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Types of Slot Machines

Slot machines have come a very long way from their roots, and there are now countless different types that feature at both land-based and online casinos. Lobbies can feature traditional three lines with a single payline right up to modern titles featuring eight reels and mechanics that can provide hundreds of thousands of ways to win. 

Each type is completely different from the others and will cater to players with different playstyles. 

Classic and Traditional Slots

Classic slots are the foundation of slot gaming and the games that paved the way for modern variations we see today. Still popular with players who prefer straightforward action, these titles usually feature just a single payline and iconic symbols such as fruits, bars, bells and red sevens. 

In their physical form at land-based casinos, these machines were originally operated mechanically by pulling levers. That has earned them the nickname ‘one-armed bandits’ throughout the industry. 

They were/are popular because they’re simple to play in both a brick-and-mortar setting and online. The main premise is to land three matching symbols across the payline, with the symbols holding different values as per the paytable. 

Video Slots

Video slots are the most common type of slot found at online casinos. They typically feature five or more reels and have anywhere between ten and thousands of paylines/ways-to-win. On top of that, you can expect a variety of exciting bonus features that can boost win potential, as well as games featuring just about every type of theme you can think of. 

The reason they’re popular is simple. They offer lots of action and big payouts wrapped up in attractive themes and quality visuals. 

Slot Machine Jackpots – Flat Tops vs Progressives

Other types of slot machines are popular because they can land players a jackpot, sometimes worth millions, depending on the title you play. However, there are different forms:

Flat Top Jackpots

These are called flat-top jackpot slots because, in their physical form and in most online variations, their jackpots are displayed on the ‘flat’ section above the reels. They offer fixed prizes, whether that's 1,000x the stake, 5,000x or more. Plus, many titles have more than just one, such as the Mini, Minor, Major, and Grand. 

Examples of fixed-jackpots at mBitcasino include slots in Betsoft’s Hold & Win series and those from Booming’s Hold and Win, with 3 Pots of Lunar Wolf: Hold & Win and 64 Gold Coins Hold and Win 20,000, proving particularly popular with players. 

Progressive Jackpots

The other type of jackpot offered on select slots is progressive. Rather than being fixed, they continue to grow with every bet wagered. Each jackpot is initially seeded by its developer and then increases as players play the slot. A small percentage of every bet is added to the jackpot until it is won by a lucky player. The jackpot is then seeded once more, and it all starts over. 

Obviously, the attraction here is that there’s no fixed aspect. These jackpots can continue to increase into seriously big numbers. Five, six, seven and even eight-figure jackpots have been recorded on progressive slots. 

Here are some recommendations for progressives here at mBitcasino:

Slot Machines with Different Numbers of Reels

The beauty of modern slot machines is that they can have any number of reels and not just three or five. When you visit a crypto casino lobby, you can spin on slots with four, six, seven and even eight reels. Plus, each can have a different number of positions on each reel and even use different payout mechanics. 

Some of the reel setups you can find at mBitcasino include: 

  • 4-Reel Slots: Although rare, there are 30+ four-reel slots in the mBit lobby. While some use traditional reel mechanics like paylines, others use pay-what-you-see, which pays out the numbers that land as a multiplier of your stake. 

  • 6-Reel Slots: Games with six reels have become extremely popular, mainly because they’re a better fit for reel mechanics like scatter pays, cluster pays and Megaways. You’ll find no shortage of six-reel titles in our slot lobby. 

  • 7-Reel Slots: Another setup that is being used more than ever is seven reels. This configuration is perfect for grid-style slots with cascading mechanics and symbol modifiers. 

  • 8 Reel Slots: While rare, a few developers have pushed out slots with eight or more reels. Again, they suit bonus-heavy titles and modern reel mechanics. 

New Types of Slots and Emerging Technologies

Slots are continuously evolving, meaning the variety we have today is only going to continue growing in future months and years. 

Some of the latest technologies and others that are emerging fast, are: 

  • VR Slots: While they’re not experiencing mass adoption as yet, there are many online casinos and games that are taking increasing advantage of virtual reality technology. You can literally step inside a virtual online casino to play your games.
  • Skill-Based Slots: These blend traditional slot play with skill elements. Good examples include titles with aiming mini-games or decision-based features. These elements give players more control over their potential outcomes.  
  • Crash Games: Popular in crypto casinos, these multiplier-style games let players cash out before the multiplier ‘crashes’.
  • Slingo: A hybrid of slots and bingo where spinning reels mark off numbers on a bingo card.

Bonus slots

Bonus slots put extra emphasis on in-game features. They often include bonus rounds like free spins and Hold & Win that players can trigger for the potential of winning bigger rewards. Other examples include cascading reels, multiplier and respins. 

For many players, these features are the highlight of the slot experience, as they boost payouts while breaking up standard spinning with exciting diversions.

Penny slots

Penny slots are designed for budget-friendly play. As the name suggests, wagers can start as low as one cent per line, which makes them accessible to casual players who can't or won't bet for larger stakes. 

However, many penny slots still include multiple paylines and features, meaning total bets can add up quickly if you activate all lines. They’re best for players who enjoy longer sessions on a smaller bankroll.


FAQ

Are there different types of slot machines?

Yes, slot machines can come in a variety of forms. Classic slots provide three-reel action without the distraction and noise of bonus features, while modern slots use innovative mechanics and high-quality graphics. 

What type of slot machines pay the best?

Typically, high RTP slots will pay out better in the long run compared to those with lower returns. In terms of the biggest standalone wins, you’ll find these on progressive jackpot slots. 

What kind of slot machines do casinos have?

Casinos can have a variety of different kinds of slot machines. It’s up to the operator to decide their portfolio, but typically you can expect a diverse range of reel setups, styles and themes. 

What is the difference between slot machines?

There are many differences between slot games. They can have different reel formats, mechanics, and bonus features such as jackpots or free spins. That’s without discussing the many themes slots can use. 

Which slots are best? Single coin or multiplier slots?

Multiplier slots usually provide better flexibility and bigger win potential, but single-coin slots appeal to players who prefer simplicity and traditional-style gameplay. 

Play All Types of Slots at mBit

You can play all of the above types of slots at mBitcasino, whether 3 reel classics or modern progressive jackpot slots. On top of that, you can choose to practise in our free-to-play demos or put some real cryptocurrency on the line as you hunt a big payday.