Slot reels are the foundation of any slot machine. They can help determine what the game will look, feel and play like. Today we can spin virtual reels on our desktop and mobile with just one tap and cash out real money to our bank accounts instantly. Read our guide to find out all you need to know about slot reels and how they work!
Find the Best Casinos Where You Can Spin Some Reels!
At JohnSlots, you have full access to some of the best online casinos hosting thousands of slot machines of all shapes, sizes and themes. Whether you love the classic 3-reel slots, contemporary 5-reel games or want to try the latest innovative games without any reels, you’ll find them here:
How We Choose the Best Slot Casinos
Our dedicated casino team continually strives to recommend some of the best online sites available right now. Any potential gambling site has to pass our strict evaluation process first before appearing in our expertly curated online casinos library.
Each site is carefully analysed to deliver an unbiased rundown of bonuses, promotions, casino game quality, payment methods, customer support, compatibility and more. We want to be sure that the slot casinos we are recommending to you are worth your time and money. And we will always tell you if they are not.
£10 min deposit. £5 max bet using bonus. 60x (40x referred player) wagering applies. Bonus valid for 14 days. 30 spins on pre-selected games will be credited instantly + then 30 per day for 9 days. Free spins valid for 72 hours from credit. Max free spins winnings £100. Ewallets excluded.
£10 min deposit. £5 max bet using bonus. 60x (40x referred player) wagering applies. Bonus valid for 14 days. 30 spins on pre-selected games will be credited instantly + then 30 per day for 9 days. Free spins valid for 72 hours from credit. Max free spins winnings £100. Ewallets excluded.
Min. deposit £10. Bonus: 1st deposit 100% up to £300 + 30 bonus spins (Reactoonz), 2nd deposit 50% up to £500 + 50 bonus spins (Book of Dead), 3rd deposit 25% up to £200 + 20 bonus spins (Legacy of Egypt). Spins on specified games only. Bonus money is separate to Cash funds & subject to 35x wagering requirement. £5 bonus max. bet. Bonus must be used within 30 days, spins within 10 days, otherwise any unused will be removed. Only bonus funds contribute towards wagering requirements.
Min. deposit £10. Bonus: 1st deposit 100% up to £300 + 30 bonus spins (Reactoonz), 2nd deposit 50% up to £500 + 50 bonus spins (Book of Dead), 3rd deposit 25% up to £200 + 20 bonus spins (Legacy of Egypt). Spins on specified games only. Bonus money is separate to Cash funds & subject to 35x wagering requirement. £5 bonus max. bet. Bonus must be used within 30 days, spins within 10 days, otherwise any unused will be removed. Only bonus funds contribute towards wagering requirements.
100 Free Spins on Daily Jackpot Games with Promo Code PGCTV1
1) To take part, you must register via the registration code PGCTV1 and opt in. 2) Get SMS-verified by supplying a valid telephone number. 3) Enter the validation code received by SMS to redeem the free spins. 4) Free Spins are valid on any of our Daily Jackpot games. 5) Free Spins will expire in 10 days from receipt of the offer.
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Paddy Power
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100 Free Spins No Wagering
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100 Free Spins on Daily Jackpot Games with Promo Code PGCTV1
1) To take part, you must register via the registration code PGCTV1 and opt in. 2) Get SMS-verified by supplying a valid telephone number. 3) Enter the validation code received by SMS to redeem the free spins. 4) Free Spins are valid on any of our Daily Jackpot games. 5) Free Spins will expire in 10 days from receipt of the offer.
New casino players only. Min. £10 deposit with code ‘CASINO100’, debit card only. Valid on 7 slots. 7-day expiry. All spins must be used before cashout allowed. Terms apply.
New casino players only. Min. £10 deposit with code ‘CASINO100’, debit card only. Valid on 7 slots. 7-day expiry. All spins must be used before cashout allowed. Terms apply.
Offer open to new customers using promo code CASD11 when registering. No wagering required on free spins! Spins Valued At 10p. Free spins available for 7 days after qualifying.
