Let's take an in-depth look at the wide variety of slots players can enjoy these days

Online slot gaming is exceptionally popular. No longer do people have to head to an arcade or play on one of the slot machines at a nearby pub or bookmakers. Instead, they can hop online and play them.

There are many reasons for slots’ popularity. As well as enjoying the convenience of being able to play at home, players can play at any time because the websites operate around the clock. Often, players receive a bonus from the online casino operator, usually in the form of free spins, such as free spins with Rainbow Riches Casino, for signing up, too.

Another reason is that players have unlimited choice, thanks to the wide variety of slots out there. Rather than switch operators, they can play other slots. Below is a look at the different types of slots it’s possible to play, online and offline.

Traditional slots

Traditional slots are coin-operated. You’ll find them in gaming establishments, clubs, bars, restaurants and even events, although they’re not as big as they were before slots evolved to the online sphere. In their earlier days, they had a lever that the player would pull to spin the reels. If the reels lined up, they’d receive a payout. Often, they had just one payline, but as time went by, they progressed to more than one so player could create several winning lines.

Traditional slots can also include classic slots, such as fruit slots. These have straightforward features and a small number of special ones. They’re more of a no-frills type of slot so players can focus on their enjoyment of the gaming. If you like your slot gaming uncomplicated, these are the ones for you and there will be versions of them online.

Video slots

These computerised slots are the main ones you’ll see online and work like a traditional slot. Designers have more freedom when creating them, which is why there are so many. Creators can adapt them or amend them as appropriate.

Often, video slots have a grid or reel layout, paylines and winning combinations. They can look very different from one another and have many different themes, but they function the same way. If you like traditional slots but want something more modern, these are a good slot for you.

Progressive slots

Progressive slots can be expensive to play, not to mention entertaining, because of the potential jackpot available. Whereas a standard jackpot slot offers a fixed maximum jackpot restricted to a particular casino, a progressive one is played across a network. Every time a player plays the progressive one and places a wager but loses, the jackpot increases. Until someone plays the game and wins, it will keep rising. After being won, the jackpot reverts to the starting jackpot and builds up again from there.

The fact that the jackpot is constantly increasing means the game places a lot of money up for grabs. However, because of the size of the jackpot, wagers must be higher. If you’re averse to risk, this isn’t the right type of slot for you.

Multiline slots

Multiline slots are for players who want more prospects of winning and to increase their chances of winning a big jackpot. These slots tend to have three reels or five. They can also be progressive jackpot games.

Often, three-reel multiline slots will have around nine to fifteen lines. Five-reel ones will have twenty lines or more. Some slots are exceptionally generous and have hundreds of ways to win! Ultimately, multiline slots offer more flexibility because players who want to give themselves better chances of winning don’t have to play more than one slot at once.

Themed slots

Themed slots are more than plentiful and will be based on movies, TV shows, music, sports, history or other interests. The quality and the gameplay of these slots is often much better than of general video slots and they’ll be packed with features, graphics, quotes and other references to the inspiration behind them. You’ll also find they include lots of bonus rounds. These slots are exceptionally good because the brands behind them have big budgets and high expectations of the game.

3D slots

Looking for a more immersive slot gaming experience? Then 3D slots are for you.

These slots take the latest technology and transform a game into a visually appealing three-dimensional one. Not only do they allow developers to create good looking games, but also to focus on the gaming experience and produce more functional games. 3D slots are still in their early stages, but they’re a development the slots industry, and the wider casino one in general, is sure to see more of in the future.

Slot gaming, especially online slot gaming, is incredibly popular. The slots industry provides players with plenty of variety. Such variety also means immense engagement, which will please operators, who want players to have the best gaming experience possible.