5-Reel Online Slots

One of an online slot's most common features is the five reel slots design. 5 reel slot games are what they say on the tin. They are slot games that get played across five reels. The only variation is the number of rows, which usually feature three. Just because they are common does not mean that 5 reel slot games are tedious. On the contrary, the more reels in play, the more fun you will have when playing online slots.

What is a 5-Reel Slot Machine?

5-reel slot machines have five vertical columns that generally display 15 to 20 symbols per spin. This format has become the standard for modern slots, as it offers more winning combinations, a greater number of paylines, and a more varied gaming experience than classic 3-reel machines.

Do 5 Reels Change the Number of Paylines and Combinations?

Yes, this is one of the main differences between a 3-reel slot and a 5-reel slot.
With 5 columns, the number of paylines explodes: from 1 to 9 lines (classic format) to 20, 25, 40 or even 100 fixed lines on modern machines.

But the most striking evolution is the introduction of the so-called “ways to win” formats:

• A 5-reel slot with 243 ways allows you to win as long as a combination appears on adjacent reels, without having to follow a strict payline.
• Some games go even further (1024 or 4096 ways), but the 5-reel format is the basis of this system.
  

Direct consequences:

• Players get many more potential combinations on every spin.
• Bets become more flexible: either wager on all lines to maximise chances, or lower the cost by activating fewer lines.
• The 5-reel structure also allows for a better balance of payouts: frequent small wins + rarer but more lucrative combinations.
  

Why Are Progressive Jackpots Almost Always on 5 Reels?

Because this format offers the ideal structure to integrate jackpots while keeping the gameplay smooth.

With its 5 columns and numerous paylines, the slot can combine:

• progressive jackpots that grow with every bet,
• fixed jackpots (mini, minor, major, mega),
• and at the same time, classic bonuses such as free spins or multipliers.

3-reel slots are too limited to accommodate these complex mechanics, while the 5-reel format offers enough space to balance regular payouts and the growth of the jackpot.

Result:

• Almost all of the biggest online jackpots (Mega Moolah, Divine Fortune, Hall of Gods) use a 5-reel format.
  
• It is therefore the preferred ground for players seeking massive wins, with sometimes modest bets leading to millions.
  

Do 5 Reels Influence Volatility and RTP?

5 reels do not mechanically increase the RTP (which depends primarily on the settings chosen by the developer), but they provide much more design flexibility, which indirectly influences player experience:

• Volatility: with more symbols and paylines, developers can better balance the frequency and size of wins.
  • On a 3-reel slot, combinations are limited, often leading to either low volatility (small frequent wins) or the opposite (rare but big wins).
  • On a 5-reel slot, the variety of lines and symbols allows for much more nuanced volatility profiles: low (Starburst), medium (Wolf Gold), or high (Book of Dead).
    
• RTP: having 5 reels does not guarantee a higher RTP, but this format makes it easier to integrate complex bonuses (free spins, multipliers, jackpots). These mechanics can slightly reduce the theoretical return-to-player rate (e.g. 96.2% instead of 97%), because part of the return is “reserved” to fund bonuses and jackpots.
  

In summary:

• 5 reels do not directly change RTP, but they allow for richer variations in volatility and greater adaptability to player profiles (casual vs. high rollers).

Do 5 Reels Improve the Gaming Experience?

Yes, 5 reels marked the transition from classic machines to full-fledged video games.
The extra space allows developers to create deeper and more immersive slots, with:

• scripted themes (adventures, mythology, exploration),
• smooth and cinematic animations impossible on a simple 3-reel,
• interactive mechanics such as cascading symbols, synchronised reels, or integrated mini-games.
  

In practice, the 5-reel format has transformed slot machines into an experience close to a video game, blending graphics, storytelling and rich gameplay. That’s why it has become today’s market standard, favoured by the majority of players.

Comparison: 3 Reels vs 5 Reels

Popular Examples of 5-Reel Slots

• Book of Dead (Play’n GO) – Cult slot with high volatility and Egyptian theme.
• Starburst (NetEnt) – 5 reels, low volatility, frequent wins.
• Gonzo’s Quest (NetEnt) – Avalanche system and multipliers.
• Big Bass Bonanza (Pragmatic Play) – Free spins bonus and fish collection feature.
• Legacy of Dead (Play’n GO) – A modernised version of the classic “Book” slots.

Our Advice on 5-Reel Slots

5-reel slots are the modern standard, offering more paylines, richer themes, and exciting features like free spins, multipliers, and progressive jackpots. They suit every type of player, from casuals to high rollers, thanks to their variety in volatility and style. For the best experience, explore popular titles such as Book of Dead, Starburst, or Gonzo’s Quest, and always manage your bankroll wisely.