Offer open to new customers using promo code CASD11 when registering. No wagering required on free spins! Spins Valued At 10p. Free spins available for 7 days after qualifying.
Opt In Required. 7 Day Free Spin Expiry. All Free Spins Will Auto Play On First Eligible Game Loaded. £10 Staking Requirement Must Be Met Within 30 Days Of Opt In. Eligibility Restrictions Apply. Further Terms Apply.
Opt In Required. 7 Day Free Spin Expiry. All Free Spins Will Auto Play On First Eligible Game Loaded. £10 Staking Requirement Must Be Met Within 30 Days Of Opt In. Eligibility Restrictions Apply. Further Terms Apply.
Only for 1st time depositors. Min deposit is £10. 50 Free Spins on Book of Dead. Spin Value: £0.10. After your 1st deposit you may claim your 30 Extra Free Spins by visiting the Kicker Section. No min withdrawal. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Only available for specific players that have been selected by PlayOJO. OJO’s Rewards and Game Play policy applies.
Only for 1st time depositors. Min deposit is £10. 50 Free Spins on Book of Dead. Spin Value: £0.10. After your 1st deposit you may claim your 30 Extra Free Spins by visiting the Kicker Section. No min withdrawal. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Only available for specific players that have been selected by PlayOJO. OJO’s Rewards and Game Play policy applies.
One bonus offer per player. Min dep £20. Max bonus bet £5. Bonus funds
must be used within 30 days & bonus spins within 10 days. Spins valid on Starburst only. Offer
consists of: 1st dep: 100% up to £300 & 100 spins, 2nd dep: 75% up to £300 & 75 spins, 3rd dep:
50% up to £300 & 50 spins, 4th dep: 25% up to £300 & 25 spins, 5th dep: 100% up to £100. The
100 spins triggered on your 1st dep are credited at a rate of 25 spins per day over 4 days. Bonus
spins winnings credited as bonus funds & capped at £50. For the 1st dep offer, this winning cap
shall be applied to each set of 25 spins. Bonus funds separate to Cash funds and subject to 35x
wagering.
One bonus offer per player. Min dep £20. Max bonus bet £5. Bonus funds
must be used within 30 days & bonus spins within 10 days. Spins valid on Starburst only. Offer
consists of: 1st dep: 100% up to £300 & 100 spins, 2nd dep: 75% up to £300 & 75 spins, 3rd dep:
50% up to £300 & 50 spins, 4th dep: 25% up to £300 & 25 spins, 5th dep: 100% up to £100. The
100 spins triggered on your 1st dep are credited at a rate of 25 spins per day over 4 days. Bonus
spins winnings credited as bonus funds & capped at £50. For the 1st dep offer, this winning cap
shall be applied to each set of 25 spins. Bonus funds separate to Cash funds and subject to 35x
wagering.
Min Deposit £10. Max Offer 100% Bonus up to £30 & 25 Free Spins [Game of our choice]. Free Spins winnings are capped at £2.50 and credited as bonus funds with 40x wagering. Bonus funds must be wagered 60x before withdrawal. Slots Bonus funds winnings are capped at £100 + original bonus amount Free Spins expire after 7 days. Promo code: POWER. We reserve the right to deny promotional offers based on abusive bonus activity across sites operated by the Company. Deposit balance available for withdrawal at any time (UK only). General withdrawal restrictions & full T&Cs apply. Valid until 31/12/2021.
Min Deposit £10. Max Offer 100% Bonus up to £30 & 25 Free Spins [Game of our choice]. Free Spins winnings are capped at £2.50 and credited as bonus funds with 40x wagering. Bonus funds must be wagered 60x before withdrawal. Slots Bonus funds winnings are capped at £100 + original bonus amount Free Spins expire after 7 days. Promo code: POWER. We reserve the right to deny promotional offers based on abusive bonus activity across sites operated by the Company. Deposit balance available for withdrawal at any time (UK only). General withdrawal restrictions & full T&Cs apply. Valid until 31/12/2021.
