3-reel slot machines have made a major contribution to the democratization of land-based gaming establishments.
These creations are now present in online casinos, bringing with them a host of new features and functionalities.
In this detailed article, you’ll find everything you need to know about these 3-reel slots, which will give you an extraordinary gaming experience.
My Top 5 best 3-reel slot machines
I’m going to start by introducing you to my top 5 3-reel slots. These slots are very popular and are available at the world’s best online casinos.
You’ll have access to detailed information on the theme, how it works and the potential payoffs.
I’d like to remind you that all these online games are, of course, extremely reliable, sincethey are created by the world’s best online game providers.
Big Win Cat
Big Win Cat is undoubtedly the most popular 3-reel slot on the planet.
It was developed and published in 2017 by online games provider Play’n GO and is still among the most-played 3×3 slots today.
The main theme of this online game is Asian civilization, and the decor will take you straight into a souvenir store.
The cat will therefore be the main element of this creation, as it serves as a wild, meaning that it has the ability to replace all other symbols.
The main aim of this slot machine is to make connections of 3 identical symbols on the 5 paylines provided.
If you fill 2 columns with the same symbol, the third reel is re-spun. If you get a full screen, you can multiply your winnings by 2, 3, 4, 5 or 10.
| Games supplier | Play’n GO |
| Max Win | 800x |
| Payment lines | 5 |
| Number of rollers | 3 |
| RTP | 96,15% |
Fire Joker Freeze
The Fire Joker Freeze slot has truly revolutionized the world of online casinos and 3-reel slots.
This creation is also to the credit of exceptional supplier Play’n GO, and follows on from Fire Joker, released in 2016.
I really like this online game, which features magnificent graphics accompanied by a dynamic, catchy background sound.
This slot works in much the same way as Big Win Cat, with 5 paylines on which you’ll have to manage to get connections to realize wins.
A wild, represented by the joker, can appear on any reel. On a non-winning spin, if a column is filled with wilds you’ll receive a re-spin.
Similarly, if two reels are occupied by the same symbol, the third column will be retriggered.
If a full screen occurs, you can multiply your winnings by 20 thanks to a multiplier wheel and hope to win up to 1,000x the starting stake.
| Games supplier | Play’n GO |
| Max Win | 1 000x |
| Payment lines | 5 |
| Number of rollers | 3 |
| RTP | 96,18% |
Triple Tigers
Triple Tigers is certainly the easiest slot to understand in the online casino world.
This online game has been designed by Pragmatic Play, a cult provider of 5-reel slots.
This manufacturer decided to innovate, and the result is quite striking. The principle is easy to master, since there is only one payment line.
The aim of this online game is to make a connection with 3 identical symbols in the middle of the playing area.
There are no special features, which reminded me of the 3-reel slot machines usually found in land-based casinos.
This Asian-flavored slot allows you to win up to 500 times the starting stake by connecting the best symbol, represented by the golden tigers.
| Games supplier | Pragmatic Play |
| Max Win | 500x |
| Payment lines | 1 |
| Number of rollers | 3 |
| RTP | 97,52% |
Break Bones
Break Bones is a 3-reel slot machine developed and released by online gaming supplier Hacksaw Gaming.
This provider produces superb slot machines of this kind, with extremely high-quality graphics and particularly high payout potential.
The principle of this online game is to make connections of 3 identical symbols on the 17 paylines provided for this purpose.
This means that it will be much easier to connect to this slot machine than to those mentioned so far.
Wilds can appear at any time and can be accompanied by multipliers, ranging from 2x to 100x, to increase connections and winnings.
When a hand appears, a re-spin occurs and any wilds that appear at the same time are retained, as are any symbols that have connected.
You’ll be able to access a bonus that grants 10 free spins and makes more hands appear. It’s possible to win up to 3,333x the initial bet on Break Bones.
| Games supplier | Hacksaw Gaming |
| Max Win | 3 333x |
| Payment lines | 17 |
| Number of rollers | 3 |
| RTP | 96,22% |
Fruit Duel
The latest creation in my top 5 of 3-reel slot machines is once again the work of provider Hacksaw Gaming.
This online game is called Fruit Duel, and you can try your luck at this slot with access to all the world’s top online casinos.
