What are 5 Reel Slots? A Guide

Key Features

One of the main reasons why 5 reel slot machines are so popular is the fact that this format allows game developers and designers to add many different features. In turn, this not only makes the gameplay much more enjoyable but can provide more opportunities to win a payout. Some key features that you will find on most 5 reel slots include the following:

Special Symbols:

• Wilds: Wild symbols can substitute for other symbols to form winning combinations. Also, look out for sticky wilds, that will lock in place on the reels, and walking wilds,  that will progress across the reels with each spin.
• Scatters: Scatter symbols often trigger bonus features or free spins, regardless of their position on the reels. They may also give out instant cash prizes, too.
• Bonus Symbols: These symbols may trigger bonus games or special features when they appear in specific combinations.
• Multiplier Symbols: These symbols will multiply your winning payout by a certain amount. 
• Mystery Symbols: Unlike wild symbols that can count for anything, mystery symbols will randomly change into one of the other symbols on the reels.
• Stacked Symbols: These symbols take up more space on the reels than conventional ones. It could be the size of two symbols put together, or even end up taking up the entire reel.

Playing Online Slots

Bonus Features:

• Free Spins: Many 5-reel slots offer free spins as a bonus feature. These spins are awarded without additional bets and often come with multipliers.
• Respins: Some games may offer you a chance to respin the reels in the hope of a more favourable combination.
• Bonus Rounds: Some slots have interactive bonus rounds where players can participate in mini-games to win extra prizes.
• Reel Modifiers: Some slots include randomly triggered reel modifiers. Commonly these are randomly applied multiplier values or symbol substitutions.
• Pick and Win: This bonus game offers the player the chance to choose from a variety of symbols, behind which a random prize is located. This could be anything from cash to multipliers and other bonus game triggers. 
• Pathway Bonus: Instead of just a singular bonus game, the pathway bonus will take players through a series of events in which they can incrementally increase their win or multiplier. Once the pathway bonus is over, or if the player loses, they are returned back to the main game. 
• Hold and Win Bonus: This bonus will hold certain reels or symbols in place to give the player the chance of a much larger payout should they make a winning combination. 
• Prize Wheel Bonus: When triggered, this bonus will spin a wheel, and the segment that it lands on determines the prize the player has won. This could range from cash prizes and multipliers to no win or effect at all. 
• Gamble Feature: Some bonuses may offer the player the option to gamble their current payout or free spins in order to gain more.  However, it also comes with the risk of losing the original bonus or winnings.

Multiple Slot Machines

Jackpots:

• Progressive Jackpots: Some 5 reel slot games feature progressive jackpots that accumulate over time. These jackpots can be triggered randomly or by achieving a specific combination.
• Fixed Jackpots: Some online slots may also offer a fixed jackpot of a set cash amount. Usually, there are small and big jackpots available in these games. 

You may also find other features in the 5 reel slot game you have chosen to play. As a result, it is always well worth checking the FAQ and help pages for that particular slot so you understand how its unique features may work. 

5 Reel Slots Pay Table and Payouts

5 reel slots usually provide a paytable, which can be found by clicking or tapping a button within the main game’s interface. When this option is selected, you will be faced with an assortment of information. To make it easier to understand everything that the paytable will tell you, we will break it down below.

• Symbol Values: The paytable displays the various symbols used in the game, along with their corresponding values. Symbols may have different values based on the number of times they appear on an active payline. Usually, symbols that are generic, like playing cards or the numbers 1 through 9 are lower-paying, while more unique symbols in line with the slot’s theming yield greater payouts.
• Winning Combinations: The paytable specifies the winning combinations that players should aim for. This could include combinations of identical symbols on a single payline, as well as special combinations that trigger bonus features.
• Payline Information: If the game has multiple paylines, the paytable often shows the patterns and directions in which winning combinations can occur. Most 5 reel slots have between 10 and 40 paylines, with 20 being the most common amount you will find.
• Bet Multipliers: The paytable indicates the payout multiplier for each winning combination based on the player's bet per line. This multiplier is applied to the line bet to determine the total win for that combination.
• Jackpot Information: If the slot has a progressive jackpot, the paytable may provide details on how to win the jackpot. This could involve landing a specific combination of symbols, making a maximum bet, or entering a jackpot bonus round.
• Bet Adjustments: Some 5 reel slot games allow players to adjust their bets, and the paytable often shows how changes in the bet size affect potential payouts. This can include information on how higher bets may increase the chances of winning larger prizes.
• RTP: The paytable may also include the RTP (return to player) percentage. This indicates how much money in proportion to their wager the player is expected to win back over a session. The industry average is 96%, but some slot games use different math models meaning that the RTP may be lower or higher than this.

Playing 5 Reel Slot

Tips when Playing 5 Reel Slots

If you are looking to get started with 5 reel slots, here are some top tips to enhance your experience. 

Choose the right online casino for you

There are many online slot sites out there that offer 5 reel slot games, and often they will have different welcome offers to entice you to play with them. Review the offerings from each online casino before making your choice, and check that they are fully licensed and regulated before depositing any funds to play. Thankfully, The Gambling Zone has a comprehensive list of trusted casinos to make this choice easier for you.

Choose the right slot for you

Select a slot machine that suits your preferences and budget. Consider factors such as the theme, volatility, and potential payouts. Some slots offer higher variance with bigger wins but less frequent payouts, while others provide more frequent, smaller wins.

Check the mechanics and paytable

5 reel slot machines can vary massively in everything from their theme to the gameplay features. As a result, check the help page and the paytable for the slot game of your choosing to make sure you understand fully how it works, how it pays out, and how various bonuses are triggered.

Aim for as many paylines as possible When Playing With Unfixed Paylines

Placing a wager on all available lines will ensure you never miss out on a winning combination should one land on the reels. However, this is completely down to your preference, as you can have just as much fun with a singular line active.

Set your limits

Before starting to play a 5 reel slot machine, remember to review your spending limits. Make sure you are always betting within your limits and keep track of how much you are wagering.

Have fun!

The main goal of playing 5 reel slot games is to have a fun experience. If you are not enjoying yourself, then it is a good time to stop.

Conclusion

All in all, 5 reel slot games dominate the market, and it is easy to see why! With so many themes and gameplay styles to choose from, they are a versatile option that will likely remain popular with players for many years to come. To see our list of the top 5 reel slots, check out Gambling Zone today.