From vintage bars and bells to dazzling digital displays, slot machine reels have transformed immensely over the years. Once purely mechanical, today's slots combine technology and entertainment, offering more than just a chance to win. Dive into this article to discover the journey of slot reels and how they shape our modern gambling experiences. Let's spin the story! What are slot reels? Chances are you’ve at least seen a slot machine in some form. Most people know the general look and design of a slot. Players drop in a few dollars (actual slot tokens or coins in the old days) and then press the spin button or pull a handle. This puts the reels facing outward from the slot cabinet in motion. These spin vertically and eventually come to a stop, signaling whether a player has won or lost. The reels feature various slot symbols that relay the type of a particular spin. Players will often become accustomed to seeing some familiar symbols that may have been part of the world of slots since their invention in the late 1800s. Some of those common and popular symbols include: Bells Bars 7s Playing card hands (A, K, Q, J, 10) Playing card suits (hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades) Fruits These certainly aren’t all the symbols a player will find in a random slot. However, these classics are still found in numerous games from Las Vegas and Atlantic City to Monte Carlo and Macau. Modern video slots make use of high-energy themes and unique narrative arcs, so many games have moved beyond these classic symbols on the reels. Some symbols also offer some extra winning power for players. Those include: Wilds – These can usually be substituted for other symbols on the reels, allowing for more winning combinations. Scatters – These unlock bonus features such as free spins and other bonus games. These can offer players extra ways to win including the possibility of some big prizes. Multipliers – These multiply a regular win by a certain amount. Most games feature three reels but more modern games have seen that expand depending on the game. As slot manufacturers have innovated, additional opportunities to reveal symbols have been added. Some games even feature a completely separate set of secondary reels. But on older reels and even many still today, three reels are a popular combination. The general idea remains the same, however, more than 100 years after the first slot machines were unveiled for eager players. A player drops in some money and spins those slot reels, eagerly awaiting which symbols show up when those whirling reels come to a stop – hopefully a nice jackpot. Get ready for non-stop action and big wins with our exclusive range of free slots. How Many Reels Are On A Slot Machine? A typical slot machine, whether found in a traditional brick-and-mortar casino or an online gaming platform, typically features three to five reels. These reels are vertical columns that display various symbols and symbols on them, and they spin when a player activates the machine. The number of reels can vary from one machine to another, with three-reel slots being the simplest and most classic version, while five-reel slots are more common in modern gaming. The number of reels directly influences the complexity of the game and the potential combinations, adding an element of excitement and strategy to the player's experience. However, there are also specialized slot machines with more than five reels, offering even more diverse gameplay options and winning possibilities for adventurous players. Make a selection and immerse yourself in our extraordinary slots below: Click here to explore all of our free slots. How do slot machine reels work? Up until the age of computers and modern technology, slot machine reels would spin because of real mechanical engineering within the slot cabinet. A series of gears and levers were used to crank up those reels. The handle out of the side of the machine was used to “spin” the reels by releasing a braking mechanism and putting them into motion. A series of kickers and a stopper eventually bring the reels to a stop, leaving the gambler with a few symbols showing on the front of the cabinet. If they line up just right on the pay line, the player is rewarded with a payout. Some of those can occasionally be massive jackpots, but those odds are long. Slot Machine Reel Strips In the intricate world of slot machines, the composition of the reel strips plays a pivotal role in determining the outcome of each spin. These "reel strips" are physical strips of paper or later, plastic, containing various symbols. Each strip corresponds to a specific reel, and the arrangement of symbols on these strips influences the odds and potential payouts of the machine. As the reels spin, these strips move in synchronization, dictating which symbols align on the payline when the reels come to a halt. The careful design of these strips has a profound impact on the excitement and anticipation of each spin, making them an integral part of how slot machine reels work, both in the mechanical classics of yesteryears and the modern digital incarnations of today. Most modern slots, however, don’t even feature traditional mechanical reels. Instead, players will find “video reels” that mimic those vintage slots of old Vegas. These machines feature mostly computer and software components, including an algorithm, to make them function. These games use RNGs (random number generators) and an algorithm to make the reels spin and award wins and losses. Some machines may feature what seem like mechanical reels. However, these reels are spun by the computer and