Choosing the best slot game for you

There are plenty of slot games out there to choose from, but how do you pick one that’s right for you? Here are some of the things you should consider.

The slot machine has been around for a long time. While there were one or two precursors, the first machine that would be recognisable to modern gamers was the Liberty Bell, invented in 1899. With a jackpot of 50 cents, it was definitely not as high-stakes as the slots we might be used to nowadays.

Since then, slots have come on in leaps and bounds. The first video slot machine was created in 1976, and in the mid 1990s they moved online. Now, the online slot machine industry is worth over $3 billion and is going from strength to strength.

However, with all this growth comes variety. Back in 1899 there was only one slot machine to choose from; now there are countless thousands to choose from. If you’re just starting to get into the world of slot gaming, how do you know which one is right for you?

Types of slot game

The first step is working out what type of slot you want to play. There are a number of different categories that all promise different experiences, so it is worth thinking about what you are hoping to get out of your gaming experience.

Three-reel slots

The most basic type of slot is the three-reel, and if you’ve ever seen a one-armed bandit then you know what to expect. You will be faced with three reels, and starting the game causes the reels to spin. If you manage to get three of the same symbols lined up, you win! Each symbol generally has a specific prize for matching three depending on its rarity.

These slots are the easiest to play, as well as the fastest, so they are perfect for gamers who want a simple, relaxed experience. You can play a few games in a matter of minutes without having to wrap your head around any complicated rules.

Five-reel slots

As the name suggests, instead of having three reels these slots have five. This ups the complexity quite a bit, as it greatly increases the number of ways three symbols can be matched.

These slots typically include a lot more features than three-reels. Many of the symbols will trigger bonuses, or even extra games, and generally five-reels have a higher chance to win larger prizes. They are a great choice if you want to get more involved in the game.

Progressive jackpots

Any slot can theoretically have a progressive jackpot, as all this means is that every game you play contributes to the eventual jackpot. That means if a slot has gone a long time without anyone winning the top prize, the eventual payout can be enormous. Sometimes this is done per machine, while sometimes all the machines in a casino or on a website are linked to the same progressive jackpot.

Multi-line games

Another feature that can in theory be added to any slot, multi-line games allow you to select which lines you want to potentially provide a winning combination. For example, a traditional three-reel slot shows nine symbols at a time: three on each of the three reels. You would usually win if the middle row showed three identical symbols.

However, a multi-line slot would allow you to choose to play on the top or bottom rows, or all three at once. Some also allow you to play diagonally, and of course five-reel slots offer an even wider range of lines you can play on. This is a good feature to look for if you’re interested in having more control over the game.

Choosing a slot game

Once you’ve decided what type of slot to go for, how do you pick a game? Each category has a myriad of different options, and we can’t go through them all. However, there are some things you can consider whenever you choose a slot to play.

One is to look for games you can try without risk. For example, if you pick somewhere with free daily spins, such as Jackpotjoy, you can try out the games and see if they’re to your taste without spending money.

Another great option is to do some research. Different games have different amounts the average player wins, which is sometimes called return to player (RTP). By researching which games have the highest RTP, you stand the best chance of winning big.

Overall, the most important thing to consider when getting into slot gaming is how much fun you’re having. Whether you pick a basic three-reel or a five-reel, multi-line game, as long as you’re enjoying the experience you’ve chosen well. You can always switch to another game if you’ve realised you’ve not picked the right one for you.