All Slots Variants : Other types of gambling machines

All Slots Variants : Other types of gambling machines

Published Date · March 11, 2019 · Last Updated · Sept. 2, 2024 ·Read Time · 8 mins

In the world of gambling, slot machines are a staple in casinos, known for action-packed reels and colourful symbols. However, the landscape of casino games extends beyond the traditional slot machine. Alongside these familiar slots, there is a diverse mix of other slot games that use different rules and gameplay. These variations provide a unique experience and appeal to a wider range of players, from those who enjoy strategic card games to those who want quick and exciting win games. This guide will explore the slot variations and other gambling machines, offering insight into their features and how they differ from classic slots.

1 - Card and Table Game Variants

In addition to traditional slot machines, card and table games blend strategy and chance, offering a different type of gaming experience.

Video Poker

What is a Video Poker Game ? It's a game that has the simplicity of a slot machine with the strategic elements of traditional poker. Players are dealt a five card hand and have the opportunity to hold or discard any number of cards to form the best possible five card poker hand. After making their choices, the discarded cards are replaced, and the final hand is evaluated based on a paytable. The paytable outlines the payouts for different poker hand rankings.

Video Poker : Jacks or Better by IGT
Video Poker : Aces and Faces by Playtech

Why It Is Different from a Slot ? Unlike slot machines, which are entirely luck based, Video Poker incorporates a strategic component. Players must make decisions about which cards to keep and which to discard, influencing the outcome. These decisions are based on their knowledge of poker hand probabilities. The strategy gameplay makes Video Poker appealing to those who enjoy a more skill-based gaming experience.

Examples of Famous Games:

  • Jacks or Better by IGT
  • Deuces Wild by Microgaming
  • Aces and Faces by Playtech

Electronic Table Games

What is an Electronic Table Games ? These are virtual versions of classic casino table games, such as blackjack, roulette and baccarat. These games are played on electronic terminals, where players can place bets and make decisions just as they would at a real table. However, the biggest difference is that the digital versions use a random number generators (RNGs) to determine the results.

Online roulette : European Roulette by Spinomenal
Online Baccarat by Pragmatic Play

Why It Is Different from a Slot ? Online Table Games simulate traditional table games rather than featuring spinning reels and symbols. Players interact with the games by making strategic decisions, such as hitting or standing in blackjack or choosing where to place bets on the roulette wheel. This interaction mimics the experience of playing at a real table, providing a different type of engagement compared to the passive play style of slots.

Examples of Famous Games:

  • Blackjack Pro by NetEnt
  • European by Spinomenal
  • Baccarat by Pragmatic Play

2 - Lottery and Bingo Style Games

Lottery and bingo style games offer a different type of excitement compared to slot machines, focusing on number matching and pattern completion.

Video Bingo

What is a Video Bingo ? It's a digital version of the traditional bingo game. Players purchase virtual bingo cards and watch as the numbers are randomly drawn. The objective is to match the numbers with the numbers on the bingo card. Once you complete a line of numbers on the card, you hit a win.

Video Bingo : Thunderstruck II by Neko Game
Video Bingo : Sweet Alchemy Bingo by Play'n GO

Why It Is Different from a Slot ? Video Bingo involves matching drawn numbers to those on a bingo card rather than spinning reels to land matching symbols. The game is based on the classic bingo format, providing a communal and interactive experience that is distinct from the solitary nature of slot play.

Examples of Famous Games:

  • Thunderstruck II Video Bingo by Neko Game
  • Samba Bingo by Microgaming
  • Sweet Alchemy Bingo by Play'n GO

Keno online Game

What is a Keno Online Game ? It's a lottery-style game where players select numbers from a specified range (usually 1 to 80). A random drawing selects a set of winning numbers, and players win based on how many of their selected numbers match the drawn numbers.

Online Keno : Keno Deluxe by Realistic Games
Online Keno : Firefly Keno by 1X2 Gaming

Why It Is Different from a Slot ? Unlike slot machines, Keno involves selecting numbers and waiting for a draw. The game relies on number selection and random draws, similar to a lottery. This game provides a different type of anticipation and excitement.

Examples of Famous Games:

  • Keno Deluxe by Realistic Games
  • Firefly Keno by 1x2 Gaming
  • Keno by Play'nGO

Slingo

What is Slingo game ? It's combines the thrills of slots and the excitent of bingo. Players spin reels to generate numbers that fill in a bingo card. The objective is to complete lines, patterns, or a full house on the bingo card. Slingo games often include special symbols and bonus rounds, adding an extra layer of excitement.

Slingo Riches by Slingo Originals
Slingo Rainbow Riches by Slingo Originals and SG Digital

Why It Is Different from a Slot ? Slingo combines elements of both slots and bingo, making it unique. While it involves spinning reels, the goal is to complete a bingo card. This introduces a different gameplay dynamic compared to traditional slots.

Examples of Famous Games:

  • Slingo Riches by Slingo Originals
  • Slingo Extreme by Slingo Originals
  • Slingo Rainbow Riches by Slingo Originals and SG Digital

3 - Instant Win Games

Instant win games provide immediate gratification by allowing players to discover the results instantly. This offers a different kind of thrill compared to regular slot games.

Virtual Scratch Cards

What are Virtual Scratch Cards ? These are digital versions of the traditional scratch-off lottery tickets. Players use a mouse or touchscreen to "scratch" the card and reveal symbols or numbers. Prizes are awarded based on matching specific symbols or numbers as outlined in the game rules.

