7 Favorite Types of Slots Every Player Should Master

Slots vary widely in theme, mechanics, features, RTP, volatility and maximum payout, and you’ll find hundreds of them at almost any online casino. That makes it hard to know what you’re looking at when you open a lobby.

Every provider says its games are the best, so it helps to understand the main slot types. Here are seven worth knowing before you play for real money, and what makes each one different.

Classics and Fruit Machines

Classics, or fruit machines as some casinos call them, are one of the oldest slot categories, and most studios build part of their range around them. They are straightforward and simple to learn.

You’ll find them in many forms, from 3-reel and 5-reel games to classics with a single payline, free spins, mini games, risk play and a buy feature. Providers with this type of slot include Real Time Gaming, Playtech and NetEnt.

Penny Slots

Penny slots are the low-stake end of the lobby. Their coin sizes start at a few cents and usually go up to a couple of rand or the currency equivalent. Many casinos highlight this category or list it under instant wins.

They play like regular slots, in a standard 5×3, 5×4 or 6×4 format, but features and payout potential are lower because of the maximum bet level. Low stakes make for longer sessions, but you can still lose your balance.

Cascade Slots

In a cascade slot, a winning combination makes the winning symbols disappear. New symbols then drop from above to fill the gaps, which can trigger another payout from the same spin. These are also called tumbling or cascading reels.

Asgardian Stones from NetEnt is an example to look at.

Progressive Jackpots

Progressive jackpots grow as more bets are placed, while fixed jackpots stay the same size. A jackpot can be confined to a single machine or set of machines, or shared across several titles and players.

Mega Moolah from Microgaming is a well-known networked progressive. Many jackpot slots have tiers such as mini, minor, major and grand. The largest prizes are very hard to hit, and nothing guarantees a win.

Slots with Megaways

Megaways slots use a variable number of symbols on each reel on every spin. They usually have six reels, which can give up to 117,649 ways to win or more.

Several providers use the mechanic, including Microgaming, Pragmatic Play, iSoftBet, Red Tiger and Big Time Gaming, often to relaunch existing titles in the new format. Check the software providers at a casino to see which Megaways games it offers.

Bitcoin Slots

As crypto becomes a more common payment method, some slots are played with crypto. Bitcoin slots are usually played in mBits.

If crypto is your main source of funds, check that the games you want accept it before you deposit.

3D Slots

3D slots sit between standard video slots and VR slots. They are usually packed with cut-scenes, detailed animation and sound effects, and many have interactive elements.

If you want to try one, look at Hotline or Finn’s Golden Tavern.

Whichever type you pick, read the game’s paytable first and keep your stakes within a budget you can afford to lose. For how paylines work, see our guide to slots and paylines.

18+ only. Gamble responsibly: SA Responsible Gambling Foundation counselling line 0800 006 008 (24/7).