For most people, the word “classic” conjures up associations with something old and outdated. Still, this need not be the case where online classic slots are concerned. It is true that the rapid advances in technology have prompted many gambling software developers to introduce more sophisticated and visually appealing video slots that boast superb graphics, exciting animations, and an impressive number of paylines. However, there are still many slot fans who prefer to place their bets on the good old classics.
The history of slots began at the end of the nineteenth century when Charles Fey, a young car mechanic from San Francisco, invented the Liberty Bell, the prototype of all slots, old and new. Several years later, the manufacturer Henry Mills made a few improvements to Fey’s invention and introduced the public to the first 3-reel slots as we know them today. Instantly recognisable, they featured fruits like plums, lemons, and cherries as symbols and had a single payline stretched horizontally across the reels.
Although many changes have been made to the look and feel of slots over the years, resulting in the creation of numerous video and 3D titles, the appeal of the classic one-armed bandits is unlikely to wane any time soon. As it seems, the simplicity of such games is what intrigues gambling enthusiasts most about slots that are equipped with just three reels.
Despite their lack of sophistication, classic slots have their own peculiarities, which casino enthusiasts should familiarise themselves with before they dive into a betting session.
Features of Classic Online Slots
Classic 3-reel slots have come a long way since the introduction of the Liberty Bell in 1895 and Mills’ fruit machines at the turn of the twentieth century. Today, 3-reel slots constitute an essential part of the portfolios of most established online casino operators in the industry, leaving players with plenty of options when deciding where to gamble. What is more, the symbols are no longer restricted to fruits, as players will find 3-reel online slots boasting a wide range of themes and icons as well as many additional features.
What gambling enthusiasts might not know is that when slots first appeared, players were not awarded monetary prizes when matching icons aligned on the reels. Instead, they received tokens that could be exchanged for various goods.
It was not until the 1960s that slots began to resemble the way they look and feel today, thanks to the implementation of electro-mechanical designs. Because of these, gambling enthusiasts were given the opportunity to enjoy a truly Vegas-style experience with flashing lights and ringing sounds.
It is true that fruit-themed classic slots still predominate, but players can now encounter a far greater variety of characters and icons aside from the familiar fruits, sevens, and bar symbols. Casino enthusiasts can try their hand at slots inspired by animals, or those in which jewels and gems appear across the reels. This undoubtedly benefits players who enjoy classic slots but want to experience a fresh take on the genre.
Number of Reels and Paylines
If you have spent some time betting on slots over the Internet, you might know that classic slots consist of only three reels. The term “reels” refers to the vertical sections that turn whenever the player presses the Spin button on the screen. Fewer reels mean fewer winning combinations or paylines. In fact, some 3-reel slots still have only one payline that appears across the middle of the screen.
However, the majority of reputable software suppliers cater to traditionalists and offer 3-reel slots that include three, five, or more paylines, running horizontally or vertically on the screen. Playtech, for example, has even released a 3-reel slot called Chinese Kitchen, which features a total of eleven winning combinations across the three reels, as the crab symbol can be stand-alone or appear in combinations of two or three.
Betting Options
Players with little or no previous experience should bear in mind that 3-reel titles typically offer far fewer betting options than their modern, multi-payline cousins. As with other slot games, players can choose from various coin values when playing classic slots. Coin denominations typically range between £0.01 and £100, but this depends entirely on the 3-reel slot you have chosen. Usually, the maximum number of coins players are allowed to place per spin is three, as is the case with Microgaming’s classic slot Couch Potato.
One common feature most 3-reel slots share is that they lack detailed graphics and animations. On the contrary, the design is typically clean and simplified, which works to the advantage of inexperienced slot players.
Bonus Features
Still, we do not wish to leave you with the impression that classic slots are completely stripped down and lack any special features. In fact, some classics include wild symbols that not only help players complete winning combinations but can sometimes also act as win multipliers. Often, the role of the wild symbol is given to the joker, which can stand in for all other icons.
A small group of classic online slots even include bonus game rounds, which undoubtedly adds to their entertainment value and can help players walk away with a decent prize.
When playing classic slots, enthusiasts may have the chance to trigger a number of bonus spins. Even so, gambling aficionados should not expect any overly complicated bonus features, as seen in some video slots.
In addition, some classic slots are equipped with heads-or-tails games or nudges. The nudge and hold features are found in many fruit-themed slots and can be exceptionally advantageous, helping players adjust their results to secure a payout.
If the slot you are playing is equipped with the nudge bonus feature, you will have the opportunity to move the reels one position down in order to try to form a winning combination. This feature can be exceptionally useful, especially if players already have two identical symbols and need one more icon to secure a payout.
It is important to note, however, that players will only have a limited time in which to make use of this feature. Yet, it is fairly easy for avid casino fans to determine when to resort to it.
On most occasions, games that come with the nudge feature also offer the hold feature. Although the presence of this feature is not the key to consistent wins, it is still hugely effective.
