What Are Classic Slots and Where Can I Play Them Online?
Classic slot machines are among the most popular casino games online. From 3-reel classics to modernized fruit machines, the simplicity of retro slots has never been more in demand. There are various reasons why players adore classic slots, but the nostalgia factor ranks high among them all.
You can find and play the best old-school slot titles at our recommended online casinos. Almost every site will have at least one of these games. Some are regarded for their collections of classic slots.
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Most classic slot games have three reels and pay out if you land three matching symbols across one line. For this reason, it is believed that these games are better for beginners, given how easy they are to understand. However, plenty of expert slot players enjoy classic-style slot titles, as they often have higher return-to-player (RTP) ratios than modern versions.
Another misconception about playing classic slot machines is that they are all old games. Some software developers have created retro-looking games to appeal to players that have a taste for them. Others are simply souped-up or remastered versions of games widely considered as games that have stood the test of time.
If you’re looking to play the best classic slot games now, sign up with one of our leading online casinos and get to it. Alternatively, stick with us as we cover what you should know about classic slots.
Differences Between Classic Slots and Other Slot Machines
Players often debate over how classic online slot games should be defined. Some believe there is no such thing as classic online slots, citing that vintage machines only exist offline. Or that analog slots cannot be digitally replicated and simply belong to times long gone.
That’s not exactly true. Mechanical slots are classics, sure, but there are also classic slot machines you can find online. You can visit the best online casinos right now and play hundreds of titles based on everything including fruit machines, 777 bar games, and one-armed bandits. These games are frequently found among more modern slots that are based on themes like movies, TV shows, or even ancient civilizations.
Here are the five easiest ways to discern between classic slot machines and video slots.
- General Design – Modern video slots have far more sophisticated designs, graphics, and sounds. Classic slots are created to be simple and will generally look and play as old-school games should. This usually means one main screen with limited audio and no special effects.
- Reels – Most classic slot games are 3-reel in format, although 5-reel variants also exist. Video slots are almost always 5-reel games, but some have as many as 8-reels. They are graphical reels, while many online classic slots replicate the mechanics of older, spinning slots.
- Paylines – Online classic slot machines typically operate on a 3×3 board with between 5 and 9 paylines. One payline slots exist but are rare. Conversely, modern video slots generally have 25 paylines, but you can find slots like Megaways with over 200,000 ways to win.
- Bonuses – Most classic games may have wilds but no bonus rounds or free spins. When they do, they are simple and are usually played on the same screen. Modern video slots are innovative and creative with free spins, pick‘ems, sticky wilds, and much more.
- Jackpots – By their very nature, old-school games have simple jackpots. Unlike video slot titles like Mega Moolah, it is rarer to find classic slot games with progressive jackpots. But they do exist and can be found at top online casinos.
These pointers should help you tell the difference between classic slot machines and video slots. You may also find that old-school slots are cheaper to play than those with video features. Especially if you are only betting on one line rather than 25. Of course, stakes can be increased, but the minimum bets will more than likely be less.
Another simple way of finding classic variants at online casinos is to look for them in their own category. Many sites split their games up to make them easier to find. For sites that don’t have this feature, you may be able to find what you are after with a simple search. Or by scrolling through their library of games.
The Best Classic Slots Online and Where to Find Them
We believe the following five titles are the best examples of true online slot classics, in every sense of the word. Keep reading to find out more about them as well as where you can play them today.
Mega Joker at Betway
The godfather of classic online slots, Mega Joker is simply iconic. This game has an RTP of up to 99%, which is staggeringly impressive. Despite only being released in 2013, the popular NetEnt title bears all the hallmarks of a classic slot.
Mega Joker, which you can find at the Betway casino, comes with a basic 3×3 grid. The game is designed to look like the old-school fruit machines you would find in British pubs, with cherries, lemons, bells, and other symbols. It is the Mega Joker symbol that players should be hunting for, with a chance to walk away with big wins.
Land three mystery joker symbols to pick up 2,000 coins on this traditional slot. Or gamble your coins for a chance to make bigger bank on the Super meter. You can try your luck on this classic casino slot game by visiting Betway and registering for an account.
7 Fortune Frenzy at SlotsandCasino
Mixing the traditional and modern isn’t just a job for interior designers. 7 Fortune Frenzy, available to play at SlotsandCasino, is a sleek example of that. This game proves that the things we love about classic slots can be enhanced without totally ruining the experience.
Another thing we love about this medium volatility slot is the RTP, which comes in at 96%. It is simple to learn without becoming too boring. Some classic casino slots can grow tiresome once you get the gist of them. But the ethereal graphics and addition of a bonus round make this one very moreish.
Although this game doesn’t feature crusty bells or fading prunes, it is most certainly in line with what we consider to be a classic slot. You can try it, right now, at SlotsandCasino.
Megawins at DuckyLuck
If it’s elegance with a slice of simplicity you’re after, we recommend trying Megawins. This slot, available at DuckyLuck, packs in all kinds of retro cues without overdoing it. Perfect for beginners and experts alike, it’s a true top choice.
Megawins has no wilds or scatters, but there is a jackpot up for grabs. When you contrast it against other Rival titles, like the popular video slot Mythic Wolf, it may seem rather one-dimensional. But to classic casino slots lovers, that will not be the case at all. It’s the lack of bells and whistles that attracted us to the game in the first place, and those on the same page will agree.
If you love fruit machines, you’ll be buzzing with this. Although fans of triple 7s may also have a few things to say about the game. Regardless of what symbols attract you most, anyone with an account can take it for a spin at DuckyLuck!
