Classic slots normally have 1, 3 or 5 paylines that a player may activate. A coin comes fixed at a specific denomination or may be changed within a small range. As a general rule, a total bet per spin may vary from a few cents to a few dozen dollars. The gaming action takes place on a single screen, with the paytable displayed near the reels.

Three-reel slots do not have many built-in features or have none at all. Some games are equipped with a wild symbol that usually creates the best paying combination if three wilds land on a payline. Besides, a wild may sometimes serve as a multiplier that increases a payout when used as a replacement for any normal symbol. In some slots produced by Microgaming, Playtech or NetEnt a player may benefit from a Respin feature that allows to give one more spin to the selected reels while keeping the other reels fixed in place.

Simple and straightforward, three-reel slot machines are an ideal choice for novices who would like to gain some practice playing for fun or with real money.