background image for discover slots article

Slot Reels Feature

Are you looking to start your gambling journey with the most popular type of casino games in the UK? Slot machine games have a wide range of exciting features, from free spins and bonus rounds to regular and progressive Jackpots. But since you are a beginner, it’s best to start with the most basic of all things – slot reels. 

In this comprehensive review, you can discover all about the reels feature in slots. We will explain thoroughly what slot reels are, list the different types of reels, and give you both their advantages and disadvantages. In addition, you will find out which slot machine games have this feature and the best casino sites where you can engage in them. 

Afterwards, you can take a look at similar articles on other slot features. That way, you will upgrade your knowledge and start your gaming journey in no time. Without further ado, we will start our discussion by defining the reels feature in slots.

Slot Reels Feature
Image credit: Shutterstock

What Are Slot Reels Features

To start with, reels are an integral part of slots since their positioning determines the outcome of the game. Moreover, slot reels are as old as the first slot machines in brick-and-mortar casinos. What’s more, mechanical reels still decide winning combinations in land-based casinos. 

When gambling websites entered the scene, gaming developers tried to retain as many features of physical slots as possible, including reels, and make the online gaming experience as authentic as possible.

Starburst Slot With Reel Feature
Sweet Bonanza Slot With Reel Feature

Therefore, when you initiate a preferred slot game, one of the first things you will notice is the vertical positions on the grid. These are slot reels, and they start spinning when you place a bet. When you place a bet and spin them, you hope to land matching symbols to create a winning combination.

You have probably seen somewhere on television a person excited at getting the 7-7-7 combination. Similarly, you should aim at landing three or more identical icons, whether these are numbers or other symbols, such as fruits. After that, the game normally continues – you spin the reels and hope to potentially hit winning combinations.

Where Can You Find Reels in Online Slots

All online slot games have reels, as this is the most fundamental part of each slot, along with slot symbols. In that sense, whichever casino platform you choose to join, all the available slot machines will have slot reels.

However, not all operators offer the same opportunities to slot fans. As a player, you should be looking for brands offering a comprehensive slot selection. Fortunately, we have compiled a list of the best gambling sites offering slot machines to save you trouble. So, take a look at the top UK casinos where you can find the reels feature in slots:

Top Pick by Our Editors
1
bet365 Casino
100/100
New Player Offer at bet365 – Discover bet365 Casino with 100 Free Spins
      • Visa Debit
      • Maestro
      • Visa
      • MasterCard
      • Neteller
      • Skrill 1-Tap
      • Skrill
      • Online Bank Transfer
      • Paypal
      • iDebit
      • Paysafe Card
      • Entropay
      • Bank Wire Transfer
      • Fast Bank Transfer
      • Cheque
      Deposit and stake £10 on eligible Casino slots to get 100 Free Spins. Time limits, game restrictions and T&Cs apply.
      2
      NetBet
      96/100
      NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED 20 FREE SPINS ON STARBURST + UP TO 500 FREE SPINS ON YOUR FIRST DEPOSIT
          • Visa
          • MasterCard
          • Skrill
          • Paysafe Card
          • eCARD
          • BitCoin
          • Fast Bank Transfer
          • Skrill 1-Tap
          • Entropay
          • Paypal
          • Neteller
          • Visa Debit
          • Online Bank Transfer
          • Boku
          T&C for 20 free spins: UK players only. Enter the relevant bonus code in the ‘BonusCode’ area on the registration form The bonus code is valid until 30.06.2024. Wagering req. 40x. Free Spins will remain valid for 7 days after the issuing date. T&C for 500 free spins: UK players only. Make your first deposit with bonus code ‘NBWELCOME500’ and you will instantly start receiving your Free Spins. The first 50 Free Spins will be automatically credited on your first deposit and an additional 450 Free Spins will be randomly assigned daily. Casino Free Spins must be wagered 40 times. Valid until 30.06.2024. Free Spins will be credited by batches of 25 Free Spins. T&Cs apply. +18. BeGambleAware.org
          Top Pick by Our Editors
          3
          Casumo Casino
          96/100 Expert Rating
          100% bonus up to £25 and 20 Bonus Spins
              • Visa
              • MasterCard
              • Skrill
              • Neteller
              • Paysafe Card
              • Bank Transfer
              • Zimpler
              18+. New customers. Opt-in required. 20 Bonus Spins on “Sahara Riches Cash Collect” at 10p per spin and 100% Deposit Bonus up to £25 on first deposit (payment method and play restrictions apply). Min. deposit £10. 30x wagering for Bonus Spins and Deposit Bonus (game weighting applies). Max. £5/spin or £0.50/line. 30 days expiry. Please gamble responsibly • BeGambleAware.org • T&Cs apply
              4
              32Red
              96/100 Expert Rating
              Get 250 Super Spins + 10 Ultra Spins
                    18+ be_gambleaware.org. New accounts only. Min. £20 deposit, debit card only. Up to 50x wagering, game contributions vary, max. stake applies, 7 day expiry. See full terms.
                    5
                    PlayFrank
                    96/100
                    Get up to £100 Bonus + 50 Bonus Spins
                          18+. New players only. Min deposit £20. Bonuses up to a max of £100 + 50 bonus spins. Wagering bonus 35x. Wagering bonus spins 35x. The winnings must be wagered within 21 days. Bonus T&C apply.
                          6
                          Moon Games
                          95/100
                                7
                                Amazon Slots
                                95/100
                                UP TO 500 FREE SPINS ON STARBURST
                                      New players only, £10 min fund, Free spins won via mega reel, 65x bonus wagering requirements, max bonus conversion to real funds equal to lifetime deposits (up to £250), T&Cs apply

                                      Types of Reels in Slots

                                      To begin with, brick-and-mortar casinos typically provide slot machines with three reels, each having ten symbols. However, with advancements in technology, the reels feature in slots has become more complex and compelling. Gaming developers are constantly working on adding extra reels to the latest titles.

