Slot gaming is on the rise. Each year, thousands of new casino slots flood the gaming market.Â
This makes it hard to choose a slot. The variety of slots and the number of options available can feel overwhelming.Â
From different slot machines to the types of jackpots, our list will help you understand the variety of casino slots. You can use our list to find your favorite type of slot game.Â
The Variety Of Casino Slots
There are many different types of casino slots on the market. There are different machines, different game mechanisms and different variations of slots.Â
Let’s start with the types of slot machines that exist.
1. Slot Machines
The following are the most common types of slot machines:Â
- Class II slot machinesÂ
- Class III slot machinesÂ
- Video slot machinesÂ
- Online slot machinesÂ
Players should make sure they are choosing a slot machine that suits their gaming preferences.Â
Class II machines are connected to a central server that determines the outcome of each spin. This server is not in the machine but is connected to it.Â
Before deciding on the outcome of a spin, the server takes into account all active slot machines and their gains and losses.Â
Class III machines have an in-built random number generator (RNG) that determines the outcome of each spin. They are not connected to an external server.Â
In Las Vegas casinos, the most common slot machines are Class III machines. Because of this, Class III slots are also known as Vegas-style machines.Â
Video slot machines are now standard slot machines found in land-based casinos and gaming venues.Â
A video slot machine has an electronic ‘video’ screen that shows the game’s reels and symbols. It differs from a 19th and early 20th century slot machine that did not have a screen.Â
Online slot machines are entirely virtual and electronic. They are only accessible online.Â
They are very popular machines. Modern players love how convenient and accessible these online slot machines are.Â
2. Reel Mechanisms and PaylinesÂ
The variety of slot games continues when it comes to reel mechanisms and number of paylines.Â
A relatively new and popular slot mechanism is Megaways.Â
Megaways slots have a variable number of paylines and reels. With each new round you play, the number of reels and paylines changes.Â
Many players find Megaways very exciting and entertaining to play. Others think they are too volatile and unpredictable.Â
Traditional slot machines and mechanisms have a set number of paylines and reels. This number doesn’t change during the game.
3. Themes and Symbols
Each slot game has its own theme. The symbols, graphic and sound designs are all based around the game’s theme.Â
There is a rich variety of themes in the slot gaming world. Some of the most popular and beloved ones include Ancient Egypt and Irish folklore in games like 9 pots of gold.Â
There are thousands of slot games with unique themes and storylines on the market. You will most likely find a theme that appeals to you.Â
For example, if you have a specific hobby or passion, try to find a slot game based around it. There are sports-themed slots, fishing-themed slots, Ancient Greece slots, and so on.
4. Return to Player Percentage
Return to Player (RTP) is a game percentage that slot developers have to reveal to the public. It is a legal requirement in most countries.Â
This percentage tells players how much of their money input they can make back during the game.Â
For example, if a game’s RTP is 99% and a player puts in $5, they should theoretically make back $4.95.Â
However, technically-speaking, a machine’s RTP is only accurate if a gamer plays many rounds. In other words, players might not always get 99% back on a 99% RTP machine.Â
Still, playing on a machine with a high RTP increases your chances of earning some of your money back.
5. Types of Jackpots and Volatility Levels
There are many types of jackpots to choose from. The two most common jackpots are:
- Fixed jackpotÂ
- Progressive jackpot
Fixed jackpots come out regularly and are more predictable than other types of jackpots.Â
They are stable and low volatility slots. However, the jackpot is usually smaller than a progressive jackpot.Â
Progressive jackpots only come out when the machine has reached its jackpot limit. These jackpots are unpredictable and irregular.Â
Because of this, they have a high volatility level.
6. Bonuses and FeaturesÂ
Bonuses and features vary from one slot game to another.Â
Some of them have wild cards that multiply your winnings. Others offer free spins.Â
There are hundreds of different slot bonuses and features to discover. Some of them are hidden which means you will only find out by playing.Â
Final ThoughtsÂ
As we discussed in this article, there is a broad variety of casino slots. There are different slot mechanisms, machines, RTPs, jackpots, themes and game features.Â