JeffBet by Matthew Gover |
Date of Publishing: 29 March 2023

5/5 - (12 votes)

A Comprehensive Guide To Types of Slots

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Do you want to learn more about the many types of slot machines? Are you interested to know the mechanics and popularity of online slots games? From classic three reel slots, video slots, progressive jackpots, and bonus games – each type of online slot has unique features that make it stand out. 

We will explore the different types of slot machines available today and discuss their advantages over other casino games and classic slots. So get ready for an exciting journey into the world of slots.

Traditional Slot Machines

The origin of traditional slot machines was traced back to the late 19th century. In 1891, a New York-based company called Sittman and Pitt developed the first mechanical slot machine with five drums containing 50 playing cards. It was later called the Liberty Bell.  

This early slot machine version was called the Liberty Bell due to its bell-shaped top piece. It proved popular among players and soon spread across the United States.

In 1895, Charles Fey from San Francisco developed an improved version of the Liberty Bell, which he named the Operator Bell. This new design had three reels instead of five drums. It featured symbols on each reel rather than on playing cards. It included horseshoes, diamonds, spades, hearts, and bells. The Operator Bell has a lever for players to pull and spin the reels. It is why these types of slots are called one-armed bandits.

Today there are several different types of traditional slot machines available at casinos around the world, which include:

  • Classic three reels
  • Five reel video slots 
  • Progressive jackpot slots
  • Multi-line slots 
  • Bonus games 
  • Free spins games

Each type offers something unique, but all share common features, such as wilds, scatters, and multipliers increasing winnings significantly when they appear during play.

Slot machines of the past have been a source of amusement and wagering for many, providing an exhilarating form of gaming. The video slot is the modern version of a traditional slot machine, offering a more interactive experience to its users.

Video Slot Machines

In the late 1970s, video slots debuted in Las Vegas casinos and have since become a widely popular form of gambling. Since then, video slots have become a popular form of gambling for players worldwide. Video slots are typically found in online and land-based casinos and offer players an exciting way to win big prizes without leaving their homes or travelling to a casino.

The type of video slot games varies for every game, which includes:

  • Five reel slots with three rows of winning symbols across its reels 
  • Progressive jackpot slots 
  • Multi-line slots with bonus features
  • 3D slots games with animated graphics
  • Classic fruit machines that use traditional symbols like cherries and lemons

No matter what type you choose to play, there’s sure to be something that suits your taste.

Advantages of Video Slot Machines

Playing video slots offers many advantages compared to other forms of gambling, such as table games or sports betting. 

  • It is easy for anyone, regardless of experience level, to get started playing quickly; all you need is basic knowledge about how the game works and what kind of bets you can make on each spin. 
  • Winning combinations are unpredictable because these machines use random number generators (RNG). Every time you spin could potentially result in a big payout.
  • Playing online or on mobile devices can also be incredibly entertaining due to the bright lights and flashy visuals; it makes it feel like an immersive gaming experience.

Video slots are a great way to enjoy the thrill of gambling without risking too much money. Progressive jackpot slots offer a bigger potential for big wins and can be just as exciting as video slots.

Progressive Slot Machines

Progressive slot machines have been around since the mid-1990s and are still popular among players. Progressive jackpots offer larger payouts than classic slots, making them attractive to those looking for bigger wins. We will explore the history of progressive slot machines, the several types available, and some advantages of playing these games.

History of Progressive Slots Machines

The first progressive slot machine was introduced in 1996 by Microgaming. Since then, other software providers such as NetEnt and Playtech have followed suit with their versions of progressive jackpots that offer even bigger rewards to lucky players.

Types of Progressive Slots

There are two main types of progressive jackpots – standalone progressives and networked progressives. Standalone progressive jackpots can only be found at one particular casino. Networked progressives, on the other hand, can be linked across multiple casinos. It means all bets contribute towards a single pot, shared among all participating casinos.

One advantage of playing progressive slots is the potential for massive payouts. Many games feature life-changing sums that any player may win at any time, regardless of skill level or experience. Additionally, most online casinos also provide bonus features or promotions on particular games, increasing your chances of winning. 

Finally, many people enjoy the thrill of trying to win large cash prizes from small stakes. Something that is only sometimes possible on traditional slots but may be more achievable through playing progressive slots due to their higher payout rates compared to regular ones.

Progressive slot machines offer players the chance to win life-changing sums of money, making them an attractive option for those looking for a thrilling gaming experience.

Multi-Line Slots

Multi-line slots, a recent addition to the world of slot machines, have been gaining traction in popularity over the past few years. Unlike traditional single-line slots, it allows players to bet on multiple paylines, increasing their chances of winning big jackpots. We will explore the history of multi-line slots, the many types available, and some advantages of playing them.

These types of online slots emerged in the early 2000s as an option for players seeking higher chances of winning a jackpot without playing multiple machines. They offer more flexibility for players wanting to increase their chances of hitting the jackpot without having to play multiple machines at once. The widespread use of multi-line slots has been on the rise since their debut in casinos, and they are now virtually everywhere.

Types of Multi-Line Slots

There are several different types of multi-line slot machines available today, including:

  • Three reels
  • Five reels
  • Progressive jackpot games 

The three reel slots feature nine to fifteen paylines, while five reel slots have twenty or more paylines available for betting on each spin. Progressive jackpot games require casino players to bet maximum coins per spin but also offer larger potential prizes than regular multi-line slot machines due to the ever-increasing size of their prize pools. It can reach millions depending on how many people are playing them at any given time.

They are a great way to maximise your winnings and increase the chances of hitting big jackpots. Bonus round and free spin games offer even more opportunities for players to get lucky, so let’s explore them in greater detail.

Bonus Round and Free Spin Games

Bonus round and free spin games are a type of slot machine game that offers players of online casinos additional chances to win prizes. Players have been drawn to these types of games due to the added thrill of getting bonus spins and the possibility of gaining a larger reward.

History of Bonus Round and Free Spin Games

Bonus rounds and free spins were first introduced in the late 1990s when online casinos began offering these types of promotions. At first, bonus rounds were only available on a particular slot, but over time more slots started featuring them as part of their gameplay. Almost all modern online slots today include bonus or free spins as part of their design.

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Types Of Bonus Round And Free Spin Games:

There are several types of the bonus round and free spin games available today. Some examples include:

  • Pick-and-win bonuses where players select items on the screen to reveal hidden rewards
  • Wheel spin bonuses that award random prizes
  • Progressive slots, where the prize money increases with each bet placed
  • Multipliers, which multiply any wins by a certain amount

One advantage is that it gives online players extra chances to win without risking any money. It can be beneficial if you play with limited funds or want to play without spending too much money upfront. 

Bonus rounds often feature higher payouts than traditional slots, meaning your potential earnings could be significantly higher if you hit one. Other bonus round games also feature special features, such as wild or scatter symbols, that can further boost your odds of winning big.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the different types of slot machines offer something for everyone. No matter your preference, there is sure to be a slot machine option that meets both your gaming desires and financial capabilities. Choosing the perfect slot machine games can be difficult, but no matter what type you pick, it’s sure to offer hours of entertainment!

Discover the different types of slot machines and find out which one best suits your gaming needs. Take advantage of our expert advice to maximise your chances for success!

About the Author

Author: Matthew Gover.

After graduating, Matthew began working as an English teacher abroad, initially in Spain and then Vietnam before finally coming back to the UK to settle. Matthew has always had a love for writing and an even bigger love for the igaming industry... Read More

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