3 reel slots were invented in San Francisco in 1887. These original machines were known as One Armed Bandits and were the inspiration for modern 3 reel slots that you can find in many online casinos.
> Click here to see a list of 3 reel slots
3 reel games are defined by the fact that they have three spinning 'reels' with pictures on them. Traditional 3 reel games have a single pay line, though more modern games can have several pay lines. The themes of these games are only limited by the imaginations of their designers, but many 3 reel games feature classic slot symbols such as fruit, BARS, and Lucky 7s.
The simplicity of these games is what drew people to them in the first place. Though as technology entered the casino, video slots quickly took over the floor space as they offered players more convenience, more pay lines and bonus features that couldn't be found in traditional 3 reel games. This led to the slow decline of 3 reel games. Fortunately, as online gambling entered into the equation, these 3 reel games have had a digital makeover and are now regular features in many online casinos. This has reintroduced slots fans to the unique fun that these games offer.
The benefit of slots, and probably one of the main reasons why they are so popular, is the fact that they are so easy to play. Plus, no matter what type of game you're playing (3 reel, 5 reel or 7 reel) the basic process is the same.
The biggest difference between 3 reel games and other types of slots is that they use a coin wagering system, which means that you wager coins that are worth a defined amount. Their value can range anywhere from .01c up to $5.00 or more. Usually these games will take up to three coins. Because of this, there are three pay tables. Which table you play is dependant on how many coins you wager. For example, if you wager three coins, you will activate the highest paying table. With two or more pay lines, you may find that multiple coins activate each pay line. In this case, the game will have a single pay table.
Playing 3 reel games can be summed up in three simple steps:
Make your wager using the appropriate buttons on the screen.
If you're playing a machine that has more than one pay line, select your pay lines or Bet Max to select all of the lines and spin the reels.
Hit the Spin button and wait for the reels to spin to a stop. Hopefully you'll get a winning combination across a pay line.
That's all there is to playing slots. It's so easy that all types of players can win.
Now that you're a bit more familiar with 3 reel games, check out one of our recommended slots casinos to have a few spins on 3 reel games. It's endless fun that could see you taking home a sizable prize!