software in the cabinet and not from some mechanical movement generated by the user as they once were by a player pulling an external handle. The slot’s software has already determined the result of the spin when a player presses the spin button. The reels offer players just a visual representation of that selection with the bells, whistles, music, bonus games, etc., all part of the entertainment that comes with the machine. But those entertaining qualities keep players coming back for more of the action. Research firm Technavio estimates the industry’s compound annual gross revenue to rise almost 13% from 2020-25, topping out at almost $9 billion. Manufacturer creativity seems to be driving demand for more creative and better products. The growth of the slot machine market will be driven by the growing vendor involvement in the market,” the study notes. “The vendors in the market are launching new products. They are attracting more consumers by introducing slot machines with improved features. Digital slot machines are considered to be extremely user-friendly because they display all of the information in the form of comments and let players play without any aid or assistance. These characteristics have resulted in high demand for these devices in casinos. Changes and innovation in slot reels With that in mind, how is the industry appealing to more players? The use of modern computer technology moves video slots well past what could be offered on a traditional mechanical slot. One of the best innovations is the ability for players to bet on numerous paylines. This offers players numerous ways to win. The technologically advanced offer numerous lines that can seem to crisscross across the reels. The slot’s ability to display all these wins also makes it easy for players. Beyond the gameplay, modern machines offer other unique properties such as: High-definition visuals Multiple screens Expanded number of reels Pop culture tie-ins and advanced gaming themes Interesting bonus games and extra features Advanced theater-like sound effects In recent years, some slot manufacturers have even introduced skill-based games, which offer players the ability to play a role in the game’s outcome based on their skills and strategy. These games are meant to appeal to a generation of players brought up on video and mobile gaming options. Online and mobile game slot reels Speaking of mobile slot games, slot developers have moved beyond traditional casinos. Players in legal jurisdictions can find some of their favorite games available right on their cell phones, mobile devices, and computers. This has allowed players to compete for major jackpots right from their own homes. These reels spin on a player’s phone just as they would in a traditional casino. Those who find those slot symbols lining up just right can be in store for some big winnings as well. The largest online slot win came in 2021 in Belgium. One lucky player cashed in for $23.6 million playing a Mega Moolah machine on the Napoleon Sports & Casino platform. The vast majority of players won’t ever experience those kinds of jackpot odds. Still, many players enjoy some modest winnings and entertainment, spinning slot reels here and there from the couch, subway, or maybe even on a park bench. The mobile gaming fun carries over to the social gaming environment as well. Numerous platforms, such as Jackpot Party, offer players a chance to spin some reels without any real money on the line. Players can learn how to play slots and check out some of the various games with no real skin in the game, which means you can keep some of that hard-earned cash in your wallet. Many players see those slot machine reels and the symbols they reveal as just a nice way to have some fun, win or lose, or even without anything on the line. The future of slot machine reels The slot industry continues to advance with unique options always around the corner. Advanced graphics, sound, and gaming options continue to make the casino floor quite a place for innovation. Players now can just use bills and no longer need to carry around buckets of slot tokens. Cashless play is also now becoming an option, with players setting up an account and not even needing to slide currency into a machine. More advanced narratives continue to gain steam as well. The technology just seems to ramp up every year, bringing more computing power and more fun to the slot area. Perhaps look for more skill-based games and more simulation of what players find in other mobile gaming environments. One thing is certain, slot machines’ popularity seems to show no signs of slowing down. Frequently asked questions What are slot machine reels? These are the vertical cylinders located on the front of a casino cabinet. They can be moving mechanisms or simulated on video slots. These feature symbols can align in certain winning combinations. Players see the results on paylines on the screen or in front of the game. Do modern slots use mechanical reels? Most modern slots make use of computer technology and feature video reels even those with mechanical-looking reels make use of an RNG (random number generator) to determine the result of a spin. The reels just display this result as seen in video slots. What are the symbols on slot reels? These vary by game and can display various icons and unique features. Some symbols award more winnings than others. Players generally hope to find the best symbols lining up, dreaming of a major jackpot. For more information on slot symbols, including their meanings and significance, consider exploring this comprehensive article on slot symbols.

