Online slot developers have always looked for ways to push the boundaries, and one of the most popular ways they have done this is through increasing the number of reels used in a slot game. Traditional online slot games feature five reels, but developers have expanded on that, with 7 reel slot games becoming increasingly popular. In this guide to 7 reel slots online, we explore everything there is to know about these games, including their pros and cons, popular features, and much more.
What are 7 reel Slots? Explained
7 reel slots are a popular version of online slots. As their name might indicate, they feature seven reels, as opposed to the three found in classic slots or five found in standard video slots. This enhanced number of reels often provides the player with more paylines or ways to win, with the different game structure also providing developers with the chance to play around with the gameplay mechanics or bonus features.
Popular Features of Classic 7 Reel Slots
7 reel online slot games are becoming more common. The following are some of the most common features you might encounter in them.
Wilds
Like standard slot games, 7 reel slots will regularly feature Wild symbols. These are symbols that can substitute for other symbols in order to help make winning combinations. In some instances, these can be expanding or persistent.
Free Spins
Free Spins bonuses are popular in all types of slots. These do as their name suggests - providing players with in-game spins at no extra cost. Free spins are traditionally launched by landing Scatter symbols or other bonus symbols. Over the years, free spin bonuses have become increasingly dynamic, with many different variations appearing.
Cascading Wins
Cascading wins, also known as tumbles or avalanches, are an extremely popular feature in 7 reel slots. This is when winning combinations or clusters are removed from the game grid, and new symbols fall from above. In some instances, all symbols may be removed, while in others, it is only the winning ones.
Jackpots
Of course, another major selling point for 7 reel slots is their potential jackpots. Many top 7 reel slots will come with big jackpot prizes. These could be fixed or progressive, with some titles also being part of major network progressives like the Relax Gaming Dream Drop titles.
Slot Machines
Benefits and Drawback of 7 Reel Slots
There are plenty of pros and cons to using 7 reel slots. Let’s take a more detailed look at some of them:
Pro: More advanced gameplay mechanics
In most cases, 7 reel slots will have more advanced and dynamic gameplay features and mechanics than their three and five-reel counterparts. As such, this can lead to more exciting gameplay and can keep players engaged for longer.
Pro: Bigger winning potential
While this is not strictly the case with every 7 reel slot, many of them will have much bigger winning potential than their smaller counterparts. Developers will utilise the increased number of ways to win in a 7 reel slot and often add a more complex maths model to secure bigger potential wins for players.
Con: May be too complex for beginners
While advanced gameplay mechanics and bonuses can be excellent for more experienced players, newer players may find seven reel slots overwhelming. Having to spend ages adjusting to new gameplay mechanics is not for everyone, with some players preferring classic slots or standard 5-reel video slots.
Con: Less available
Due to the complex nature of creating a 7 reel slot, there are simply fewer of them on the market than five-reel slots. While this is changing, with more developers looking for more advanced gameplay and increased demand for better mechanics, it is still much, much easier to find slots with less than 7 reels than it is to find ones with seven or higher.
Final Thought
7 reel slots can be an excellent way of mixing up your online slot play. They are able to offer more advanced mechanics and, often, bigger winning potential than three or five reel slots, as well as more dynamic bonus features.
While they are still not as common as five reel slots, they have become increasingly popular in recent years as developers find new and exciting ways to explore the format.
Of course, like all slots, 7 reel slots are a game of chance. As such, Gambling Zone would like to remind all of its readers to gamble responsibly when playing and to access any of the useful responsible gambling resources we have provided at any time.
