Slot machines have come a long way from the simple three-reel, three-payline “one-armed bandits” that captivated gamers 100 years ago. At that time, the goal was simply to line up matching symbols on one of the lines to score a payout – usually a piece of gum or a drink.
Today’s machines have dozens of paylines, five or six reels and interactive themes, 3D graphic images, immersive storylines, SlotoCash no deposit bonus promotions and a plethora of features that are designed to make the gameplay more engaging and more rewarding. Casino advisors tell their clients that those are the machines that they should choose. Multi-feature machines are more fun to play and offer extra opportunities for the gamer to achieve winning combinations and bonus payouts.
If you’re looking for a gaming adventure that offers these added opportunities to maximize your slots event, here are some of the most popular features to explore.
Ways to Win
Many of the current slot machines are designed as Ways to Win slots, meaning that they include a mechanic that eliminates the need to bet on individual paylines. Instead, you match symbols that appear on adjacent reels, regardless of the position in which they emerge. Ways to Win slots offer increased numbers of potential matches that can be made on every spin.
With a Ways to Win Slot machine the player has the freedom to create matching combinations outside of the traditional slot paylines. All active lines are open so you don’t have to make any additional bets other than your one wager that you make on the spin.
The winning possibilities depend on the number of symbols available in an active reel. Such a machine is worth your money if your goal is to play as many paylines as possible without increasing the bet.
There are fewer wins in a Ways to Win game but the payouts are higher, so it’s up to you as to whether you are focusing on a high number of wins or a high payout amount.
Wild Symbols
Most of today’s slot machines include at least one Wild Symbol though there are sometimes two or even three Wilds. The Wild symbol substitutes for other symbols to help you complete the combination (often, the Wild doesn’t substitute for special symbols like a Scatter or Bonus symbol.).
Sometimes, combinations that are created with the inclusion of a Wild symbol are multiplied – doubled, tripled or multiplied even more. At other times, the Wilds expand or stack to help create more completed combinations. Each machine is different but most players prefer to play slot machines that have at least one Wild to increase winning combinations.
Bonus Rounds and Mini-Games
Slot machines almost always feature Free Spins rounds but players have come to expect additional bonus rounds as well and the game designers endeavor to meet this demand with a variety of special mini-games that add fun and excitement to the main game.
The Free Spins rounds are generally triggered by the appearance of two or three (depending on the game) scatter symbols. Scatters trigger special scatter combination payouts when multiple scatters appear, in any pattern, on the reels.
In addition, multiple scatters can trigger the Free Spins round where you pick up the number of free spins that the game delivers. Generally, the more scatter symbols that you receive, the more free spins you are given.
Free spins allow you to spin the reels for free and collect the resulting payouts. There are respins as well where, if you achieve multiple scatters on a free spin, the entire free spins feature retriggers, giving you more opportunities to spin for free.
Many of today’s slot machines have additional mini-games which take you out of the base game into a special side game. These mini-games allow you to do things like pick symbols to uncover prizes. They offer an opportunity to explore additional aspects of what the modern slot machine can offer.
Jackpots
Playing a jackpot slot machine is a little bit like hitting the jackpot, even if you don’t win that jackpot prize. Of course, it’s great if you hit the jackpot and take home an extra few hundred dollars but the gameplay itself is so energetic that most slots enthusiasts prefer these jackpot slots.
In a jackpot slot, a portion of every player’s bet is added to the jackpot pot. The player that hits the jackpot (usually by hitting five-of-a-kind symbols) takes home the entire amount and the jackpot reverts to a minimum base where it starts to build anew.
Increasingly, slots are being designed with multiple jackpot prizes so even if you don’t win the Grand Jackpot, you might win the Minor Jackpot, the Mini Jackpot or the Major Jackpot.
Extra Features
In addition to these special features, today’s slot machines offer multiple additional elements that keep the reels spinning, the payouts collecting and the fun increasing. There are rolling reels, mystery symbols, exploding wilds, cascading reels, stacked symbols, gamble games, multipliers and more. Take advantage of the new game features and enjoy your slots adventure today!
Progressive jackpots are the crown jewels of the slot machine world. These jackpots increase over time as a portion of each player's bet is added to the pot. One lucky spin can potentially lead to a life-changing sum of money. The allure of chasing the ever-growing jackpot adds a layer of suspense and anticipation that keeps players coming back for more.
Scatter Symbols and Free Spins
Scatter symbols are a player's ticket to free spins, another highly sought-after slot machine feature. Landing a certain number of scatter symbols triggers a round of free spins, during which players can win without placing additional bets. The thrill of watching the reels spin without deducting credits keeps players engaged and invested in the game.
Cascading Reels
Cascading reels bring an innovative twist to traditional slot gameplay. When winning combinations are formed, the combination symbols disappear to be replaced by new symbols falling from above. That means that you can achieve consecutive wins in a single spin for extra momentum and excitement plus more real money wins.
Conclusion
Today's slot machines are sophisticated gaming experiences where gamers can expect a wide variety of features that engage on multiple levels. From special symbols, multiple paylines and payways and immersive bonus rounds to the adrenaline rush of free spins and progressive jackpots, the 21st-century slot machine has become a thrilling technological adventure.
In the coming years slots aficionados can expect even more immersive and engaging features which enhance the classic casino slot event.
