There are nearly as many theme variations of online slot machine games as there are players. Some slot machine games, like Cinerama or Alchemist’s Lab, use colorful, animated symbols and themes to draw players in by appealing to their general interest, while others, such as Triple Profits or Wall St. Fever hint at great monetary rewards - obviously an interest common to all casino goers. Others still, such as Chinese Kitchen, Fruit Mania, or Ocean Princess are simply delightful and cheery.

When you take a tour of AceHoyle.com and try your hand at the free slots, you’re sure to find a good deal more than your old idea of slot machines. Games and their graphics and sound evolve quickly and advance regularly in order to keep players entertained. We know online slot machine games are not about skills and strategies. The fun is in the anticipation. The chance of winning, lining up before your eyes, is the reel thrill. AceHoyle.com brings you up to speed on some of the most popular slot machines. Games that have consistently remained favorites for even the most active of players are highlighted as they will likely find their way to the top of your list.

Fruit Machines

Players will encounter more than one name for the slot machine. Fruit machines, as they are also commonly called, are a veritable fixture in pubs and have established such an enormous following it’s no wonder they are a sensation in online slot machine games as well. They evoke one of the quintessential images associated with slot machines. Games featuring cherries, for instance, go way back in slots history and, as such, are iconic and have remained on the scene for years.

These machines are characteristically simple. Typically, there are three reels, though there can be more on a given slot machine. Fruit machines can sport anywhere from sixteen to two dozen fruity icons scattered among the reels. Specified combinations of fruit pay the winner.

Fruit machines are also known for triggering subgames to be played, which can often yield more rewards than the reel alignments. They also set themselves apart by generally employing rather unique “cheats” such as holds and nudges, which are aptly named. Before the initiation of the spin, players may get the chance to “hold” a selected reel or reels, preventing them from engaging in the spin. Subsequently, the reel(s) will hold on to the icon from the turn before. A “nudge” can add some excitement to the game post-spin by allowing the player to pick a reel to nudge one step in its cycle. These “cheats” often result in people thinking they are somehow able to exercise some control where there is little opportunity for in it in the world of online slot machine games. But the truth is, the results are randomly generated so a hold here and a nudge there is still just a gamble. Slots odds and probabilities are still the factors you should look into before you play for real money. Nonetheless, you can’t deny the appeal of feeling like you had a hand in the outcome. The fruit slot machine is intrinsically uncomplicated, however, while it is easy to see why it is a favorite, it is not considered a high-roller machine known for big payouts.

Wheel of Fortune Slot Machines

The much loved and universally popular television game show gave rise to the development of the land-based casino version of the Wheel of Fortune slot machines. Can you play the mega popular Wheel of Fortune slot machine online? The answer is maybe. International Game Technology (IGT) is responsible for the development and manufacturing of the online version of the Wheel of Fortune slot machine. Meanwhile, WagerWorks possesses the internet license for IGT’s online slot machine games. So, all you have to do is play at a casino linked to WagerWorks? Yes, but for some it is not that simple. Unfortunately, if you’re from the United States, you are limited to playing the free, no-money versions as WagerWorks hot spots won’t allow you to get in on the real action. Players in the U.S. do have the option of playing very close replicas of the Wheel of Fortune slot machine games like Wheel of Chance or Wheel of Wealth, which are devoid of the hosting styles of the show’s Pat Sajak and Vanna White, but are generally the same.

Online Wheel of Fortune slot machines are games with multiple pay lines. Players wheel their way into bonus rounds, which provide the contestant with an opportunity to spin the proverbial wheel with hopes of winning cash, cash and more cash. There are zones to avoid. On television the big bad bankruptcy wedge is the killer. Here, on the Wheel of Fortune slot machines, it’s also the same. Once the wheel has been given a good spin, if you win, you have the option to enjoy your win or kick up the risk factor by entering a round called “double or nothing”. The reason Wheel of Fortune slot machines are at the top of people’s must-play lists is that, while – like any slot machine – it’s hard to beat the house, it’s even harder to beat the nostalgia the familiarity this pop culture treasure elicits.

Cleopatra Slots

Slot machines games don’t come much more celebrated than the Cleopatra – Queen of the Nile machine. The game is enjoyed by novices and enthusiasts alike and its popularity has given way to other versions such as Cleopatra II, Cleopatra’s Gold, Cleopatra’s Pyramid and Cleopatra’s Coins. AceHoyle.com recommends that you play free Cleopatra slots online so you, too, can be enchanted by the mysteries of ancient Egypt.

When you play free Cleopatra slots online, you will likely quickly find a favorite or have trouble choosing. The game has been called seductive for two reasons. First, on an aesthetic level, developers created a signature voice for Cleopatra, which combined with the hieroglyphics, majestic pyramids, golden ladies, warriors and more, really whisks players to a time of marvelous treasures gone by. Secondly, on a visceral plane, online Cleopatra slots (free play or pay-for-play versions) are a true player’s pick because of the super fast-paced game with thrilling action designed to up your heart rate and potentially your winnings, too.

Here’s how she works. The classic Cleopatra game is a slot with 5 reels and 20 lines… and you’re betting on all of them. How much you bet on each is up to you and your bankroll.

Wild Cleopatra: If you have a winning line highlighted by a Wild Cleopatra, you win double the prize.

Scatter: A Scatter pay is yours, should the symbol of the Sphinx pop up anywhere on at least two reels. The more Sphinx symbols the better your scatter, with winnings dependant on how much you bet.

Cleopatra Bonus: Find yourself staring at three or more Sphinx symbols anywhere on at least three reels and your games goes into mystical mayhem with 15 automatic free bonus spins at your original bet per line, and  where winning combinations pay triple (except for the largest winning set made up of five Cleopatras). If, the pharaohs smile on you that day and a free spin results in another set of three or more Sphinxes on three or more reels, you get another 15 free spins on top of your current bonus spins.

As you can see, there is a solid reason to love Cleopatra – Queen of the Nile. Falling into her favor can mean you get your day in the sun.

Online slot machine games cater to a hobby or interest in so many players that it’s easy to see why slot machines games have not only survived wave after wave of online developers’ new imaginings, which take us to the next big game, but have managed to continually reinvent themselves and stay a vital part of the industry. Skill games are a life-long pursuit for gamblers, but sometimes, you just can’t beat the surprise of the slots.

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