Think big and play 10 reel slot games. These super-sized video slots offer 10 vertically spinning reels, and although they are not as common as 5 or 6 reel slots, due to the sheer number of reels paylines and winways can be maximised. 10 reel slots also come with a whole host of features, so it really is the bigger the better.
Continue reading for our full lowdown on 10 reel slots.
What are 10 Reel Slots? Explained
A great way to look at and understand 10 reel slots is to think of them as two 5 reel slots stuck together. The 5 reels on the left are the base of the slot, and the 5 reels on the right hand side are extended reels. Sometimes these reels may be slightly split apart from each other, but each spin will involve all 10 reels displayed on the slot game page.
Otherwise, the way that a 10 reel slot plays is exactly the same as most other slot reels. How to play slots like this is rather simple. First, players need to select how much they want to wager per spin, which will not only depend upon the slot, but also their safe gambling limits.
Some 10 reel slots have fixed paylines, meaning you will pay a set amount to cover the full spin of the reels. Others may allow you to select the paylines that you wish to wager on, so check this on the slot game information page before you play.
Feature of 10 Reel Slots
Although they are not as common, 10 reel slots are growing in popularity as cluster pay and expanding reel slot games have led to a rise in these types of titles. The large amount of reels also gives 10 reel slots more potential for features to be added than those with 5 reels, which include some of the following:
Symbols
- Scatter symbols: These symbols can sometimes say the word “scatter” on them, or they could be themed after a character on the slot. If the player triggers enough of these symbols, it will usually take them to a bonus game or free spins.
- Wild symbols: Wild symbols can form matches with any other symbols on the reels. Aside from simple Wild symbols, you can also find walking wilds that will make their way across the reels from left to right, sticky wilds that lock in place, and colossal wilds that can take up a larger space on the reels than conventional symbols.
- Multiplier symbols: When these symbols land on the reels they multiply your winning combination(s) by the specified amount.
- Mystery Symbols: These symbols when landed will turn into a random symbol already on the reels.
- Stacked or colossal symbols: These symbols are super-sized, taking up more space on the reels than a conventional symbol. They could stack vertically, or stretch across multiple reels horizontally.
Jackpots
- Fixed Jackpots: Some 10 reel slots may offer a fixed jackpot, a set cash amount that can be won usually during a bonus game or another feature. There could be just one jackpot to be won, or there could be multiple with varying amounts.
- Progressive Jackpots: Progressive jackpots grow over time, usually by continued play of the game as a random effect, or through fulfilling certain conditions.
Casino Slot Machine
Features and Bonuses
- Free Spins: One of the most common features found on slot games, players can activate a free spins round in some slots which usually comes with a multiplier for bigger wins than the main game.
- Respins: In certain games, you may be provided with an opportunity to spin the reels again, aiming for a better outcome.
- Bonus Rounds: Certain slot machines feature engaging bonus rounds, allowing players to engage in mini-games for additional prizes.
- Reel Modifiers: Some slots incorporate randomly activated reel modifiers, often involving multiplier values or symbol substitutions applied at random to the reels.
- Pick and Win: In this bonus game, players have the opportunity to select from a variety of symbols, each concealing a random prize. Potential rewards include cash, multipliers, and other triggers for bonus games.
- Pathway Bonus: Unlike a single bonus game, the pathway bonus guides players through a series of events where they can progressively boost their winnings or multipliers. After the pathway bonus concludes or if the player loses, they are returned to the main game.
- Hold and Win Bonus: This bonus feature secures specific reels or symbols in place, providing players with the chance for a significantly larger payout when they achieve a winning combination.
- Prize Wheel Bonus: Activating this bonus prompts the spinning of a wheel, and the resulting segment determines the prize won by the player. Possible rewards span from cash prizes and multipliers to no win or impact at all.
- Gamble feature: In some bonuses, you might get the chance to gamble your current winnings or free spins for a shot at getting more. But, you could end up losing your original bonus or winnings by taking this option.
Winning payout methods
- Cluster payouts: Instead of winning symbols needing to be consecutively in a line, if a 10 reel slot uses cluster payouts then so long as 5 or more symbols are grouped together they result in a winning combination.
- Paylines: Some slots may have multiple paylines available, running horizontally as well as diagonally on the reels. You may be able to place a wager on multiple paylines of your choosing, or simply spin with fixed paylines for all of them to count.
Slot Machine Player
10 Reel Slots Strategy
Here are some steps and tips to follow to make sure you get the best experience when playing 10 reel slots.
Choose the right slot for you
There are more 10 reel slot games out there than you might think, and it is important to make sure that you choose one that you will enjoy and that you understand. Make sure to only browse slot games from a fully licensed and regulated online casino, and when you have found one that looks interesting, read the game page fully to understand the slot’s mechanics. If there is a demo version available, play this first so you can get a true feel for the slot for free. Our best advice is to choose a slot that has an RTP of at least 96%, the industry average, and a volatility level that suits your playstyle.
Wager wisely
If the paylines are unfixed, betting on as many paylines as possible is advisable, as it maximises the payout potential. However, especially with slots that have a higher volatility, this does come with risk. Make sure that you bet within your limits and keep track of your funds.
Have fun
Slot games are made to be enjoyed, but if at any point you find yourself not having fun, then stop. Set yourself sensible betting limits and be strict on yourself to stick to them.
Playing Online Slot
Benefits of Playing a 10 Reel Slot Machines
One of the biggest plus points when it comes to playing 10 reel slot machines is the winning potential that they offer. Most online slots only offer rewards for 5-of-a-kind matches, with a 10 reel slot you could potentially make winning combinations of 6 symbols or more.
While some might think that 10 reel slots may be more volatile than other slot machines with fewer reels on them, this is actually not the case. Instead, having more reels allows for more matching opportunities, meaning that 10 reel slots usually have a medium volatility as opposed to a high one.
Conclusion
As developers continue to experiment with slot formulas and reel configurations, it can be expect that we will see more 10-reel slots in the future. Though best played on a computer or laptop for the bigger screen experience, you can still take this super-sized slot experience on the go with you too. To try out 10 reel slots for yourself, take a look at our carefully created list at Gambling Zone.
