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.
Classic doesn’t automatically mean old – occasionally we still see new slots launching using classic reel and fruit symbol formats
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:
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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.
Frequently Asked Questions 
