Online Casino Slot Types: A Complete Guide

• Online slots are the most common slot types in online casinos
• The main slot types include 5-reel slot machines, Megaways™ slots, jackpot games, and progressive slots.
• Slot machines are beginner friendly since they are easy to play and no strategy is required.
• For conservative players, slot types with low volatility are considerable since they offer small but more frequent wins.
• If you are not a risk-averse player, high volatility slots are a great option since, with a big bankroll, you can try your luck on landing a huge payout.
• Classic slots such as fruit slots are the easiest to play since they apply basic features and gameplay.
• Modern slot machines such as Megaways™ and progressive slot types have numerous bonus features, including cascading reels, mystery symbols, and bonus games.

Invented by Charles Fey, the first slot machine was introduced in the early 19th century. The machine had 5 symbols that were a mixture of card suits, fruit symbols and a horse shoe. Interestingly, it’s not that different from the slots you are wagering on today. Since then, the evolution of slots has moved on, and you have many different slot types to play.

The introduction of online casinos has played a crucial role in the growing popularity of online slot machines. The most popular types of slots are 5-reel video slots, Megaways™, jackpot and progressive jackpot slots. Here at Betfair, you can play thousands of slot machines, and in this guide, you will get a complete rundown. Find out the different types, how they work, their features, the return to Player (RTP) and volatility. Let’s get started!

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Online slots are the most popular games that dominate online casinos’ libraries. The overall gameplay of slot machines is simple; you place a wager and spin. If the spinned symbols on the reels form a winning pattern, you get a payout.

The winning patterns are known as ‘paylines’, and the amount you can win is highly varied. Some of the contributing factors include your bet size, the value of the symbols, and if there are bonus features.

Most slot types are beginner-friendly, while some are highly volatile, which is more suitable if you are a high roller.

Best online Video slots are improved slot type variants of retro slot machines found in land-based casinos. But, you will notice a significant difference in terms of graphics, themes, and storylines.

Generally, online video slot machines have enhanced gameplay since they utilize high-quality 3D animation techniques. Your winning chances are also improved because of the 5-reels, plus bonus features such as multipliers, wilds, scatters, and bonus rounds. The paylines normally vary from twenty up to several hundred.

Differences between Classic Slots and Video Slots

Classic Slots

• Features three reels only
• One payline, but some have five of nine paylines
• Limited bonus features, which occasionally include free spins
• Basic theme emulating a physical slot machine

Video Slots

• Has 5 or more reels
• 9 or more paylines
• Numerous bonus features including bonus rounds, scatter symbols, wild symbols multipliers
• Modern and varying themes ranging from sci-fi to ancient themes

Also known as classic slots, 3-reel slots are the simplest slot types. The gameplay and features are closest to the original slot machines first introduced in land-based casinos, hence their popularity.

These are ideal if you are a first-time slot player, since 3-reel slot types are easy for you to learn and play. Classic online slots normally have only one payline, but the best 3-reel slots can have five, or even up to nine, increasing your ways to win.

Common features in 3-reel slot real money games include fruits, bells, diamonds, and 7s. The gameplay is simple, and the only bonus features include wild symbols and free spins.

3-Reel Slots RTP, Payouts, & volatility

Since most of the classic slots are pretty basic, you will not find any bonus or jackpot features. On the other hand, when you play modern classic slots, they often offer re-spin features. The RTPs are mostly within the industry’s average, around 95%, and the volatility varies from low to high.

If you are looking for a classic slot with frequent wins, a medium-variance slot, Hot Slots and the Charlie Chance in Hell to Pay is a great selection. As a high roller, you will find high-variance 3-reel slots such as Fire Joker.

Fruit slots online are classified under the classic slots, but their symbols are often the distinguishing factor. Cherries, lemons, bells, BARs, and 7s are the most common symbols you find when you play online casino fruit slots. To fit the fruity-centric theme, you will find different types depending on the slot machine you choose to play.

In this variant, the non-fruit symbols such as the BARS, 7’s, and bells are often the high-paying symbols. The fruit slots online games are also easy for you to play, and similar to the 3-reel slots.

Fruit Slots RTP, Payouts, & Volatility

If you are interested in playing fruit slot types, check the RTP and volatility of your chosen title. If you are a conservative player, fruit slots with low volatility and high RTP are the best option. The small but frequent wins will ensure you keep playing for longer without blowing your bankroll. On the other hand, several high volatility fruit slots such as Bonus Fruits, feature high but less frequent wins. We have compiled a list for you of the most popular fruit slot machines with an outline of their RTP and variance.

