Classic slots are the preferred form of gambling for many people. The simple act of trying to line up three cherries or lemons on a three-reel classic slot machine is as relaxing as it is potentially lucrative. The click of the reels as they spin and the simple pay tables that you can memorize in a short playing session bring back fond memories of a different time when both slot machines and life were simpler.
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Of course over time there have been newer, flashier, and supposedly better slot machine games introduced, but you can still play on classic slot machines online and in casinos around the world.
The definition of a “classic slot machine” is different depending who you ask. My definition of a classic slot machine is any game that uses mechanical reels or any online slot game designed to imitate the look of mechanical slots. These games also usually have straightforward pay tables with no bonuses or extras.
When video slot machines start offering bonus rounds, stories, dozens or even hundreds of different pay lines and every other kind of bell and whistle you can think of, they’re no longer classic slots games.
How do Classic Slots Work?
Classic slots games that are also video slot machines use a random number generator to decide which reels and symbols to display on the screen. This allows the newer classic slots games to offer higher top pay outs than the old ones that actually used reels that turned inside the machine.
The old machines that used actual reels could only have a limited number of combinations because the reels would only hold a certain number of symbols. Many players who enjoyed the old classic slot machines wanted the same game play look and feel but wanted a chance to win higher top prizes.
Using a random number generator program and a video slots platform the casinos started introducing games that these players wanted to play that reminded them of the old machines but were able to offer the higher paying top combinations.
Some of these machines are still in use today. While it’s getting harder to find machines that use actual reels, the availability of video based classic slots games is as healthy as ever.
Classic slots games and machines can be found around the world in most casinos and gambling establishments. They can also be found in most online casinos. Many online casinos even have a specific category in their software for classic slots so you can quickly find the machines you want to play.
When you are playing in a local casino or one in Las Vegas or Atlantic City the classic slot machines are mixed in with all of the other slots games. Don’t expect to find too many mechanical games, as those are considered antiques. Instead, look for video slots with simple rules and interfaces.
You’ll need to walk around the casino to find the classic slots games you want to play. If you make frequent trips, you’ll learn where your favorite machines are so you don’t have to spend as much time searching on your next trip. Casinos do sometimes move their machines, so if you can’t find a machine ask one of the casino personnel if they know where it was moved.
Are All Classic Slot Machines Three-Reel?
While the first thing that pops into most players’ minds when they think of a classic slot machine is a three reel machine, there are also five and even seven reel classic slot machines. They can have one, three, or five rows and can either use mechanical old time reels or video screens that display the reels.
Classic slot machines are better than many of the current slots games, but there are plenty of people who feel the other way. You need to play many different varieties of both old and new slots to see which ones are your favorites.
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Even though I like classic slots, I also play newer games. I especially like the story based video slots games that have become popular over the past few years.
Also, many classic slots are now video based machines, so there isn’t really a question about which is better. The real question is whether you like the simplicity of classic slots or all of the extras that are included with more modern machines.
Are Classic Slots Being Phased Out?
Casinos track the income created by every inch of the casino floor. They know exactly what slot machines are responsible for the most profit and which ones don’t bring in as much money.
If classic slot machines can’t keep making the casinos as much money as newer machines, they will eventually replace them. This is a simple business decision and one the casino owners won’t hesitate to make.
One place where you’ll probably always be able to enjoy classic slots is at online casinos. They don’t have the same constraints on floor space as land based casinos, so their overhead for keeping classic slots games available is minimal.
The other nice thing about playing classic slots on the Internet is you have a wider range of options available without leaving your home. There are hundreds of online casinos, dozens of software and slots developers, and new slot machine games are being developed every day.
If you start having trouble finding great classic slot machines in your local area, here’s what you should do:
Check out a few online casinos to see what games they have to offer. Most of them will let you play classic slot machines for free while you are checking them out, and they’ll give you a bonus when you start playing for real money.
If you’ve been playing slots for long at all you’ve probably figured out that there isn’t much strategy involved with playing. You basically put your money in and spin the reels.
Some days you get lucky, but most days you end up losing money. That’s because the casino has a built-in advantage. Slot machines are designed to entertain you, but they’re also supposed to take your money in exchange for this entertainment.
You can do a few things to make your playing experience better and possibly make it last longer.
If the machine you’re playing doesn’t offer a lower coin amount you can find a different machine that does.
These can be as simple as dividing your entertainment budget for the week or month by the number of slots sessions you plan on enjoying or setting a standard loss limit. You could stop playing if you lose $100, or $50 or whatever you feel comfortable with.
Some players spend most of their time playing classic slot machines for free. While they never get the rush of hitting a big payout, they also don’t lose money while playing either. Of course if you want to play slots for free you have to do it online. Land based casinos won’t let you play their machines without putting money into them first.
