Pokie Machines 5 Reels vs 7 Reels – Which One To Play?

Most physical gaming rooms and online platforms featured 5-reel pokies, which accounted for approximately 70% of their offerings, followed by 3-reel machines at around 20%. While rarer, 7-reel and 9-reel pokies were also available, often offering progressive jackpots or unique bonus spins.

Most pokies use either 5 or 7 reels. 3-reel configurations appear mainly in classic-style games, while 9-reel layouts are rare, appearing in less than 1% of machines. I find that in SkyCity venues, approximately 85% of floor machines feature 5-reel configurations.

Features	5-Reel Machines	7-Reel Machines
Reels	5	7
Symbol	Limited variety of symbols due to fewer reels.	Expanded the number of pay lines, providing more ways to win.
Paylines	Typically offer multiple paylines, often adjustable.	RTP may vary, competing with 5-reel machines and offering fair returns to players.
Gameplay	It has simpler gameplay, which is best for beginners.	Complex gameplay, appealing to experienced players.
Bonus	Standard bonus rounds like free spins and multipliers.	More elaborate bonus features with interactive elements and higher payouts.
Risk vs. Reward	Lower risk with lower payouts.	Higher risk with larger rewards.
Availability	Available in casinos and online platforms.	Less common than 5-reel machines
Player Preferences	Preferred by beginners	Suitable for experienced players
Budget Considerations	Wide range of betting options suitable for various budgets.	Higher minimum bet requirements are suitable for high-rollers.
Volatility	Lower volatility, offering more frequent but smaller wins.	Higher volatility with fewer larger wins
RTP	High RTP ranging from 90% to 98%.	RTP may vary, competitive with 5-reel machines, offering fair returns to players.

Understanding Pokie Machines

Pokies work on a random number generator (RNG) system, ensuring each spin is independent and unpredictable.

Related read – Basic Features of Pokie Machines and How They Function

Components:

Component	Description
Reels	Cylindrical drums contain symbols that spin and determine outcomes.
Symbols	Various icons are arranged on the reels, and play a role in winning combinations.
Paylines	Patterns along which winning combinations occur, with multiple options for players to adjust.
Control Panel	Various icons are arranged on the reels and play a role in winning combinations.
Display Screen	Interface for players to adjust settings, i.e. bet size and paylines.

5 Reels Vs 7 Reels Pokies

Each type of pokie offers a unique gaming experience with specific benefits and drawbacks.

5-Reel Pokie Machines:

• 5-reel pokie machines feature five spinning reels containing various symbols.
• These machines are the most common in casinos, pubs, and online gaming platforms.

Benefits of Playing on 5-Reel Machines:

• Standard Type: 5-reel machines are available in most locations.
• Simple Game: 5-reel pokies are easy to learn and play, making them suitable for beginners and experienced players.
• Themes and Features: A wide range of themes and feature sets

In summary, 5-reel pokie machines are easily found, easy to learn and play with wide range of themes and features.

7 Reels Pokie Machine:

• 7-reel pokie machines have seven spinning reels, offering an extended gameplay experience compared to 5-reel machines.
• less common than 5-reel machines, 7-reel pokies are gaining popularity for their complexity and rewards.

Advantages of Playing on 7-Reel Machines:

• Enhanced Gameplay with Additional Reels: The extra reels provide more opportunities for creating winning combinations, adding depth and excitement to the gameplay.
• More Winning Combinations: With more reels and symbols, 7-reel machines offer more potential winning combinations, increasing the likelihood of landing a payout.
• Higher Payouts: Due to the increased number of winning combinations, 7-reel machines may offer larger payouts compared to their 5-reel counterparts, attracting players seeking bigger rewards.

7-reel pokie machines are known for increased gameplay with additional reels, increased winning combinations, and the chances for higher payouts.

Interesting read – Has 3-Reel Pokies Gone Irrelevant in Today’s Online Casinos?

How do you choose the right machine?

Here are the tips for choosing the right machine:

Tip	Description
1. Check RTP	Higher RTP means better long-term payouts. Look for machines with RTP above 95%.
2. Know Volatility	Look for volatility based on your preference. Low volatility for frequent wins. High volatility for bigger wins less often.
3. Set Budget	Stick to a budget. Only play with money you can afford to lose.
4. Check Bonus	Look for machines with bonus round. Or free spins.
5. Read Reviews	Read player reviews to know how often it pays.
6. Try Demo Versions	Test games for free to know features and learning.
7. Learn House Edge	A lower house edge means a better chance of winning. Choose lower house edge machines for better chances of winning.
8. Bet Responsibly	Place bets within your limits. Do not chase losses.
9. Study Paytable	Get familiar with the paytable. It helps to know winning combinations and payouts.

Choosing the right pokie machine involves considering your personal preferences, implementing effective bankroll management strategies, and experimenting with different machines to find the one that best suits your gaming style and goals.

Suggested read – New to Pokies? Tips to Play Online Pokies Machine

My Conclusion

Finally, choosing between 5-reel and 7-reel pokie machines is a personal decision. Some players may prefer the simplicity of 5-reel machines, while others may enjoy the complexity and potential rewards of 7-reel machines.

It’s necessary to consider game style, budget, and volatility to find the machine that best suits your preferences and objectives.

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