8 Types of Slot Machines

The original slot machine denomination was a nickel, as this was the cost to play the 1891 gambling machine. It was invented by Sittman and Pitt in Brooklyn, New York. Over 120 years later, slots have evolved a lot offering a wide range of denominations for players of every economic level. Here are the 8 Types of Slot Machines to play.

The most common and popular games are the penny slots, which means you can enjoy a spin of the reels while only risking a single cent. These games are perfect for those on a fixed budget, and also those who want to play for long time without risking a large chunk of their bankroll.

Different types of reels on slots

Different types of reels on slots
Different types of reels on slots

Reels are an important part of the slot machine. As you spin button, the reels begin rotating at a high speed. Once they stop, the player’s level of success or failure is revealed (although the true results of the game are determined internally). No matter where you play in the world, slot machine reels can be divided into two categories.

1. Mechanical

Mechanical
Mechanical

Slots of this type have physical reels, and they set themselves in a horizontal line after the player presses the spin button or pulls the lever on the side of the machine. The reels have many symbols on them, and the setting of these images determines whether or not the player receives a payout. Mechanical slots are almost a thing of the past, and you’re unlikely to find them in most modern casinos.

2. Virtual

Virtual
Virtual

Instead of physical reels with symbols, such slot instead offers a virtual representation. All online slots fall into this category. Since the game isn’t as limited on the number of symbols, this allows more icons to be displayed and additional winning combinations to be offered.

Reels are a major element of slot machines, and they come in mechanical and virtual versions. Slots also come in a wide range of denominations, allowing players to tailor their gaming experience to their current economic level. While slots with higher denominations offer larger jackpots, smaller denomination games are known for issuing more frequent payouts.

3. Three-Reel Slots

Three-Reel Slots
Three-Reel Slots

These are more simplistic in design, and this layout was common in classic versions of the game from the 1940s through the 1980s. While no longer in the majority, these machines are still created in surprising numbers thanks to players who prefer a more streamlined gaming experience. Betting options are often limited, as well, making them a perfect option for anyone on a budget.

4. Five-Reel Slots

Five-reels slots
Five-reels slots

With time the designers increased the number of reels is one of the more noticeable changes. The addition of two extra reels has made more paylines possible, increasing the level of customer excitement and allowing casinos to rake in more cash in the process. Some virtual slots even feature expanding reels, allowing the screen to lengthen and increase the number of lines.

Types of Slot Machines

Types of Slot Machines
Types of Slot Machines

Slot machines come in a variety of options, from the basic to the downright complicated. Irrespective of what your area of interest or experience level, there’s a game that’s been designed to give you hours of enjoyment and a chance at a respectable payday.

The following are the most common types of slots to looks out for.

1. Multi-coin/Multi-line

Multi-coin Multi-line
Multi-coin Multi-line

This type of slot first gained popularity in Australia, but in the last 20 years it became more prominent in the American market. Gamers can choose how many paylines they want to play, as well as the number of coins to risk per line. Most slots players recommend playing a coin on every payline, as this keeps you from missing out on any possible winning combinations. Be sure to look at the paytable, though, as some games have bonuses that activates when you’re playing the maximum number of coins per line.

2. Multi-line

Multi-line
Multi-line

These games have largely fallen out of favor in North American casinos over the last few decades. Although you can select the paylines, they’re limited to wagering just one coin per line. Most gamers have become accustomed to being able to risk multiple coins per line, which is the major cause of the sagging popularity of these machines.

3. Hidden Buy-a-Pays

Hidden Buy-a-Pays
Hidden Buy-a-Pays

The name for this type of game was introduced by gaming guru John Robison. It refers to any slot featuring bonus events that are only accessible by playing the maximum number of coins. While the game might otherwise have an average payback percentage, playing the maximum can boost it into the high nineties (or even 100%). You can spot this type of machine by examining the paytable and looking for any sort of bonus that requires max coins to activate.

4. Buy-a-Pays

Buy-a-Pays
Buy-a-Pays

In this type of slot, each additional coin wagered unlocks extra winning combinations. The availability of combinations greatly influences the hit frequency of the game, and sometimes the difference between an 84% and 100% payback can be a single coin. Due to this fact, it’s always suggested that players risk the maximum number of coins on a buy-a-pay machine.

5. Straight multiplayer

Straight Multiplayer
Straight Multiplayer

This member of the slot machine family allows the player to activate all winning combos by risking a single coin, and any additional coins serve to increase the winning multiplier. That means three coins would pay triple that of a single coin wager, four coins would be quadruple, etc. While some players insist that risking the maximum amount is the way to go, most experts recommend sticking with a single coin wager.

6. Bonus multipliers

Bonus Multipliers
Bonus Multipliers

Just like the straight multiplier games, these machines activate all combinations with a single coin. Additional coins multiply any winnings, but there’s also a bonus payout (usually on the top jackpot) that can be activated only with maximum coins. Since this bonus amount is rarely going to come into play, most slots veterans suggest sticking with a single coin wager. This is one of the 8 Types of Slot machines to play.

7. Progressives

Progressives
Progressives

Each time a player makes a wager on one of these slots, a small percentage goes towards increasing the top prize. The jackpots on these games start at a certain dollar amount, and they continue to climb until someone hits the required symbol combination. The game then resets to the base jackpot amount and begins to build again. This form of slot is best if you’re looking to become an instant millionaire, although most machines require you to play maximum coins in order to be eligible for the progressive. This is one of the 8 Types of Slot Machines to play.

8. Combination slots

Combination slots
Combination slots

These slots combine two or more of the types listed above. This could be a multiplier and a buy-a-pay, or it might be a multi-line progressive with a hidden buy-a-pay. When it doubt, always examine the machine’s paytable for more details (or conduct some online research). Ultimately, most experts suggest risking just enough money to activate all possible payouts.

While most players think all slot machines are the same, there’s actually a great deal of diversity to be found. Some games require multiple coins in order to activate every payline, while others have massive jackpots that can only be won by playing maximum coins. No matter what version you’re searching for, a close look at the game’s paytable should provide the necessary details. These are 8 Types of Slot Machines to play.