Exploring the Different Types of Pokies: From Classic Reel Machines to Modern Video Slots

What often makes slots so beloved is the wide variety of game options available at any given casino. If you're new to online slots, or pokies as they're called, it might be overwhelming getting to know the types of slots out there, which is why I've written an all-encompassing guide to navigating the variety of games available! Slots are a staple in the gambling world for a reason, enabling players to make small bets or even play for free through demo mode. They're flexible and software developers can create endless varieties of slots with different visual themes, interesting game mechanics and bonus rounds to spice things up. It's important before you begin any slot game to research the game using its pay table and general game menu, which it'll explain the individual slot bonus rounds and special features. Nonetheless, all slots fall under a few different categories!

Classic Slots

This is the most simplistic type of online slot, and dates back to the earliest days of gambling and casinos period. These games are played with only a single pay line and three reels. Don't discount these slots though, because sometimes a session of straightforward spinning can result in some lucrative rewards. These games are based on the physical slot machines the dominated the world, and include bar symbols, bell symbols, fruit symbols and lucky sevens. These games are low variance and sometimes offer players small jackpots. Maybe classic slots nowadays are purposefully vintage, and most sites include them in their slots collection.

Multi Payline Slots

Slots with multiple pay lines were the next step in the evolution of slot games. With more pay lines, slot machines can offer bigger jackpots and more chances for players to win large sums of money. Some slots offer up as many as 100 pay lines. Usually, multi-pay line slots offer bonus rounds and even free spins.

Bonus Game Slots

This sort of falls into the same category as multi-pay line slots, but I'll cover it nonetheless. Many modern slots come with numerous bonus rounds, which can entice players into an exciting experience. Bonus games can include free spin rounds which are usually triggered by special symbols, or even mini-games. The mini-games really offer multiple layers of fun in one game. This is a popular option. These games are typically classified as video slots.

3D Slots

3D slots are similar to the previous slots I mentioned, they just take the graphics up a notch. These games are immersive and highly alluring because of their 3D animations. They offer quality visuals and engaging storylines. These slots are about more than just spinning the reels for prizes, but rather they offer an experience.

Progressive Slots

These are slots that usually contain similar features to the 3D slots I mentioned, and usually offer multiple pay lines. The additional feature of these games is you can often trigger one or multiple progressive jackpots. The jackpot is guaranteed to pay out eventually, and a portion of every bet made on the machine will be saved within the jackpot until it's rewarded. Progressive jackpots are super popular among slot lovers!

Megaways Slots

These slots offer unique reel structures that often change as you spin. So with a Megaways slot, you could start out playing a five reel game and end up playing a seven reel game, offering more chances to win and bigger payouts. Usually Megaways slot features a very exciting cascading reels feature, where the winning symbols will disappear after every spin, and new symbols will slide down from the upper section of the board to create more winning combinations.