The classic slot set-up was set in reels of the stone well over a century ago now. Although those early games were based on cards – which typically had hands of five – they worked with the technology of the time to produce a three-reel slot that was filled with card symbols until the law forced them to innovate and fruits and bells were born! 7 Reel Slot Game Symbols Guide Mobile Desktop. Highest Paying Symbol The highest paying symbol in our 7 reel slot is 'The 7 Reel' symbol in the desktop version of the game, with eyes, mouth, and muscle arms. This symbol also features in the logo for the desktop game.
Slot games are perhaps the most common type of casino game that exist. No matter what part of the world you are in, if there are casinos there are more than likely also going to be slot games. Bank after bank of games are lined with people endlessly spinning in hopes of striking it big. With so many different type of slot games in existence nowadays, the landscape of these games may be a difficult one to think about navigating. With that said, slots are not confusing and not intimidating.
Reel slots are perhaps the most common slots that exist, and are growing in popularity all the time. Whether you are at a brick and mortar casino or playing online, there are always going to be reel slots for you to take advantage of. In fact, you might be surprised to know that slot games are by far the most popular games that exist in any casino—online or otherwise. As time moves forward we anticipate that reel slots will grow in popularity simply because of how versatile they are.
Reel Slots vs. Video Slots
If you have been in a casino within the last decade, there is no doubting that you have experienced both reel and video slots. The games, for all intents and purposes, are not different at all, but the way in which they operate is. The biggest difference is the fact that reeled slots play host to a physical reel that spins, while video slots often just project spinning reels on a video screen, much like how every online slot game functions.
Reel slots are more classic and are the way in which slot games first came into existence. With the unending technological advances of our day, video slots have recently become a bit more popular than reel slots. You will also find that people love the graphics and themes able to be offered by video slots. When it comes to reel slots, innovation mostly stopped back in the 1980s. While this is not strictly true, reel slots are, in many ways, not as appealing as video slots.
3 vs. 5 Reel Slot Games
If you are an old-timer who has been spending decades at brick and mortar casinos, you might be more familiar with 3-reel slots. For those relatively new to casinos, you will find that 5-reel slot games tend to dominate the landscape. Both games have their fair set of advantages and disadvantages, but whether you prefer to play 3 or 5-reel slot games the decision really comes down to personal preference.
As for 3-reel slots, people tend to enjoy these games because they are straightforward and perhaps easier to understand than any other type of slot game. With only 3 different reels, determining whether you have won or not is not difficult at all. This is not something that is always true without exception, but in most cases 3-reel slots pay out more than 5-reel slots when someone wins.
5-reel slots may see a player win more in general, they tend to win less per winning spin. The existence of 2 extra reels means that players have the ability to win more, and win in more diverse ways than they can with 3-reel slots. Another advantage that 5-reel slots have, in a way, over 3-reel slots is the fact that, through bonus rounds and other special features, players on 5-reel games tend to win more, and tend to win more than strictly money. Whether it be free spins or a period of time with free-play, 5-reel slots can offer you a lot of opportunities to win.
Reel Slot Games FAQs
So, which is better, 5 or 3-reel slots?
As was mentioned above, no single type of reeled slot game is better than another. Whether you play 3 or 5-reel slot games it all comes down to what you prefer. Both games have their own advantages and disadvantages, and what you prefer should determine what games you play.
How much can I win from one spin of a slot machine?
When it comes down to it, the fact of the matter is that the jackpot for a single slot machine game can vary from site to site. Certain sites will offer absolutely massive jackpots, while others will not offer major jackpots at all. A bit of research if required to differentiate the two.
Do slot games exist across all stake levels?
Yes. When it comes down to it, reeled slot games exist across most stake levels. So no matter you want to spend just a few cents per spin or up to 20 or more dollars, there are reeled slot games for you to take advantage of. Slots are great in that they are so incredibly diverse at both brick and mortar and online casinos alike.
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Welcome to the mysterious world of 8 reel slots! You are unlikely to come across too many games in this category. They are nowhere near as numerous as other bigger slots, such as their 7 and 9 reel cousins.
