Fans of slots do not think much about what reels are and where they came from in the first place. But, according to history, the first reels were made mechanically and used in a barbershop so that customers who are waiting their turn did not get bored and entertained themselves in this way. On those reels were only a few fruits and there were no bonus games. Since that time has passed a long time and today you can find just an incredible number of different symbols on reels, which will perform various options. Frankly, the amount of winnings depends on the number of reels. However, let’s understand the most popular slot models with 3, 5, and 7 reels.
3-reel slots
One main criterion by which slots differ is the number of reels that are present in the configuration. If you define reels, in simple terms, they are the vertical sections that hold the symbols and these sections spin when you press Spin. You don’t need to be a mathematician to realise that the more reels there are in a slot’s design, the more weighty the winnings can be. However, as counterintuitive as it may be, not all novice players are ready to conquer slots with, say, 7 reels right away. Therefore, slots with 3 reels are more popular. It is also obvious that 3 reel slots can be found in virtually every online casino because they still attract players.
Let’s give an example of the most popular 3 reel slots:
- Mega Joker from Netent with an RTP of 99%
- Lightning Joker from Yggdrasil with an RTP of 96.3%
- Super Burning Wins: Respin from Playson with an RTP of 96%.
There are plenty of slots with 3 reels, and these are just examples so that you can understand the principle and appreciate them. And those users who like visual simplicity without a lot of different features can really enjoy classic slot machines with reels. It’s the Sevens, Jokers, Stars, Cherries and other fruits that can give the player enough excitement to play, and quite a few bigger payouts than you’d get in a three-dimensional slot with advanced bonus rounds. On the other hand, many players may also think that these slots are rather simple and uninteresting.
If we are talking purely about the mathematics of the game and the frequency of winnings, the 3 reel slots also contain RNG and the results are generated based on the algorithms that are incorporated into them. The same is true for the RTP because the slots in question have a certain value and they correspond to it.
5-reel slots
As you already know, reels are vertical columns that rotate. In addition, each of these columns contains pictures. In order to form a winning combination reels must stop so that identical pictures are lined up on the same line. It so happens that to form a payable sequence of pictures should just fall out on the neighboring reels in any position. In addition, in addition to the vertical columns, there maybe 3 or 4 horizontal rows. This principle also works in slots with 5 reels. By the way, here you can find best 5-reel slots with most generous payouts.
The most popular slots with 5 reels are:
- Dead or Alive from Netent with an RTP of 96.8%
- Polar Paws from Quickspin with an RTP of 97.8%
- Crystal Waters from Real Time Gaming with an RTP of 97.5%.
Representatives of this type of slot have the most common and exciting themes and plots used them. The number of paylines used here varies and can be fixed or have the incredibly popular Megaways option, which offers players plenty of ways to win. Plus, in each slot, you can adjust the number of active lines, or you can bet per spin at once. On top of that, you’ll have the option of a fast spin, which isn’t available in 3 reel slots.
These are the most sought-after and popular types of slots. They use advanced video inserts as well as unimaginative bonus games and prize features. Plus, 5 reels give players a much better chance of big winnings than 3 reel slots. As the number of reels increases, so does the number of opportunities to win. But, don’t be too optimistic and expect to win every spin. On the contrary, because of the greater number of symbols, small winnings will occur much more often than large ones. However, do not get upset, because all slots have a random number generator and put RTP percentage, which follows each slot, regardless of the number of reels. And of course, don’t forget about the jackpot opportunity, your chances of winning that jackpot will also increase.
7-reel slots
The 7 reel slots have been designed specifically for those who like to go big and aim for the high end. This large number of reels means that players will have a maximum chance of catching big winnings. But, smaller and more frequent winnings will fall out in such games much more often. The 7 reels have a certain magical meaning in fact, and not for nothing do many casinos use the Seven Reels in every way they can, giving that number plenty of attention.
It is worth noting that 7 reel slots are not as common as 5 reels. Therefore, it can sometimes be difficult to find these games. However, judging by the trend toward slot development, new games are released weekly and some companies are developing 7 reel slots.
Playing 7 reel slots is no different to 5 reels. Simply select your bet size and click on Spin. As for the number of paylines, there are usually only 7 paylines in 7 reel slots. This is done in order not to complicate the already complex mechanics of the slots. The most popular 7 reel slots are:
- Thor’s Lightning from Red Tiger with an RTP of 96%
- Gemix from Play’n Go with an RTP of 96.75%
- Reactoonz again by Play’n Go with an RTP of 96%.
The 7 reel slots are in no way inferior to the 3 or 5 reels in terms of their technical characteristics. The point is that it also uses RNG and each round generates a random result. Also, each slot uses its own RTP, which corresponds to the game.
