Though often thought of as a basic casino game, there is actually more to a
online slot machine than one might think. It's not just as simple as picking any
old game and pulling the arm. There is an advantage in getting to know exactly
what type of slot machine you're about to play.
We review the following online slot types:
-
classic (also known as 3 reel)
-
Multi-line
-
5 Reel (also know as video slots)
-
Bonus features slots
-
Progressive slots (also know as Jackpots)
Knowing the types alone isn't enough however; there are also a variety of
multi-payline and multi-reel combinations just to complicate things further. But
don't worry -this page has been written especially for that reason- to give
people a chance to understand the world of slot machines a little better.
classic Slots (3 Reel / Basic)
classic slots are pretty simple. They have 3 reels and a single payline, with
typically between 6 and 12 winning combinations. They come in all coin sizes,
from 1c to $5. A couple of interesting
variations, most notably the Microgaming Megaspin slots, have been rearing their
heads in the last couple of years. These are essentially multiple games in one.
You can play either 3, 6 or 9 games in one spin. A good example is Megaspin High
5.
classic slots are often frowned upon as old and outdated. However, they still
offer very good value. Top Jackpots of 15,000 coins are not uncommon.
Examples classic slots: Alchemist's
Lab, Couch
Potato
View our
classic Slots Directory
Multi-line Slots
Multi-line slots were the first progression of classic slots.
They still operate with three reels, but have more paylines, typically 3 or 5.
The major advantage of a multi-line slot is that they typically have a higher hit
rate than their classic cousins. Jackpots are very similar to classic slots and
you will typically find the same number of winning combinations. Most players
will tell you that a multi-line slot is more exciting to play as there is more
"action", i.e. more frequent wins. The majority of muli-line machines activate
each payline for each coin you put in the machine. Playing maximum coins will
ensure all paylines are always covered and you have a shot at the top jackpot.
Example multi-line slots: Top
Hat Magic, Rapid
Reels
View our Multi-line Slot Directory
5 Reel Slots
5 Reel online slots, also sometimes referred to as video
slots, add a lot of excitement to slot play by offering more winning
combinations and fun themes. The games typically range between 5 and 21 pay
lines, and require at least one coin per payline or sometimes as many as five. 5
reel slots have take onlie slot play to another level and the graphics is often
astounding/ Many of these games offer bonus features where you can win bonus
coins and free spins.
Example 5 reel slots: Buccaneer's,
What
a Hoot
View our 5 Reel Slots Directory
Bonus Feature Slots
Online Slots have made enormous progress since the start of
the online casino industry. It now seems that almost every new slot game has
some type of bonus feature or an added way to win more money. Bonus feature
range from random games where you can win bonus coins, the multipliers, to free
spins. You are sure to find a game that suit you in
our bonus
feature slots directory.
Example bonus feature slots: Eastern
Dragon,
View our Bonus Feature
Slots Directory
Read a more detailed explanation of Bonus
Feature Slots.
Progressive Slots
The jackpot amount on
progressive slot machines increase according to the amount of money played
through them. It's sort of like the lottery; the more people play, the bigger
the jackpot gets - until someone wins it. Progressive jackpot machines most
often display the total jackpot number in large numbers at the top of the
machine. This number usually increases right in front of your eyes, as people
play the progressive elsewhere and contribute to a growing jackpot. Once a
jackpot is hit, the progressive number will be reset down to a base level and
begin growing again. A progressive jackpot slot machine often requires maximum
coins to be played for the major jackpot to payout.
Example progressive slots: Cash
Splash 5 Reel, Millionaire's
Club
View our Progressive
Slots Directory
Read our tips on playing progressive
online slots.
Conclusion
As a general rule of thumb, always take note of the pay table being presented
for the machine you're playing. If the potential wins increases dramatically
between one, two, or three coins being played, it may be in your best interest
to play a larger number of coins.
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