Think of them as the unicorns of the casino scene – they are there, but hidden, darting around elusively in the wilderness. With luck, and some digging, they appear, but it will take a comprehensive search to find many that you can play. In this guide, we will tell you all you need to know about these enigmatic games and provide a few examples that you can play.
We often come across the saying – the more, the merrier. But, there may be limits when it comes to slot development, which is why you don’t find many with 8 reels. While we are on the subject, you don’t find too many with 4 or 6 reels either for that matter. Even-numbered slots are a rare commodity in general.
The theory has its place, but the experience is an even better teacher. We will do our best to arm you with all of the information you will need while we lead you in the direction of some interesting examples to try. By the end of this guide, you will be an 8 reel slots guru ready to go out and tame this wild beast of a game.
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How to play 8 Reel Slot Machines
When approaching any new game, you should first head over to the paytable and read the rules to learn how everything works. Like with any slot, luck is the key ingredient to success, but you should still understand what is happening. It’s more fun that way, and you will get more out of the game.
Once you know how the game functions like the back of your hand it’s time to try your luck! Choose the coin size, and hit that spin button. If you have your own betting strategies for 3 and 5 reel slots, then why not try them out on the bigger 8 reel versions? If free play is available, it is even better as you can spin away with no risk to your bankroll.
There is no hidden secret to winning with 8 reel slots. They are games of chance just like any other – there is just a lot more spinning going on! The great thing is that having more reels does not mean it is harder to form winning combinations.
These larger slots have been programmed with a return to player rating just like any other. So the chance for winning is the same as any game with the same payout level. Check the RTP rating on the pay table or via research to find out how frequently the game can theoretically pay out. As always, keep in mind that the RTP rating is calculated over long periods of time.
Why 8 reels slot games?
The majority of slots come in varieties of 3 or 5 reels. This number has proven to be the sweet spot with players and developers, and the bulk of games are released in one of these grid formations. And this has worked well. Thousands of different combinations have resulted from this layout.
When you factor in the world of different themes to choose from, the results are an infinite number of possibilities. So why the need for 8 reels then? Well, there’s no concrete reason other than it provides even more possibilities. Symbol combinations can be increased, and pay lines can be tinkered with. It gives developers more creative outlets, and it gives players more choice.
People love novelty and being entertained by something new. Coming across a slot that has 8 reels for the first time can be a shocking experience. It looks too wide; there are too many reels and symbols, what is going on?
Combine this unusual game mechanic with an unusual theme, and you have a truly innovative creation on your hands. Naturally, games need more than a gimmick to give them longevity. Once the shock of the new fades, the remaining components need to work well in order to make a slot successful in the long term.
One thing to consider is how long slots only had three reels. They first appeared in that format, and it stayed that way for a long time. Plenty of people no doubt scoffed at the idea of adding an extra two reels to make them five. What was the point?
Well, we all know how popular 5 reel slots have become since then. They are completely mainstream now. Perhaps, in the not too distant future, 8 reels will become the norm as well? For now, let us look at some options that are available in this category.
Great Examples of 8 reel slots
The mighty 8 reel slot can be tricky to track down so here are three you can take for a test drive right away. They are all different from each other in look, theme, and gameplay, which is brilliant because it shows how much potential this setup has. As always, keep an open mind; you never know where you might find your next favourite game.
If you enjoy this style, why not fire off an email to your favourite developer to make them aware. If they get enough positive feedback, who knows? They might be persuaded to give this category more attention.
Jammin’ Jars
Jammin’ Jars is an odd game that manages to sit in a self-created genre that is all on its own. It uses 8 rows to go along with its 8 reels, which spin along to a funky disco vibe. Push Gaming is the imaginative developer behind this one-off fruity rampage across the disco floor.
It is not clear if they are going to use a similar format in the future, but they are an innovative company, so let’s see what they come up with next. Push Gaming’s recent releases mainly use 4×5 and 5×5 formats, and none are quite the same as Jammin’ Jars.
Even the way that winning combinations are formed is completely different. Gone is your typical 3-5 of a kind on a pay line. Jammin’ Jars uses a cascading win feature, that is triggered when 5 or more of the same symbols touch horizontally and vertically.
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These symbols then burst, vanish, and are replaced by new symbols that drop into the empty slots. It reminds you of a Candy Crush-style smartphone game and works well to build multiple winners in a row. With its free spins, multipliers, and banging tunes, what more could you want from an 8 reel slot?
