Comparing Classic Slots with Video Slots

Whether it’s spinning the reels in a land-based or online casino, most players have likely come across the two main types of slots: the classic fruit machines and the flashier video slots.

What is the difference? They may both appear to be spinning reels with symbols at first glance, but they differ in a few pretty big ways.

Classic Slots – The Iconic Casino Staple

Three reels, one to five paylines, and of course, those recognisable symbols like bells and cherries are all common in classic slots. Classic slots have grown in popularity in online casinos since the rise of internet gambling, appealing to players who enjoy the freedom of playing games online but still prefer more traditional games. 

Video Slots – The Modern Way to Spin

Video slots are the flashier upgrade of the classics, modernised with more mechanics that turn the excitement up. They often offer more reels, hundreds of paylines and sleek graphics. Plus, video slots often come with plenty of bonus features like free spins, wilds, bonus rounds, and even full-on storylines, like in the Pirots series.

Themes That Modernise Slots

One of the biggest differences is the themes. Classic slots typically keep it simple with three reels and basic fruit or number symbols. Video slots, on the other hand, go all out with their themes, graphics, and pretty impressive animations.

Take Book of Dead, for example, which is a fan favourite that whisks players away to ancient Egypt to spin the reels with Rich Wilde, PokerStars’ very own Indiana Jones. It uses a simple five-reel layout but replaces traditional symbols with more that are on theme, like golden scarabs and pharaohs, plus a free spins bonus that keeps the sense of exploration going. 

Or there’s Victory, a naval warfare-themed slot starting at 5×3 reels but expanding to a huge 9×7 grid when the bombs start flying. The action unfolds against a backdrop of roaring seas and battleships, and has an orchestral soundtrack that makes players feel like they’re a 17th-century commander while spinning the reels.

Classic Dings and Cinematic Soundtracks

Sound-wise, classic online slots are all about the nostalgia, a virtual tribute to the machines that helped build the industry. They have mechanical click sounds, reel spins, and the iconic ding of a win. When it comes to some video slots, the music now rivals that of a movie score. Take Gods of Rock, which takes players into a full-on rock concert with catchy guitar riffs.

Gameplay and Bonus Features

For players who want to enjoy a good slot machine without all the extras, classic slots are perfect. On the other hand, video slots typically have more intricate features and a faster pace to keep players interested. 

For example, they usually have bonus rounds with interactive features, mini-games, free spins and plenty more. Classic slots have bonus rounds too, but they do tend to be simpler, often offering free spins or pick-to-win features. 

How Payouts Work for Both Classic and Video Slots

Before the online casinos came along, classic slots used to be totally mechanical, with parts that determined the outcomes by physically spinning the reels. Just like any machine, after years of use, they would eventually wear down and throw out unfair results. Nowadays, online slots and video slots use RNGs (Random Number Generators) to make sure the results stay completely random and fair.