Since the introduction of the original slot machine in 1894 things have progressed hugely and now there are many different types of slot machines available to play. Charles Fey invented the first slot machine in San Francisco, California as a three reel slot. Initially players won drinks or cigars available over the bars of the saloon but Charles Fey was responsible for the first coin operated machine.
Originally the game was simple, match any of the five symbols, usually a bell, a horseshoe, a diamond, a spade and a heart in the three reels and the machine paid out. Three bells in a row was the biggest payout and the first ever slot machine took its name from this symbol and is know as the Liberty Bell. Inventors then started copying the Liberty Bell and the slot machine and game became more sophisticated and more entertaining.
There are several different kinds of online slots and all of them featuring different methods of playing and winning. Interested players may try them at Star Slots.
Three reel slots
The three reel slot game still exists and are as popular as ever. They are simplistic in design and playing method but are still well liked and used. As well as a three reel slot there is a five reel and even a seven reel slot. The more reels the higher the win as the lower the odds.
Slot games with many paylines
The early slot machines only had one pay line, however, now there are many slots that have multi pay line games, which gives the player more chances of landing a win. With multi pay lines players can make a winning pattern using two or three symbols but from several lines. A twenty pay line slot will be easier to land a win, however, will cost more too but the more pay lines the more options to win. The additional pay lines and patterns can be slightly overwhelming but for the experienced player keeping focused and patient will pay off.
The jackpot slots
Progressive jackpot slots aren’t for the faint hearted. The winning amount increases every time a player plays the game and the jackpot is not won. The slot machines will showcase the potential winning amount so players know if the machine has paid out recently and if the jackpot has been claimed or if the jackpot is still up for grabs. Sometimes the progressive jackpot isn’t just linked to one machine; a number of machines could work together to make up the jackpot amount, therefore making the jackpot even bigger.
In a non-progressive slot the jackpot doesn't accumulate at all and has a set amount that it will pay out when a player lands a win. It’s a more attainable goal as the pay out’s are frequent but won’t be huge money.
‘243 ways to win’ is another slot game method of winning. This method allows 243 ways to win and allows the player to gamble on 243 pay lines in one spin.
NetEnt introduced Cluster Pays in 2016 and now has many games working with this. In essence rather than the player having a straight line to win, Cluster Pays allows the player to ‘cluster’ the symbols in order to land a win.