If you’re an experienced player, this might be mind-boggling, but if you’re a newbie, don’t worry, today we’re going to take a look at the different types of slots available, so you can go straight into the game, fully equipped with all the skills possible. All that’s left for you to win is a bit of luck on your side (don’t worry, we’ll have a word with lady luck for you).
Online slots can be confusing, especially if you are just starting out. There are many different slot machines available today, and sometimes it can be hard to tell which ones are which. Ultimately, the basics of each slot machine remain the same. So regardless of the type of slots you choose to play, the mechanics are the same.
You have to match the same symbols to create a winning combination, usually formed on an active line. Of course, there will always be an exception to the rules when there are so many different slots, but that is what we are going to discuss today.
The mechanics of most slot machine types remain the same, requiring you to match symbols to create a winning combination.
Playing different slots can kill any boredom and the more you play, the more you will learn which ones work best. Who wants to play the same 15 reel slot machine every day? Luckily for you, there is now so much variety that it will never be a problem. If you’re wondering which type of slot machine works best for you, take a look at this list to help you decide.
Different types of slots by:
Reel numbers
Every slot machine is different and one of the main things that sets them apart is their reels. Probably the most common type is the 5-reel slot machine, similar to NetEnt’s Starburst Slot. These were released after the popularity of the original classic slots. These are often only known for their 3 reels. But thanks to advances in technology, you will also find giant reel slots and cascading reels.
Number of paylines
Slots with one line or slots with multiple lines is another important thing that you will find in different games. But what is the difference between multi-line machines and single line machines? A single line machine is just that. It has one single payline that effectively reduces your chances of winning, just like the Microgaming bar machine. However, when it comes to multi-line slots, this type of slot has multiple paylines, which effectively increases the chances of hitting more wins on each spin just like the Rapunzel slot machine with the Quickspin tower.
Slack and tight automatics
Now, if you are new to this gambling game, try not to let these terms bite you too hard, because you should play the games you like, whether they are loose or tight. But if you’re wondering what that means, basically a loose slot machine is one that has an RTP (Return to Player) of 97% or higher. A good example of this would be NetEnt’s Blood Suckers Slot. This is the percentage that the slot will return in the long term. Tight slots are then those that have an RTP of less than 94%. If you are wondering how to find loose slots at online casinos, read our blog using the link we provided.
Land-based vs online vending machines vs fruit machines
If you are already familiar with land-based slots and fruit machines, online slots should be popular games. Online slots have simply evolved from the old fruit machines. You can even find types of slots that still contain the old fruit and 7 symbols, such as the Bohemia Joker slot at Play’n GO. But just like we mentioned above, all three types come down to one way to win; match those symbols on the reels. If you need more help, check out our blog How to Play Slots: A Complete Guide for Dummies.
Video Vending Machines (Video Era)
Undoubtedly the most popular type of slot machine today are video slots. These are usually classified as any game that has more than three win lines and provides more entertainment and chances to win than the classic slots we mentioned earlier. A video slot machine usually includes extra features or free spins as added entertainment, and the graphics usually speak for themselves. An example of a video slot that is worth checking out is NextGen Gaming’s Medusa slot.
Flat Top vs Progressive Slots
Each type of slot machine has its own winning potential. Most video slots and classic slots have a maximum payout from a single spin, but then you have progressive slots. These types of slots are dream come true and there is absolutely no maximum limit to how much the game can pay out. This is because the game will have a single jackpot or usually multiple jackpots that will increase over time. The more bets players place, the more the jackpot increases, similar to Microgaming’s Mega Moolah. These types of jackpots are usually randomly triggered or similar to the NetEnt Mega Fortune slot machine, which can be won after hitting a bonus game.
Pokies
These are very similar to the games we have already described, particularly video games. Some online casinos, usually Australian casinos, will refer to their games as Pokies.
3D slots
When we think of 3D slots, they are more commonly associated with the popular game providers Betsoft, but of course most providers also have their own versions of 3D slots. Betsoft has their own range of exclusive 3D slots, such as Reels of Wealth Slot, where symbols and features can be displayed in 3D as opposed to 2D. The graphics of their games are usually a step above the rest, but again, they work very much like your average video slot machine. Make sure to check out our top 10 most popular 3D slots when you finish reading this blog.
AWP or SWP machines
You probably won’t come across these terms too often, but we’ll cover them just in case. Slot machines that you play online are usually labeled as online slots, but if you play in a brothel or arcade, they may be called AWP (Entertainment with Prize) or SWP (Skill with Prize). These are usually regulated to have lower limits on how much you can win, and are generally not designed like a modern video slot machine. Some may require a bit of skill, but ultimately fall on luck, just like any other type of slot machine we’ve mentioned today.
Are you full of knowledge now?
And that’s pretty much every type of slot machine you’re likely to come across. You might think that’s a lot to remember, but once you start playing, you’ll discover that almost every slot machine you play has the same concept, and the terms themselves just fall into place. Find a type or several that you enjoy playing and stick with them.
Never feel like playing a game that you are not comfortable with. If you don’t like it, move on to the next one and remember to always play responsibly.
Join us on the forum
If you think we’ve missed something or just want to continue the discussion, join us on the forums! See you there.