When online pokies first made their appearance, they sported the traditional three fruit symbol reels. Since then newer pokies feature 5 reels, and are a lot more popular with players due to the increased winning combination possibilities. Understanding the important rules and differences between the five reel and three reel pokie, can help you decide which one will best suit your gaming needs, and optimise your potential of winning at either:5 & 3 Reels Pokies Offered at These Casinos
| RANK | CASINO | SOFTWARE | PAYOUT* | WELCOME OFFER | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |  | Multiple | 96.85% | $6000 FREE | PLAY NOW |
| 2. |  | Multiple | 96.08% | $1500 + 150 FREE Spins | PLAY NOW |
| 3. |  | Multiple | 96.85% | $1000 FREE | PLAY NOW |
| 4. |  | Multiple | 96.08% | 250% + 50 FREE Spins | PLAY NOW |
| 5. |  | Microgaming | 96.08% | 200% FREE | PLAY NOW |
Paylines & Combinations
- 5 Reel Pokie:
In short, more reels = more combinations + more paylines. 5 reel pokies generally offer anything from 9 to 143 paylines, and pay out on combinations varying between two to five symbols – giving players much better odds than trying to hit a 1 in a 100,000 specific combination. This increased probability not only allows for massive jackpots to be won, but also gives the player the opportunity to win many smaller prizes as well. - 3 Reel Pokie:
The simple 3 reel design makes these pokies ideal for beginners. Yes there are fewer paylines than the 5 reel pokie, often even just one, but this makes playing the pokie all the easier to grasp. 3 Reel pokies also yield better prospects for jackpot wins.
High vs Low Volatility (Risk vs Reward)
- 5 Reel Pokie:
High risk, high reward. If you’re the “go big or go home” type of gambler that’s prepared to lay all on the line, 5 reels can make it possible for you to win a life changing sum of cash. - 3 Reel Pokie:
Low risk, smaller wins. Games have limited betting options which makes 3 reel pokies the ideal machines to learn and play “safely”, losing and winning a little as you go along. This is also perfect for the player who simply wants to enjoy the game for as long as they can, and isn’t chasing enormous wins.
Payouts & Jackpots
Five reel pokies will always generate bigger jackpots because of their wide scope for possible winning combinations. And when adding progressive jackpots to the mix, potential payout amounts become immense.
Payout percentages for both types of pokies are mostly alike, with online casinos generally offering between 96% and 98% throughout all slot titles.
The only real difference is that with 5 reel pokies the jackpot comprises a large portion of the payout, while winnings are distributed more evenly between prize levels in 3 reel pokies.
Game Quality
- 5 Reel Pokie:
5 reel pokies and the newer 5 reel video pokies combine world-class animation, graphics and sounds to create an exciting audio and visual experience. Unique features like interactive bonus rounds and thrilling progressive jackpots are what make these pokies so popular. A current trending 5 reel pokie is Cricket Star. - 3 Reel Pokie:
These pokies stay true to the traditional prototype in terms of look and feel but fresher graphics give them a slicker quality, like smooth symbol rolls and entertaining sounds. Try out Royal Vegas for a host of popular 3 reel pokies.
Game play for each pokie begins the same way; you place a bet, spin the reel and off you go. Which route you end up choosing is up to you. There are no restrictions; it all depends on the experience you’re after…
