Slot machines are the electronic sirens of casinos, calling gamblers to come and play with an unrelenting barrage of bells, lights, and the lure of potential winnings.
A Brief History Of Slots
Old school machines had spring-loaded levers that set the reels spinning, (which earned them the nickname, “One-Armed Bandits”). Pay-offs were made in coins, which clattered into a metal tray.
Modern machines are flashier than ever, but don’t pay off in coins anymore. Instead, modern slots print a voucher to take to the casino cashier. Online slot machines credit or deduct money directly from a secure, cloud-based account.
Welcome To The Machine
Types of slot machines can be categorized by physical attributes:
- Denomination—The minimum bet a machine will accept, i.e. penny slots, nickel slots, quarter slots, dollars slots, and high stakes machines.
- Number of Reels—The number of wheels that spin. A three-reel machine has better odds, but a four- or five-reel machine offers bigger payouts.
- Number of Paylines—Traditional, three-reel slot machines have one payline directly through the center. Newer slot machines have several paylines running horizontally, vertically, and diagonally across multiple reels.
- Flat Top Vs. Progressive—A flat top slot machine works independently of the machines around it, and offers a fixed top money prize. A progressive slot machine works in conjunction with the machines around it, placing a small percentage from each bet placed into a jackpot that grows over time.
What’s Your Game?
Slot machines are also categorized by the type of game they offer. The most commonslot machine games are:
- Classic Slots—An oldie but a goodie! Traditional three-reel, one-payline games with familiar symbols like fruits, bars, bells, and Lucky 7s.
- 3D Slots—These machines use high-tech 3D-rendering technology to bring games to life! 3D slot machines combine the limitless realms of modern video games with classic slot machine gambling, for a completely immersive gaming/gambling experience.
- Fruit Machines—Classic fruit slot machines are fun and easy to play. The winning combinations are easy to remember, and transcend language barriers, making games fast, frustration-free, and universally appealing. Belly up to a classic fruit slot machine for hours of juicy, delicious fun!
- Video Slots—Video slot machines—and their cousins, video poker machines—are often offered as free downloadable apps for your smartphone or tablet, making them easy to play anywhere, any time. Hit a jackpot while riding the morning train, waiting in line at the bank, or working out at the gym!
Hot Slots Forever!
Slot machines have evolved from standalone “one-arm bandits” that swallowed and regurgitated pocket change, to high-tech, interactive gaming systems. But, while the look and feel of slot machines have changed over time, one thing hasn’t;whatever type of slot machine you choose, get ready for hours of fun…and the possibly of winning a fortune!
