If you’re a newbie to online pokies then you’ll want to take a look at the different types of games available. By understanding what’s available, you’ll be able to choose the best game for your needs.
Classic 3-reel pokies
These games hark back to the original land-based machines known as one-armed bandits. The most simple game to play, a 3-reel slot is ideal for new players. A variety of symbols are available, though the fruits and bars are the most traditional.
The games can also be available with progressive jackpots. It may be a simple game, but it’s fast and that often ramps up the enjoyment factor.
5-reel pokies
5-reel pokies are the most common game at online casinos. They allow for a large number of features to be placed on the reels including wilds and scatters. It also makes it easier to create progressive jackpots, which whilst harder to win can rack up to some serious amounts. A good example is Guns ‘n’ Roses
6- and 7-reel pokies
These games are taking pokies to the next level. They more or less follow the same structure as the 5-reels, in other words 6×3 and 7×3. Combine an increase in reels with the features such as multipliers and scatter symbols and you’ve got an exciting game at your fingertips. Clover Lady is a 6-reel pokie.
Progressives
An ever-popular pokie, the progressive is a jackpot where a portion of every bet by every player goes towards the jackpot. On many platforms, the progressive accumulated amount is displayed, adding to the excitement as players watch the amount increase. Progressives can climb into the millions of dollars, but as the amount increases, the chance of winning decreases. Players who wager the maximum bet are more likely to win than those wagering lower amounts.
Interactive slots
Known as i-slots, these are an important step in the development of pokies. Essentially, these are pokies with a mini-game incorporated as part of the bonus rounds. A mini-game allows players to increase their winnings, usually by multiplying. They’re known as interactive because players can often play a mini-game that involves skill rather than just chance.
Hold & Win
Hold & Win pokies include a bonus game-play feature where players aim to get a certain number of symbols, usually within a set number of spins. As the symbols drop on the reel, they stick. The more symbols collected, the bigger the win. Brides of Dracula is a good example of this type of pokie.
Megaways
Developed by Australian company Big Time Gaming, the Megaways random reel modifier mechanic changes the number of symbols that appear on a reel in any given spin. The majority of the Megaways games offer 117,649 ways to win. Megaways have six reels and the number of symbols on each reel changes with each spin, up to a maximum of seven. This increases the number of paylines. Try Moriarty Megaways.
3D slots
If you’re for the gaming experience, then 3D slots are probably your thing. Developers are starting to produce more games that go beyond the flat screen and creating more immersive and enjoyable experiences. They are often based on TV series or films and compatible with mobile devices as well as desktops.
VR Pokies
Again, another step up in the pokies design is Virtual Reality. There are fewer of these in the pokies space but they are definitely a trend on the up. These will take you from a passive observer to an interactive part of the game. Not everyone is convinced by this, but it does seem the next logical step.
Hot Drops
The latest in jackpot pokies are Hot Drop Jackpots. Whereas you have no idea when a progressive jackpot will drop, with Hot Drops you are guaranteed they will drop by a given deadline, whether that’s hourly, every 24-hours, or before a jackpot reaches a maximum, such as $250,000.
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