Reel and Video Slot Machines and Advantage Playing

Slot machines come in all varieties but no matter what form they take, slots are usually divided into two categories: reel based and video based slot machines.

Reel Slot Machines

A reel is a wheel, like a reel of film. Most slots have three or five reels on them. When you hear about 3 reel or 5 reel machines, this refers to the number of wheels on them.

Each of the wheels on a reel slot has several symbols on it. The symbols may be fruits like cherries and grapes, and this is why slots are called "fruit machines" in Great Britain.

A reel slot machine has a line across the front of the screen. This is the payline. When symbols line up on the payline, you get paid as determined by the pay table displayed on the machine. Some slot machines have more than one payline - some as many as 9 paylines - and you must pay more coins to be able to use them.

Video Slot Machines

Video slot machines look and feel like their reel counterparts. But the difference between them is that video slots use computer technology to base their results on. The possible combinations are much greater in number and the casinos can afford to give away bigger jackpots and bonuses.

Reel Slots vs. Video Slots

So you may be wondering which of the two is better.

If you ask advantage gamblers, they will tell you to avoid the newer video slots and to stick to the older machines. The reason for this is simple: Reel slots are easier to "crack" into.

Over the years, advantage players have devised many tactics to manipulate reel slots. These tactics aim to confuse the slot machine into paying out more money. With video slots, this is much harder to do. So if you are looking into advantage playing, turn to the older machines.

Modern Technology and Advantage Playing

This is true not only for slot machines, but other casino games as well, such as blackjack. In brick and mortar casinos, there is room for human error committed by the dealers and designers of slots. One can plug a hanger into older slots or insert fake coins. One can count cards and track shuffles at the blackjack tables. But in online casinos, the exactness of the software they use make advantage playing (and also cheating) really impossible.

Nonetheless, casino games are still fun to play. In fact, online casinos make gambling more entertaining than ever. The online slots alone come in endless varieties. What money you do spend in online gambling is well spent. It is no different from going to a classy restaurant or buying an expensive concert ticket. It is money spent on entertainment.