While the majority of online slots found today are classic 3-reel games or more common 5-reelers, there are a handful of slots that throw tradition in the bin.
With technology advancing and software able to handle more complex algorithms, several 7-reel (yes, SEVEN) games are beginning to appear.
With seven reels there are more ways to win, making the games appealing to low-variance gamblers who enjoy lots of small wins. Of course, with seven reels the chance for more losing bets is there too.
7-reel slots are video slots that consist of seven vertical reels packed with 20-50 symbols each. Winning combinations pay out depending on which payline they land on. And, just as with 5-reel slots, Wilds and Scatters can add to the regular base game wins if they help form winners.
As of 2015, there are no progressive jackpot slots that carry 7 reels, but with technologies advancing all the time, look out for new games in the coming years. But if you're a stickler for stacked reels and/or multiple paylines, 7-reel slots can prove a distracting alternative to the more common 5-reel, win-both-ways slots.
If you're looking for 7-reel online slots, you might be hunting for a while. Having said that, leading developers like Cryptologic and RTG (Real-Time Gaming) do offer a smattering of 7-reel games.
RTG's unique I.R.I.S. 3000 slot only has one payline across its 7 reels, with players choosing between 1 and 3 coins per spin.
Essentially, the game features closed 'doors' rather than symbols. Click on five doors to reveal a winning (or losing) combination.
Meanwhile, WGS Technology's Lucky 7s (not to be confused with Cryptologic's own Lucky 7s) slot features seven reels packed with classic symbols like cherries, red 7s and bags of cash. There are only 7 paylines (hence the name) but a jackpot of 2,500 coins makes the game worth playing for casual gamblers.
Finally, Vegas Technology's Farming Futures slot - another basic-looking game with simple graphics and gameplay - features coin bets from £0.01 to £10, and up to 9 paylines.
As with Lucky 7s, a jackpot of 2,500 coins is available if you land 7 winning top jackpot symbols on a payline, but small wins can be bagged for just three symbols in a row.
There are thousands of 5-reel slots available in 2015. And while there are numerous variants available such as IGT's Multi-way honeycomb slots (Siberian Storm, Buffalo Spirit) or WMS's Bruce Lee game (two reels of two rows plus three standard reels), conventional 7-reel games are few and far between.
Selection is just part of the problem, however. Most 7-reel slots are pretty basic and don't come packed with much in the way of animation, and bonus rounds are thing on the ground.
Having said that, paylines are kept small and players can bag plenty of small, regular wins to keep the variance low.
Finding a 7-reel slot isn't just about picking the right casino; it's about checking the paytable to ensure you have the right payouts.
Make sure you can see the RTP (Return to Player percentage) in the Paytable or on the casino site. This will tell you what the theoretical long-term payouts are for the slot. Here you can also check the regular jackpots for hitting 7 symbols on a payline. They should be excellent if you're prepared to risk your hard-earned bankroll on the game.
Trying out 7-reel slots for free is also a great way of testing the waters before risking cash. And with so many free-to-play slots available you can always dip your toes without risking a penny.