Slot games continue to be a favourite among gamblers since its invention in the 20th century. They have straightforward gameplay and are mostly based on luck; hence, inexperienced players and gambling professionals alike have a chance to win potentially big rewards.
Slots’ popularity grew with the rise of online casino gaming and the creation of many slot machine online options. These can be categorised by their game type, mechanics and payouts, and features.
Slot Machines by Game Type
Classic Slots
Modern online versions of classic Singapore casino slot machines are designed to replicate the legendary 3-reel mechanical slot machines as closely possible. Hence, players can have a chance to enjoy a classic slot machine experience being able to listen to the buzzes, the noise of spinning reels, and bells announcing winnings, among others.
Progressive Slots
Progressive slots, also known as jackpot slots, offer thrilling and potentially profitable gameplay experiences as these do not have a static or fixed jackpot. Aside from the standard paytable, a progressive jackpot slot has a separate amount of money allocated for the jackpot prize.
The general idea with the progressive jackpot is that a certain portion of every bet placed by players worldwide goes into a common pool called the jackpot. Consequently, the player who draws the lucky combination of symbols wins the whole amount in the pool.
Video Slots
Video slots are the most prevalent and accessible slot game variation in online casinos. These slot games rely on computer software and screen to showcase impressive video interludes and animations.
Slot games under this category are not fixed with the typical 5×3 or 3×3 scheme of classic and fruit games. A multitude of video slots often feature 4 or 6 reels and use a cascading reel format—symbols forming a specific combination, as detailed in the payline, will disappear and another set of tiles will fall from the top and fill in the gaps.
3D Slots
3D slots, similar to video slot games, are popular among gamblers due to their attractiveness and functionality. These slot games leverage 3D technology to showcase a visually appealing and engaging environment.
The spectacular graphics, animation, sound effects, complex storylines, and interesting features of 3D slots can give players a realistic feel of the slot gaming process and enjoy unrivalled entertainment.
Fruit Slots
Online fruit slot machines are inspired by the legendary traditional slot machines found in land-based casinos. These feature the same standard fruity and delicious symbols of cherries, watermelons, lemons, oranges, and grapes, among other fruits.
But while online fruit slots utilise the same standard symbols, they do not offer the same play and quality as old-fashioned slot machines. Just like other online slot game variations, fruit slots leverage modern graphics, animations, numerous paylines, and even video bonus games.
Slot Machines by Mechanics & Paylines
Megaways Slots
Big Time Gaming (BTG) introduced a dynamic and thrilling gameplay mechanic, Megaways, and used it in their Bonanza slot game. This has been set as a model for a series of exciting games in the slot gaming industry and led to the mechanic being franchised to well-known game developers and providers.
Slot games that leverage Megaways mechanic can accommodate between two to seven symbols per reel. This means players are provided with thousands or even hundreds of thousands of winning combinations—increasing their odds of winning in a spin.
Cascading Reels Slots
Cascading reels slots, also referred to as tumbling reels, rolling reels, or avalanche slots, are reminiscent of classic video games like Tetris. In these slot games, symbols disappear and get replaced with new symbols when a winning combination is formed. The cascading effect can lead to consecutive wins in a single spin.
Slot machines with cascading reels offer gamblers a fast-paced yet engaging and potentially profitable gaming experience.
Cluster Pays Slots
Slot games with cluster pay offer players a refreshing and unique slot gaming experience. These deviate from the classic slot payline structures, which feature specific winning combinations in horizontal or diagonal directions. In general, cluster pays mechanic award payouts based on groups of 5 or more homogenous elements, which can be formed horizontally, vertically, or even diagonally.
Similar to the mechanic in cascading reel slots, symbols on reels explode and get replaced with another set of symbols when a cluster is formed. This variation often creates a sense of anticipation as new clusters form on the reels and provide chances of frequent wins.
Slot Machines by Features
Number of Reels
Slot games with 3 reels are considered a golden standard in the gambling industry, with many online slots still following its format and simple gameplay.
But with the advances in slot technology, players are given a exciting online gambling Singapore experience with diverse online slot game options. At online casino platforms, they can discover slots with 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, or 15 reels and feature spectacular graphics, engaging animations, alluring sound effects, and exciting multiple paylines.
Scatter Symbols
Scatters or scatter is a term used to describe a specific graphic or symbol unique to the slot game’s theme. These generally appear anywhere on the reels and do not need to appear on a payline to trigger a win.
The emergence of scatter symbols during a spin can unlock special features. For instance, when two or more scatters appear, they can provide extra spins, generate wins, trigger bonus rounds, open a bonus game, or even multiply the bets.
Wild Symbols
In a general sense, wild symbols or wilds in slot games have the same purpose as jokers in card games—they can be substituted for other symbols (except scatter symbols) on the reels to trigger a winning combination on a payline.
Like scatter symbols, these wilds are designated with specific graphics that tie to the game’s theme. In some slot games, wild symbols also multiply bets.
Multiplier Symbols
Multiplier symbols or multipliers are designed to multiply the base winnings obtained from the paylines they appear on. These are typically presented with a specific number and a large ‘X’ next to it and may double or triple the winnings depending on the slot game.
Bonus Rounds
Online slot games with bonus rounds are designed to provide players with additional excitement and increase their chances of winning without spending more coins. Bonus rounds emerge differently, depending on the slot game, but in most cases, they are triggered by specific symbols or combinations.
Bonus Buy
Bonus buy, also known as feature buy or buy-in, is a feature in some online slots that allow players to purchase access to a game’s main bonus round instead of waiting for it to be triggered naturally in traditional gameplay. This gives players a chance to immediately access exciting bonus rounds that offer big wins.
Where to Play Slots?
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