Classic Themed Slots
Today, a new slot pops up almost daily, and rarely will you find a classic slot popping up. For the few that crop up, a specific yield of players appreciate them greatly. Classic slots trace back to the old times when gambling fans would walk into the physical casinos and enjoy them in the simplest form. They were simple and lacked the exciting features that their video slots counterparts currently have. They used basic themes such as cherries, bars, and bells as main symbols in the past. However, there has been a transition over the years, and one can find classic slots with other symbols.
On their gameplay, they have the fewest reels (3-reels) and minimal paylines. This makes them the most straightforward slots to learn and play. Video slots get the entertaining edge for their improved reels (5 reels) and paylines that go above 50. Besides the limited reels and paylines, classic slot lovers do not need to worry about the sophisticated features of modern slots. However, despite the limitations on gameplay and functionality, they are profitable, just like the modern slots.
Brief History of the Genre
The classic slot history dates back to 1895, when Charles Fey created the first slot machine in California. The machine known as the Liberty Bell featured three (3) reels and had five (5) symbols, including heart, diamond, spade, horseshoe, and the liberty bell. Fey had significantly improved this slot machine that saw players receive automated payouts of up to $0.50 whenever three liberty bells landed on a payline. The slot machines would spread across the US on many establishments, including the bars.
Several entrepreneurs noted the popularity of the liberty bell slot machine and looked to capitalize on it by upgrading the version. It led to larger cabinets with mechanical reels dispensing big payouts. Some even offered jackpots worth 100 coins. In 1963, Bally company introduced an electromechanical machine, and their game Money Honey became the first slot to offer payouts of up to 500 coins.
Besides the payout limits, Bally also introduced new features on the Money Honey slot machine. In the 70s, there was a transition of themes from just fruits and bells to others, including adventures and animals. While video slots would later revolutionize the industry, classic slots would hold a good customer base, especially the nostalgic players. And with the introduction of the internet in the late 90s, one can play classic slots both offline and online.
What Defines Classic Slots/Old Slot Machines
Classic slots are some of the early first slot machines invented decades ago. Their gameplay was relatively simple, and one aspect that distinguished them was that they used mechanical reels. As opposed to modern video slots, the following elements define classic slots:
- Number of reels: Three (3)
- Number of paylines: One (1) to five (5)
- Limited bonus features and extras
- Limited symbols
- Limited payouts
Note: Classic slots get other names on different gaming sites. The names include:
- Traditional slots
- 3-reel slots
- Fruit slots
Software Providers offering Classic Slots/ Old Slot Machines
Having existed for a long time, many experienced and big software providers have contributed over time to creating classic slots online. Despite the idea of classic slots boasting the traditional aspects, the providers have worked to make them more entertaining by adding more features and quality to the graphics. In a nutshell, one is not likely to come across thousands of classic slots online. However, the present ones are products of the following top providers:
- Play’n Go: The Swedish software provider is one of the leading developers thanks to its products available for online and mobile users. Additionally, their products boast of high payouts, fantastic bonuses, and jackpots on other slots. Mega Joker is one of the most popular classic slots from Play’n Go.
- NetEnt: This is yet another leading provider with a rich history and extensive game portfolio incorporating several classic slots. The provider utilizes an impressive technology that ensures content is available on desktops and mobile phones. Additionally, NetEnt won the Slot Provider of the Year award at the EGR Awards in 2014, pointing to the success it has had with its slots. Mega Joker and Jackpot 6000 are the famous classic slots from them.
- Microgaming: Like NetEnt, Microgaming is another award-winning and industry-leading provider with a complete portfolio of casino games offering premium entertainment, thanks to its numerous features, including progressive jackpots. Its collection includes Break da Bank as one of the classic slots.
- Pragmatic Play: The provider boasts over 100 casino games with the latest technology, including HTML5, for flexibility on mobile phones. Moreover, its games are feature-packed and tailored for both novice and seasoned players. While you can choose from several classic slots, Treasure Horse is one standout slot to consider.
- Playtech: The developer is one of the oldest software providers and highly rated for its slots with unique designs and features such as progressive jackpots with significant prizes. In addition, the games have outstanding security features with top-notch performance to provide an entertaining experience. Its portfolio includes Alchemist’s Lab as one of the classic slots.