The world of fruit is highlighted in this creation. The symbols are strawberries, cherries, bananas, apples, oranges, grapes, lemons and blueberries.
You’ll need to connect them on all 17 paylines of this online game to have the chance to win.
VS symbols can appear on all reels. They serve as wilds and will spread over the entire column, with a multiplier between 2x and 100x.
You can access a bonus feature by paying 80x the bet or getting 3 scatters. It’s also possible to pay 10x the bet to get a VS symbol on each spin.
| Games supplier | Hacksaw Gaming |
| Max Win | 3 333x |
| Payment lines | 17 |
| Number of rollers | 3 |
| RTP | 96,30% |
What is a 3-reel slot machine?
A 3-reel slot contains 3 different columns. The symbols are placed in these vertical rows.
This is undoubtedly one of the industry’s best-known formats, having contributed greatly to the democratization of land-based casinos.
For some years now, these types of games have been available on the world’s best-known virtual establishments.
I particularly like this type of slot machine, since it’s easy to understand, thanks to a simple principle and fairly basic functions.
The aim of these creations is to make connections of 3 identical symbols on the paylines provided.
In some cases, there may be just one connecting line. On most 3-reel slots, there are 3 or 5 paylines, although this number can also be higher.
Slot machines with 3 reels are perfect for players taking their first steps into the world of online casinos.
How do 3-reel slot machines work?
It’s easy to understand how a 3-reel slot machine works, which goes some way to explaining the popularity of this type of game.
When you launch a spin, the 3 reels will activate and symbols will appear at random.
The aim of the game is to see identical symbol connections appear on the provider’s predefined paylines in order to realize winnings.
At the bottom of the playing area, you can set the starting stake, as well as the number of rounds you wish to throw consecutively.
You’ll also find information on the slot machine in question, including symbols, paylines and features.
My Top 5 online casinos for 3-reel slots
Many online casinos allow their players to play the world’s best 3-reel slot machines.
Below, I’m going to introduce you to 5 exceptional gaming establishments that offer the chance to try your luck on these types of creations.
Naturally, these virtual platforms are reliable, secure and offer attractive welcome bonuses.
Cloverspin
Having tested this online casino on numerous occasions, I can tell you that Cloverspin is the perfect place to play 3-reel slots.
This high-end establishment offers numerous slots of this kind, but also table games, live games and original games.
I loved the interface, which is perfectly optimized for computers, mobiles and touch-screen tablets.
Cloverspin’s focus on Irish culture sets the platform apart from the competition, thanks to its graphics.
You’ll be able to activate Cloverspin’s fantastic welcome bonus, which offers the possibility of a boosted balance and free spins, as shown below:
- +100% up to €1,000 + 50 free spins
Millionz
Millionz is one of the best online casinos for playing 3-reel slots. You’ll have access to dozens of online games in this format.
Simple and effective, this platform, which has been on the market since 2021, relies on a sober, uncluttered home page that provides easy access to all categories.
I really liked the Promotions section, where you can find all the regular offers, such as Maldives Tuesday or Happy Hour.
You’re sure to be impressed by the ease with which you can carry out transactions, and by the many payment methods available for deposits and withdrawals.
You can use credit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets and even crypto-currencies, which are attracting a huge number of players.
I’ve negotiated an exceptional welcome bonus especially for you. By clicking on my link, you can enjoy the following benefits:
- 100% up to €1,000 + 50 free spins
Gamdom
If you’d like to try your luck on some top-notch 3-reel slots, I invite you to create an account at Gamdom.
This gaming establishment sets itself apart from other platforms by offering several thousand online games, and a formidable sports betting section.
You’ll be able to try out iconic slots and futuristic live games, as well as betting on the most popular sports, such as soccer and tennis.
Specializing in crypto-currency, this online casino allows you to deposit and withdraw much larger sums than its direct competitors.
The exclusive welcome bonus I’m allowing you to activate is the perfect example of Gamdom’s excessiveness:
- +100% up to €10,000
After passing through my link, you’ll need to send the code “WillWin 100% deposit bonus” and your player ID by e-mail to promotion@gamdom.com.
Please go to gamdom.com/support or gamdom.com/profile to obtain your player login.
