Classic Slots with Modern Features or Old-Style Gameplay – Still a popular niche!

Classic slots are still in fashion, so we look at some top-performing titles and 2 modern retakes of the classic slot with bonus features! (Photo by Louise Tollisen on Unsplash)

From the day of the one-armed bandits, slot machines have continued to improve with innovation and technology.

However, that doesn’t mean that the one-armed bandit has disappeared from existence. They are still here, and some of the new 3-reel classic slot layouts come with modern gameplay and features.

‘3 reels, old style features, cherries, sevens, bells and fruits as well as the single pay line and mixed symbol wins are still all very much part of the slots world.’

Can you imagine what it was like during the days of the one-armed bandits? It must have been unimaginable that they would eventually become 5- and 5-reel slots with 100 pay lines, ways to win, cluster pays and Megaways.

They certainly could not have foreseen humankind playing online slots on a computer over the internet on a handheld device with 3D graphics and features that almost jump out the screen. And we still haven’t fully opened up the realms of virtual reality slot rooms.

For the one-armed bandit players of the past, imagining a slot played on a handheld device in the palm of your hand is the same as us, the people of today, wondering whether future generations of humankind will eventually inhabit other planets with trade routes between them in the same style as the fantasy world of Star Wars.

Either way, the classic slots have survived the cut for the most part. Although the mechanical versions are almost obsolete, video slot versions of classic slots are still alive and well in live casinos, bars, gambling clubs and online. These video slot machines are now the closest we can get to the days of the one-armed bandits. As for actual one-armed bandits, there are still a few virtual versions out there and in the live establishments, there are some slots with the handle built in for effects—nonetheless, classic slot machines, their replacement, still run with the same concept.

Slot designers have never fully let go of the past. On the one hand, they still realise a huge market for slot players who want to play a simpler slot machine without all the bonus round features, flashing animation and multiple lines to wager. On the other hand, there are still those looking for 3-reel play but with modern features.

Why are the 3-Reel Classics Still a Highlight of Online Casino Gaming?

A large segment of the slot market can ignore classic slots. This is usually those from more recent generations that have grown up with technology.

However, there are a few who see the benefits of using casino bonus codes for selected classic slots. Once they discover the low variance of the classic versions and the fact that there is still cash to win, they usually revisit these slots in between playing the newer 5 reel versions. One of the reasons is because although combination pay outs are generally quite low, classic slots pay often!

Some of these slots come with just a single pay line on a 3×3 slot layout, while others can have 3 and up to 9 pay lines.

What is low variance: Slots that pay out small amounts but often. There is an excellent guide covering variance/volatility on slot machines in our ‘Variance in Slot Machines‘ guide.

Classic 3-Reels

• Famous for low variance/volatility
• Regualar combination hit rates / Low payouts

Fast Spinning Reels – Fast Results!

3 reel classic slots are very fast indeed. The reels spin quickly, and results are pumped out almost immediately. There is no waiting around on these machines, especially if you play online. Admittedly, the live versions can be a little slower, but by and large, the majority of classic slots churn out far more spins per day than the 5 reel modern slots.

Some players enjoy the buzz of quick spins and understand that if they hit the game at the right time, the chances are that when symbols roll in, they will not be often, but when they come, the returns are well worth the wait.

Serious slot players love the classic slots because they can run through their variation quicker and pump out more wins per hour with the simplicity of the way classic slots work with win percentages. Variation is an important part of any slot players game, at least for slot players that prefer to play with a strategy and build a bankroll – semi-pro and pro slot players that is.

Pros & Cons of Classic Slots

Some of the Latest Classic Slots

There are still slot developers producing classic slots. BetSoft and BGaming have both recently released 3×3 reel games over the past couple of years. Generally you will not find them as part of bonus deals. Probably because the online casinos want to offer players something more extravagant. However, don’t be too hasty to dismiss this point because classic slots are still available for bonus bets.

The most noticeable difference from the old-style classic slots is these version come with high volatility. However, they also come with the chance to land big wins!

Casinos with Fire Joker Bonuses: GGbet Casino and LVBet Casino both use the Fire Joker online slot as part of their no deposit bonus offers, which you will find on the ‘Online Casinos with Free Spins Sign Up Bonus No Deposit Deals’ section on our Freespins NDB bonuses lists. Also, All Right Casino gives Fire Joker free spins with its welcome bonus.

Modern Classic Slots with Features Added

With the 3×3 reel classic slot layout still popular, some online slot developers have decided to bring the ‘classic’ into the ‘modern’ era.

One such game developer that has taken this approach is Play’n GO with its Charlie Chance in Hell to Pay and Fire Joker online slot titles. Both are popular, and you’ll also find that Fire Joker is often used in no deposit bonus and welcome bonus offers. And even if these slots are not part of a free spins bonus, you can always bet on them using bonus money. That is of course if you are bonus hunter!

Charlie Chance Hell To Pay by Play’n GO

• Mechanics: 3×3 Reels
• Pay Lines: 5
• Volatility: Medium
• Theoretical RTP: 94.79% to 96.23%
• Hit Rate: 6 out of 10 (Play’n GO Rating)
• Max Win: 6,666x
• Released: 21 May 2020

Gift Rush by BGaming

• Mechanics: 3×3 Reels
• Pay Lines: 5
• Volatility: Medium
• Theoretical RTP: 96.07%
• Hit Rate: 12.28 (BGaming rating)
• Max Win: 559x
• Released: 1 December 2022

Fire Joker by Play’n GO

• Mechanics: 3×3 Reels
• Pay Lines: 5
• Volatility: Medium
• Theoretical RTP: 96.15%
• Hit Rate: N/A
• Max Win: 800x
• Released: 14 June 2016

Want to play classic slots using bonus money? The lists of welcome bonus deposit deals here gives you a handful of online casinos accompanied by a review so you can check out the casino itself. Also, one of the columns in the list gives you the current bonuses available at that casino.