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.

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%.

Bonuses

With so many online casinos vying to attract new customers, there’s plenty of great welcome bonuses just waiting to be claimed, from no deposit free spins to free cash and matched deposits. You might even be lucky enough to get your hand on a no deposit bonus for classic slot games! But casino bonuses aren’t just for casino newbies- many classic slot sites offer rewards for existing players too.

Free spins

Free spins are the most popular slots bonus, and while some sites offer 10 free spins as part of a no deposit bonus, others offer up to 200 free spins when you make your first deposit. Free spins are a great way to take a chance on classic slots, without risking your own money.

Matched deposit

These bonuses are another great way to have a spin on a classic slot without eating into your bankroll. Matched deposit bonuses see casinos reward players with a percentage of their deposit, up to a certain value. A slot site might offer ‘100% up to £50’, which means you’ll get an extra £50 in bonus cash for every £50 you deposit.

No deposit bonus

If you’re looking for the chance to win real money at classic slot sites without risking your own cash, no deposit bonuses could be the answer. While these are often handed out as free spins, some casino sites give players the chance to get their hands on free cash, so they’re definitely worth checking out!

When you’re browsing different bonuses, be sure to check the terms and conditions. Casino welcome offers often come with hefty playthrough requirements that mean you’ll need to bet your bonus funds a fair few times before you can withdraw your winnings. No deposit bonuses usually have the highest wagering requirements and can make it practically impossible to get your hands on your slot winnings as real cash. You might also find that certain slots don’t contribute to the completion of your wagering requirements, so be sure to check the terms and conditions if you’ve got a particular title in mind!

Play classic slots online today

Now you know what’s so great about classic slots and how to play them, it’s time to spin the reels for yourself. Not sure where to find the best slots? Check out our list of the UK’s top casinos with classic slot games. Our expert reviews and user ratings make online casino comparison a breeze, and can help you narrow down your search. Think you’ve found a favourite? Follow our link to sign up and let the fun begin!