Scratch Card : Merlin's Millions Scratch by NextGen Gaming
Avalon Scratch by Microgaming

Why It Is Different from a Slot ? Virtual Scratch Cards doesnt have the spinning reels. Players are required to "scratch" areas on a digital card to reveal hidden symbols. This process mimics the physical scratch cards and provides an instant outcome, whereas slot machines involve anticipation through the spinning reesls.

Examples of Famous Games:

  • Merlin's Millions Scratch by NextGen Gaming
  • Foxin' Wins Scratch by NextGen Gaming
  • Avalon Scratch by Microgaming

4 - Arcade and Skill-based Games

Arcade and skill-based games blend elements of chance with skill. These casino game provide a more interactive and engaging experience compared to traditional slots.

Arcade-style Gambling Games

What are Arcade-style games ? incorporates chance and skill, with interactive and engaging gameplay. These games can include shooting targets, spinning wheels, or playing simple puzzles. Players' success can depend both on their ability to perform specific actions and on random outcomes.

Arcade Gambling : Pinball Roulette by PlayTech
Arcade Gambling : Wheel of Fortune: Winning Words by IGT

Why It Is Different from a Slot ? Slot machines rely entirely on a random number generators to determine the outcome, while arcade-style games require players to actively participate and use skill to influence the results. This interactive component also makes the games stand out from the passive gameplay of slots.

Examples of Famous Games:

  • Pinball Roulette by PlayTech
  • Wheel of Fortune: Winning Words by IGT

Fish Hunter Games

What is a Fish Hunter game ? These games have underwater themes and players use a virtual joystick or touch play to shoot fish or other sea creatures. Players earn points or credits based on the sizes of the targets. The goal is to accumulate as many points or credits as possible within a given time frame or number of shots.

Fish Catch by Realtime Gaming (RTG)
Fishermen Gold by Simple Play

Why It Is Different from a Slot ? Fish Hunter games differ in their gameplay mechanics. Instead of spinning reels, players actively aim and shoot moving targets. This requires skill and precision, making the outcome partially dependent on the player's actions rather than purely on chance. The interactive and skill-based nature of these games provides a unique and engaging alternative to traditional slots.

Examples of Famous Online Games:

  • Fish Catch by Realtime Gaming (RTG)
  • Fishermen Gold by Simple Play

5 - Virtual Sports and Racing Games

Virtual sports and racing games offer an exciting and immersive experience by simulating real-world sports events and races, with outcomes determined by random number generators.

Virtual Horse Racing and Sports Betting

What is virtual horse racing and sports betting ? These games are digital simulations of horse races or other sports events, like soccer, basketball, or greyhound racing. These games feature realistic graphics and animations to create an engaging experience. Players can place bets on the outcomes of these virtual sport event. The outcome is detemined by a random number generators, which is the same technology that slots use, this randomizes the results, ensuring fairness.

Virtual Sport : Horse Racing by Vela Gaming
Virtual Sport : Virtual Football Pro by 1X2 Gaming

Why It Is Different from a Slot ? Virtual sports and racing games simulate real sports events rather than featuring reels and symbols. The excitement comes from watching the animated events unfold and anticipating the outcome, similar to betting on live sports. This creates a more dynamic and engaging experience compared to the passive nature of slot gameplay. It also allows sports enthusiasts to bet on sport events at any time of day.

Examples of Famous Games:

  • Horse Racing by Vela Gaming
  • Virtual Football Pro by 1X2 Gaming
  • Virtual Dog Racing by Playtech

6 - Crash and Multiplier Games

Crash and multiplier games introduce a unique gambling experience, focusing on the suspense of increasing multipliers and the strategic decision of when to cash out.

Crash Games

What are Crash Games ? These are a type of game where players place bets on a multiplier that continuously increases. The objective is to cash out before the multiplier "crashes" to secure winnings. If the player fails to cash out in time, they lose their bet. The crash point is determined randomly, adding an element of unpredictability and excitement.

Crash Game  : Aviator by Spribe
Crash Game : Stake Crash Game

Why It Is Different from a Slot ? Crash games differ from slot machines in their core mechanics and gameplay. While slots involve spinning reels and matching symbols, the crash games center around a growing multiplier that can end at any moment. The primary strategy in crash games is deciding the optimal moment to cash out, balancing the potential for higher rewards with the risk of losing everything. This makes crash games more interactive and decision-driven compared to the passive nature of slot play.

Examples of Famous Games:

  • Aviator by Spribe
  • Bustabit by independent developers
  • Crash by Stake.com

Our opinion on slot variants

The world of gambling offers a vast array of experiences beyond the traditional slot games, each bringing its own unique blend of excitement, strategy, and entertainment. From the strategic plays of video poker and virtual table games to the instant gratification of virtual scratch cards, and from the interactive engagement of arcade and skill-based games to the immersive thrill of virtual sports and racing games. Crash and multiplier Games add another layer of excitement, testing players' nerve and timing. Needless to say, there's something for every type of player.
Understanding these game variants can enhance your gambling experience by helping you choose games that best match your interests and style. Whether you're drawn to the skill-based elements , the strategic depth, or the suspenseful nature of games, the diverse landscape of gambling machines offers endless possibilities for fun and potential rewards.

Author

Phoebe Greenwood

Content Writer