Multi-line Slots: What They Are and How to Play

Slot machines have come a long way since the single reel, single line 'one-armed bandits' . Thanks to the evolution of the online casino world, players are now given the chance to play multi-line slots. These slots are now the predominant slots used by online casinos and the reasons are easy to see. Let's take a close look…

What Are Multi-Line Slots

They are exactly what they claim to be: slots with more than one line. They'll usually come in 3 to 5 reels, with each of those reels having anywhere from 3 to 7 symbols. Where they differ from the original single line reels is that they give players multiple paylines which means more chances to win. These paylines normally run left to reft and come will run horizontally, diagonally, and even have irregular zigzag lines and some even give players wins running for right to left.

What sets these slots apart from their predecessors is the amount of paylines they have. Some of these multi-line slots have 50, 100, 200, 500, 700 or even 1,000 different combinations.

When you add in their beautifully made graphics and the multitude of themes from which players have to choose from, it's easy to see why many of today's players prefer to play multi-line slots.

Understand Bet Sizes On Multi-Line Slots

So now that we have an understanding of what they are, how can you win some money? There are two main options when betting on multi-line slots. The first is a fixed payline. This means the slot in question offers a set amount of paylines - they vary with each slot - and the player can't change the amount of paylines.

The other option players have are adjustable paylines. Now these give players the option of adjusting how many paylines there are. So say a slot offers an adjustable 25 paylines. That means the player can choose anywhere from 1 to 25 paylines.

Multi-line slots also offer different coin denominations, meaning players can adjust their bet size along with the number of paylines. The more paylines you have and the higher coin denomination you have means the higher wins you can expect. Lower coin denominations means players will see smaller wins even if they have a large amount of paylines.

Other Pluses Of Multi-Line Slots

An exciting feature that multi-line slots offer that the old school single line slots do not is the opportunity to spin into bonus rounds and free spins. Now, single line slots might offer some variation of a 'gamble' or 'double your bet' option, but when compared to what multi-line slots offer there's no contest.

With their unique design, multi-line slots offer symbols such as WILDS and SCATTERS that when spun into - typically players must spin 3 to 5 SCATTERS - trigger bonus rounds and give players free spins or fun bonus games. These bonus rounds typically come with multipliers and are usually around 10 free spins - although players can get 12, 15 or even 20. The same multi-lines that are in the base game are used for the bonus rounds, giving players a chance at some huge wins. Frankly speaking, these are options that single-line slots just can't compete with.

So Multi-Line Or Single-Line

What this question boils down to is simply the preference of the player. There are some players that prefer the look and feel of a single-line slot. It brings back memories of a time long passed. They are simple games that are easy to understand and easy to play.

Multi-line slots are completely different animal. They are flashy, loud, colorful and come with intricacies and rules that may be confusing to some players. But they offer players more chances to win and come with bigger payouts. And their bonus rounds give players even more chances to spin into wins that the single-line slots don't.

All that being said, there's no wrong answer in the type of slots you play. Single-line slots are fun and simple. You can sit back, have a drink and spin away.

But if you want to give yourself a better chance at hitting some huge payouts, then the next time you start up a session, make sure you try out some of the multi-line slots your preferred online casino offers. You won't be disappointed!