A trip to a casino can be a great way to relax, spend some time with friends, and, most importantly, have some fun. Playing online for real money or simply at your local casino offers a chance for some entertainment and possibly a big win. Seeing those reels line up perfectly can make for an ever-better trip, hopefully with plenty of dollars heading your way. However, losing streaks are a part of life for any gambler leaving some to ask the simple question: Are slot machines rigged? The simple answer is no, although technical glitches can be a problem at times and do occur. However, modern legal regulations and computer technology make it difficult to “rig” not to pay out at all. WHY SLOTS AREN’T RIGGED “These slots are rigged and just never pay out.” That may be something many slot players hear when taking a seat at a casino in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, or even just in their local area. Perhaps you’ve muttered these words of frustration even when playing a slot game online or on a mobile device. A losing streak can seem like you’re never going to hit not just a jackpot, but not even smaller winners. The truth is that despite those feelings of exasperation, slot machines aren’t rigged. The legitimate gaming industry just doesn’t work that way. All legalized live and online casinos are governed by gaming boards which set regulations that all properties must follow. These groups are responsible for ensuring that all players are guaranteed a fair game. Casinos must follow these regulations or they face large fines or other major penalties for violating them. Casinos could even risk losing their license, which cost companies huge sums of money. These properties have little incentive in trying to rig a slot machine to cheat customers – especially when the house already has an edge in slot games and most other games. On the contrary, most casinos enjoy celebrating big winners. These properties and online casinos regularly publicize major jackpot winners. This helps get more players in the doors when they see others striking it big. Also on this note, any casino caught rigging slot machines risks ruining its reputation with players. But as noted earlier, no casino has to worry about rigging any slot game – these properties already have a built-in house edge. Although players can hit some nice wins, the casino is the winner in the long run. Take your pick and enjoy our incredible slots below: Click here to dive into our wide array of free slots. SLOT TECHNOLOGY & RNG Beyond the fact that casinos must deal with regulatory agencies to operate, the nature of modern slot machines makes it extremely difficult to rig a slot. Today’s slot manufacturers make use of high technology when designing video and digital slots, both the casino versions and online and social gaming slots. These slots are now basically high-tech computers with sophisticated programming and features. In fact, unlike early slots, the reels, whether real or digital, are solely dependent on the programming inside the machine and not any mechanics. In the old days, a person pulling a lever was actually spinning the reels on the machine through his or her own action. Some modern slots even have these levers for those who wish to play a little “old school.” However, these devices merely serve as a little window dressing. Modern slots make use of algorithms and random number generators to determine a winner. This sophistication makes it virtually impossible for someone to “rig” these games. Online and social gaming slots follow similar setups. These machines go through millions of outcomes instantaneously as a player pushes the “spin” button. The lever on the machines of today doesn't really spin the reels, it simply triggers exactly what that spin button does. The random number generator, also known as an RNG, actually determines a winner. This determines which slot machine symbols appear when a player makes a spin, based on those algorithms and the computer’s extensive programming. Because of all this technological wizardry, rigging a slot machine never to pay out is extremely unlikely. And when someone is winning, these same players never question if the machine is rigged and paying out too much or too often. As most people know, however, there are times when technology can go haywire. Errors in awarding jackpots do occur (more on that below). But with today’s modern games, players can feel secure that they aren’t being cheated and don’t have to worry about rigged slots. PAYOUT PERCENTAGES While wins and losses on slots can be rigged overall, the number of certain machines can be manipulated. This is a normal part of business for machines. Perhaps you’ve heard a casino lauding its “loose slots” and letting customers know a percentage of the money goes back out to players. This is known as payout percentage and is a regular part of the casino industry. Is this really “rigging” a slot? Not really. Casinos and slot manufacturers can only determine the percentage of all coin-in-to machines returned to players. This concept of payout percentage is generally