Up until the 1970s, all slot machines operated on mechanical reels. But this changed with the invention of video slots, which run through computer programs and offer more options and features. Technically, all online slots fit into the video category because they run through software. But 5-reel games with extra features and bonuses are what players commonly think of as video slots. You can check out the top video slots below, and keep reading to see the defining characteristics of video slots.
Multiple Paylines
One major way that video slots changed the gaming industry was by offering multiple paylines. Because companies can program these games however they want, video slots are able to offer dozens of paylines. This is convenient because, rather than only spinning one payline and losing frequently, you have multiple chances to win on any spin. The downside is that you have to pay more to play additional paylines. But many online slots allow you to bet as little as one cent per spin, which keeps the spin cost low. The number of paylines offered in any given slot is based on the game. But many 5-reel video slots have between 20 and 30 paylines.
Multiple Coins Per Payline
Another betting option that some video slots give you is the ability to put more than one coin on each payline. If you choose to put five $0.25 coins on a payline, then your total bet for that individual payline is $1.25. There's rarely any reason to bet more than one coin on each payline because you aren't eligible for special bonuses or payouts this way. But some high rollers might like more than one coin on each line.
Bonuses
Most video slots offer a bonus of some kind, even if it's just free spins. But the good thing about video slots is that they make for the possibility of second-screen bonus rounds. These are usually triggered by 3 or more of a specific symbol, and they transport you off the reels and into another setting. Here's an example: At the Copa, a dancing themed slot, sees you choose which man will win a dance-off for a beautiful woman's hand. The most-common format for second-screen bonus rounds include spinning wheels and picking between random objects. But there are many other types of video slot bonuses that you'll find.
3D Graphics and Animations
Not all video slots have 3D graphics, but this is becoming a bigger trend. 3D slots offer a lot of visual appeal while you play. What's more is that many 3D games feature animations following winning combinations. Seeing these entertaining animations is the cherry on top of earning a payout. Many 3D slots also have video scenes that set up the theme and/or tell a story. If a video slot has multiple scenes, it feels like you're playing out a movie.
Special Features
Most video slots have special features that help boost your payouts, including scatter symbols, multipliers and stacked wilds. Scatter symbols can appear anywhere on the reels and help you form a win and/or unlock bonus rounds. Multipliers increase your payouts either when they appear in a winning payline or when they appear anywhere on the reels (scatter). Stacked wilds expand to cover an entire reel, and all of these wild symbols substitute to help you earn winning payouts.
As you can see, video slots not only have more paylines and great graphics, but they also include lots of extra features that make slots more exciting.