Full T&C's Apply. £10 min deposit. £5 max bet using bonus. 60x (40x referred player) wagering applies. Bonus valid for 14 days. 20 Spins on Starburst will be credited instantly + then 20 per day for 9 days. Free Spins valid for 72 hours from credit. Max Free Spins winnings £100. Ewallets excluded.
Full T&C's Apply. £10 min deposit. £5 max bet using bonus. 60x (40x referred player) wagering applies. Bonus valid for 14 days. 20 Spins on Starburst will be credited instantly + then 20 per day for 9 days. Free Spins valid for 72 hours from credit. Max Free Spins winnings £100. Ewallets excluded.
New depositors only. UK residents only. Minimum deposit £10. Free Spins are valid only on Starburst and expire in 7 days. 10x wagering apply. Certain deposit types are excluded.
New depositors only. UK residents only. Minimum deposit £10. Free Spins are valid only on Starburst and expire in 7 days. 10x wagering apply. Certain deposit types are excluded.
11 Welcome Spins Wager-free and 100% up to £200 on your 1st deposit. Min. deposit £10. 7 days to activate the spins. Bonus spins expire 24 hours after activation. Activate the Welcome Bonus within thirty (30) calendar days under the 'My Bonuses’ section. 100% bonus up to £ 200 will be paid out in 10% increments to Main Account balance. 35x wagering. Play Responsibly.
11 Welcome Spins Wager-free and 100% up to £200 on your 1st deposit. Min. deposit £10. 7 days to activate the spins. Bonus spins expire 24 hours after activation. Activate the Welcome Bonus within thirty (30) calendar days under the 'My Bonuses’ section. 100% bonus up to £ 200 will be paid out in 10% increments to Main Account balance. 35x wagering. Play Responsibly.
Full T&Cs apply. No deposit needed. 3 days to claim & 3 day expiry. 10x free spins worth 10p on Book of Dead. Deposit offers available across any two deposits. Cash rewards 7 days from registration to opt-in from “Promotions” page & each with 7 days wagering. Deposit £10, £25 or £50 & wager 35x. Only cash stakes qualify & wagering contributions vary. 10 free spins worth £0.10 to be claimed within Book of Dead with each qualifying deposit, 3 day expiry.
Full T&Cs apply. No deposit needed. 3 days to claim & 3 day expiry. 10x free spins worth 10p on Book of Dead. Deposit offers available across any two deposits. Cash rewards 7 days from registration to opt-in from “Promotions” page & each with 7 days wagering. Deposit £10, £25 or £50 & wager 35x. Only cash stakes qualify & wagering contributions vary. 10 free spins worth £0.10 to be claimed within Book of Dead with each qualifying deposit, 3 day expiry.
Min deposit £20. Bonuses to a max of £100 + 50 bonus spins. Wagering bonus 35x. Wagering bonus spins 35x. Max bonus bet £5. The winnings must be wagered within 7 days. Bonus T&Cs apply.
Min deposit £20. Bonuses to a max of £100 + 50 bonus spins. Wagering bonus 35x. Wagering bonus spins 35x. Max bonus bet £5. The winnings must be wagered within 7 days. Bonus T&Cs apply.
Min Deposit £20 Max Bonus Bet £5 Winnings from spins capped at £50 100 Zee Spins valid on Starburst (first 10 credited immediately upon first deposit; rest credited at 07:00 GMT at 10/day). Spins must be used by 23:59 GMT of the day on which they are credited to player account, any unused shall be removed. Bonus funds must be used within 30 days. Bonus funds are separate to Cash funds, and subject to 35x wagering (bonus + cash). Terms apply. Play Responsibly.
Min Deposit £20 Max Bonus Bet £5 Winnings from spins capped at £50 100 Zee Spins valid on Starburst (first 10 credited immediately upon first deposit; rest credited at 07:00 GMT at 10/day). Spins must be used by 23:59 GMT of the day on which they are credited to player account, any unused shall be removed. Bonus funds must be used within 30 days. Bonus funds are separate to Cash funds, and subject to 35x wagering (bonus + cash). Terms apply. Play Responsibly.
