Classic vs Video Slots – What's the Difference?

When browsing through slot games, you'll often see them categorised as either classic Slots or video Slots. These two formats are essentially different approaches to design and gameplay. UnderstandingThere are occasions when we here at ReadyBetGo want to bring you interesting facts about the gambling industry  When something catches our eye, we will publish it for your enjoyment. 
  the differences can help you determine which games might best suit your preferences.

From traditional fruit machines with three reels to feature-rich video Slots with branded themes, there's a wide variety of online Slots to try your chances. Whether you pick a classic or video slot, both types use the same fundamental mechanics: Random Number Generators (RNGs), Return to Player (RTP) percentages, and fixed paylines or ways to win.

What Are Classic Slots?

Classic Slots are inspired by the early mechanical fruit machines found in land-based casinos. They usually have three reels, simple symbols like fruits, bars, bells, and 7s, and minimal (or no) bonus features. Most stick to fixed paylines — often between one and five lines.

They're designed to replicate the look and play of traditional slot machines. The straightforward design is often a favourite among those who prefer simpler mechanics and a more predictable structure. While they don't typically include free spins, expanding wilds, or animated features, some modern classic Slots do add small bonus elements while keeping the interface basic.

What Are Video Slots?

Video Slots are digital-first games that use advanced graphics, animations, and audio to create more complex gameplay. They typically have five or more reels, multiple paylines (or ways to win), and in-game features like free spins, bonus rounds, cascading reels, and multipliers. The graphics are often themed around mythology, television, history, or fiction.

Unlike classic Slots, video Slots usually include mini-games or bonus rounds triggered by scatter symbols. These features add variety and can increase potential winnings within the framework of the slot's volatility and RTP.

Main Differences Between Classic and Video Slots

Classic Slots tend to have three reels with one to five paylines, simple fruit-and-bar symbols, and minimal bonus features. Video Slots generally use five or more reels with anywhere from 10 to over 1,000 paylines, featuring themed graphics and a range of bonus features, including free spins and multipliers.

The design philosophy differs, too. Classic Slots keep things simple and traditional, while video Slots lean into animation, storytelling, and other unique elements.

Which One Should You Choose?

The type of slot game you should choose depends on what kind of gameplay you're after.

Go for a classic slot if you prefer straightforward play with minimal distractions and traditional visuals. They're often a good starting point if you're new to Slots and want to understand the basic mechanics without too many variables.

Go for a video slot if you're interested in different features, multiple ways to potentially win, and themed games that include bonus rounds. Video Slots are more likely to use modern mechanics like cascading reels or expanding wilds.

Keep in mind that the potential return and fairness of both types are governed by the same underlying systems. Adding more animations or features to video Slots doesn't inherently make them better in terms of payout potential.

Volatility and RTP Apply to Both

Regardless of whether you play classic or video Slots, two key metrics matter:

Volatility: Defines how often and how much a slot's likely to pay out. Classic Slots can be low or high volatility, just like video Slots.

RTP (Return to Player): The theoretical percentage a slot pays back over time. Both formats include games with a wide range of RTP values, typically ranging from 92% to 97%.

You should always consider these figures alongside the format when picking a game, as they give insight into the likely playing pattern over time.

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Classic and video Slots serve different preferences, but both offer valid and regulated gameplay options. Classic Slots tend to be simpler and more traditional, while video Slots provide extra features and visual enhancements. The choice between them comes down to your preferred style of play rather than one being better than the other.

As the range of games continues to grow, you'll find a wide mix of online Slots to try your chances, including modern takes on classic formats and video Slots with loads of themes and features. By understanding the core differences, you can choose games that suit your bankroll and match how you want to play.