Types of Slot Games and Slot Features

Slot machines have gone a long way since the first one-armed bandit was created in the late 19th century. If you want to have fun with slots, you need to know the different types of slot games available and the features they have. It's easy to get overwhelmed so we will keep it simple. These are not strict categories as they often overlap, that is, progressive slots may be 5-reel slots too.

Types of Slots

Classic Machine

This is the basic type of slot machine. The classic slot machine has 3 reels and 1 payline. The typical maximum coin bet is 3. Each slot has its own pay table and top-paying symbol. Some games use the classic slot model while including new features like multiplier and wild symbols.

5-Reel Slot Machine

As their name implies, these slots have 5 spinning wheels. They can have multiplier, wild and scatter symbols among other features. Jackpots tend to be bigger than in 3-reel slots and there are more possible winning spins.

Multi-Payline Slot Machines

The payline refers to the line that symbols must line up on to make a winning spin. Any slot that has more than 1 payline is called a multi-payline. More complex games today can have as many as 25 paylines.

Progressive Slot Machine

These slots are attractive because of the jackpots which get bigger every time the slot is played and the prize isn't won. But progressives often have a lower payback percentage than regular slots. This is due in part because they already draw a lot of players, and part because they need to keep more money to pay out the jackpot. Progressives can be classic 3-reel, 5-reel, multi-payline and so on.

Bonus Game Slot Machine

A bonus game is an additional game you can play within the slot machine. It is a chance for you to win more credits. For example, if the slot theme is Egyptian, the bonus game may involve blowing up stones of a pyramid and scoring more credits. Or you may choose from several genie lamps and win the prize inside. In some bonus games, you can win over 40,000 credits or more.

High Max Bet Slot Machine

This is the name we give to slots that have a high maximum coin bet. A typical slot has a max bet of 2, 3 or 5. Slots can now have as many a 250 max coin bets. The jackpot prizes of these slots can be quite big like 50,000 coins.

Slots Features

Multiplier - This is a symbol that multiplies the credits won on a winning spin. For instance, if the multiplier symbol appears once, it will multiply the winning spin value by two; if two symbols, by four.

Wild - A wild symbol is a wild card. It substitutes for other symbols that make a winning spin. In a multi-payline, the wild symbol can be very useful.

Stop Spin - This option lets you stop the reels at any time.

Scatter Symbol - This symbol is called scatter because if it appears anywhere you can see it at the end of a spin, you win.

With so many wonderful features and prizes now available, it's no wonder slots are the number one game in all casinos. Try a few spins. We're sure you will be converted!