casino guide to slot machines to learn more about the world of slots so that you can select the slot that best suits your individual gaming preferences, your skill level and your betting budget.
Slots
The first slot machine was introduced in the 1890s and was called “Liberty Bell.” Shopkeepers, salon owners and candy stores kept the machines in the corner where customers could play a game or two at a penny-a-spin. Symbols on these early machines were generally those of fruit – lemons, oranges, apples and grapes along with bar and bell images. Prizes were paid out in gumballs or, in salons, drinks.
Today, there are many different types of slot machines. Each provides a unique gaming experience so that each person can enjoy a casino adventure that meets their needs and expectations. Here are 8 different types:
Classic Slots
Classic slots, sometimes called “fruit machines” or “3-reel slots.” They are favored by gamers who are looking for simplicity in their gaming event. These machines evoke feelings of nostalgia. Some of the classic slots have 3 paylines and others have 5. They are favored by gamers looking for a machine that’s easy to understand and play – often, beginning slots gamers. One of the features of classic slots is that they are low-volatility games, meaning that the wins are more frequent than with other types of slots but the payouts are smaller.
In recent years, there’s been more of a demand for these retro machines and game designers have released new classic slots with extra features and more engaging symbols.
Video Slots
Most of today’s slot machines are video slots. Most of these machines have 5 reels but the number of paylines can range from 5 paylines to dozens and even more. This increases the chances that you’ll achieve a winning combination while adding complexity and more flexible betting options to the gameplay.
Video slots are best known for the game themes that they display – storylines of magic, mystery, holidays, animals, intrigue, romance, mysticism and more.
Video slot players are treated to games with high-quality graphics with lifelike visuals and animations. There are generally interactive features like bonus rounds, multipliers, free spins and pick-and-win games.
Progressive Jackpot Slots
Progressive jackpot slots involve exciting gameplay and, as such, are highly popular games. They offer the chance to achieve a life-changing payout on every spin of the game’s reels. When you play a progressive jackpot game, you’re playing a machine that’s linked to other gamers, located around the world, who are also playing that exact game.
A small portion of every wager from each player’s wagers is set aside to contribute to the jackpot prize. The jackpot grows progressively as more and more players join the competition. At some point, one player’s spin brings up the required symbol combination that allows him/her to claim the jackpot prize.
Progressive jackpot prizes can reach tens of thousands of dollars and even more.
3D Slots
For players who enjoy the visual interaction of slots, 3D slots are the answer. 3D slots offer immersive visual experiences. The graphics and animations display in 3D imagery while the storylines and character-driven narratives tend to be more complex than in other types of video slots. In addition, players are often required to complete challenges to unlock various elements.
Ways to Win Slots
Ways to Win slots, often called “Megaways Slots” offer thousands of ways to complete a combination on every spin. The number of symbols that appear on each spin changes with each spin so every spin gives the player a different experience. Players aren’t required to enable individual paylines in Ways to Win Slots because there are no paylines – 3 matching symbols, appearing consecutively in any position, in a left-to-right pattern, signal a win.
Branded Slots
Branded slots refer to slot machines whose storylines and characters are based on popular entertainment franchises – TV shows, movies, comic books, music artists, etc. These games focus on familiar characters and themes to which fans of the original content can relate. Many of these slots use official imagery, sound effects and music and include unique bonus rounds that are inspired by the original content.
Skill-Based Slots
Skill-based slot machines are evolving as the demand for these types of games grows. They incorporate mini-games, challenges and other elements of skill-based gameplay to influence the game’s outcome. Skill-based slots tend to appeal to younger gamers who are looking for more interactive slot experiences.
Social Slots
Social slot machines meet the demand for gamers’ expectations for a social experience where they can compete with other players for prizes, compare results and engage on a social level. They incorporate social features such as friend challenges, shared progress, leaderboards, etc. Tournament play is also a large part of the new trend in social slot engagement.
From the simplicity of 3-reel classic slots to high-stakes progressive jackpot slot machines, social slots and more 21st century innovations, the online casino offers slot experiences to meet all gaming expectations.
