Most of the slot machines that can be found both online and off are 5 reel slots. However, you can still find the older style 3 reel slots in many places. They play quite the same and few differences, but the differences they do have are worth noting. And considering some are misinformed on these nuances between the two, it’s more important than ever to note these differences.

5 Reels are Harder to Hit
Many feel that a slot with 5 reels is harder to hit a win due to having more reels. The truth is that a 5 reel slot is actually easier to make a winning combination. A 5 reel slot will have many more pay lines and ways to make a winning spin. This makes them easier to make a winning spin versus a 3 reel slot.
3 Reels Pay Out More
Another common misconception about 3 reel slots is that they pay out more. Both a 5 reel and 3 reel slot machines will pay out the same exact amount of the time. Today’s technology uses the most sophisticated random number generators to ensure that all slots pay out in a random fashion. It does not matter if a slot has 3. 5 or 20 reels, the random number generator installed in the slot machine will pay out the same exact amount of the time.
Max Coins
Many of the 3 reel slots only have the option to play a single coin. The 5 reel slots will likely allow you to play more than one coin at a time. There are no real advantages to this except with a 5 reel slot; playing more coins at once obviously lets you win more money. Often times you must play the max number of coins to hit the bonus or jackpot.
Choosing to play a 5 reel or 3 reel slots is mainly a preference decision. However, there are a few benefits to playing a 5 reel slot. And, 3 reel slots are becoming harder to find. If you had the option I would go with 5 reels since the possibilities of winning are higher.