applied to all of a casino’s slots, depending on stakes. Casinos can’t manipulate individual slots to determine that they don’t pay out. Payout percentages simply tell a player the amount a casino keeps on average of all money put into the machines. For example, a casino with a 92% payback keeps 8% of all money inserted into their machines. Rather than seeing this as a negative, players can find these payout percentages online and choose to play at properties that offer higher payout percentages. This gives players a better chance at winning. Some properties are even broken down by denomination, allowing you to find the stakes you enjoy playing for and the best place to play. Reading up a bit offers players some added knowledge, hopefully on the road to a jackpot. Slot Machine Errors & Malfunctions With any piece of technology, errors can and do occur. From programming errors to mechanical problems, there have been plenty of headlines from these unfortunate situations – often to the anger of players who thought they were winners. Here’s a look at a few of those situations. Slot errors Imagine you’ve been playing at a slot for a bit, maybe you’ve been a progressive machine for a half hour or so. You win a few spins here and lose a few spins here. And then it happens – everything comes together and you see every symbol lined up perfectly. A mega jackpot is heading your way and your life is changed. That’s a dream of many slot players. But sometimes a computer glitch can leave players angry and even taking a casino to court. That’s what happened in 2011 when Illinois grandmother Pauline McKee appeared to hit a $41.8 million jackpot while playing at Isle of Capri Casino in Waterloo, Iowa. The machine said she’d won 185 credits, or around $1.85. However, the game also noted that she’d won almost $42 million. Casino management said the machine had malfunctioned and that McKee didn't win the jackpot. The game only advertised a maximum prize of $10,000. The casino noted that the payout amount was the result of a software malfunction and refused the payout. The issue eventually wound up in court and McKee’s attorneys noted that it was the casino’s responsibility to repair the machine after being notified of faulty payout awards. “The slot machine’s manufacturer had notified the casino of the possibility of a multi-million-dollar error,” Iowa Public Radio noted. “McKee argued since the casino didn’t fix the game, she should get the money.” In the end, the Iowa Supreme Court sided with the casino in 2015 and ruled the slot-loving grandmother was entitled to only the $1.85 win and not the $42 million. That certainly stings and these types of incidents make news from time to time. As noted, however, this isn’t a case of rigging a slot but simply a malfunction. Paperwork Pain This next scenario has less to do with the machine and more to do with the appropriate paperwork involved with winning a jackpot at a casino. In January 2019, Cynthia Obie hit a jackpot for thousands of dollars at MGM National Harbor in Maryland. As in these cases, the happy winner had to provide the casino with some of her personal details to meet tax requirements to secure her winnings. Casino employees are required to enter their information in a state database and they do that as regulations spell out. However, a typo was entered when adding in Obie’s social security number. The number entered into the database was one digit off. That’s where the jackpot controversy began. “The person whose number they plugged into the database apparently owed the state of Maryland a lot of child support, and Obie’s winnings were immediately confiscated,” TV station FOX-5 notes. All of the winner’s children were adults and Obie had never had to pay child support in her life. As with many incidents involving governmental bodies, reversing the error wouldn’t come quickly. She was forced to work directly with the gaming commission in hopes of finally getting her jackpot and the issue resolved. “We are aware of this unfortunate error and have taken the necessary steps to assist Ms. Obie in rectifying this issue,” the casino said in a statement to FOX-5. “Due to MLGCA rules and Maryland state law, we cannot provide an additional payout for this jackpot, however, if she presents the proper identification credentials to the Maryland Gaming Commission, they will provide her with the appropriate payout. We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused Ms. Obie.” This may not have been a rigged slot, but that missing money probably felt like quite a ripoff. No word on when she received that payout, but it seems likely the delay was eventually ironed out. This could be a lesson for all slot players. When you do hit that big jackpot, double-check and make sure casino officials enter your data correctly – and make sure you pay any child support as well, obviously. Missed Jackpot Not every slot machine malfunction costs a player his money. This next anecdote shows that slots aren’t rigged and casinos and gaming commissions work to resolve issues that should have paid out a six-figure jackpot but