It’s widely believed that a considerable portion of the income made by an online casino or a brick-and-mortar casino can be attributed to slot machines. These casino games have been a hit among gamblers since they were first invented, but they have come a long way since then. The design of slot machines has evolved so much over the years, leading to the creation of some of the most versatile games and widely played games available at both online and land-based casinos — and the future of slot machines looks brighter still.
From the different themes and reel set-ups to the various game bonuses, features, budget ranges, and jackpot mechanics that players can choose from, slot enthusiasts keep returning in their numbers to try something new each time they play. So, what are some of the different types of slot machines you can play? This blog explores the different types of traditional slot games and what makes each so popular so that you can make an informed decision the next time you’re at the casino.
Something for Everyone
One main drawcard of slot machines is how easy they are to play because the premise of slot games doesn’t change. You simply choose your bet size, press play, and wait for the potential rewards to start rolling in. This may be why they continue to outperform other popular casino games.
Another reason slots are becoming increasingly popular is that they are engaging, and — more often than not — there’s something for everyone. Whether you prefer horror-themed online slots, music slots, or even something unorthodox (like Viking or Norse mythology slots), there’s a developer that’s already created something to your liking. Below is a breakdown of the different types of slot machines you can try your hand at the next time you step into a virtual or land-based casino.
Single-Coin Slot Machines
People who have been playing slots for years may be more familiar with single-coin machines than those new to slots. These types of machines are rare nowadays and are close to being obsolete because of the introduction of online slots and more modern and advanced slot machines.
Considered relatively less profitable than the other types, single-coin machines take one coin at a time, and their credits last longer. These types of machines are suitable for those who prefer a no-frills approach to spinning the reels.
Multiplier Slot Machines
Multipliers accept more than one coin at a time, allowing you to place bigger bets. Most casino slot machines, like the types of slot machines in Vegas, are multipliers, even though they offer a single-coin option. However, players hoping to win big or targeting the maximum payout prefer to use the full potential of multiplier machines.
Buy-Your-Pay Slot Machines
Sometimes viewed as one of the more complex types of slot machines, Buy-Your-Pay machines are not as common in land-based casinos anymore. That’s not to say that they no longer exist, but they tend to be frustrating for some players — particularly those new to slots.
Buy-Your-Pay slot machines allow you to insert between one and five coins per spin, with the number of winning combinations you activate being dependent on the number of coins you insert. This is where the name of these slots was derived; you determine how much you could win by the number of coins you choose to play with.
Multiple Payline Slot Machines
Unlike traditional slots with one payline, multiple payline slot machines have more than one. Multiple paylines can make the gaming experience more engaging and exciting for players, which is why most online slot machines will have multiple paylines. It’s worth noting that having multiple paylines doesn’t necessarily mean that your chances of getting a winning combination increase. Also note that, despite extra paylines, the payout ratio per machine doesn’t change.
Multiple payline slot machines are becoming more common now, with new elements and features constantly being added by developers to keep up with technological advances.
Touch-Screen Machines
With the advent of technology and digital operations, casinos have also had to adapt. One of the primary ways this has occurred is by introducing touch-screen slot machines, which can be likened to smartphones and other smart devices in terms of how they are operated.
Touch-screen slots allow direct interaction between the player and the machine, making them a popular option for younger and tech-savvy players.
Types of Online Slot Games
The digital age has made slot machine gambling much more accessible thanks to the rise of online casinos. Borgata Online allows players in Pennsylvania or New Jersey to choose from a much more extensive selection of online slots for real money, each with its unique format, theme, and playing style.
Some of the most common types of online slot games include:
- Traditional Online Slots: These online slots are the closest you can get to playing a real slot machine online. They have an old-school feel and come in various formats, including (but not limited to):
- Classic three-reel slots.
- Five-reel slots.
- Cascading reel slots.
- Jackpot slots.
- Multi-line slots.
- Bonus game slots.
- Free spins games.
- Video Slots Online: These slots debuted in Vegas casinos in the late ’70s and have become one of the most popular online slot formats. These games have an extra layer or two of multimedia than traditional slots (like 3D graphics and multiple levels, reels, and paylines), combining elements of arcade games and the classic fruit machines.
- Progressive Slots: Progressive slot games are some of the most popular jackpot slots. They offer much bigger payouts than standard online slots because the jackpot continues to grow until it’s won, often growing to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
- Multi-Line Slot Machines: This slot format is one of the newer ones in the world of online casinos, but it quickly grew in popularity because it allows players to bet on multiple paylines, increasing their odds of winning.
- Bonus Round and Free Spins Games: Free spins and bonus rounds were introduced as part of online casinos’ promotional programs in the late 1990s. At first, these bonus features and rounds were only available on specific slots, but over time, slot machine designs have adapted to trends to start featuring them in regular gameplay. Almost all modern online slots will have free spins or bonus rounds (sometimes both) as a part of their design. Plus, online casinos often run promotions to give players even more free spins on selected slots. Some of the most common Bonus Round and Free Spin slot game types include:
- Pick-and-win bonuses: Where players can choose items on their screen to reveal hidden rewards.
- Wheel Spin bonuses: Which award random prizes.
- Progressive slots: Where the jackpot continues to grow with each bet until it’s won.
- Multipliers: Where wins are multiplied by a predetermined amount.
How To Pick the Best Slot Machine for You at the Casino
Choosing the best slot machine for you requires a bit of thought and understanding of your personal preferences. Based on the slot machine types that you now know of, think about what you’re most comfortable with and what your budget is. Think about how complex or simplistic you want your slot machine to be and the payout ratio of the machine and game you select.
At the end of the day, you should be able to play the types of slot games you want on your preferred slot machine without any confusion or distractions that might cost you your game. Additionally, sticking to your budget and what you can afford to spend spinning the reels is a critical consideration when making your choice.
Discover a Range of Thrilling Slots at Borgata Online
With so many slots available to play, you’ll likely find what you’re looking for at Borgata Online casino. Immerse yourself in a wide range of themes and types of slots to suit your preferences, with the added thrill of potentially winning big. The good news is that’s not all — you can gain access to a host of popular online casino games when you register at Borgata Online.