Hot Drop Jackpot Reels of Fortune at Bovada
Reels of Fortune looks and plays like your average, classic slot. It has one line and three reels. However, it comes with a bonus round and a multiplier. Furthermore, it is also part of the Hot Drop jackpots network. Untypically for a classic slot machine, you could win one of three progressive jackpots on any spin!
We first tried this game at Bovada and were very impressed. The design is what we have grown to expect from Woohoo Games – even though it is one of their more basic titles, the color and sounds are very engrossing. Sure, the RTP is 93%, but this is on the lower side because of the jackpot contributions on every spin.
Hot Drop Jackpot Reels of Fortune is available to play, right now, at Bovada. You can play from as little as 20¢ up to $100 per spin. You can potentially win one of the three Hot Drops with a spin of any amount!
Ten Times Wins at Ignition Casino
Fewer classic slot machine games punch as well above their weight as this one. Ten Times Wins is certainly one of the more outstanding old-school slots online, which is unsurprising. After all, it is the brainchild of Rival Gaming. And that immediately adds weight to its appeal.
Available to play at many of our recommended sites, we last played it at Ignition Casino. As stated in our review of Ten Times Wins, it has a sleek look that doesn’t hinge too much on its retro vibes. Despite sitting pretty in the classic slot machine category, it offers features that wouldn’t look out of place in modern games.
The best chance of making big bank on Ten Times Wins is by landing three of the game’s special symbols. You can adjust your credit per line from between 1 and 3, with a maximum payout of 5,000. Try it now at Ignition Casino!
Online Classic Slots Strategy and Tips
You should approach classic casino slot games the same way you would any other casino game. This includes only playing at online casinos you trust and ensuring that the rules of the game always make sense. Never spend more than what you can afford to lose, and remember to take breaks if playing for prolonged periods.
Of course, there is more you can do to build a good strategy for classic casino slots. The following tips will certainly help you on your way.
- Play at Online Casinos with Classic Slots – The best online casinos usually have better libraries than your run-of-the-mill gaming site. Naturally, your chances of finding a range of classic titles are higher with sites that offer more choice.
- Choose Titles with High RTP – Classic and retro slots usually have better RTPs than their flashier, more modern counterparts. Simpler slots, especially ones without progressive jackpots and bonus rounds, usually return more. Aim for slots with RTPs of 97% and over.
- Be Conscious of Volatility – High volatility slots pay out more, but less frequently. In turn, low volatility slots pay out smaller wins but more regularly. Medium volatility slots fall somewhere in the midrange. Adjust your bets depending on how volatile the slot is.
- Examine the Pay Table – It is crucial to examine the pay table with classic slots, especially if there is a jackpot to play for. Some older games require bettors to play max coins to qualify for a chance of winning. You may also be able to adjust the win lines, so always check.
- Try Classic Slot Demos and Free Plays – One of the best ways of getting to grips with any game is by trying before you buy. Leading online casinos like Las Atlantis allow you to play their games for free in demo mode. This is an excellent way of figuring out if it’s right for you.
Picking up a win on a classic slot can be as simple as hitting three of the lemon or orange symbols in a row. But not all retro slots work this way, so it’s a good idea to figure out the rules of the game before you play.
Can you use nudges or limit the paylines on the game? If unsure, you can figure this stuff out by reading the slot rules off the bat, playing with free cash, or reading reviews of classic slots online. You should always be cautious of signing up for any site until you know it is reputable. If you are struggling to find trustworthy places to play, take a look at our safe online casinos for inspiration.
Another thing to be conscious of is playing slots with bonus cash. When you accept a bonus, you will almost always need to consider bonus turnover requirements. Winnings may not be available for withdrawal until wagering requirements have been met. These range from casino to casino, so always read the terms and conditions of an offer to ensure you are happy with them.
Where to Find the Best Classic Slots Online
You can find a wide range of classic slots at our recommended online casinos. From iconic old-school slot machines to retro greats, there is plenty to be discovered. And given the popularity of these games, almost every online casino will have at least a classic or two.
Some sites place a greater emphasis on the variety of their slots catalogs and will have more games designed for the classic palate. This is why it is crucial to compare sites to find what best suits you. But remember, you can register for more than one casino, providing you are eligible to do so.
When you have selected an online casino you would like to join, there are different ways to find classic online slots.
- Use the Search Function – Many online casinos allow you to search for games by title, type, or even casino software provider. The search function is usually accessible by clicking on a magnifying glass or eye symbol from anywhere on the site.
- Select the Right Category – Some sites are really good at categorizing their games libraries. This can make it easy to find old-school slots you are looking for, and even browse games you never even knew existed.
- Scroll Through the Games – Another way is to scroll through all the slots on the site until you find what you are looking for. This can be a laborious task, and we only recommend trying it if the previous options are not available.
- Ask Customer Support – If the customer service team has a live chat function, or is generally quick to respond, this is another good way of doing things. Ask them if there are any classic slots on the site. Sometimes, you might even get a recommendation or two.
Any of the methods above will help you find classic slot machines at online casinos. Ideally, the site you choose will have a search function, at the very least. Although, we love to see sites that categorize their games well. It is rare to see online casinos have a separate category for old-school slot games. They do, however, often have different categories that include 3-reel and video slots.
If you’re looking to play retro slots now, you can find several online casinos that have them. Compare games across our recommended sites, which serve players from the United States and other regions around the world. We also recommend comparing sites’ banking methods to find the ones that process payments the fastest and for the least amount in fees.
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