Types of Slot Machines: The Complete Guide
Early slots were mechanical cabinets with three reels and basic, clunky mechanics. Except for a few unique additions, only a little changed in several decades, and the basic concept remained relatively unchanged for nearly a century.
In the last few decades, however, these games have evolved considerably, and there are now many different types of slot machines to explore.
Classic Slots
Despite using simple designs and mechanics, these slot machines are still very popular.
They often have just 3 to 5 reels and no more than 20 paylines, with game grids filled with classic symbols like lucky horseshoes, fruits, and the Liberty Bell, all featured on some of the very first slot games.
We have many of these slots available, and they are some of the most popular games you can play at BetUS Casino.
Video/Bonus Slots
The game grids on video slots aren’t always complex, but they can be, and they usually differ from classic slots in their bonus features, which is why they are also known as bonus slots.
These types of slot games can feature elements such as:
- Wilds: Symbols that substitute for other main game icons.
- Free spins: An unlockable round that gives the player additional bonus spins.
- Cascading Reels: Also known as Rolling Reels, Avalanche, and Tumbling Reels, they work by removing winning symbols and adding new ones to trigger chain reactions.
- Pick-Me features: The player chooses one of the options on the screen to collect a prize.
- Bonus minigames: These rounds can vary greatly and include trail features where payouts increase as the player progresses.
You don’t need to wager real money to play these games, as they’re all available in free-play mode. They are some of the best free casino slot games for fun, and this mode is a great way to get used to the game’s features.
Jackpot Slots
There are several types of jackpots on slot games, including fixed jackpots, which trigger the same amount every time, and must-win jackpots, which grow with every spin and are released by a set time (usually daily, weekly, and monthly).
The most popular, however, are progressive jackpots.
These types of slot games begin with a seed jackpot added by the developer. The jackpot grows with every spin across every casino and game variation. It is then randomly awarded to one lucky player.
Everyone who spins has a chance to win, but those who wager more have better odds. Progressive jackpots are responsible for many of the biggest payouts in online gaming history, including a WowPot jackpot for around $40 million in December 2023.
Megaways Slots
Megaways games are some of the most popular online slots. They feature up to seven reels and a varied set of rows, which combine to trigger random payline totals on each spin. You could spin several dozen paylines, as in more basic types of slot machines, or you could have over 100,000.
Megaways slots, like bonus slots, usually come with Wilds, free spins, and Cascading Reels.
3D Slots
As the name suggests, 3D slots feature 3D graphics and animations, elevating their aesthetics to a level usually reserved for mobile games.
Providers like Betsoft—whose games are available here at BetUS—have excelled in this area and created some of the best-looking slots in the iGaming sector.
Licensed Slots
Slots based on TV shows, films, and even bands have proven very popular recently. However, film franchises have a bad reputation in the video game sphere. They are usually rushed and come across as unfinished and below par.
But that’s not the case here. Developers often choose licenses that are years and even decades old. Because they paid a lot of money to acquire those licenses and have a fanbase to appease, they go to great lengths to make them stand out.
Other Types of Gaming Machines
In addition to the many slot types mentioned above, there are also various other types of gambling machines found in land-based and online casinos, including:
- Video Poker: A Five-Card Draw poker variant governed by random number generators (RNGs).
- Crash Games: These games require an ante bet and depict a rapidly rising multiplier that crashes randomly. Players must try to cash out before this crash.
- Scratch Cards: Digital versions of scratch cards may include additional bonus features similar to those in various slot machines.
- Virtual Table Games: Variations of roulette, blackjack, and other games played against the house.
What Are the Most Popular Types of Slot Games
Megaways slots and bonus slots are immensely popular. The popularity of these games means they are often used in welcome bonuses, free spin bonuses, and slot tournaments (click here to see how slot tournaments work and tips for success).
Progressive jackpot games also have a large following, giving players a shot at life-changing sums.
Summary: Different Types of Slot Machines
We have already covered everything you need to know when it comes to playing slot machines online, as well as many tricks on how to win at slots, and now you know which types of slot machines to play, you’re ready to get started!
So, remember that classic slots are best if you like things simple, jackpot slots are better if you want a chance to win huge sums, and Megaways games are the way to go if you can’t resist big payline counts and bonus features.
Slots Common Queries
How does a casino slot machine work?
It has a built-in RNG that randomly calculates the outcome and ensures complete fairness.
How many types of slots are there?
It depends on how you categorize them, but there are at least six main categories: Classic, Video, Jackpot, Megaways, Licensed, and 3D.
What type of slot machines pay the best?
Depending on the game, classic or video slots often offer the best odds (e.g., return to player or RTP).
What are class 3 slot machines?
Class III slots are the ones commonly found in Las Vegas. It’s a class that covers most of the slots you know and one that uses RNG to determine results.
What is the most successful slot machine?
Games like Book of Dead have proven to be very popular in recent years. Cleopatra, Rainbow Riches, Starburst, and Gonzo’s Quest are also massively popular and have undoubtedly been hugely successful for their developers.
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