Classic slot machines have been enjoyed by gamblers around the world for decades. They won’t be going away any time soon.
These types of slots games are the easiest to play and understand. From the simple pay charts to the limited number of symbols, classic slot machines are a simple and enjoyable way to pass the time.
le and enjoyable way to pass the time.
Whilst many people decide which slot to play based on the theme, special features or promotional offers, the savvy gamblers steer towards slots with the highest RTP. The house edge of online slot machines can vary widely, and it stands to reason that the lower the house edge, the better your chances of winning.
Top RTP Slots | RTP | Bet Limits | Free Spins | Paylines | Rows | Reels |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jack Hammer 2 | 97.10% | £0.50 – £250 | 10-20 | 99 | 3 | 15 |
Simsalabim | 97.50% | £0.25 – £125 | Yes | 25 | 3 | 5 |
Retro Reels Extreme Heat | 97.50% | £0.30 – £112.50 | Up to 20 | 30 | 3 | 5 |
Devil’s Delight | 97.60% | £0.20 – £40 | Yes | 20 | 3 | 5 |
Kings of Chicago | 97.80% | £0.05 – £50 | Up to 30 | 5 | 3 | 5 |
Starmania | 97.87% | £0.10 – £20 | 10 | 10 | 3 | 5 |
Blood Suckers | 98.00% | £0.25 – £50 | 10 | 25 | 3 | 5 |
1429 Uncharted Seas | 98.60% | £0.10 – £100 | 25 | 50 | 3 | 5 |
Jackpot 6000 | 95.10 – 98.90% | £1 – £2 | No | 5 | 3 | 3 |
Mega Joker | 99% | £1 – £5 | No | 5 | 3 | 3 |
Of course, you should keep in mind that only the best slot sites to win offer high payout games from which you can take advantage. The return to player percentage of a game is measured over thousands of game rounds, and it stands to reason that the higher the RTP, the better the deal for the player. With this in mind, I have decided to create a list of the 10 online slots with the highest RTP.
#10 Jack Hammer 2 (NetEnt) – 97.1% RTP
Jack Hammer 2 is the first of many NetEnt slots to make this top 10 list. This entertaining slot has a crime and adventure theme, captured in a comic book style. There are an impressive 99 bet lines in this game, providing plenty of opportunities to win. It also boasts a variety of interesting features that make the game exciting to play, whilst creating chances to win. The Sticky Win feature sees any winning symbol combinations held in place for a free re-spin, and they continue until no new wins are created. There is also a free spin feature, where you get up to 20 free plays, where all wins are doubled and extra wilds randomly land on the reels. Jack Hammer 2 has a player-friendly RTP of 97.1%
#9 Simsalabim (NetEnt) – 97.5% RTP
This magical themed slot recreates all the excitement of a magic show. The stage is set, with symbols such as a magician’s wand and top hat, a caged dove and a Houdini-style chained chest. The hypnotist is wild, helping to complete winning symbol combinations. When you play Simsalabim, keep your eyes peeled for 3 bunny rabbit symbols on the first 3 reels. These trigger the bonus game, where you pull rabbits from the hats to reveal cash prizes of up to 50500 coins. The slot also features a free spins round, which provides the potential for big wins thanks to the triple payouts. All these features combine to provide a great RTP of 97.5%.
#8 Retro Reels Extreme Heat (Microgaming) – 97.5% RTP
The RTP of 97.5% is one of the highest you will find in the Microgaming slots selection.Retro Reels Extreme Heat has an old-school feel, with symbols you’d expect to see on a classic fruit machine, including cherries, lemons, bells, bars and 7’s. At the same time as providing a retro feel, it includes many features which you’d expect from a modern video slot. There is a free spin bonus, where you can get up to 20 free plays with all wins doubled. There are also wild substitutions and scatter pays. A highlight is the innovative re-spin feature. After any spin, you can choose to spin just one reel, which allows increased chances of winning.
#7 Devil’s Delight (NetEnt) – 97.6% RTP
Unleash your inner devil in this NetEnt video slot. Set against a fiery backdrop and tombstones, the 5 reels are filled with symbols from the underworld.Devil’s Delight is packed full of exciting features that provide plenty of chances to stack up the wins. The devil wild expands to cover entire reels. Whilst the free spins bonus features win multipliers of up to x5. Yet the real highlight of the game is the unique Soul Reaper bonus game. Match the correct sin to each character their soul will be added to the Soul-O-Meter whilst you reap a coin prize. When the Soul-O-Meter is filled with 15 souls, the Sin Spins feature is activated. Here, you get 10 Sin Spins where you can pocket some juicy rewards. With so many cool features and a high RTP of 97.6%, this is one hell of a slot!
