Nowadays, online slots come in all shapes and sizes. Some look like the one-arm bandits that you see in land-based casinos, particularly in the USA, while others are accompanied by fancier graphics and special features.
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Classic slots are just one type of slot game that you’re likely to encounter when you’re playing at online casinos, and their design and themes vary between the different games and software manufacturers, as well as the size of their prizes.
Many people choose to play classic slot games online as they often use the simplest rules and game mechanics, which makes them perfect for beginners. However, more experienced players can enjoy them too as they can offer generous payouts and an air of nostalgia for anyone who remembers playing one-arm bandits and pub fruit machines.
Some classic slot games that are now available at online casinos are also available in land-based casinos. So, you could well find that your favourite machine at your local casino can also be enjoyed at home on your desktop or laptop, or even your mobile device if you’re on the move.
Whatever your reason for searching for classic slots, your friends at BestOnlineCasino.games are ready to explain how they work, which titles are particularly popular among players, the different manufacturers that make classic slot games, as well as the best places to play them!
What are classic slots?
The first physical one-armed bandits and fruit machines were developed in the late 1800s, but the introduction of the first video slot – Fortune Coin – in 1975 sparked a global revolution.
Bally Technologies was one of the first companies to begin production of the classic slots that we know and love today, which is probably because the brand original manufactured physical slot machines for Nevada casinos.
Simplicity is key to classic slots, which is why they’ve continued to remain popular despite the introduction of newer technologies. The idea is that you must line up three matching symbols on a three-reel slot (N.B., usually using fruit machine-style symbols such as 7s, bars, cherries, lemons, and grapes) to create a win.
Sound effects emulate the noise that a real one-arm bandit would make as it spins, with the reels ‘clunking’ into place following each spin, and electronic noises sounding upon a winning combination.
Video slots look very different as they use high-end graphics and extra reels and paylines whereas the latest 3D slots are designed to make the characters and surroundings look as close to real life as possible. There are also progressive slots which offer either local or networked jackpot prizes which can often total over £1m.
What are the best classic slots?
It’s our aim to help you find the best classic slots to enjoy online, so we’ve sourced some of the highest-rated online casinos where you can find a host of top titles to enjoy, and listed them on this page for you to compare.
However, it’s hard to say which classic slot games are superior to others as for many players, factors such as betting ranges, themes, and RTPs can result in their ranking one game over another.
Many classic slot games are designed to look like one-arm bandits, with a simple three-reel layout. Examples include Bell of Fortune, Fruit Fiesta, and Jackpot Cherries. But some software manufacturers choose to use more diverse themes such as board games (e.g. Snakes and Ladders), sports (e.g., Golden Goal), Egypt (e.g. The Great Pyramid), animals (e.g. Hot Cross Bunnies), Manga (e.g. Super Graphics Super Lucky), and the occult (e.g. Pentagram).
Typically, classic slots are aimed at low to mid-stakes players and offer average payouts. However, there are some that include progressive jackpots like Mega Joker and Cash Splash, which can be enjoyed at casinos with huge jackpots on offer.
Different classic slot manufacturers
Many of the world’s most popular software manufacturers make classic slot games.
Microgaming is particularly partial to this game genre, and usually sticks to using three reels and between one and five paylines. Break Da Bank, Cherry Red, Cool Buck, Diamond Deal, Cops and Robbers, and Fruit Fiesta are the brand’s best-known titles.
Realistic Gaming also manufacturers classic slots, and with many of them, you’ll find the exclusive Real2Reel feature that allows you to zoom out to see the virtual casino floor, or zoom in to focus purely on the game.
Another big name is Playtech, and it’s responsible for making classic three-reelers such as Vacation Station, Funky Monkey, Chinese Kitchen, Sultan’s Fortune, Crazy Sevens, and Gold Rally.
How do I know that the games are fair?
Despite looking like mechanical slot machines, classic slots actually rely on special software that controls where and when the reels land following each spin. Just like with video slots, they use a Random Number Generator (otherwise known as an RNG) which ensure that the outcome of every spin is entirely random and, therefore, unbiased.
Another way to ensure that a game will treat you fairly is by looking up its RTP, which stands for Return to Player rate. RTP is essentially the opposite of what’s called the house edge, and it gives you an indication of how much of your money will be returned to you over an extended period of time.
For this reason, you’ll want to opt for classic slot games with as high an RTP as possible. Some good examples include Lucky 8 Line (96.8%), Jackpot 6000 (98.9%), Mystery Joker (96.98%), Bell of Fortune (94.12%), and Double Diamond (95.44%).
Start playing classic slots online today!
Now that we’ve explained what classic slot games look like and play like, and covered some of the most popular titles that are on offer at the best online casinos, it’s time to start spinning the reels in the hopes of landing a win!
To get started, all you need to do is take a look at our list of recommended casinos, click through to sign up and claim your welcome bonus with your first qualifying deposit, then pick a game that you’d like to play.