£10 min transfer & stake on slots within 7days. Min 5 game rounds. Max 50 Free Spins on selected games, credited within 48 hours of qualifying. Free Spins expire after 7 days. E-wallet & Pre-Paid card restrictions apply. SMS validation may apply.
£10 min transfer & stake on slots within 7days. Min 5 game rounds. Max 50 Free Spins on selected games, credited within 48 hours of qualifying. Free Spins expire after 7 days. E-wallet & Pre-Paid card restrictions apply. SMS validation may apply.
Max win from bonus money is £100. Max stake with bonus active is £5 and 30x wagering. 50 cash Free Spins released over 5 days. Expires 14 days after deposit. Skrill/Neteller deposits not eligible.
Max win from bonus money is £100. Max stake with bonus active is £5 and 30x wagering. 50 cash Free Spins released over 5 days. Expires 14 days after deposit. Skrill/Neteller deposits not eligible.
One bonus offer per player. Minimum deposit £20. Max bonus bet is £5. Bonus spins on selected games only and must be used within 72 hours. Winnings from Bonus spins credited as bonus funds and capped at £100. Bonus funds must be used within 30 days otherwise any unused bonus shall be removed. Bonus funds are 100% match up to £400 + 50 bonus spins on eligible Netent games on your 1st deposit, 40% match up to £3000 + 30 bonus spins on eligible Netent games on your 2nd deposit, and 60% match up to £1500 + 40 bonus spins on eligible Netent games on your 3rd deposit. Bonus funds are separate to Cash funds, and are subject to 35x wagering the total bonus & cash. Only bonus funds contribute towards any wagering requirements.
One bonus offer per player. Minimum deposit £20. Max bonus bet is £5. Bonus spins on selected games only and must be used within 72 hours. Winnings from Bonus spins credited as bonus funds and capped at £100. Bonus funds must be used within 30 days otherwise any unused bonus shall be removed. Bonus funds are 100% match up to £400 + 50 bonus spins on eligible Netent games on your 1st deposit, 40% match up to £3000 + 30 bonus spins on eligible Netent games on your 2nd deposit, and 60% match up to £1500 + 40 bonus spins on eligible Netent games on your 3rd deposit. Bonus funds are separate to Cash funds, and are subject to 35x wagering the total bonus & cash. Only bonus funds contribute towards any wagering requirements.
100% bonus on first deposit up to £50 plus 50 Bonus spins (30 spins on day 1, 10 on day 2, 10 on day 3 for Rich Wilde and the Book of Dead slot only. Min first deposit £20. Max bonus £50. Max bonus bet £5. Max bonus cash-out £250. 40x wagering requirements. Bonus expiry 30 days. Bonus spins expiry 2 days. Game restrictions apply. Further Terms Apply.
100% bonus on first deposit up to £50 plus 50 Bonus spins (30 spins on day 1, 10 on day 2, 10 on day 3 for Rich Wilde and the Book of Dead slot only. Min first deposit £20. Max bonus £50. Max bonus bet £5. Max bonus cash-out £250. 40x wagering requirements. Bonus expiry 30 days. Bonus spins expiry 2 days. Game restrictions apply. Further Terms Apply.
New customers only. Opt in required. 1x per customer. Max 50 free spins with 20x wagering. Stake £10 stake & get 100 free spins on completion with 20x wagering. Selected slots only. Free spins expire 24 hours after issue. Eligibility rules, game, location, payment method and currency restrictions and terms and conditions apply.
New customers only. Opt in required. 1x per customer. Max 50 free spins with 20x wagering. Stake £10 stake & get 100 free spins on completion with 20x wagering. Selected slots only. Free spins expire 24 hours after issue. Eligibility rules, game, location, payment method and currency restrictions and terms and conditions apply.
