Play 3 reel slot games

3 reel slot games are some of the simplest you’ll spot in LeoVegas casino – but that doesn’t make them any less playable! These fruit machine-inspired slots are popular with players looking for no-frills gameplay.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to play 3 reel slots, how they work, and some of the most popular games of this type.

What are 3 reel slots?

3 reel slot games are based on classic slot machines that you can still find in some land-based casinos and amusement arcades. As the name suggests, they have three spinning reels with a maximum of five paylines.

Unlike 5 reel slot games, these slots tend to focus on prizes you can get from matching symbols across the centre line and around. You’ll usually see classic symbols such as lucky 7s, bells, cherries and BARs – they’re designed to offer little distraction while still providing straightforward, classic gameplay.

How 3 reel slot games work

These games start when all three vertical reels are spun, and then settle to reveal a symbol combination. You’ll need to match three symbols on a payline to win a prize, and these prizes vary depending on the game’s paytable.

When comparing 3-reel vs 5-reel slots, one of the biggest differences you’ll see is a lack of bonus features. That said, there are some 3 reel games that have bonuses and extra twists, such as wild symbols or line multipliers. Like some traditional fruit machines, you might find a ‘nudge’ or ‘respin’ feature.

These games tend to appeal to players who want to make small bets – the limited number of paylines and basic setup usually makes for low-stakes betting.

Top 3 reel slot games to play

LeoVegas is proud to host some of the best 3 reel online slots around – here’s just a sample of what you can expect:

• Ultra Hold and Spin: This Pragmatic Play title, which has a strong RTP - higher than average (%), is a fast-paced fruit machine with a hidden hold and respins bonus. You’ll need to land at least three money symbols in the middle of the grid to unlock it! This fiery, mid-volatility game keeps things simple while appealing to many players with a bold central twist.

• Fire Joker: Keeping it fiery, this Play’n GO game is another mid-volatility title with three paylines and a max win of 800x available. Its hidden twist is its respins feature that launches when you stack the reels without a win. There’s also a wheel of multipliers that activates when you land at least five scatter symbols. It has an RTP of over 96%, meaning that it’s accessible to most players.

• Blue Diamond: Cooling things down slightly is Red Tiger’s Blue Diamond, a mid-high volatility game based around precious gems (and with an RTP of more than 96%). Players flock to this game for its payline locking and respins – again, a curious twist on such a simple format!

• 7s on Fire: Back to the flames again! This 3 reel slot game from Barcrest has mid-high volatility with a 1980s-style facade. Its 95% RTP means that players may need to be patient, but its super-simple setup appeals to those looking for quick gameplay with zero frills.

Why play 3 reel slots?

Slot players choose 3 reel slots because they’re some of the simplest and fastest-paced games in online gaming. Unlike bigger slots, 3 reel games have simpler rules and don’t tend to have complex features, and they’re designed perfectly for quick play on the go.

Old-school slots online also capture the nostalgia of traditional fruit machines, which appeals to many people who remember playing them in their local arcades. They’re also popular thanks to their low volatility, meaning that you can expect smaller, steadier wins over time compared to bigger slots.

Finally, many slot players choose these games because they’re easier to manage budgets around – lower stakes and less confusing gameplay make for a more predictable experience.

Tips for playing 3 reel slot games

Here are a few final tips to take away and try:

• Always look carefully at 3 reel games’ paytables so that you understand what you’re playing for.
• Check out a game’s RTP (Return to Player) percentage – the higher the number, the more likely you are to get regular prizes.
• Prioritise games with extra twists such as multipliers or wild symbols that freshen up the format.
• Carefully manage your budget – even though these games are lower stakes than most, you should still keep a close eye on what you spend and how long you play for.
• Don’t go into any 3 reel slot games expecting lots of features, free spins and big prizes.