Online slots
Variations of Slot Machines
There are literally hundreds of variations of slot machines, so to try to describe every type would be impossible. Every casino tries to do something unique with its “one arm bandits” in order to get players’ attention and make them want to try the machines.
There are single line machines, three line machines, 3 and 5 reel machines, progressive machines, machines that offer bonus games, etc., etc.
The best way to try to categorize slot machines is to describe some of the basic ways that they are designed.
Reels
Slot machines usually have either three or five reels. The reels are the vertical columns that spin in the machine. Originally, there were only three reel machines, so three reel machines are now known as regular slot machines or classic slot machines. Modern machines often have five reels or more.
Number of Rows
Slot machines vary in terms of how many rows they have as well. There can be one or more rows, with additional rows above and below the payout window so that players can compare their results and see if they came close to winning or not.
Number of Pay Lines
Slot machines can also have any number of pay lines. The pay lines are the lines that must match in order to win. In most cases, the center row of a reel is the pay line.
Pay lines can be straight or zigzagged, depending on the particular machine. Classic slot machines usually have only one pay line through the middle of the three reels. Some have three or five pay lines. Modern slot machines may have many more pay lines.
You do not necessarily have to play all of a machine’s pay lines. You activate the pay lines that you want to play with the number of coins that you bet. If you bet on a machine that has 3 pay lines, for instance, betting one coin will activate the center pay line, betting two coins will activate the center pay line and the one above it, and betting three coins will activate all three pay lines.
Coins
Each slot machine accepts a certain coin denomination. You can play slots with pennies, dollars, and even hundreds of dollars.
Slot machines known as high rollers are usually in a separate area of the casino; high rollers accept bets in denominations as high as $500. Most slot machines allow players to bet up to three coins, though there are machines that have a two-coin maximum bet.
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