Min. deposit £20. Max bonus bet £5. Extra spins on selected games only- must be used within 72 hours. Bonus funds expire in 30 days, unused bonus shall be removed. Bonus funds are 100% match up to £500 + 30 extra spins on 1st deposit, 25% match up to £800 + 25 extra spins on 2nd deposit, and 50% match up to £200 + 50 extra spins on 3rd deposit. Bonus funds are separate to Cash funds, and are subject to 40x wagering the total bonus & cash. Only bonus funds count towards wagering contribution.
Min. deposit £20. Max bonus bet £5. Extra spins on selected games only- must be used within 72 hours. Bonus funds expire in 30 days, unused bonus shall be removed. Bonus funds are 100% match up to £500 + 30 extra spins on 1st deposit, 25% match up to £800 + 25 extra spins on 2nd deposit, and 50% match up to £200 + 50 extra spins on 3rd deposit. Bonus funds are separate to Cash funds, and are subject to 40x wagering the total bonus & cash. Only bonus funds count towards wagering contribution.
Play Safe. New UK customers only. Opt in required. 1x per customer. Min. £20 deposit. 1st deposit only. Selected games only. Max. Bonus £50 with 35x wagering and 50 Free Spins at £0.20/spin on Starburst™️ with 35x Wagering. Free Spins and Bonus credited once deposit amount has been wagered on slots. Bonus and Free Spins expire 7 days after issue. Game weighting, game, country, currency, player restrictions and terms apply.
Play Safe. New UK customers only. Opt in required. 1x per customer. Min. £20 deposit. 1st deposit only. Selected games only. Max. Bonus £50 with 35x wagering and 50 Free Spins at £0.20/spin on Starburst™️ with 35x Wagering. Free Spins and Bonus credited once deposit amount has been wagered on slots. Bonus and Free Spins expire 7 days after issue. Game weighting, game, country, currency, player restrictions and terms apply.
Min Deposit £10, £8 Max Win Per 10 Spins, Max Bonus Equal To Lifetime Deposits (Up To £250), 65x Wagering Requirements And Full T&Cs Apply. Cashback Must Be Claimed On-site, Calculated As A % Of Daily Deposits, Minus Withdrawals. Further T&Cs Apply
Min Deposit £10, £8 Max Win Per 10 Spins, Max Bonus Equal To Lifetime Deposits (Up To £250), 65x Wagering Requirements And Full T&Cs Apply. Cashback Must Be Claimed On-site, Calculated As A % Of Daily Deposits, Minus Withdrawals. Further T&Cs Apply
Offer valid for new players who make a real money deposit using bonus code: RESOLUTION300. Extra Spins: Spins valid for 3 days. 35x wagering on spins winnings & must be met within 3 days. Game and wagering restrictions apply. Bonus: Min deposit £10. Max bonus 100% up to £300. Players must wager original deposit x10 within 7 days to qualify for the bonus. 25x wagering on bonus, must be completed within 30 days. Game and wagering restrictions apply.
Offer valid for new players who make a real money deposit using bonus code: RESOLUTION300. Extra Spins: Spins valid for 3 days. 35x wagering on spins winnings & must be met within 3 days. Game and wagering restrictions apply. Bonus: Min deposit £10. Max bonus 100% up to £300. Players must wager original deposit x10 within 7 days to qualify for the bonus. 25x wagering on bonus, must be completed within 30 days. Game and wagering restrictions apply.
With slots easily accessible online, the traditional slot machines, where you have to pull a lever to spin mechanical reels, are turning into sentimental predecessors.
The brief history of slot machines began in 1891 when the first gambling machine with five drums containing card faces based on poker was invented in New York. Although popular among players in bars, this machine didn’t have a payout mechanism which meant players could only win food, beer or cigars.
The revelation followed when Charles Fey from California invented a simplified version with only three real reels and five different symbols. Soon afterward, an improved replica of this slot machine appeared with the iconic bubble gum vending attachment.
Fruit images were placed on reels as symbols to represent the flavours of the bubble gum. And that was the start of the classic 3-reel fruit slot machine as we know it.
What Are Slot Reels Exactly?
