Slots are among the most popular games on nearly every online casino platform, primarily due to their straightforward gameplay and easy-to-understand rules. One of the most common types of slot games online is the 5-reel slot. For those unfamiliar, reels are vertical spinning columns that contain symbols. The symbols that appear after a spin determine whether you’ve won or not.
In today’s article, we will discuss 5-reel slots to help you understand how to play them and how they compare with other types. We will kick things off with the basics.
Just as the name suggests, 5-reel slots feature five spinning reels instead of the classic three that older slot games used. These additional reels allow for more symbols, more winning combinations, and often more engaging gameplay. Most of the modern slots have five reels or even more.
The fundamental principles of slots still apply regardless of the number of reels. Playing a 5-reel slot is simple just like the classic 3-reel slots. The process for playing these games follows these two steps:
Winning combinations typically trigger payouts, and in many cases, bonus features such as free spins, multipliers, mini-games, and more.
One of the main reasons for the popularity of 5-reel slots among players is the range of features they offer. Some of key features you should look out for include:
A crucial factor determining your experience with five-reel slots is the game provider that makes them. Let’s explore the most popular and reliable providers for 5-reel slots:
Known for innovative slot games with high-quality graphics and engaging themes. NetEnt has also been in the casino game space since 1996, making it one of the providers that have been around for close to two decades. Most of its 5-reel slots, such as Gonzo’s Quest, have been refined over time to give players the best experience.
A pioneer in online slots, offering progressive jackpot games like Mega Moolah. Microgaming also has many major titles in the slots space and has been improving them since getting into the industry in the 1990s.
Popular for games with unique mechanics and entertaining gameplay. Pragmatic Play has also been in the slots game industry for over 20 years, and its experience is clearly visible in the games it provides.
Mega Moolah (Microgaming)
This game is known for its massive progressive jackpots and has made several players millionaires over the years. Mega Moolah slot has 25 paylines, a safari theme and features wilds, and scatters. It also has a bonus wheel where players can trigger the progressive jackpot. The RTP of this game is 88.12%, which is relatively low due to its progressive nature.
Gonzo’s Quest (NetEnt)
Gonzo’s Quest has the theme of the jungles of South America.The game’s unique “Avalanche” mechanic made it popular as it replaced the traditional spinning reel with falling symbols.
Symbols that result in a win explode and are replaced, which gives the player a chance to win multiple times in one spin. With an RTP of 95.97% and 20 paylines, it provides a decent chance for winning to players.
Sweet Bonanza (Pragmatic Play)
Sweet Bonanza is a candy-themed slot with tumbling symbols, where winning combinations explode, and new symbols fall in. The game also features 20 paylines, high multipliers and free spins with multipliers up to 100x. This game’s RTP of 96.51% gives players a fair chance of winning.
Starburst (NetEnt)
Starburst is one of the most iconic slots, featuring simple gameplay and expanding wilds that fill the reels and trigger re-spins. Its 10 paylines and relatively high RTP of 96.09% offer a solid return on most bets.
Thunderstruck II (Microgaming)
This game has the”Great Hall of Spins” as a bonus feature with a Norse mythology theme. The game has 243 ways to win and an RTP of 96.65%, offering a high potential for payouts.
Immortal Romance (Microgaming)
Immortal Romance became a fan-favorite thanks to its gripping storyline and engaging gameplay. It features 243 paylines, RTP of 96.86, free spins, multipliers, and the Wild Desire feature, where all reel symbols can transform into wilds.
Some of the key differences between these two slots types include:
5-reel slots have become a favorite among online casino players in recent years due to their engaging gameplay, multiple paylines, and exciting bonus features. Fortunately, most leading providers now prioritize 5-reel slots, making them easy to find on several modern online casino sites. The rules for playing 5-reel slots are the same as those for classic 3-reel slots, so there is no learning curve for players already familiar with slots with fewer reels. But even for newbies, the playing procedure remains straightforward.