Types of Slot Machines
Types of Slot Machines
Developed over a century ago, slots have evolved from simple 1-coin, 1-payline machines into a variety of complex, exciting games with multiple paylines and enormous jackpots. During the course of the slot machine evolution, they literally transformed the gambling industry.
Today, land-based and online casinos devote a large portion of their resources to offer their customers a wide range of different types of slot machines. Below, we’ll describe several types of slot machines and explain how they work.
You’ll learn about straight slots and progressives as well as 3-reel and 5-reel slot machines. We’ll also tell you about a reliable online casino that provides all types of slot machines as well as a generous sign-up bonus to get you started.
Straight Slot Machines
Straight slots pay out for any winning combination of symbols that are listed on the pay table. They are not linked to any other slot games, so the jackpots are exclusive to each machine.
There are four basic types of straight slots, though it’s worth noting that some types offer a blend of features found on other types.
Multiplier Slots – The payouts offered by multiplier slots are based upon the number of coins bet on a spin.
For example, suppose a slot machine pays 10 coins if you bet 1 coin and 3 cherries appear on a payline.
This type of slot would pay out 20 coins for the same symbol combination (in this case, 3 cherries) if you were to bet 2 coins. And it would pay out 30 coins if you were to bet 3 coins.
If effect, your payout is multiplied by the number of coins you bet.
Bonus Multiplier Slots – These slots work in the same manner as basic multiplier slots. The only difference is a bonus that boosts your payout for a winning combination if you bet the maximum number of coins.
Let’s return to our previous example.
Betting 1 coin would pay out 10 coins for 3 cherries on a single payline.
Betting 2 coins would pay out 20 coins.
However, betting 3 coins (or, the maximum bet) might pay out 50 coins due to the bonus multiplier.
Multi-Payline Slots – When slot machines first became popular, most of them offered only one payline. Today, many straight slot games offer multiple paylines.
Each coin that you bet activates one payline.
If a winning combination appears on an activated payline, you win the payout listed on the pay table.
However, if a winning combination appears on a payline that is not activated, the slot machine will not pay out.
Buy-A-Pay Slots – This type of slot machine is often misunderstood, even by long-time slot enthusiasts. Buy-a-pay slots offer a number of winning combinations, but will only pay out if you have “bought” a combination.
For example, suppose a slot machine pays out for 3 cherries, 3 gold bars, and 3 sevens.
Betting 1 coin activates cherries.
Betting 2 coins activates cherries and gold bars.
Betting 3 coins activates all winning combinations.
If you were to bet 1 coin and 3 gold bars appeared on a payline, you would not win. You would need to bet 2 coins in order to collect for that symbol combination.
Progressive Slot Machines
Progressive slots offer a potentially life-changing jackpot that can climb into the millions of dollars. These types of slot machines are linked with other slots.
The linked network of machines can be small or large; they might consist of slots that are near one another or those located in different casinos.
Each time a player makes a bet on any of the linked slot machines, a small portion is allocated toward the jackpot pool.
The pool continues to build until a player hits the winning combination. When that happens, the jackpot is paid out and the pool is reset to its floor from where it begins to build again.
Because a portion of each bet is allocated toward the jackpot pool, the payouts for all other winning combinations are slightly lower than would otherwise be the case.
3-Reel And 5-Reel Slot Machines
The original Liberty Bell slot machine developed by Charles Fey was a 3-reel slot game. This is how the history of the slot machine began, with 3-reel slots.
Slots with only 3 reels have since become a staple in both land-based and online casinos.
Depending upon the game you’re playing, the 3-reel machine might offer a single payline, multiple paylines, multipliers, and other bonuses.
5-reel slot machines were created as an extension of traditional 3-reel slots. The addition of two extra reels allowed for more paylines and winning combinations.
As a result, the pay table and corresponding payouts grew exponentially.
Casino operators enjoy far more flexibility with their payout percentages and slots enthusiasts enjoy the excitement of playing for a greater number of possible jackpots.
Where To Play All Types Of Slot Machines
This Is Vegas allows their members to enjoy all types of slot machines.
You’ll find straight slots, progressives, 3-reel, and 5-reel slots that offer jackpots which range from small to staggeringly large, there are all sorts of online slot machines available for play on the web.
You’ll also be able to experience the latest innovation in online slots: i-Slots. They come with exclusive storylines and videos that progress while you play. Plus you can check out some of our favorite online slot games, Scary Rich 2 and Major Moolah.
Take a moment to visit This Is Vegas today. They’re currently giving new members a 100% matching sign-up bonus with a value up to $750. It’s a fantastic way to get started playing all types of slot machines online.