There’s one defining feature that makes a slot a, well, slot, and that is of course the reels. The number of reels can vary widely between games, but the two most common amounts of reels are 3 and 5. This can lead to many online slots UK players to wonder about the differences between these types of games. Well, wonder no more - from the number of winning combinations to the style of gameplay involved, we’re going to explain all everything you need to know about both 3-reel and 5-reel slots!
Introduction: From 3 reels to 5 reels
Did you know that slot machines have a long history that spans over a century? That’s right, the first machine that we can describe as a slot was released sometime between 1887 and 1895 by San Francisco-based inventor Charles Fey. Dubbed the “Liberty Bell,” this machine featured three spinning reels holding the 4 card suit symbols and the titular Liberty Bell. Get 3 matching symbols on the middle row and the machine would automatically produce a payout depending on the symbols landed.
The Liberty Bell machine was an instant hit, immediately inspiring a whole range of imitators. During the Prohibition days these early slot machines were modified to give out gum as prizes, with the symbols replaced with the fruit symbols you can still find on many 3-reel slots. This is why old-fashioned slots are sometimes known as fruit machines!
Interestingly, the precursors to the Liberty Bell featured 5 reels. These games’ reels held card symbols, and the aim was to form poker hands. The switch to 3 reels made automatic payouts possible, but advancements in technology in the following decades allowed for 5-reel mechanical machines that could produce the required payouts should one manage to land a winning combination.
What are 3-Reel Slots?
A 3-reel slot game is one that, of course, features 3 reels. Sometimes known as fruit machines, these are slots that often lean on nostalgia for their appeal, as they feature simpler gameplay and a distinctive visual style reminiscent of the olden days. You’re surely familiar with the symbols that are most often found on 3-reel slots - fruits, namely the cherries, lemons, oranges, grapes, plums, and melons, plus the bells, diamonds and sevens. Meanwhile the gameplay is straightforward, as the limited number of reels lends to a likewise limited number of winning combinations.
Speaking of winning combinations, as a rule these are formed by landing 3 matching symbols, one on each reel. Most commonly 3-reel slots feature a total of 5 paylines, and many of these games allow you to set your preferred number of winning combinations. This way you can play in the truly old school style with just 1 payline running across the middle row! Of course some 3-reel slots, especially modern ones, spice up the experience with different visual themes and the addition of the bonus rounds triggered by landing scatters or special symbols.
What are 5-Reel Slots?
5-reel slots are the most popular type of video slot, and for good reason. This is a setup that allows for near-endless variations, both in terms of visual themes and gameplay. Winning combinations here are formed by landing at least 3 matching symbols on adjacent reels, and the number of reels can allow for anything from 5 to hundreds of paylines. These come in a great variety of paylines, including straight lines, arrows, and zigzags, so it’s interesting to see what you can land on the reels! Making these even more exciting are the graphics, which are generally more advanced than anything found on 3 reels.
As well as paylines, 5-reel slots feature bonus features not often found in their 3-reel equivalents. The first of these is the wild, which can substitute for all the other paying symbols to form more winning combinations. Then there are the scatters, which are the special symbols. Scatters actually originate from 3-reel slots, where they are symbols that can award a win from any position on the reels. However in 5-reel slots scatters are more often used to trigger a bonus round. Land 3 or more scatters anywhere on a 5-reel slot and, more often than not, you’ll get your hands on some free spins.
Key Gameplay Differences Between 3-Reel and 5-Reel Slots
Many players compare 3- and 5-reel slots, and for good reason. After all, while these types of games look similar they actually feature key differences that make for remarkably varied gameplay experiences. Let’s look at them right now:
|
3-Reel Slots |
5-Reel Slots | |
|
Reels & Paylines |
Simple 3 reels, limited paylines |
5 reels that allow for an expanded number of paylines |
|
Features & Bonuses |
Limited or non-existent |
Multiple bonus features available such as free spins or mini games |
|
Player Experience |
Fast and nostalgic |
Immersive and varied |
Why Players Choose 5-Reel Slots
They say that variety is the spice of life, which makes sense when one considers how many players prefer 5-reel slots. This type of game allows for an endless variety of experiences, with plenty of bonus features to keep one playing for longer. One also cannot discount the themes and visuals, which can get even more varied than the gameplay.
In fact there’s a near endless amount of genres of 5-reel slots, from Egyptian to Pirate to Mythological and so much more. If one enjoys pop culture then there’s even a great number of 5-reel slots based around different movies and musical acts, among others. All of these factors combined makes for a type of game that proved to be an enduring favourite among different players, and one that they will continue enjoying for many years to come.
Why 3-Reel Slots Still Appeal in 2025
Why do people continue playing 3-reel slots when games with 5 or even more reels are available? The answer lies in the immediate appeal of these games. Anyone will instantly understand how to play a fruit machine - there are 3 reels, you need to land matching symbols on each one in order to get a win. No fussy paylines, no sophisticated bonus features, just the quick thrills of trying to land the correct symbols.
As well as quick gameplay, 3-reel slots bring a unique nostalgic factor. Many of us might remember the fruit machines found at the old pub, and many 3-reel slots try to replicate that style of game with their visuals and audio. That’s why the majority of 3-reel slots retain that fruit machine style, even if there are providers out there who are looking to expand this slot form factor with more sophisticated graphics and features. In a way that does mean that the 3-reel slot can still bring something for everybody.
Slingo’s Perspective: Choosing Your Reels
Whatever your taste in slots, you can rest assured that Slingo Casino offers slots to suit all players. Do you prefer the sophistication of 5-reel games, or the nostalgic charms of 3-reel fruit machines? You’ll find them all here at Slingo! Let’s not forget that the games we want to play often depend on our mood and style, meaning a variety of games is required if one is to keep all players happy! So do check out the different types of slots available at Slingo, and do let us know which ones are your favourites.
FAQs
What’s the main difference between 3-reel and 5-reel slots?
The main difference between 3- and 5-reel slots is, of course, the number of reels. This leads to gameplay differences, with 5-reel slots having more paylines and bonus features compared to 3-reel slots.
Are 3-reel slots easier to play?
The winning combinations in 3-reel slots are simpler to understand compared to 5-reel slots. This is because 3-reel slots simply require one to land the same symbol on each of the 3 reels. There are also fewer bonus features, making for easier to play games overall.
Do online casinos still have 3-reel slots?
Yes they do! All online casinos - including Slingo, of course - offer 3-reel slots, as many players enjoy this simpler and more nostalgic type of game.
Conclusion: Which Reel Type is Right for You?
The kind of slot you should go for ultimately depends on your tastes, not to mention mood at the time. Are you one for sophisticated slots with a chance for exciting bonus features? Then 5-reel slots are the ones for you. What about that nostalgia factor? That’s what 3-reel slots are all about! Of course, no matter the style of slot you go for we always recommend playing responsibly. Slots are games of pure chance, no matter the type, so set a bankroll to play and never chase your losses. 18+ Play Responsibly