NovaJackpot
Would you like to try your luck on a site with lots of 3-reel slot machines? I urge you to create a NovaJackpot account.
Registration is particularly quick, since filling in the form takes just a few seconds.
Original and complete, this top-of-the-range establishment is distinguished by a highly successful visual design, with violet tones that give a real impression of luxury.
More than 4,000 online games are waiting for you in this games catalog. You’ll also have access to a particularly well-stocked Sports section.
NovaJackpot’s VIP program is a model of its kind. It offers higher withdrawal limits, exclusive promotions, cashback and a personalized advisor.
You will find below the details of the welcome bonus of this online casino, which also contains many other promotions:
- 100% up to €500 + 200 free spins
RubyVegas
For 3-reel slot machines, there’s no better place than RubyVegas.
This platform is very popular with players and takes you on an exceptional journey to Las Vegas, the gambling capital of the world.
Modern and innovative, this virtual platform contains just over 5,000 online games, meaning you can play the world’s best slots, live games and mini-games.
The industry’s most popular online gaming providers are available on RubyVegas, with the presence of Play’n GO, Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming and Hacksaw.
Site security is optimal. This is ensured by the presence of a valid gaming license issued by Antillephone, an organization working on behalf of the Curaçao government.
Here are the details of RubyVegas’ welcome offer, which gives players a boosted balance on their first 3 deposits:
- 1st deposit: 100% up to €500 + 100 free spins on Big Bass Bonanza
- 2nd deposit: 100% up to €500 + 100 free spins on Zeus vs Hades
- 3rd deposit: 100% up to €1,000
The best 3-reel slot providers
Several online game providers have capitalized on the popularity of 3-reel slots to make them their specialty.
So, in the following paragraphs, I’m going to tell you about these exceptional providers, who are among the most popular manufacturers in this industry.
Play’n GO
Online gaming provider Play’n GO was one of the first providers to bring 3-reel slot machines to virtual casinos.
An active player in the industry, this exceptional creator has brought slots such as Big Win Cat and Fire Joker Freeze to life.
Pragmatic Play
Pragmatic Play is the world’s best-known supplier of slot machines. It offers a new quality creation every week, and its slots are always exceptional.
Although it specializes in 5-reel creations, this provider also offers a variety of 3-reel slots such as Triple Tigers.
Hacksaw Gaming
Hacksaw Gaming is my favorite online gaming provider for playing 3-reel slots.
This provider boasts well-designed backgrounds, a lively soundtrack, multiple functionalities and the option of purchasing bonuses, just like Break Bones or Fruit Duel.
The different types of 3-reel slot machines
The reason why 3-reel slots are so popular is that they’re easy to understand, and the features are often similar from one slot to the next.
However, these creations come in a number of different forms, offering a variety of pleasures. Below you’ll find some of the world’s best-known 3-reel slot genres.
Slot machines with 5 paylines
Slot machines with 5 paylines are the best-known 3-reel creations on the planet.
They feature 3 columns of 3 symbols, and the connecting lines are horizontal and diagonal.
It’s easy to understand, since all you have to do is connect 3 identical symbols from left to right to win.
In general, the features of these slots are fairly sparse, but feature a wild symbol that can facilitate connections and winnings by replacing other symbols.
Online casinos offer many slot machines of this type. I suggest you try Big Win Cat or Fire Joker Freeze to take advantage of these features.
Slots with 17 paylines
My favorite 3-reel slots are certainly those featuring a total of 17 paylines.
This number of ways is particularly high, making it much easier to create connections.
Even if the symbol payout is much less interesting, I still prefer this type of online game, since it usually features a bonus.
This is true of the Break Bones and Fruit Duel slots, which even offer the possibility of purchasing free spins by paying 80 times the initial stake.
What’s more, the payout potential of the 17-payline, 3-reel slots is very attractive, with the slots mentioned below offering up to 3,333x the bet.
Bandit Manchot slot machines
Bandit Manchot slot machines were the first 3-reel creations to be marketed in the history of the casino.
They were first popularized by land-based gaming establishments, before being gradually added to online gaming platforms.
They contain onlyone payment line, which meansit will be much more difficult to make connections.
