Slot Reels Explained

Article by : Andrej Trajkovski Mar 13, 2025

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Updated: Apr 13, 2025

Slot reels are the heart of every slot, whether it’s a classic and archaic fruit machine or a modern game with intriguing mechanics and masterpiece-level graphics. In this article, I will discuss the different types of reels, their functionality, and how they impact gameplay and payouts. We will also explore modern innovations such as cascading reels and Megaways slots.

What Are Reels in Slots?

Reels in slots are rotating columns that display various symbols. When you press the spin button, each slot machine reel spins and then randomly stops, creating different symbol combinations. These combinations determine whether you win or not.

The basic functionality of casino reels is simple: they spin and stop to generate a random result. In traditional mechanical slots, the reels physically spin, while in video slots, random number generators (RNG) are used to determine the outcome. Despite differences in mechanics, the core concept remains unchanged: align symbols on the reels to win.

Slot Layout — Combining Reels and Rows

Slot machines consist of reels (vertical columns) and rows (horizontal lines), which together form a grid or game layout. A standard layout might be 3×3 or 5×3, but modern slots often offer more complex configurations. The combination of reels and rows determines winning combinations. For example, a slot machine with 5 reels and three rows (5×3) is one of the most popular formats. Aligning symbols along active paylines — specific patterns crossing the reels — leads to a win. And the number of paylines can be very few or ridiculously high.

The grid layout also influences the game’s complexity and potential payouts. More reels and rows can mean more paylines, increasing the chances of winning but also raising the game’s volatility. In general, remember this like your own name: the more paylines, the higher the volatility tends to be.

Types of Slots Depending on the Number of Reels

3-Reel Slots

The simplest type of slot machines, often stereotypically associated with fruit machine reels. Why? Probably a matter of slot history, where fruits dominated the early market. These three reel slots usually have one or a few paylines and simple gameplay. Some notable examples include Triple Diamond by IGT and Fire Joker by Play’n GO. 3-reel slots feel very easygoing and relaxed. Usually, their design is very simple, with little fascinating visual creativity. In my opinion, these slots will gradually lose relevance due to the small number of paylines and primitive design.

5-Reel Slots

The most popular format among modern games, five-reel slots offer more paylines and bonus features compared to 3-reel slots. Perfect for players looking for engaging themes and more complex gameplay. Starburst by NetEnt and one of the funniest Pragmatic Play slots — The Dog House are great examples. With these 5-reel slot machines, you’ll need to study the paytable and read reviews. While they offer more fun and drive, they are also riskier due to high volatility.

6-Reel Slots and More

Some modern slots use 6 or more reels to increase the number of paylines or offer innovative mechanics like Megaways. For example, the Scroll of Dead features an additional sixth reel activated during the bonus round. And slots with Megaways mechanics (link) often have 6-7 reels to increase the number of paylines to 100,000 or more. Who better than Bonanza by Big Time Gaming can represent the Megaways slot category?

Impact of Reels on Slot Payouts

The number of reels directly affects the payout potential of a game. Generally, more reels mean more ways to win, but also higher volatility. For example, 5-reel slots usually offer more paylines than 3-reel slots, which can lead to bigger wins but with increased risk. Speaking of Megaways and the number of paylines, I’ll keep quiet.

Reels in Slots and RTP

A reminder that RTP is the percentage of the total amount of bets a slot machine is expected to return to players over time. Reels with more paylines or complex features may offer lower or higher RTP depending on their mechanics. It varies from many factors, so generalising or universalising is difficult. Check the RTP before playing and avoid slots with a very low RTP (94%).

Unusual Types of Reels

I’ve covered basic reels, but there’s something far more interesting.

Cascading Reels

Cascading reels replace winning symbols with new ones that fall from above. This mechanic allows for consecutive wins within a single spin. And how long this cascade of new wins continues within a single spin — nobody knows. These are my favorite types of reels. Gonzo’s Quest by NetEnt and Sugar Rush by Pragmatic Play are great examples.

Megaways Slots

Megaways is a popular slot mechanic where the number of symbols on each reel changes with each spin, potentially reaching crazy numbers of up to 100,000. I think it’s unnecessary to mention how dynamic this can be. Almost all slots with this mechanic are extremely fun, though they often come with high volatility. Spicy Meatballs by Big Time Gaming and Tales of Silver Megaways by iSoftBet await you to spin them.

Expanding Symbols

In some slots, symbols can expand to cover multiple positions, enhancing the chances of bigger wins. It looks epic, but this feature is less common compared to the previous ones. Surprisingly, I most often encountered it in slots with Egyptian themes, so here’s a good example — Book of Dead by Play’n GO. Big Bass Secrets of the Golden Lake by Pragmatic Play also deserves attention.

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