#6 Kings of Chicago (NetEnt) – 97.8% RTP
Kings of Chicago mixes the best elements of a video slot with classic poker. The game is played with a deck of cards, which is shuffled before each round. Unlike normal slot machines, where payouts are made for matching symbols across paylines, in this slot, you win if you have a poker hand on one of the five paylines. The game includes a joker, which substitutes for all cards. Plus, the scatter label can randomly appear on any card. Get 3 or more and free deals, the equivalent of free spins are triggered. You can bag up to 30 free deals in the special feature and all wins are doubled. This innovative slot machine provides a unique twist on what you expect from a video slot, and boasts an impressive RTP of 97.8%.
#5 Starmania (NextGen) – 97.87% RTP
With colourful star symbols set against a pretty outer space background and a spacey, ethereal soundtrack, this NextGen slot is a real treat for the senses. Wilds are stacked onto the reels boosting your shot at winning combinations. There is also a free games feature, where extra stacked wilds can help create some big wins. The game features 10 paylines and wins are paid in both directions. With every line win, you also have the option to gamble your prize, for a chance to double or even quadruple your win multiple times. The great graphics, exciting features and favourable RTP of 97.87% make Starmania a real hit with players.
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#4 Blood Suckers (NetEnt) – 98% RTP
The vampire genre has never been more popular, and it is the inspiration for this spooky NetEnt slot. You’ll see various Blood Suckers adorning the reels, along with the weapons to fight them off. It is not merely the impressive 98% RTP that draws players to this slot, but also the rich selection of special features. There are wild substitutions, scatter pays, free spins with triple payouts and a vampire slaying bonus game. Trigger the bonus and you will find yourself in an ancient burial chamber, filled with coffins. Open the coffins to slay vampires, earning coin wins with each creature you defeat.
#3 1429 Uncharted Seas (Thunderkick) – 98.6% RTP
This video slot from Thunderkick is visually stunning. The reels are replaced with a medieval style hand-drawn map and the symbols include a variety of sea creatures and beasts as well as sun, moon and star symbols. The slot includes a wild symbol which expands to cover entire reels, helping to create bigger wins. There is also a free spins bonus where you can earn up to 50 free goes. 1429 Unchartered Seas has a rewarding RTP of 98.6%, one of the highest you will find in a video slot, making it a popular choice with players.
#2 Jackpot 6000 (NetEnt) – Up to 98.8% RTP
Jackpot 6000 is a thrilling classic slot machine from NetEnt with a real old-school vibe. You can play with up to 5 paylines active, betting between 1 and 10 coins per spin. It is highly recommended to play with the maximum bet of 10 coins however, as this creates the possibility of triggering Supermeter mode. In this game mode, you can win a mystery prize of between 10 – 6000 coins when just 2 joker symbols land anywhere on the reels. Also, getting 3 jokers on a payline in Supermeter mode guarantees a jackpot payout of 6000 coins. When you play Jackpot 6000 with 1 – 8 coins, the RTP is a paltry 74.9% – 79.2%. Yet with 10 coins in play, the RTP ranges from 95.1% – 98.8%. The variance is because Supermeter mode is skill based, so you can directly impact the outcome.
#1 Mega Joker (NetEnt) – Up to 99% RTP
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Whilst Jackpot 6000 boasts an extremely high RTP, it is just beaten to the top spot by another NetEnt classic slot; Mega Joker. Bet with just 1 coin and the RTP is an underwhelming 76.9%. Yet on the other hand, a max bet of 10 coins elevates the RTP to between 89.1% – 99%. Furthermore, it provides bigger payouts and the Supermeter mode. In Supermeter mode, you need to choose the bet level and the optimum level at which to collect your winnings. It is this element of skill which can increase the RTP. The skill component, retro style and engaging gameplay make Mega Joker a firm favourite with players.
Frequently Asked Questions
Because our goal is to keep you well informed we have put together a list of the most frequently asked questions and our team of experts has provided the answers below.
🏆 What are the best paying slots?
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The best paying slots are the ones that feature a high RTP because that translates to a small house edge such as NetEnt’s Jack Hammer 2 slot or Simsalabim, with a return to player percentage of over 97%.
✍ How do I choose a good slot machine?
In choosing a good slot machine a player should look for high payouts, volatility and the features of the game itself. For example, you are bound to have a higher return on your investment while playing a slot with free spins and multipliers.
💱 What is the average payout on slot machines?
The average payout on slot machine varies among slots but you are going to find a higher return-to-player percentage in the recommended online casinos as compared to the traditional slot machines. Blood Suckers slot and 1429 Uncharted Seas slot have a very high RTP of over 98%.
🎰 What is a high variance slot machine?
High variance slots are destined for gamblers who are willing to play for huge wins.Kings of Chicago is a great example in that direction because it features not only a high RTP but also a high variance, which makes it ideal for our example. Flexible betting limits, free spins and a unique twist on slots as we know them are just a few perks of enjoying this title.
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