What are Slots?
Most casinos on land as well as online give players the opportunity to play the slots. Slots have been around for a long time and date back to 1894. The first slot to be invented was called the card bell and was a three reel slot that was very simple to play.
The slots are called by different names such as the fruit machine as they are called in the UK and puggy is the name that is used for them in Scotland. The newer versions have greatly expanded upon what the original ones were. With more reels, variations in payouts and themes.
Slots is probably still the most popular game that you can play at an online casino. It's simple to have a quick flutter and you don't have to spend a lot of time on the game. However, more advanced games are available if you want to get a little more involved.
Slot Bonuses
While there are many different types of slots to choose from one of the favourites is those that provide free bonuses. These are like extra games that are built into the slot. When the player achieves a specific goal designated by the slot they may be taken to a bonus round.
Bonus rounds can be of different types. Some will have a mini game that has to be completed for extra credits. Others will allow the player to choose from some different offerings to see how much they are going to be awarded in free credits. Slot machines that have bonuses allow for extra wins.

What kinds of Online Slots are there?
Free Spins at Slot Machines
One of the additional features that some of the slot machines have is a free spins feature. Usually in order to trigger this there will be a requirement to land a certain number of icons that are the same in one spin. Sometimes it may be the scatter symbols that will afford this.
Once the spins have been triggered the player will be awarded a specified number of spins. This means they will get those spins without having to place a bet. Some slots will allow the free spin feature to be retriggered when the free spins mode is in play which gives additional free spins.
Video Slots
The main difference between the standard slot machines and the video slots is the bonuses and extra features they may offer. Some of the extra features may be mini games within the slot that are called bonus games. Or they may have the free spin feature or even both.
Another big difference is that many of the video slots have additional reels and a lot more paylines. This allows the players of these slots more chances to get winning combinations. Many of these slots are based on themes that are presented with good graphics and sound tracks for more enjoyment.
Progessive Slots
While most would say that all slots are exciting the progressive slots have stepped it up a notch. Normally the chances of a big win is much higher as the progressive slots usually have huge jackpots that can be won. In many cases a max bet has to be made for a chance at these.
The progressive slots take a portion of the money from every bet that is made and add it to the jackpot. So the jackpot keeps increasing until some lucky winner hits it. The accumulation can come from several machines that are of the same type. Jackpots can grow very fast.
Classic Slots
Although there are many new variations of slots available for game play a lot of people still prefer the classics. These are usually the three to five reel slots. The classics are known for their simple icons that are like the original slot machines made like different fruits or gems.
The game play that comes with the classic slots is simple. The player normally is required to line up icons that match in order to realize a win. The bet range can vary but with the classic slots the average bet is usually twenty-five cents per spin with a max bet of seventy-five cents, or a dollar.
Free Slot Play
With there being so many different types of slot machines to choose from it can become confusing. To help with this and to promote the various slots there are free slot play opportunities. What this means is that players can play a slot but not have to wager with real money.
The platform offering the free slots will usually give players a specified amount of free bonus money to play with to try the different slots. Players can increase the free money with winning spins. THis is not real cash and cannot be withdrawn as a winning. It is just a way to enjoy the slots without paying.
Real Money Slots
This can be avoided by playing the slots in a responsible manner. Players should set a budget for themselves for slot play and not go beyond this. They should also set a cap on how much of their winnings they want to spend. Walking away with some money is a good thing.
Slot Machine History
In 1891 the first slot machines were introduced to the public. They were developed by Sitman and Pitt. They caused such a stir of excitement that they soon became available for play in many of the bars. The big difference was there was no way for the machines to pay out on wins.
To compensate for this those establishments that were offering the slot machines for gameplay would be responsible for the prize payouts. These could range from a free drink to a free meal. It was all up to the proprietor to decide. These slots were complex and Charles Fey came up with a simplier version.