While we can’t say for sure how many people in the world are interested in gambling, there have been plenty of statistics going around that suggest about a quarter of the world’s population likes to play casino games. That’s more than 1.75 billion people engaging in gambling activities in either land-based or online casinos.
Land-based casinos have always been popular – just look at what’s happening every day in Vegas. But in recent years, online gambling has started gaining more fans throughout the entire globe. Just last year, the casino market ended up reaching $227 billion, becoming one of the biggest entertainment industries we get to see, and a large part of this revenue came from online casinos. And, what’s more, the global social casino market alone (which consists of free casino-like games) is expected to reach $5 billion by 2022.
There are a million reasons why people prefer to gamble at online casinos instead of brick-and-mortar ones, including the impressive bonuses frequently offered for players, accessibility to all their favorite games wherever and whenever, and the variety and quality of games provided. This is especially true when it comes to slot games, which are arguably the most played games in online casinos right now.
Players get hundreds of options to choose from when it comes to slot games, all with different themes, bonuses, and jackpots. And while they may all seem the same for the untrained eye, there are actually multiple types of slot games out there, each being designed to tackle specific player needs.
If the array of options seems too overwhelming, you need to start learning what makes these games different and how to determine which slot machines pay the best and suit your gambling style. Below, we are taking a look at the most popular types of slot games you will get to experience in an online casino and how you can make the most out of them.
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Classic Slots
If you want to keep things simple, you can’t go wrong with classic slot games. These virtual slots are very similar to original slot machines that you will find in land-based casinos. If you love hitting the slots whenever you go to a traditional casino, you can’t go wrong with classic slots.
They usually feature three reels and one horizontal payline, but some of the options you will come across online can have more than one payline. Developers do this to add something new to the game without changing the core mechanics.
To further add to the experience, most classic slot games will display traditional casino symbols such as the lucky number 7, fruits, bells, and so on. This makes the games resemble traditional casino slots even more.
Multi-payline Slots
Albeit similar to classic slots, multi-payline slots offer more than one payline and usually over three reels. This is why some beginner players may feel intimidated by multi-payline slots, but experienced players know these are among the most rewarding ones. Because these slot games have multiple paylines and more complex rounds, they also pay better, so even though it takes longer to get used to them, you get to win more money.
How many paylines do these games offer? Well, anywhere between nine and one hundred, and they can be vertical, horizontal, diagonal, or sometimes even zig-zag and V-shaped. All these combinations make it possible to win on more than one payline at the same time, resulting in significant rewards.
Progressive Jackpot slots
Progressive jackpot slots are among the most popular for experienced players because of the use jackpot that you can win by playing them. When you and other players engage in these games, part of the money you play goes towards the bonus. This makes the bonus grow rapidly and reach colossal amounts. When someone is lucky enough to hit the jackpot and win all those money, the bonus will reset to a predetermined seed amount and will start accumulating again.
While some jackpots only accumulate from a specific game played at a particular online casino, in other instances, the jackpot can accumulate from multiple games that come from the same provider or even from multiple online casinos at the same time.
Bonus Slots
Some slot machines have numerous bonuses or special features that players can enjoy and use to increase their wins. This is why they have become so popular with avid casino gamers. Most of these games have bonus rounds that are activated when a certain combination of symbols appears on the screen.
Slot machines with bonus games can offer a variety of special rounds that players will be able to access when a specific combination of symbols appearing on the screen. Usually, the player is required to perform a specific in-game task to get the bonus or they are given free spin rounds that they can play.
3D Slots
Due to their amazing graphics, immersive sound effects, and a variety of extra features, 3D slots have quickly become a favorite in online casinos. The main disadvantage of these slots is that they require a strong internet connection in order for the game to function properly, so if your internet is laggy, you may have issues with these slots.
These games have a range of themes that add even more to the experience, with the majority of them being inspired by movies, games, or music. Many 3D slots also feature a more complicated story and have a video game feel to them.
Fruit Machines
Although fruit machines and slot machines are frequently believed to be one and the same thing, there is a huge distinction between the two. Fruit machines, unlike slot machines, allow the player to hold or nudge the reels, increasing their chances of winning big.
When a player holds a reel, they have the option of keeping one or more reels in place for the following spin. When you are nudging a reel, it means you can move it in a downward manner. The number of nudges you can make varies with every game, but it’s usually between one and five.