Popular Fruit Slot Machines

Jammin’ Jars

• Developer: Push Gaming
• RTP: 96.83%
• Variance: High

Fruit Blox

• Developer: Red Tiger
• RTP: 95.26%
• Variance: Medium-High

Fruitinator

• Developer: Reel Time Gaming
• RTP: 93.36%
• Variance: Low-Medium

Fruit Stack Deluxe

• Developer: Cayetano
• RTP: 94%
• Variance: Low-Medium

Fruity Burst

• Developer: Virtue Fusion Studio
• RTP: 95.50%
• Variance: Medium

Compared to classic and 3-reel slots, 5-reel slots are by far the most popular slot types. The online 5-reel slots are modern, featuring unique graphics, high-quality visuals, and exciting themes. Some also have enhanced winning combinations thanks to bonus features such as scatter symbols and bonus games.

5-reels slot types vary depending on the number of paylines, theme, and variance. Whichever option you choose to play, the 5-reel slots are pretty exciting. You also have control of the gameplay, where you can adjust the number of lines to play and your betting range.

Difference Between 5- reels and 3-reel slots

5-Reel Slots

• Modern design, graphics, and sound effects
• Numerous themes with captivating storylines
• Increased number of reels and paylines provide more ways to win
• You might need some time to understand the game’s functionality

3-Reel Slots

• Simple design and graphics
• Popular themes can be categorised into fruit slots and 777 slots
• Limited numbers of winning combinations
• Easy to understand for beginners

5-Reel Slots RTP, Payouts, & volatility

Over 80% of online slots produced fall under the 5-reel category. Hence the RTP, payouts, and volatility of 5-reel slot types are highly varied. The majority of these slots have reasonable RTP within the industry’s 96% range. The payout of these slots also varies based on various factors, such as your stake value and if you activate the bonus features.

In terms of volatility, if you prefer playing slots with small but frequent wins, look for low volatility slots such as Thunderstruck 2. On the other hand, high variance slots are an excellent option if you have a big bankroll. High volatility 5-reel slot titles include Cat Wild and the Pyramids of Dead and Dead or Alive 2.

Popular 5-Reel Slots

Dead or Alive

• Developer: NetEnt
• RTP: 96.82%
• Variance: High

Jack Hammer 2

• Developer: NetEnt
• RTP: 97.07%
• Variance: Low

Gonzo’s Quest

• Developer: NetEnt
• RTP: 95.97%
• Variance: Medium-High

Megaways™ slots are video slots that operate on one of the most advanced state-of-the-art mechanics developed by leading provider Big Time Gaming. The Megaways ™ engine can generate up to 100,000 active paylines, significantly increasing your chances of landing winning combinations.

When playing online Megaways™ slots, you will notice that the games take the format of online video slots. However, they normally feature 6 reels which can accommodate up to 7 symbols each. When in full capacity, these Megaways™ online slots give you up to 117, 649 Megaways™ to win.

The number of Megaways™ is calculated depending on the number of symbols on the reels. 7 symbols on each of the 6 reels give you the maximum 117,649 megaways.

Example: 7x7x7x7x7x7=117,649 Megaways

In addition to enhanced ways of winning, Megaways™ online slots come with incredible themes and graphics. You will also find many bonus features, including unlimited multipliers, free spins, and bonus games.

Megaways RTP™ & Volatility

Megaways™ slots tend to fall on the higher end of the volatility spectrum. While playing these games provides you with many winning possibilities, the big wins happen less often. Thus, if you have a significant budget or if you are a thrill-seeker, you will find the high volatility Megaways™ enjoyable.

Then again, there are a few Megaways™ slots with low-medium volatility convenient for a reserved player. Such games include Atlantis Megaways, and Deal or No DealGolden Box Megaways™. In addition, here at Betfair, you are able to play Megaways™ slots demo games for free before you wager any real money.

Top Megaways™ Slots

Eye of Horus Megaways

• Developer: Reel Time Gaming
• RTP: 95.49%
• Variance: Medium-High

Hypernova Megaways

• Developer: ReelPlay
• RTP: 96.1%
• Variance: Medium-High

Buffalo King Megaways

• Developer: Pragmatic Play
• RTP: 96.52%
• Variance: High

Jackpot slots are among the most popular slot types due to their massive jackpot payouts. Although the design, layout, and features look much like regular slots, their huge win potential sets them apart. There are two different types of jackpots; fixed and progressive.

When you play any online slot type, it is essential to note that a huge prize in a slot game does not necessarily mean it’s a jackpot. Instead, in online jackpot slots, the ultimate prize can be won separately from your wins during the main gameplay. The jackpot is normally connected to a multiplier, which in some cases is in the 1000s.

