Classic Slots: Also known as “straight slot machines” or “spinning reel games,” classic slot machines are the original ones and are still among the most popular of all slot games. For those who enjoy hassle-free and low-risk gaming, these machines are hard to beat.
Classic slot machines closely resemble the 1898 prototype invented by Charles Fey in San Francisco, with three vertical reels spinning side by side independently of each other. Symbols appear on their faces that line up in the “window” of the slot machine when they stop. As you run down the middle, the window horizontally encounters a line called “payline”. A “payout” is made whenever certain combinations of symbols line up there. The amount paid out is predetermined by the “paytable”, which lists all the amounts to be won based on the number of credits wagered and the specific combinations of symbols displayed.
For traditional classic slot machines, all three reels are set in motion by a spring-loaded lever, also known as the “handle” or “arm”. This is the device that gave rise to the nickname “one-armed bandit”. Usually mounted on the right side of the machine, locked in place until a coin is inserted into the “coin slot” of the machine. Modern electronic versions of classic slots accept banknotes and are activated by pressing a “spin” or “play” button on the face of the machine. The internet versions resemble these in most cases, except that the “credits” are transferred to the game from a financial account that has been arranged in advance with the slot operator, often funded by credit card.
The initial breakthrough for classic slots came with the arrival of multiple paylines. A second horizontal payline was placed on top of the central one and a third payline was added next. To put these lines into play, the player would need to insert a second and a third coin. The paytables were adjusted accordingly, so that there were two more ways to win big, even though the jackpot remained on the center line. Over time, the fourth and fifth payline patterns were also incorporated into the machine’s design.
During the first century of their existence, classic slots never had more than three reels. The diameter of the reels determined the size of the machines, and the addition of more reels would have made them too large for practical use. However, when electronic and video displays were introduced, major changes were made. The new machines looked a lot like their predecessors at first because manufacturers believed that familiarity was necessary to attract players. They even created sound effects, such as the jingling of coins, when moneyless currency mechanisms were installed.
The introduction of five-reel formats was the next big breakthrough, allowing for even more payline options. Because they had many more possible symbol combinations, the five-reel games could offer many more payouts, as well as many bigger ones for the jackpot. Matching five symbols is considerably more difficult than lining up three. However, three-reel single payline machines survived and are still seen in casinos. Among the old resources available are Red, White & Blue and 777, two of the favorites used in slot tournaments. They continue to attract a large following, at least in part, because they are the easiest games to learn and play. The classic three-reel slots are the perfect starting point for anyone new to the slot game.
Joining the classic line more recently are innovative variations, such as Wildcard Slots with their special symbols that substitute for any other symbol and Multiplier Slots, with symbols that multiply the value of a winning combination by 2X, 3X, 5X or even 10X. These give players more chances to win, just like the versions with nine, fifteen, twenty-five, and even sixty paylines, for an incredible variety of ways to line up winning combinations.