Most of the time, holds are awarded at random and, as its name suggests, this feature enables players to keep one of the reels stationary for the next spin.
Depending on the results players wish to achieve, there are two ways in which the hold feature can be put to good use. One is to activate it when just one more symbol is needed to form a winning combination.
Yet, many players prefer to use the hold feature when a high-paying icon has landed on the reels. Although this will not necessarily guarantee a payout, it does enhance their chances of obtaining one.
Rules and Basics
Slot Types
Choosing Online Slots
Line Number and Multiplier
Classic Online Slots
It goes without saying that achieving a heftier payout is much easier when you already have one of the required symbols than when you are hoping to land all three at once.
If classic slots are up your alley, you might be pleased to hear that there are also games that can award ever-increasing prizes. Most of the time, such prizes are not triggered at random; instead, they are awarded after a rather uncommon combination of symbols appears on the reels. However, to become eligible for the huge prize, players may be required to place the maximum bet amount, which is also the case with the majority of modern slots.
There is a common misconception that old-school 3-reelers do not have very high payouts. On the contrary, 3-reels may not pay as often as more advanced slots, but their payouts tend to be bigger, which explains why they remain tremendously popular.
Yet, before you dive into your betting session, it is best to inspect the paytable of the slot that has caught your attention so that you can figure out what payouts to expect, depending on the symbols that land on the reels. Furthermore, it will help you determine whether the game boasts any special symbols or features.
It is worth noting that not all classic slots work in the same manner when it comes to awarding payouts, which is one more detail that deserves consideration.
Advantages of Classic Online Slots
One of the biggest advantages of classic online slots stems from their simplicity. Their design is straightforward and easy for less experienced players to comprehend, which is why they are considered a great starting point for a betting adventure. In essence, betting on classic slots is no different from wagering on other varieties, as gambling enthusiasts simply need to decide how much they would like to stake and set the reels in motion by hitting the Spin button.
Players will receive a payoff if identical symbols align across the reels when they come to a stop. It is worth mentioning that the majority of classic slots are not equipped with autoplay or reel-stop functionalities.
As already noted, the number of betting options is more limited since 3-reel slots usually feature between one and eight paylines. This renders them suitable for players with a smaller budget as they are not expected to bet on many paylines simultaneously. Depending on the slot you choose, you may be prompted to decide whether to bet on all win lines or only some of them, but titles offering this option are scarce.
Another advantage of opting for the classics is that when 3-reels do pay, their payouts tend to be larger, at least most of the time.
On the downside, the entertainment value classic online slots offer is generally lower than that of more advanced video slots. Moreover, classic slots are often devoid of bonus features or symbols, which can be a turn-off for many players.
The simplified design is also regarded as a disadvantage by some. You are unlikely to find realistic 3D graphics, let alone elaborate animations, which gives video slots a decided advantage over their classic cousins.
Many avid casino fans believe that video slots will eventually supersede their classic counterparts because of the enhanced gameplay they offer, better-quality graphics and animations, and, above all, a broader array of special features. Yet, classic slots have a loyal customer base, which is why they are unlikely to go out of fashion any time soon.
Popular Classic Slots You Can Play Online
Although modern 3D slots overshadow their classic cousins in terms of visual appeal and features, 3-reel slots still enjoy great popularity among experienced players. The number of 3-reel titles available online is quite impressive, leaving players with a vast range of options. To assist slot novices in making their choice, we have compiled a list of five classic online slots that boast some of the highest Return to Player percentages and recreate the appeal of old-school one-armed bandits with great accuracy.
Break Da Bank
Courtesy of industry frontrunner Microgaming, Break Da Bank is a classic 3-reel slot with a total of five paylines. The reels feature symbols such as gold coins, vaults, bars, and dollar signs. Wagers range from £5 to £125, meaning the game is not particularly suitable for players with tighter budgets.
To start the game, players simply need to click on the Spin button, while the Bet Max functionality sets the reels in motion at the highest wager possible, £125. The Break Da Bank symbol functions as a wild multiplier. It will not only help you complete winning combinations but will also multiply your winnings four-fold when you score a win. The maximum payout on this game amounts to 2,400 coins. The RTP of Microgaming’s classic slot Break Da Bank stands at 95.75%.
Double Wammy
Double Wammy is another classic slot introduced by software giant Microgaming. The design is clearly inspired by the traditional slot machines in Las Vegas casinos, as various classic symbols such as cherries, lucky sevens, and bars are incorporated into the gameplay. Double Wammy epitomises a classic 3-reel slot: it has only a single payline and allows for a maximum wager of three coins. On that note, bets range between £0.25 and £5, which makes it suitable for more risk-averse players.
The maximum amount you can win is set at 2,500 coins, and to do so, you need to land three Double Wammy symbols on the reels. The Double Wammy symbols function as wild multipliers here. The second-biggest prize can be won whenever players get three lucky sevens on the reels. Finally, the RTP of Double Wammy is estimated at 96.23%.