didn’t. In January 2022, Robert Taylor dropped into Treasure Island to play some slots, he was on vacation from Arizona and apparently should have been awarded a jackpot while playing. A game malfunction, however, didn’t display his big win on the machine. Before casino officials could correct the error and award Taylor his money, he left the casino. The property tried to find this “lucky” gambler but wasn’t able to track him down. That’s when the enforcement division of the Nevada Gaming Control Board got involved. Investigating agents reviewed hours of security footage spoke with witnesses, and reviewed rideshare data in an attempt to determine who the player was. After a thorough review of all the evidence, investigators contacted Taylor a few weeks later letting him know the good news. “I can’t remember a time when we’ve done this before and I just can’t imagine somebody walking away from a machine,” the Control Board’s enforcement division chief James Taylor told FOX Business. “And it wasn’t his fault. The machine truly did have a communication error.” The winner couldn’t believe the news that he’d actually won $229,369. Enforcement chief James Taylor couldn’t remember a similar case in his 30 years with the gaming board. Taylor told FOX Business: "It was quite shocking to him to get a call a few weeks later and say, ‘By the way, you actually did win that money.’” WHAT TO DO IF A GAME FEELS “RIGGED” Slots aren’t rigged, but a player’s attempt to win can come up short – sometimes over and over again. When this happens, simply moving to another machine might be in order. Here are a few other things to consider: Switch to lower limits. Take a break or get something to eat. Take and walk or look at some other entertainment options. If you suspect a slot malfunction or error, alert casino staff. It’s important to remember that slot machine play should be fun. If things aren’t going your way, perhaps it’s simply time to take a break or end the trip. Live to fight another day. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Are slot machines rigged? No, jackpots, wins, and losses are based on computer programming within the game. All live and online slots use a random number generator to determine winners. Can slots have errors and malfunctions? Yes, errors do occur but they have more to do with machine and software errors than casino staff attempting to rig a slot machine. Why wouldn’t a casino rig a slot machine? Casinos already have a house edge and have no incentive to rig a machine even if they could. Properties are under strict Gaming Commission regulations and could face serious fines and legal issues for violating them. Casinos, both live and online, could also face major reputational issues if caught in some kind of controversy like this. In essence, casinos have no motivation to attempt rigging a slot machine.

From tasty turkey and dressing to delectable desserts, players can now score some excellent rewards via Jackpot Party’s new Platter Gather event. Platter Gather allows you to spin and collect Thanksgiving dinner items for delicious rewards! Keep reading to find out how to grab your own share of these prizes and get in on the holiday excitement. How Does Platter Gather Work? Platter Gather offers players a chance to go beyond simply spinning reels on the slots. Those competing on qualifying slots can collect Thanksgiving items along the way. Players will see the following pop-up as an introduction to the event:  Which slots qualify? Simply look for the plate and silverware icon in the top left corner of the qualifying slots as seen here. This allows players to gather some delicious dishes for the Platter Gather Thanksgiving meal such as: Corn Pumpkin pie Canned goods Rolls Party pass Coins Players can live like the Pilgrims in Platter Gather with a nice winning Thanksgiving Dinner on the line. Those who score well may be giving thanks for their own good fortune at the slots. Winning Ways As you play and complete dinner sets to track your progress while spinning, a small icon to the right of your screen will pop out to let you know if a reward is ready to collect, share how much you’ve collected for a set and much more! The bigger your bet, the likelihood of earning a food item increases. As you collect more food icons, graphical pop-ups will let you know your progress in collecting these platters. Those who collect all of a certain items can then claim some big rewards – another reason for some Thanksgiving celebration. The Platter Gather Quest Isn’t Over Those who go all the way and collect all their platters can still get in on the fun. Once a player has collected all the food items, an even bigger Thanksgiving awaits. All food items then regenerate and players can continue their journey in collecting items for the perfect feast. Only now these items reward even more, allowing players to keep the fun going. Jackpot Party’s Platter Gather feature is the perfect addition to Thanksgiving for slot players. Look for those plate-and-utensil symbols on some of your favorite games – a hearty helping of rewards awaits. Good luck!