On the other hand, the winnings are much higher if you succeed. Even if the features are very rare, these slots can still allow you to win some very nice sums.
I invite you to try Triple Tigers, Pragmatic Play’s 3-reel slot featuring a single payline, but with 500 times the ante on every spin.
3-reel slot machine features
The 3-reel slot machines are packed with features to add variety and appeal.
Find out more about these features below, which will considerably enhance your gaming experience.
Bonus Wheel
Bonus wheels are quite common on 3-reel slot machines. They allow access to a wheel, which offers the possibility of increasing previous winnings.
There are several ways to unlock this feature. You can obtain this mini-bonus by making a full screen.
On other designs, a specific symbol is used to access this famous wheel, which is generally the most important feature.
It contains multipliers, which act on the sums won in the previous game round.
You’ll be able to access a wheel on the Big Win Cat slot machine, which is undoubtedly the world’s best-known 3-reel slot.
Gamble bonuses
Gamble bonuses are very popular in the casino world. Usually found in land-based establishments, they are now available on many virtual slots.
The reason this type of feature is so popular with players is that the principle is easy to master.
After each win on this type of slot machine, you’ll have the chance to increase the sums won, this time taking the risk of losing it all.
You’ll have to decide whether the face-down card is red or black. If you find the right color, you’ll double your winnings.
Jackpot Bonus
Jackpot bonuses are the most interesting features for players. This mode of play can be found on many online casino slots.
Some 3-reel creations feature this jackpot function, which allows you to win colossal sums of money.
When triggered, this feature takes you to a new interface, where you can hit the jackpot.
In most cases, you’ll be presented with a course of sorts, with a sort of wheel or ladder of gains.
Of course, the chances of winning the jackpot are pretty slim, but absolutely all players can claim to walk away with the prize.
Why play 3-reel slots
I urge you to try your luck on the 3-reel slots and experience the thrill of the online casino to the full.
The main quality of these creations is that it only takes a few seconds to fully master their operation.
The graphics are also superb, covering a variety of themes such as Asian culture and the world of fruit.
The background music on the 3-reel slots is also of the highest quality, with dynamic, upbeat tunes.
You’ll also appreciate the speed with which the game rounds follow one another, and the payout potential, which is generally very attractive despite the low number of features.
3-reel slots VS 5-reel slots
| Comparison | Benefits | Disadvantages |
| 3-reel slot machines | Easy-to-understand operation Higher-paying connections Vintage creations Slots perfect for new players | No features Lower maximum gain |
| 5-reel slot machines | More payment lines Wider choice Higher-quality creations Higher earning potential | Slots difficult to understand Rarer connections |
My tips for 3-reel slot machines
My experience in the online casino world has enabled me to develop some practical skills to optimize my chances of winning.
So I’ve decided to offer you a number of practical tips in the following paragraphs , which are sure to help you get the most out of your game.
Setting a game session limit
To maximize your chances of winning, I encourage you to set limits before starting a session at an online casino.
This advice applies not only to 3-reel slot machines, but also to all other creations found on gaming establishments.
So it might be a good idea to draw up a budget beforehand and stick to it, whatever the outcome of the session.
This allows you to play only the money you can afford to lose. Keep in mind that the casino is always a winner in the long run, and that it’s all about entertainment.
The vast majority of virtual platforms also allow you to set daily, weekly or monthly deposit limits.
Play in demo mode
I’d also advise you to try out the slot machines in demo mode before taking the plunge and playing for real money.
At the best online casinos, most slots can be tried out completely free of charge.
I really like this feature, which allows you to play just for fun, but also to understand the principle of a creation without having to deposit any money.
You’ll receive a very large notional balance, giving you access to all available features.
To play a 3-reel slot machine completely free of charge, simply access the game of your choice and click on Demo Mode.
Search for games with high RTP
To maximize your chances of winning, I usually try my luck with online games that have a fairly high RTP.
The payout ratio is an indicator that measures how much money a player will theoretically get back over the long term.
This percentage is defined in advance by the provider and is calculated after millions of game rounds.
The closer the RTP is to 100%, the more likely you are to get your money back. The average payout rate for online casino creations is 96%.
I recommend playing Pragmatic Play’s Triple Tigers slot, which boasts a very attractive RTP of 97.52%.
