Classic Slots

Everything you need to know about classic slots

The origins of the slot machine can be traced back to the 19th Century, in the US. Charles Fey from San Francisco crafted the first slot machine, giving Californians a brand new form of entertainment.

The machine’s reels featured pictures of playing cards, as well as images of Philadelphia’s iconic Liberty Bell. Players would pull the lever and wait for the reels to stop spinning to see if they had scored a winning combination. If three Liberty Bells landed in a row, players would receive a payout.

Slot machines like this are still hugely popular in land-based casinos, and are just as popular online too. Online classic slots work in pretty much the same way: hit spin and wait for the reels to stop spinning, in the hope your symbols will match. The simplicity of classic slots— in comparison to the more complex video slot games— is part of what makes them such a hit with online casino players today.

How to play classic slots

Classic slots are about as simple as it gets when it comes to online casino games, but let’s take a quick look at how a game would usually unfold:

1. Choose your bet size
   This is the only real thinking you have to put in when playing slots – determining how much you want to wager. Some games let you bet as little as a penny per line, whilst others let you bet much more – the choice is yours.
2. Choose your paylines
   Some classic slots feature just only payline, whilst others can have up to 5 or even more. If you’re playing a multiline game, you’ll have to select how many lines you wish to bet on. Your bet size will be multiplied by the number of lines you choose to bet on, so if you bet £1 on five lines, for example, you’ll be wagering £5 in total.
3. Hit spin
   Once you’ve set your bet, all that’s left to do is click spin and hope for a winning combination! You can check out the pay table to see how different winning combinations payout.
4. Collect your winnings 
   If you do manage to bag a lucky win, your returns will be automatically credited to your casino account. You can either use these funds to bet on slots again, or request a withdrawal.

Why play classic slots online?

Classic slots have seen their somewhat more elaborate descendents, video slots, rise to become one of the most popular online casino games on the market. Yet rather than fade away in the face of this competition, classic slots continue to be loved and enjoyed by many gamblers. So just what is it that keeps players coming back for more? Let’s find out.

Simplicity

When it comes to classic slots, much of the appeal is in the game’s simplicity. Don’t expect to see any scatters, wilds or other bonus features pop up – most classic slots games are largely devoid of the features that have become synonymous with their not-so-distant cousins. The number of paylines generally ranges from 1-5, in comparison to the hundreds available on some video slot games, which can make it much easier to manage your bankroll.

In addition to simpler gameplay, the graphics, animations and sound effects that are so vibrant in video slots generally take a backseat in classic variations. Many of the best classic slots are a throwback to the original slot machines that feature traditional bar, seven and fruit symbols adored by casino veterans. While there are some classic slots with a modern twist, such as Playtech’s Alchemist’s Lab and NetEnt’s Safari Madness, the visuals are usually pretty simple, allowing players to focus solely on the gameplay.

Great for beginners

It’s fair to say that to an inexperienced casino player, the vast array of different symbols, bonuses and paylines found in video slots can seem a little hectic. If you’re a beginner looking to ease your way into slot games, classic slots are a great way to start. You can get to grips with how different games work, the various symbol combinations and pay tables, and you can also learn how to best manage your bankroll and wagers. This will come in handy if you go onto 5-reel, multi line slots at a later date.

How to play classic slots at online casinos

Choose your ideal casino

Finding the perfect place to play online slots is a piece of cake, thanks to our list of the best classic slot sites on the market. We won’t recommend just any casino, and take welcome bonuses, games libraries and mobile compatibility into account in our review process. On top of this, we make sure that the slot sites on our list are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), so you can rest assured that you’re in safe hands. Check out our expert reviews to delve even deeper into an online casino, as we give you all you need to know before you sign up.

Sign up & claim your bonus

Once you’ve found the right classic slot site for you, you’ll need to create an account. Follow our link to head straight to the registration page. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll need to verify your identity before you can start spinning the reels- the exact verification process varies at different casinos. Want to claim the welcome bonus? Don’t forget to opt in when you create your account.

Deposit

Unless you’ve claimed a no deposit bonus, you’ll need to deposit some funds into your account to play classic slots online for real money. The top slot sites boast a range of different payment methods, from debit cards to e-wallets and prepaid vouchers, so there’s something for everyone. Did you opt in on the welcome bonus? It’ll usually be credited to your account when you make your first deposit.

Play demo games

Classic slots are pretty easy to get to grips with, but it’s always best to try a game for free first. Almost every slot site offers demo games, giving you the chance to play free classic slots online, testing waters and getting to know the symbols and paylines before you risk your own cash.

Play real money slots

You’ve learned the rules, taken the demo for a test drive, and your bankroll is at the ready. So, what are you waiting for? Choose a classic slot that takes your fancy, place your bet and cross your fingers- it’s time to try your luck!

Software Providers

When it comes to finding the perfect classic slot game for you, the software developer behind it is usually a good indicator of what’s in store. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best software houses and their takes on classic slots.:

• Microgaming 
  One of the biggest slot developers in the industry, Microgaming has an excellent range of much-loved classic slots. 1 Armed Bandit and Break da Bank are great examples of online classic slots doing exactly what they should – providing simple, straightforward gameplay without any flashy animations or graphics. Couch Potato is a 1 line, 3-reel slot which has an RTP of over 97% – definitely worth trying out.
• IGT
  IGT is one of the top developers of the best classic slots, with Triple Diamond being one of the most popular. Although its ninepaylines are more than the average classic slot, its use of the traditional bar and red seven symbols and authentic arcade sound effects make it a favourite of those wishing to enjoy an immersive classic slot experience. Super Times Pay and Champion Raceway are other popular IGT titles.
• NetEnt
  NetEnt is better known for it’s video slots, though it’s still produced a few top classic slots. Jackpot 6000 and Super Nudge 6000 are great games based on the classic fruit machines of land based casinos. These slots provide nostalgic and authentic gameplay, and with Super Nudge 6000 offering a theoretical payout percentage of over 97%, what’s not to like? Mega Joker is another popular title among fans of classic slots, and even features a progressive jackpot.
• Playtech
  Whilst Playtech has garnered a reputation for it’s entertaining, pop culture-themed video slots and large progressive jackpots, it’s also produced some quality classic slots. Playtech’s online classic slots often come with a modern twist – Alchemist’s Lab offers players the chance to benefit from a bonus round, for example. Ugga Bugga is another variation on the classic three-reel slot, with 10 paylines and a pretty incredible RTP of 99.07%.