Wolfheart
If 8 reels isn’t a high enough number then how about 100 free spins to go along with it. No that’s not a typo! Land 8 scatters across its reels to trigger 60 free spins, and then land 7 more to retrigger an additional 40. That will keep you going well into the night where the wolf reigns supreme. A medieval theme sets the scene with symbols such as swords, necklaces, castles, princesses, and of course, wolves.
2 By 2 Gaming is the software house behind this one of a kind slot. They have produced several medieval/fantasy style games but none quite like Wolfheart. It won’t be to everyone’s taste, but it is worth a spin to see how the game mechanic functions.
Free spins are the key to big wins here, and if you are lucky enough to trigger them, then the fearsome wolf will be the furthermost thing from your mind! The game looks good and offers plenty in the way of surprises and extras such as stacked wilds. Get all of these winning elements working for you to write your own fairy tale adventure.
Druidess Gold
What is it with fantasy themes and 8 reels? They seem to attract each other, and here is another example of this magical combination in Druidess Gold. A few spins in, and you’ll realise that this might not technically be 8 reels in the strictest sense.
It’s more like 4 outer reels, combined with the inner 4×4 reel – the Reelfecta Reel as they call it. Not to worry, 8 reels spin, so that is good enough for us. Poured into this unusual Druidic cauldron is a whole Grove of free spins, scatters, wilds, bonus rounds, and mega spins.
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With so much going on, the theme takes a bit of a back seat to the action – which is good if magic and fairies are not quite your cup of herbal tea. If you are not averse to letting some magic into your life, you will love the look and feel of this game. Enchanting symbols like moons, spell books, sorcerers, and the Druidess dance across its 8 reels. Behind them, soothing sound effects patter away in the background like a summers day rain.
The game has 1,296 ways of forming winning combinations, and top prizes can be surprisingly rewarding. It won’t be the potential for big wins that are Druidess Gold’s main attraction, however. What it offers is a unique game engine that you won’t have seen before. Druidess Gold is something completely unique which is a rare occurrence.
A gap in the market?
In Chinese culture, the number 8 is perceived as being extremely propitious and has numerous positive attributes. The number 8 in Chinese sounds similar to other words that mean fortune, or wealth, and is embraced whenever it turns up. When an 8 digit number is associated with a person or a business, a telephone number for example, then it is seen as being very auspicious.
With the huge number of Chinese gamblers, it is strange that there aren’t more slots that use 8 reels to cater to this market. We see the lucky number 8 used in many 3 or 5 reel slots such as with Lucky 88, and Fire 88. This numeral shows up in so many slots that it may only be a matter of time until developers cotton on to the connection and start to churn out more 8 reel slots.
The Future of 8 Reel Slots
Without a working crystal ball your guess is as good as ours, but let us speculate for fun. Here are two potential possibilities. One, a developer creates an absolutely stunning game using 8 reels that astonishes the gaming community. There is a good chance that it involves an Asian theme revolving around the number 8. This slot then goes on to dominate the gaming world, at least for a while, and every other developer leaps on the bandwagon with their own 8 reel games. Dreams are free at least.
The second scenario is that 8 reels will never catch on like 3, 5, 7, or even 9 reels have. As we mentioned, there are not many 4 or 6 reel slots floating around either. Punters and developers are drawn to odd numbers of reels. Why is that? There is probably a psychological reason and room for PhD research perhaps. Either way, we still think there is room in the crowded slot market for some smash hit 8 reel slots.
Last words
Well, there you have the whistle-stop tour through the sparsely populated category that is 8 reel slots. As you can see, there is plenty of room for innovation and new ideas to blossom and grow. Whether that will happen or not remains to be seen, but we are ever positive about the creative abilities of developers these days. Anything is possible!
You may find that 8 reels are not really for you. That is fine, but while you are in an experimental mood, why not drop a reel and try a 7 reel slot instead? Several interesting examples of this type are Reactoonz, Gemix, and Giovanni’s Gems.
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One thing we do know is that gamers love novelty. New features get lapped up by a gaming community hungry for the next new and exciting thing. There’s an opportunity here for developers to exploit – and a challenge!