Popular Classic Slots/ Old Slot Machines
Currently, video slots have the highest following for their gameplay, including improved reels, paylines, bonus features, and general payouts. This explains why one is likely to come across a limited portfolio of classic slots on the gaming sites. However, some providers cater to nostalgic players who still crave the retro feeling and traditional slots. Here is a list of the most popular classic slots:
- Jackpot 6000: The slot from NetEnt features five (5) paylines and has a bet limit of between $0.10 and $2. As the name suggests, Jackpot 6000 is a jackpot game with features such as a bonus round, the supermeter, and gamble. It is a medium volatile with an RTP rate of 95.1%.
- Mega Joker: Yet another slot from NetEnt featuring five (5) paylines and has a bet limit of between $1 and $10. One can activate some features, including the supermeter, jackpot, gamble, and a mystery prize. It is a highly volatile slot with a massive RTP rate of 99%.
- Break da Bank: The slot from Microgaming features five (5) paylines and has a bet limit of between $5 and $250. It features a wild symbol and a jackpot to entice slot lovers. Besides that, the slot is light on the bonus features. The slot is highly volatile and has an RTP rate of 95.75%.
- Alchemist’s Lab: The slot from Playtech features a single payline and has a bet limit of between $0.03 and $3. It spots a magic theme and lets players activate features such as scatters and bonus games. The slot’s RTP is at 97.32%.
- Mystery Joker: The slot from Play’n Go features five (5) paylines and has a bet limit of between $0.50 and $100. Players can activate some features, including up to 50 free spins and a mystery win feature. It is a medium volatile slot with an RTP rate of 96.98%.
Features of Classic Slots
One drawback of classic slots is that they have limited features. While modern slots may provide sophisticated features such as Megaways, Expanding Wilds, Stacked Wilds, bonus games, Win Both Ways, and Cluster Pays, classic slots provide lesser features. They include:
- Free Spins
- Nudge and Hold
- Head or Tails
- Mystery Games
- Joker
- Jackpot
Return to Player
Players can play most online classic slots in two modes. One can play for free without any money returns or registration. The other mode of play is for real money, and this calls for users to check the return to player (RTP) rate. The rate is expressed in percentage and is the average return to expect on any slot that hits the right combination. For example, a slot lover can expect a $94 payout on a $100 bet on a slot with 94% RTP. Any experienced slot player will go further to check crucial gameplay aspects such as volatility and RTP before spinning any slot.
The main hack is to spot slots with the lowest house edge, meaning the RTP is high. Most users will define high RTP slots as those above 95%. Below is our list of the high RTP classic slots:
- Mega Joker – 99%
- Jackpot 6000 – 98.8%
- Jokerizer – 98%
- Mystery Joker – 96.98%
Are Classic Slots/Old Slot Machines available for Mobile Devices?
The current gambling world calls for convenience, and one of the convenience aspects is improving the accessibility avenues. Worth noting that most of the classic slots were in flash mode, considering their old age. However, as time went by, most developers transitioned to using HTML5 technology to allow instant playing on browsers. The highlight is that users do not require any special downloads to access the games.
Each developer ensures the experience is unmatched and that it mirrors every content on the desktop. This includes the game transitions and maintaining the game’s quality despite the reduced screen sizes.
Why Play Classic Slots/Old Slot Machines
While some may deem classic slots uninteresting, they still hold several reasons why others prefer them. The ‘new age’ classic slots come with a more entertaining edge for users, explaining why classic slots rarely crop up in this present age.
Still, want a reason to play the classics? Below are some of them:
- They are simple and easy to play – With reduced reels, paylines, and symbols, it is easy to learn the gameplay of classic slots. This makes them the perfect slots for beginners.
- Bring back the old memories – Relishing the old trips to the Vegas strip? You can enjoy the experience on the slots with symbols such as fruits, bells, and bars. Moreover, some offline casinos still host classic slots, allowing the old-school players to pull the lever and spin the reels.
- Some have jackpot prizes – While not all have high-paying prizes, some classic slots boast high prizes, with others having jackpot prizes (fixed and progressive).
