Comparing 5-reel slot machines and 3-reel slots is a lot like comparing apples to oranges. Both start with 3-5 “reels,” but that’s where the similarities end.
The number of symbols on each reel of the slot machine is critically important, since these symbols determine how many different ways you can win. Generally speaking, 5-reel slots have far more possible outcomes than three reels slots (due to higher number of symbols)– which translates into more chances to win!
However, the number of symbols or reels is not the only thing that makes a slot game stand out from others. It also boils down to the theme and rules that make each slot unique.
Some people think 3-reel slots machines are boring and less lucrative. But we disagree! There is a lot to love about them. In this article, we will talk about some unique features of the 3-reel version, compared to their 5-reel cousins.
Without further ado, let us help you decide which type of slot you should play.
What are slots?
Slots have been around since the early 1900s when they were operated manually in Las Vegas. The first ever electric slots were created by Gottfried Liebscher in 1902. These slots featured five reels and were quite different from modern slots as each symbol on the reels was random and independent of every other one. One interesting thing that comes to light when you look into the history of the slot machine is how they used to be considered cheating devices by law, yet they have now become one of the most popular forms of casino gambling all over the world.
Today, online slots are based on three main themes: fruit, bars and sevens, and all kinds of different things that are supposed to be spun like ‘wheels’. All slots are played on a grid, which contains a set number of rows and columns. The ‘columns’ in the slots are known as ‘reels.’
Playing online slots is just like playing video poker, but with one major difference. While the objective of video poker is to make a hand that is as close to a royal flush as possible, the goal in slots is to create a winning combination of symbols on each reel.
All you need to do is match three or more identical symbols across the paylines, beginning from left-to-right and bottom-to-top, and you’ll win! How much you win, however, will depend on what kind of symbols appear in the winning combination.
3-reel slots
The three-reel slot machine has been a staple of online casinos for some time, offering players a simple form of entertainment. Three-reel slot machines are generally the most popular slot machine available to play, with their simplistic design and layout easy to grasp even for novice gamblers. Taking center stage is the beautiful 3-reel slots interface, which is as good as it gets in terms of interface design.
The 3-reel slots game takes you back to the classic days of casino gaming. With a less complex set of options, it is far easier to master. The traditional fruit symbols, diamonds and bar signs will make you feel like you’ve been brought back to the time when gambling was simpler and bring forth a sense of nostalgia for many gamblers when they play the game.
How to play 3-reel slots?
Three-reel slots are the oldest games in the casino world and they’re as exciting as ever, featuring 3 reels and a single payline. The simplicity of the classic slot machine is what makes it so much fun to play. It is easy to understand, and the payout is up to chance, not how much you bet or how long you play. These casino games are perfect for every player, and you don’t have to be a high roller to enjoy them.
In order to play three-reel slots, all you have to do is choose your coin size, spin the reels, and happily win as you watch the returns add up on your pay table.
5-reel slots
5-reel slots, or video slots as they are more commonly known, is a modern version of the classic three-reel slot game. 5-reel slots have a lot going on all at once with various graphics and sound effects generally accompanied by a storyline linked to the particular themes used in the game. The other major difference is that a 5-reel slot will always allow you to place up to 9 paylines on the reels to play on, whereas 3-reel slots only ever allow you to have one line activated at a time.
You can find a variety of video slots to play online, such as Rich Wilde and the Tome of Madness, Safari Gold Megaways, Thor: The Trials of Asgard, Pirates Plenty Sunken Treasure, Football Star Deluxe, Basketball Star on Fire, and more . All these themed mega reels allow you to enjoy multiple bonus features such as Free Spins, Scatter Symbols, Progressive Slots and Jackpots, and much more across a variety of 5-reel slots.
Return To Player Percentage
If you are wondering which one of the two would offer the highest RTP slots, it is important to note that both of these types of slot games offer similar payouts overall. The biggest difference between 3-reel slots and 5-reel slots is that there is a higher likelihood of winning a large prize with five reels instead of three.
In general, 3-reel slots feature a smaller jackpot compared to 5-reel slots. On the other hand, 5-reel slots offer more even distributions for the remaining prizes in the pay table.
Which One is Better – 3 Reel Slots or 5 Reel Slots?
The biggest difference between three-reel slots and five-reel slots is one or two fewer reels and the resulting lower jackpots. The simpler graphic often lowers the minimum bet on these machines, though not always. The 3-reel slot machines often get a bad rap for being less exciting, but remember, it costs less to play so you’re getting more for your money.
New gamblers who have not yet mastered more complicated slots will enjoy the ease of these machines and stand a reasonable chance of hitting progressive jackpots. However, simple does not always equate to lower values, and you may find a huge payout on a low bet.
Many players, today, think that 5-reel slots are many times more thrilling than their 3-reel counterpart slots. Moreover, the 5-reel slot is progressively becoming more popular thanks to its complex graphics, cool animations, and sound effects while the 3-reel slots are considered ideal for nostalgic players. The 5-reel slots also usually have some creative special bonuses and higher chances to win.
Most casinos (both land-based and online) now offer both 3-reel and 5-reel slots, so when it comes down to the big question, which of the two slots is better? The answer is that it depends on the type of slot game you enjoy most and what your ultimate goal is. Nonetheless, you need to keep your play on safely licensed sites since those are the ones that will ultimately be useful to you over a longer period of time, no matter what type of play you decide to engage in.
Since the payback rates of 3- and 5-reel slots are fairly similar, the deciding factor for choosing between them tends to be which gameplay appeals more. For example, many players specifically enjoy the simpler nature of 3-reel slot games as they give you a clear indication of how much you’ve won with little distraction. On the other hand, 5-reel slots offer more variety in both their gameplays and themes, giving them more replay value if that is your thing.