                                      In the following sections of this review, we will break down some of the main types of slot reels. Moreover, it’s good to keep in mind that different numbers of reels are suitable for different types of players. Of course, you can try the more complex ones after you master the basics and gain some experience.

                                      3 Reel Slots 


                                      To begin with, 3 reel slots are the most basic type of slot machine reel. Moreover, they are closest to traditional slots and are most commonly fruit-themed. Even though 3 reels slots rarely include bonus features, they are perfect for beginners and players looking for simplicity.

                                      5 Reel Slots


                                      Moreover, 5 reels slots are common with UK casino sites, whereas the 5×3 reel grid is the most frequent reel slot. However, keep in mind that these reels are non-adjustable, meaning all five will always be active. Finally, 5 reels slots are available in various themes and often include wilds, scatters, bonus features, and a free spins bonus. 

                                      7 Reel Slots


                                      7 reels slots are less frequently found slot games. They typically have vertical reels, while the number of symbols can go from 20 to 50. Because of that, 7 reels slots can provide a greater chance of winning. Lastly, the most common features that come with these slots are wilds and scatters, which can contribute to bigger payouts.

                                      10 Reel Slots


                                      10 reels slots are a less common type of slot machine game where you spin ten vertical reels in the hope of landing a winning combination. Although 10 reels slots are not found as commonly as 3 or 5 reels slots, they are still vastly popular among players. Moreover, the increased reel count allows for more winning potential. But it also requires more practice since it is difficult to monitor every symbol.

                                      Cascading Reels 


                                      Apart from traditional slot machines, some operators also provide slots with cascading or collapsing reels. These come with a bonus feature that appears each time you match symbols. This feature allows the matched icons to be removed from the board, thus making way for the new ones to drop.

                                      Other Types of Reels


                                      In addition to the mentioned numbers of reels slots can have, you may come across the following types:

                                      • 4-reel slots
                                      • 6-reel slots
                                      • 8-reel slots
                                      • 9-reel slots
                                      • 12-reel slots
                                      • 15-reel slots
                                      • 16-reel slots

                                      Reel Feature in Slots: Conclusion


                                      In brief, slot reels are vertical positions on the grid spun when you place a bet. Furthermore, they are crucial in determining the outcome of the game. Moreover, the reels feature in slots is among the most basic, so you will find it in every slot.

                                      However, they can differ based on the number of reels. These games can have a minimum of three reels, but they can have as many as 16. Finally, if you are a complete beginner, it’s best to choose a slot game featuring three or five reels.

                                      Advantages and Disadvantages of the Reels Slot Feature

                                      As you will be encountering the reels slots feature for the first time, we will compare machines with three and five reels because they are the best option for newbies. Since you will probably be able to find 5-reel games more easily, it’s good to consider their benefits and setbacks compared to 3-reel slots:

                                      Pros Cons
                                      Generally speaking, it has more winning combinations and unique features than a 3-reel slot. They are more complex compared to 3-reel slots, so you will need some time to master the gameplay.
                                      Some have between 243 and 1,024 ways to win.
                                      You can choose from an impressive selection of 5-reel slot games, wider than any other type of slot.

                                      FAQ

                                      Finally, you can take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about slot reels for UK players:

                                      When you place a bet, reels will start spinning. Once the spinning stops, you will see different symbols across the reels. If you successfully land identical symbols, you will get extra credits.

                                      reels are vertical positions on the grid that get spun once you stake a certain amount. You can keep spinning the reels as much as you want so long as you have enough credits.

                                      You need to land winning combinations, such as landing three or more identical symbols. You can even hit a Jackpot if you match the right symbols. 

                                      According to the statistics, stopping the slot reels doesn’t impact your results on more than 99% of slot games.

                                      Slots use RNG (Random Number Generator) algorithms to decide a random result. So, no one can determine how much you need to play to win.

                                      3 reels slots are less likely to win but offer better winnings.

                                      Although it appears the reels are spinning downwards, you are actually looking at an animation designed to look like the reels are moving. 

                                      Players can’t stop the reels to line up the high-paying symbols manually. Nevertheless, they can skip the spinning animation by tapping the spin button and get the results instantly.

                                      This all depends on your preferences. For example, if you are new to slots, it’s best to go for those featuring three or five reels. On the other hand, games with larger numbers of reels come with more unique features and are more enticing.

                                      Share with others:
                                      18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure
                                      discoverslots.com is an independent professional comparison site supported by referral fees from the sites which are ranked on this site. The sites and information we present are from companies from which bet-bonuscode.co.uk receives compensation. This compensation may impact the rankings of the sites. Other factors, including our own opinions, your location, and the likelihood of signing up, may also impact how the ranking of the sites appears to a particular user. bet-bonuscode.co.uk cannot and does not present information about every betting/casino site or betting/casino site offer available.