Jackpot Slots RTP, Payouts, & Volatility

If you prefer alternating between big and small bets, you can consider playing casino jackpot slot games with medium to high volatility, such as the Age of the Gods.

But if you are a conservative player, you should play jackpot slots with low-medium volatility and offer small but frequent wins, such as the Zillard King.

Since jackpot slots are quite varied, the RTP, volatility, and payouts vary as well. Therefore, you have the flexibility to choose the game that meets your preference in terms of payout rates and your bankroll.

The Best Jackpot Slots

Cash or Nothing

• Developer: Red Tiger
• RTP: 92.75%
• Variance: High

Fruit Stack

• Developer: Cayetano
• RTP: 96.28%
• Variance: Medium

Shark Blitz

• Developer: Playtech
• RTP: 95.10% - 96.09%
• Variance: Medium

Progressive jackpot casino slots are the most popular jackpot slots types due to their massive payout pools. Some progressive jackpot slots pay sometimes millions. Such huge payouts are possible since the progressive jackpot at online casinos is connected to other similar games. Hence, a percentage of all players’ bets are contributed to the jackpot amount.

Unlike conventional slots, online progressive jackpot slots usually have a wagering requirement for you to win the grand prize. This is generally in the form of a maximum bet/credit denomination for each spin. For example, to qualify for the Mega Moolah jackpot, you have to place a minimum stake of $0.25 which will cover all the 25 paylines.

Progressive Jackpot RTP, Payouts, & Volatility

Due to their huge payouts, the best progressive jackpot slots generally have lower RTP rates. These are often below the industry’s average and often range from 94%-95%. However, some are extremely low, below 90% RTP.

Another notable aspect is that the RTP during the base game may vary from the payout rate when you hit the jackpot. This will often be highlighted in the paytable of the slot.

Similar to jackpot slots, the volatility of progressive games ranges from medium to high. These slot machines pay out less frequently since they have to accumulate the wagers contributions to a significant amount.

Top Progressive Jackpot Slots

Bonanza Megapays

• Developer: Big Time Gaming
• RTP: 96.4%
• Variance: High

Age of the Gods

• Developer: Playtech
• RTP: 94.03% - 95.02%
• Variance: Medium-High

Ted™ Jackpot King

• Developer: Blueprint Gaming
• RTP: 93.02%
• Variance: Medium-High

The slot types discussed above are just a fraction of the available online slots. Here are other common slot variations you will find at online casinos.

Interactive slots

Also known as I-Slots, interactive slots are similar to the regular online slot machines. Nevertheless, these come with an additional layer of intrigue, action, comedy, and mystery. These additional scenes are part of a mini-game, and you can advance your story by completing specific game modes. You can progress your story by matching specific symbols. If you like skill-based games, I-slot games are recommendable.

VR slots

VR slots are played in Virtual Reality casinos, but the gameplay and features are similar to ordinary land-based slot machines. Most VR slots allow you to play manually or use the auto-play setting. Some also come with additional features such as bonus games, progressive jackpots, and special reel symbols. Some of the best VR Slots to consider if you like the virtual reality concept include Starburst, Dead or Alive 2, Blazing 7s, and Double Diamond slot.

• Main slot types include Video Slots, 5-Reels Slots, Megaways™ slots, and Progressive Jackpot Slots.
• Whichever slot machine type you choose to play, it is important to check the RTP and volatility.
• Low volatility slots offer small but frequent wins, while high volatility games are known for their huge payouts, which occur less frequently.
• The best slot types have RTPs ranging within the industry’s average rate (96%).
• Jackpot and progressive slots feature huge payouts, with some slot titles such as Mega Moolah having pools worth millions.
• If you are looking for a slot type with numerous bonus features, Megaways™ slots are the best.

Did you find this slot-type guide helpful? We have other comprehensive guides that are slots-related, including how you play slots. Also, check out our other slot guides where you can learn more about Slot’s RTP and Variance, as well as Slot’s Symbols and Tips. If you prefer playing other casino games such as Roulette, Blackjack, Live Baccarat, or Craps, we have relevant guides below to help you get started.

Roulette:

• Roulette Advanced Strategy Guide
• Learn the Roulette Table, Colours and Bet Types
• Complete Beginners Guide: How to Play roulette Strategy Guide

Baccarat:

• How to Play Baccarat and Strategy

Blackjack:

• Learn How to Count Cards in Blackjack
• Blackjack strategies Guide: Basic strategy is not enough
• Blackjack strategies: A Complete Guide for Blackjack Beginners

Craps:

• Complete Guide on How to Play Craps and Strategies

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