The rotating reels, called in English spinner reels, are the real mechanism behind the slot machines’ operation. Each slot can have a different number of reels: the first slots, like the Liberty Bell, created in the late 1800s by Charles August Fey, had only three reels and a payline along which the three symbols appeared; slots jackpot current, however, have five reels, which makes the possible combinations numerically more and with them is also the greater the chance of winning the jackpot or jackpots different. When the reels stop spinning, the symbols stop in a random position, and, based on the chosen paylines, and it will be possible to win a higher or lower prize pool. With five-reel slot machines, the symbols distributed on the paylines, therefore, reach five already in the case of a single payline, thus increasing the combinations that may appear. Slots with nine reels have also been tested in some casinos: the huge amount of combinations and paylines applicable, however, meant that the final result was less exciting than that obtained with the five-reel slots, which are confirmed as the most loved by all the players.

The main differences between analog and digital reels

Today’s slots are mostly free digital video slots, but several traditional slot machines with analog reels still hold out. Here are the main advantages of playing with one or the other type of slot.

Analog roller features:

• vintage effect: reminiscent of the slots of the past;
• mechanical operation: they are still activated by pulling the lever usually located on the right of the machine;
• traditional graphic representation of symbols.

Features of digital rollers:

• more exciting and varied gaming experience ;
• slots with all the advantages of digital (immediacy, complexity, speed);
• innovative graphic representation: the symbols present can be of any type.

What are the traditional symbols of analog and online slots?

All the most iconic slot machines are characterized by certain sets of symbols, which make them immediately identifiable. The symbols that made the history of the slots are those that can still be found today in mechanical slots and digital ones with a vintage touch:

• the two red cherries ;
• the bell (a tribute to the Liberty Bell, the name of the first slot machine);
• the word BAR (inspired by the logo of the Bell-Fruit Gum Company);
• the number 7.

These are the best-known symbols, but most of the symbols representing the different fruits are also related to the history of slot machines.

The scatter symbol is one of the most generous: when one, or more than one, appears, even if it is not directly present in the payline you have selected, you will have the opportunity to win a free spin. In many cases, moreover, the appearance of the scatter gives rise to the start of a special bonus game session. All the free online slots put numerous scatters at your disposal: you just have to look for them.