Classic Online Slots: Old School Slots Still Popular Online
Classic online slots, which were popular before the ban on tangible machines, are still alive and well at online casinos. Here is a rundown of the classic slots that we all know and love right here.
Here on this page, we have all of the best classic slots that we used to play at the neighborhood video rental shop or kiosk, along with newly launched games in this genre. We also have some great casino bonuses in case you'd like to play for real cash – which we strongly recommend!
At Norske Spilleautomater, we adore the old slots as much as you do. If you continue reading, we'll tell you everything you need to know about the best machines and where to find them at casinos.
Classic Slots
Norwegians have long had a soft spot for classic slots and gaming, and today they are available online. Even in an age where we can choose and select from brand new 3D machines with incredible graphics, lots of special features, and interactive bonus games, the classics stand on their own. In recent years, game developers like NetEnt, Play'n GO, and Yggdrasil have released brand new machines based on the classic slots, which are commonly referred to as fruit machines or one-armed bandits.
There is simply something about good old traditional slots, or Norwegian slots as we also call them, that gives you a more honest game in many ways. They are simple, and you don't need to be an experienced player to enjoy slots like this. Slots like Super Joker and Jackpot 2000 are what we in Norway call folk machines, and every week thousands of us get to enjoy these slots on PC and mobile. Our old friend Jackpot 6000, or Norway's Slot, is the online version of NetEnt's Jackpot 2000.
Classic Slots' Common Features
Why are older slots "old," and are there any specific features that make them so? What follows is an overview of what we typically associate with old machines:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Design | Typically a very simple design, often with a retro feel |
| Reels | Usually only three reels |
| Symbols | Common symbols include fruits, bar symbols, sevens, and bells |
| Paylines | Often just one or very few paylines |
| Gameplay | Simple gameplay with limited content |
| Bonus Features | Rarely any bonus games or advanced features |
| Jackpots | Fixed jackpots, often much lower than progressive jackpots |
| Volatility | Typically low volatility with small but frequent wins |
| Betting Options | Lower stakes and less variation in coin value |
| Sound Effects & Music | Simple sound effects with limited music usage |
What Sets Classic Slots Apart from Modern Video Slots?
If you visit a top casino today, you are most likely to see slots divided into two to three categories: Classic Slots, Video Slots, and Jackpot Slots. These are the three largest categories of slots, and as far as classic slots are concerned, they are uniquely different from the other two.
The first thing you’ll notice is the design and graphics. Classic machines often have just three reels. The symbols typically include different types of fruit like melons, grapes, lemons, and cherries, which is why they are also called "fruit machines." Symbols like golden bells, BAR, the number 7, and of course, the Joker, appear in numerous machines.
A few other things that set apart the classic slots from newer video slots are the absence of wild and scatter symbols that allow you to win more or award you free spins. Bonus games are also not typical, other than the classic "heads or tails" game, where you can wager all or part of your winnings on the color of the next card to be red or black, or the classic flip of a coin.
Old Slots vs New Slots
The contrast between the good old classic slots and the new machines today is vivid. The table below compares their different features:
| Feature | Classic Slots | Modern Video Slots |
|---|---|---|
| Design & Graphics | Simple design and graphics, often with a retro feel | Advanced graphics with animations, sound effects, and themes |
| Reels | Rarely more than three reels | Usually five reels or more |
| Paylines | Fewer paylines, typically between 1-3 | From 20 paylines to spectacular Megaways functions |
| Bonus Features | Limited or no bonus features | Filled with bonus games and special features |
| Special Symbols | Based on traditional symbols like fruit | A wide range of functions, including wilds and scatters |
| Jackpots | Fixed jackpots | Progressive jackpots |
| Gameplay | Simple gameplay with limited content | Complex gameplay with tons of content |
| Popularity | Appeals to a narrower, more mature audience | Extremely popular among younger players |
Classic Slots Symbols
A fair number of the traditional slots online today have a previous life as land-based games. Some of them have experienced a complete rebirth because they return with a vengeance, oozing nostalgia from top to bottom. The genre is riddled with legends, and this is your chance to familiarize yourself with some of the icons:
Jackpot 6000: There is no classic machine more popular in Norway than Jackpot 6000. Both because it was the first land-based machine to go live, and because the game itself is so enjoyable. The best part is the three jokers that take you to the top prize of 6000 coins.
Mega Joker: Another Norwegian legend that was a favourite for years in kiosks and ferries. The online version has a progressive jackpot and can quite literally turn you into a millionaire in one spin. This game is filled with so much nostalgia that just thinking about it brings tears to our eyes.
Super Nudge 6000: Completing the trio of Norwegian classics, Super Nudge is the third NetEnt adaptation of a land-based classic from Sweden. This version is most widely recalled for the Nudge feature that causes the reels to move to display wins. A Norwegian favorite back then and even now.
Lucky 8 Line: NetEnt has also had a go at classics that do not necessarily have their origins in a classic land-based slot machine. Lucky 8 Line is one such game and is renowned for having a more dynamic configuration of paylines. While most classics only have the one payline, this one (you can probably tell from the title) gives you eight.
Why Classic Slots are So Popular in Norway
Addiction and internet gambling in Norway have been a subject of discussion for decades. It really gathered momentum in the late 1990s when there were slot machines by the thousands in shops, kiosks, and even hospitals across the country. Super Joker, Jackpot 2000, and Old Timer were games that had thousands playing daily, but with the rise in gambling addiction, a ban was imposed in 2006.
Fortunately, the online casino industry had already started to grow, and many of the traditional slots and casino games were now available online. Jackpot 2000 received a massive facelift when NetEnt launched Jackpot 6000, which offered the same great experience but with much larger prizes, and a number of "new" classics were developed to meet the growing demand.
Where to Play Classic Slots Online
The number of online casinos continues to increase, and as a player, you have great choice. Not all casinos, however, give much room to classic slots. Most now reserve space for more recent video slots, jackpot slots, and Live Casino games.
Conclusion
Slot machines have a certain place in the heart of Norwegians. Most of us still remember when they were ubiquitous throughout the country, from the north to the south, in shops and shopping centers. When the machines started showing up online, Norwegian gamblers were among the first to line up to take advantage of the numerous versions of traditional slots. With a simple design and content, everyone can easily learn to play these games, regardless of any experience.
It’s undeniable that nostalgia plays a huge role in the continued popularity of these machines. Many also see them as a fine alternative to the much more advanced and feature-packed video slots, where things happen at a much faster pace. Sometimes, all it takes is to sit back comfortably in your chair and relax with a simple spin on one of the legendary old-school slot machines.