With the slots world dominated by a huge influx of 3-reel and 5-reel slots, other slots with different reels have also seen their way into the iGaming market. 4-reel slot machines are some of these slots that are an upgrade of the 3 reel slots. While they still rank below 5 reel slots in various aspects such as the diversity of themes, bonus features, paylines, and general gameplay, they are an upgrade of three-reel slot machines for having a larger board that increases the chances of big wins among other basics. Read More
However, there is a lot of similarity between these slots. Just like the three-reel slots that attract slot lovers who want to reminisce the old trips to land-based casinos and generally wish to try the traditional tastes, four-reel slots cater to these players only that they come with added bonus features to their advantage. Moreover, the players can play free 4-reel slot machines on our page via the demo mode or real-money play after registering for an account on respective online casinos.
What are 4 reel slots? These are slots that boast four (4) reels on the wheel. For the added reel, the chances of forming winning combinations are improved in comparison to 3 reel slots. The number of paylines is also improved (up to 20 paylines) and the same improvement applies to the bonus features one can expect. Simply put, 4 reel slots offer a perfect compromise between 3 reel slots and 5 reel slots.
In reality, 4 reel slots are not popular and few developers have provided slot machines with four reels. However, it is not impossible to find some of them. Below are some of our top picks:
Best 4 Reel Slot Machines
Brief History of 4 Wheel Slots
There isn’t much information about the evolution of four-wheel slots. However, it can be deduced that they sprout out when video slots were invented. A quick look at the evolution of slots traces back to 1894 when the first three-reel slot machine was invented by Charles August Fey. The slot known as Liberty Bell was designed with five symbols and gained popularity from how simple it was to play and the automation mechanism employed in the machine.
From its popularity, the world evolving, and technological advancements over the years, video slots came into being and Fortune Coin Company was one of the companies that were associated with inventing video slots. Together with the Las Vegas Strip-based casino, The Hilton Hotel, the Fortune Coin slot was offered in 1976. The slot featured four reels and three paylines. The company was bought by International Game Technology (IGT) in 1978 and this sale saw the modification of the video slots including better visuals and using random number generators to determine the outcome of the spins.
Today, many software providers have entered the scene and one can play four-wheel slots from developers such as Wazdan, Amatic Industries, Stakelogic, Novomatic, Merkur Gaming, Play’n Go, among others.
Common Features
Online 4 reel slots will have several common bonus features players can enjoy. Keep in mind that some slots may provide unique bonus features but what’s standard is that most of the 4 reel slots will have the following features designed for players:
- Wild Symbols – Wilds play a vital role in improving the 4-reel slot machine odds of forming winning combinations. This is done by substituting all standard symbols except the scatter symbols and bonus symbols.
- Scatter Symbols – Scatters follow closely as other common features that are vital in activating bonus rounds. Most slots require players to land on at least three for the bonus rounds to be triggered.
- Free spins – Free spins are also available in most of the 4 reel slots. A combination of scatters in most cases activates the free spins eligible to spin on the same bet range. A winning combination formed while on free spins mode will have players enjoy payouts.
- Jackpots – Progressives and fixed jackpots are other features to expect on these slots. Improving the odds of winning jackpots on the 4-reel slot machines require players to bet max on all paylines. Jackpot prizes are monstrous and life-changing in most cases.
- Bonus Rounds – Bonus rounds play a great role in ensuring that the players’ bankroll is increased and some of them go a step ahead to offer a guaranteed prize. Moreover, bonus rounds can help out in winning big prizes such as jackpots if the right combination is formed.
Tips for Choosing 4 Wheel Slots
Some general tips to look out for while choosing the free four-wheel slots will include the following:
- Payout Percentage – Also return to player (RTP) percentage. This is a representation of the returns in the long term after multiple spins. The best slots to choose will be those with a high RTP in the range of 97%+.
- Volatility – Volatility also is vital. This is a representation of the risk taken, frequency, and payout amount on a slot. Beginners and players with a tight budget should try the low volatile slots that do not include high risks and have frequent small payouts. High volatile slots will involve high risks and will have less frequent huge payouts.
- Free Play – Always consider free four-wheel slots for a start. These are slots that offer a demo mode for players. Through the mode, players can understand the slot better including the paytable and every little information including symbols, minimum and maximum bets, number of paylines, and more.
- Max Bet – The best tip of getting the most out of four reel slots is betting the maximum amount on every pay line. This not only provides huge returns but also improves the odds of winning a jackpot.
Advantages of 4 Reel Slots
Want a reason to play 4-reel slot games? Here is a couple of them:
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Simple to play – Just like 3 reel slots, 4-reel slot games are easy to play with players only required to have a same-kind symbol combination on the four (4) reels.
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More reels, more paylines – As the number of reels increases, the number of paylines also increases denoting an increase in the creation of winning options.
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Improved gameplay – 4-reel slot games come with improved aspects including graphics, themed storylines, bonus features, and more engagement for good interaction with players.
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Jackpots – Some of the 4 reel slots are endowed with jackpots including progressives that shoot the grand prize up whenever players spin. The payouts on the slots are immense.