If you want to play online slots, there are thousands of different games to choose between, which can make picking just one a challenge.
Newcomers might even be confused by the varied rules and features of the slots on offer, so to simplify things, here is a breakdown of the main game types you need to know about.
3 reel slots
Less common in the fast-growing world of online casinos but nevertheless an enduringly popular option, 3 reel slots are the most traditionally designed machines around.
As you might expect, they feature just 3 reels, and so require fewer matching symbols to secure a win. So rather than working out how to beat a slot machine with your skills, you can instead choose a 3 reel game if you want the benefit of better overall odds without any other bells and whistles.
5 reel slots
Adding 2 extra reels to the classic 3 reel slot formula gives you more volatility, but means that slot makers can afford to provide bigger jackpots as a result.
5 reel games function in exactly the same way as their 3 reel counterparts, only with the additional reels making it harder to match all the symbols you need to be eligible for a big payout.
Multi-payline slots
Modern slots of both the 3 and 5 reel variety will often come with more than one payline. This means that rather than just being able to match symbols across the center row to win, you can get winning combinations in other configurations.
The main challenge with playing multi-payline slots is picking the right payline to play. If you have not wagered on a particular payline and a winning combo of symbols comes up on it, then no payout will be awarded.
You can use the ‘bet max’ button which most machines provide to wager across all available paylines to avoid this, but clearly this is costly and might not fit with your budget.
Progressive jackpot slots
Standard slot games will have a fixed maximum jackpot payout which stays the same every time you spin the reels. However, slots with a progressive jackpot are essentially part of an interlinked network, and each player is contributing towards the potential prize pool which only one lucky person will walk away with.
Progressive jackpot slots can have tens of millions of dollars available as the top prize, although the chances of actually winning will be understandably slim, because of course the operator needs to make sure that the machine has a chance to generate enough of a lump sum to make it attractive to players.
The design of slots with progressive jackpots is such that they are better suited to experienced players and high rollers. If you are looking for a quick win, on the other hand, choosing a more basic game with fewer reels is a better option for newcomers.
Slots with free spins
A common feature of modern slots, free spins are essentially a bonus you get awarded in lieu of a cash prize. You will usually need to match particular symbols to be awarded a free spin, and if you win this bonus then your next spin of the reels will not cost you a penny.
Some casino operators will even give new customers a set number of free spins to use on specific slot games as an incentive to get them to sign up in the first place, so this is an offer worth looking out for.
Slots with minigames
Another modern variation on the classic slot formula is to include minigames as an additional element to go alongside the normal reel-spinning action.
These minigames are often connected to the overarching theme of the slot, whatever that might be. They can also be more skill-based than luck-based, and can reward you with multipliers, free spins or other perks that have an impact on the main game.
Every slot will have detailed instructions of how its specific features and extras function, so it is a good idea to read this information carefully so that you know what to expect.
Another great piece of advice for getting into slots is to play the demo versions before you spend any of your hard-earned cash on spins. You can learn the basics without any financial risk, and also work out whether the game is something you enjoy in the first place.
With all this in mind, you should be ready to get out there and find the ideal online slots from the many that are available.
