The popularity of slots is unquestionable, and slots tend to be the most played games in online casinos. This is because there is an incredible variety of slots and they can be relatively easy to play, with some offering tons of bonus features, spins, and the chance to potentially win huge jackpots. The biggest choice you have to make is if you want to play a win both ways, all ways, or 243 ways slot game.
You see, when you're playing slots, you'll find several types of slots that offer different winning mechanics. The newest generation of online slots can even offer up to 117,649 ways to win! So, let's look at the difference between these slots and their win lines in this detailed article.
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What Does Ways Mean on Slots?
Wondering ‘what are ways on slots? 'Ways' are when you take the number of unique symbol combinations on a reel grid (such as 5x3 ) and figure out the number of ways a symbol combination can land. For example, 3x3x3x3x3 = 243 ways to win. This is also referred to as all ways pay. The best part about ways to win slots is that, in some, you can match slot game symbols across the reels as long as they're adjacent to each other.
Win both ways slots can be very enticing to play. Usually, in standard slots, in order to form a winning combination, you must match a certain number of symbols on a payline, starting from left to right. However, in win both ways slots, winning combinations can be formed starting from either the left or right.
Old-school slots typically have only one payline. Now that has changed, and games have added about 3-50 more lines onto the reels. This has led to an increase in potential ways to win. The types of ways to win slots are:
- 243 ways to win
- 720 ways to win
- 1,024 ways to win
- 117,649 ways to win
What are 243 Ways Slots?
So, how can you tell if a slot is a 243 ways slot? Simple. If the slot you're playing has 5 reels and 3 symbols displayed on the reel, then it's usually a 243 ways slot. That's because, as mentioned above, 3x3x3x3x3 = 243.
These 243 ways slots have increased the number of potential winning ways compared to slots that were presented to players back in the day. Usually, in 243 ways slots a combination of 3 or more matching symbols can potentially achieve a win (provided they show up on adjacent reels, starting from the 1st reel, left to right).
The result? 243 possible winning combinations! Many reliable game providers offer 243 ways to win slots, such as Microgaming, NetEnt, Play'n GO, and more. Some of the most popular 243 ways slots are:
- Thunderstruck II
In this new version of Thunderstruck, the original version has been readapted to present the 243 ways win concept. Several bonus rounds and spins are up for grabs in Thunderstruck II, and this slot is mobile-friendly.
- Game of Thrones
That's right, Game of Thrones has made its way to the slots world! This is the perfect slot for Westeros buffs, and it's a Microgaming product. Characters from the actual Game of Thrones TV show are missing in this slot, but it's still fun and exciting.
- Jurassic Park
Jurassic Park takes you on an adventure in the dinosaur kingdom, and it offers 243 ways to win. You can encounter 5 different spin features and tons of entertainment in this slot.
- Immortal Romance
Another Microgaming production, Immortal Romance, has been around since 2011 and is a favourite among countless slot enthusiasts. With different characters and storylines, this slot will take you on a unique adventure full of thrilling features and bonuses.
What Does Win Both Ways Mean on Slots?
Win both ways means what it implies - you can now form winning combinations starting from left to right and vice versa! This option wasn't available in traditional slots where payouts could only be lined up from left to right.
The introduction of win both ways slots was a game-changer, and around twice as many people started playing slots. Hence, many game developers started creating win both ways slots, and you can find tons of them available to play at regulated online casinos. These game developers even added several more symbols and features to these slots to raise the excitement to another level! Some of the best win both ways slots are:
- The Secret of Atlantis
- Toki Time
- Invisible Man
Why are Win Both Ways Slots so Popular?
Win both ways slots are so popular because some can potentially offer a higher hit frequency compared to traditional slots, as potential winning combinations can be formed starting from both the leftmost reel to the right and right to left. The hit frequency can help you judge whether a slot is worth playing or not. Plus, these types of slots are a great option for players who want something fresh in slots.
What does All Ways Mean on Slots?
All ways slots are highly popular as all you have to do in them is land the symbols on consecutive/adjacent reels, and you aren't limited to any of the fixed or adjustable win lines. Let's take a look at an example.
In an all ways slot, if you land the same symbol at the top of reel 1, the middle of reel 2, and the bottom of reel 3, you'll be entitled to a payout! Be sure to double check the slots paytable for the game rules, as these can also tell you how winning combinations can be formed.
These all ways slots generally will tell you the number of possible winning ways in the slot, e.g. 243 ways, 720 ways, and so on. This information can also be found within the paytable or game rules, so be sure to check!
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to this slot game are subject to change at any time.