Couch Potato
Couch Potato ranks among the most popular classic slot games released by Microgaming. The game features a sprouting spud lounging on a couch and offers a single payline positioned in the centre of the three reels. The slot utilises classic symbols such as cherries, single, double and triple bars, and lucky sevens. Yet it is the Couch Potato symbol that all fans of traditional slots covet, as it functions as a wild multiplier.
The Couch Potato symbol helps complete a winning combination and multiplies players’ winnings up to five times. Players lucky enough to get two Couch Potato symbols on the reels will have their winnings multiplied 25 times. Three Couch Potato symbols can potentially reward players with the biggest win in the game of up to 15,000 coins. Classic slot fans can play with up to three coins per spin, with betting limits ranging between £0.25 and £15.00.
The game has become something of a classic and is even available in a mobile format for those who wish to enjoy it while on the move. Couch Potato is a favourite among slot fans because it offers an RTP of 97.43%.
Goblin’s Cave
Courtesy of another leading software supplier, Playtech, Goblin’s Cave is a slot inspired by the popular creatures from European folklore that are infamous for their reputation for hoarding gold and jewellery. The game features three reels and is equipped with three paylines, making it a perfect example of classic slots.
Goblin’s Cave is more advanced in terms of graphics and sound effects when compared to some other classic slots. As soon as the game loads, players will see an old goblin with a droopy face, worn-out slippers and a pair of reading glasses, who is anything but scary. It is this creature that “spins” the reels manually, so to speak. The game features symbols such as different jewelled rings, ruby jewels, crowns, lanterns, goblin coins, and teapots.
Apart from the enhanced graphics, Goblin’s Cave offers an interesting twist in the shape of features like multipliers and the Red Ruby wild symbol. Players can increase their chances of winning by using the Hold feature to lock symbols on the reels for the next spin.
When this feature is activated and players click on the Spin button, they will notice that only the lowest horizontal reel is spun. If they hit a winning combination there, they get to spin the reels again to try to fill the remaining two paylines with the same symbols. If the first spin has not resulted in a winning combination, players can choose to hold some of the symbols on the lowest reel to improve their chances on the second spin.
The minimum and maximum coin values in this game range between £0.01 and £5. The maximum amount you can bet per spin is £75. Those who are lucky enough to land three red rubies will win the highest prize in the game. Whenever three lantern symbols land on the reels, they will unlock a bonus game. The RTP of Goblin’s Cave stands at 99.32%.
Mega Joker
Developed by software provider NetEnt, Mega Joker is a traditional fruit-themed classic slot with three reels and five paylines. The game utilises familiar symbols such as lucky sevens, cherries, plums, oranges, lemons, and watermelons that repeat in many classic slots available online. Players can bet one to ten coins per spin, with coin values ranging between £0.10 and £1.00.
Whenever players win a spin in the base mode at the maximum bet of ten coins on all five paylines, they can either collect their winnings or play in Supermeter mode. This feature allows players to place bigger bets of 20, 40, 100, or even 200 coins per spin. The maximum amount they can win in the Supermeter mode stands at 2,000 coins.
In addition, Mega Joker has a progressive jackpot attached to it, which translates into a wider range of opportunities to win more lucrative prizes. As 3% of each bet goes towards the progressive jackpot, the prize tends to escalate rather quickly. This slot is adapted for play across mobile devices as well and boasts an RTP of 99.00%.
How to Improve Your Classic Slots Experience
Although classic slots do not come with an abundance of bonus features and lack flashy visuals, there is no denying that they possess a charm that intrigues many avid casino fans.
Gambling aficionados should bear in mind, especially if they are total novices, that no strategy can enhance their chances of winning or guarantee success on every spin. Still, there are some tips that can help players extend their betting sessions and enjoy a more fruitful experience.
Opt for the Lowest Bet Amount
Although this is an obvious piece of advice, if gambling enthusiasts want to extend their betting sessions, one of the best ways is to opt for the lowest bet amount.
This approach may not work well with slots linked to a progressive jackpot, where staking the highest amount possible is essential if players wish to qualify for the biggest prize. Fortunately, this is not the case with classic slots, as players have the freedom to stake whatever amount they are comfortable with at all times.
Make Sure You Are Self-disciplined
Sometimes, placing the smallest possible bets will not guarantee that your session will go smoothly or that you will avoid depleting your bankroll. Players can easily get caught up in the moment while betting on slots, forgetting about proper bankroll management or the goals initially set.
If you tend to get carried away while wagering on slots, it is a good idea to set a budget for your current session. Creating a weekly or monthly bankroll is also sensible, especially for those who gamble more frequently. Of course, slot mavens should not simply decide on the amount; they will benefit only if they bet within these limits.
Try the Games in Free-to-play Mode
Trying the games in fun mode first is certainly advisable, as it enables players to determine whether a chosen classic slot suits them without risking any funds.
Moreover, practice mode allows players to explore the special features of a slot that has caught their attention without worrying about the cost of the spins required to put the bonus features through their paces.