You can think of a slot reel rather like a wheel, covered in pictures (aka slot symbols) in a random order. Those wheels (aka reels) spin when you place your bet and they all stop at random positions, either on their own or by you pressing stop.
On a slot with 3 rows, three symbols from each reel will be in view when the reels stop spinning. If you get lucky and the different reels stop with matching symbols showing, you might win a payout! Although, this does depend on the payline(s) of the slot.
What are Multi Reel Slots?
Gone are the days when you could only play classic 3-reel slots. If the 1890s brought the first mechanical reels, the 1990s saw the rise of multi-reel slots featuring five, seven and more reels and, occasionally, no reels at all.
Their popularity is no coincidence since multi-reel slots contain multiple betting lineswhich consequentially mean more ways to win. Additionally, multi-reel slots employ additional bonus features, imaginative graphics and sometimes even multi-level gameplay for an extended gaming experience.
Types of Reel Slots
Read on to find out more about the different types of reel slots, or click on the links below to go straight to the relevant slot reel pages:
Typically, slot machines fall into the classic slots and modern slots categories defined by the number of reels they possess. Here are the four most popular types of reel slots you’ll find online today:
Classic 3 Reel Slots
Characterised by three reels and fruit symbols, 3-reel slots are the most popular online slots derived from the traditional land-based casino games. Although simple in gameplay, the classic 3-reel slots nonetheless can still offer some lucrative bonus features and high payouts.
7s on Fire is a good example of a classic 3-reel online slot.
Designed by Barcrest, known for its popular pub slots, the game comes with a standard 3×5 reel setup, five paylines and a potential of 1,250x your stake. Typical of 3-reel slot design, the game is easy to understand without the burden of many complicated bonus features thus great for gambling newbies or chill gameplay.
Modern 5 Reel Slots
Modern 5-reel slots are some of the most popular online games among casino players right now. Contrary to the classic fruit slot design, 5-reel slots come stocked with multi-lines and exciting bonus features giving you potentially a better chance at winning big and overall more entertainment.
The second best thing about these slots is that they are based on many different slot themes like the popular Egyptian slots, Adventure slots or Sexy slots among many others.
To have a feel for a modern 5-reel slot, try players’ favouriteDead or Alive from NetEnt.
It stands out from the crowd due to its fantastic Wild West theme, stunning graphics and thrilling bonus features. The stars of the show here are free spins with sticky wilds and multipliers which will double all your wins – an excellent choice for both new and seasoned slots players.
Slots with 7 Reels or more!
Unlike the 5-reel slots that occupy the majority of the industry’s slots market, the lucky 7-reel slots are pretty niche slots. Slots with 7 reels and more are unique, new generation online games that give players additional ways to win due to multi paylines and extra bonus features.
Played on a 7×7 setup, the Viking Runecraft slot is the perfect example of an entertaining 7-reel slot.
Not only does it offer a stunning Viking theme and excellent key stats, but it also delivers supercharged multi-level gameplay for any slot player. Play’n Go are known for their immersive and enjoyable slot games. Viking Runecraft takes things to a whole new level with this extraordinary 7 reel slot!
Slots Without Reels
Game developers are continuously seeking to reinvent slots by creating new-dimensional gameplay to impress players. As a result, we have slots without reels, also known as cascading grid slots or cluster pays slots.
The way these slots work is you have to match several identical symbols adjacent to at least one other symbol in a cluster to pick up a win. When you form a cluster, the symbols disappear, making way for new symbols to fall on the grid for a chance to create new winning clusters.
The first hexagonal cascading grid slot from Play’n GO, Honey Rushis a perfect illustration of a slot without reels.
This grid slot is all about creating colonies and charging up the Rush meter to unlock the extra features. Plus, sticky wilds come with up to 27x multipliers for some exciting wins.
Find the Best Slots at JohnSlots UK!
Casino game developers are on a constant journey of creating exciting new online slots to suit every casino player’s needs, and it can get tricky to keep up with the new releases. Use our expert slots page to stay up to date and find reviews of all the top slots!
