Types of Slot Machines Explained
Slot machines are a fun and easy way to gamble, even if you are just a beginner. That being said, as a beginner, you likely don’t realize that there are many different types of slot machines you can choose to play.
Classic slots, video slots, and progressive slots are the most common types of slot machines, though many more exist. Read on to learn more about the types of slot machines and which ones you may enjoy playing best.
1. Classic Slots
With each year that goes by, more and more classic slot machines are disappearing. Sometimes called retro slots, these are slot machines that feature a reel-style look (even if they are no longer actually on a mechanical reel), and many have a lever or bar that can be pulled to spin them.
These slots almost always have fruit symbols, as this was the original style of slot machines, and they tend to be some of the cheaper and simpler options for playing slots. If you are looking to gamble cheaply, or don’t really understand slot machines, they are a great place to start.
2. Video Slots
Video slots are the current and most popular type of slot machines. These machines use digital screens and intense graphics to enhance gameplay. Most types of branded slot machines are video slots, and there are also many neutral themes such as the famed Buffalo machines, and themes like ancient Egypt and Gladiators.
Most slot machines on a casino floor are video machines, and their complexity can vary widely. If you have questions, check out the pay line guide which should be posted on the machine, or you can ask an employee to point it out to you. Newer machines have an option in the machine to show you details on gameplay.
3. Progressive Jackpot Slots
Progressive jackpot slots are the second most popular slot machines and are found in most casinos around the world. These slot machines are indicated by a progressive jackpot, typically shown in red numbers above the machine.
Progressive jackpot slots are unique in that all machines in a typical brand are connected, meaning not only are you playing for the jackpot, but someone in another casino across the world may be playing for the same jackpot. This means the numbers, or the jackpot listed above the machine, continue to increase even when no one is playing the machine.
There are many brands that utilize the progressive jackpot style of slots, with the most popular being Wheel of Fortune, Megamillions, Mega Moolah, and Mega Fortune. It’s important to know that these machines tend to have higher rewards, but fewer wins overall.
4. Multiplier Slot Machines
Multiplier slot machines are becoming more common; however, they are more complicated to play and aren’t always the first choice for players. These machines are usually a specific type of video slot, but with more complicated paylines and bonuses.
We don’t typically recommend multiplier slot machines for new players, but they can be a way to up your game if you are tired of regular slots. If you do want to play multiplier slots, we recommend taking the time to ensure you understand the payouts before you play. The most common multiplier slot machines are Sugar Rush, and Megaways.
5. Crash Casino Games
Crash casino games are a new type of casino game, and though they don’t function the exact same way as traditional slot machines, they are often considered under the slot machine game umbrella.
Crash casino games work by betting on when a dot, line, or rocket will crash. This bet is placed before the roll begins, and if your number is hit before the crash, you win. If the object that is rolling/falling/launching crashes before your number is hit, you lose.
Crash games are common in online Bitcoin casinos like MintDice.com and are rare to find in traditional casinos, though we hear of one being found from time to time. Crash games are great for beginning gamblers who want to combine skill with luck as they play.
6. Bonus Buy Slots
Bonus buy slots are another rare type of casino slot game, though they are increasing in popularity. Basically, in this type of slot machine, you are permitted to “buy” the bonus without needing to hit it via spins.
As you can imagine, this type of machine is popular with people who don’t have patience and love bonus games. Similar to a crash rocket game, these games can often combine skill with luck, but not always. While they are still rare, if you want to try a bonus buy game, we recommend spending the time to learn the ins and outs of the specific game you want to play—otherwise you’re better off just playing regular slots instead of paying extra to enjoy a bonus game.
7. Branded Slots
Technically, branded slots are a type of video slots, though some people consider them to be their own animal. These are the slot machines that are based on TV shows, movies, or popular celebrities. While most of these slot machines utilize basic slot principles just with the visual addition of your favorite character, some do offer unique bonus games that follow the plot of the show or movie, which is why some argue they are their own genre of slots.
8. Class II Slot Machines or Social Slots
Throughout the course of gaming, you might hear terms like “class II” and “class III” slot machines. Everything we have mentioned so far is Class III slot machines, which means you're playing against a computer based on a random number generator. Class II slots, or social slots, on the other hand, require a pool of players who play against each other, similar to bingo.
While Class II slots don’t require you to show up at a certain time and sit in a room while a proctor calls out numbers, it happens under a similar process electronically. This means you won’t see the other players you are playing, but the machine will spread the numbers or outcomes across all of its machines.
These types of machines are rare in casinos, though the MGM Grand in Las Vegas had one which was based on Pac-Man and the D in Las Vegas had one where horses are raced against one another with players each “betting” on a single horse. Other than that, most class II slots are found on tribal reservations due to gambling laws. Online casinos are almost always class III slots, so you will probably have to head to your local reservation in order to play a class II slot machine.
