Are Animated Slots More Addictive Than Classic Reels?

Are Animated Slots More Addictive Than Classic Reels?
Alicia Butler
Written by:
Alicia Butler
Andrew McDermott
Fact checked by:
Andrew McDermott
đź—“
Updated: June 13th 2025

We all understand that slots are very addictive, but does the type of slot game matter at all when it comes to how often you’re compelled to spin the reels?

In short, yes. Animated slots are more addictive than classic slots, and there are a few reasons why this is true (which we’ll get into in a moment).

Before we dive into the differences between animated slots and classic slots, let’s take a look at why these games are so addictive.

How Addictive Are Slots?

More than 2.5 million Americans struggle with a gambling addiction, and the National Institutes of Health reports that slots are believed to be the most addictive game.

If this is true, we can assume that millions of Americans are addicted to slots.

Why Slots Are So Addictive

Slots can be more addictive than other types of casino games because they offer instant gratification (positive or negative) that can keep a player wanting more.

Players only need to push a button (and in some cases don’t need to lift a finger with autoplay) to be instantly rewarded with a prize, or, at the very least, enticing animations and entertaining sounds.

Which Slots Are the Most Addictive?

Video slots are by far the most addictive machines available.

In the following sections, we’ll discuss what makes these slot machines more addictive than their classical counterparts.

3 Reasons Why Animated Slots Are More Addictive Than Classic Reels

1. Animated Slots Are Entertaining

Spinning the reels of an animated slot machine is akin to playing a video game. When you play these slot games, you’ll experience animations, special effects, and complex soundtracks.

Sometimes players want to keep spinning just to see what happens next.

It’s easier to get addicted to animated slots because they offer higher entertainment value than classic ones.

2. Video Slots Offer More Features

The main feature of classic slot machines is the wild symbol. But that’s basically the beginning and the end of special features on these machines.

Video slots offer lots of special features, including wild symbols, free spins, bonus rounds, expanding reels, cascading reels, and transforming symbols.

Essentially, these types of slots make you feel like there are more ways to win. While these features can offer more ways to win, they won’t change the game's return-to-player percentage (RTP) or how much the game pays out for each dollar played.

3. Video Slot Themes Are Better

Newer slot machines are usually video slots. With these new machines, you get tons of marketing.

Some of the themes of newer games include:

  • The Goonies

  • AC/DC

  • Game of Thrones

  • The Sopranos

  • Jimi Hendrix

You may be more likely to keep playing simply because you’re enjoying the nostalgic elements, soundtracks, and animations.

Get 2nd Chance Bet Up To $100
Sign up & Get $100 First Bet Offer
Claim offer
Alicia Butler verified
Topic Expert
Alicia Butler

Alicia is OddsSeeker's Lead Editor & Fact Checker! She's been reviewing online casinos, sportsbooks, and other gaming since 2021, but has well over a decade of experience writing and editing for some of the largest online magazines and brands since 2011! Over her career, Alicia has worked as a travel and entertainment writer & editor contributing to widely read digital publications such as The Spruce, The Balance and The Spruce Pets, VeryWell, and TripSavvy. Alicia makes sure our readers can trust every word - holding both our team & our gaming operator partners to the highest standard to ensure that our readers always have the best possible experiences playing gaming online! Beyond OddsSeeker, Alicia is a marketing expert, entrepreneur, and avid traveler based in Connecticut!

More about Alicia Butler
Online Casino Promos

Get over $1,000 in casino bonuses

Logo

Get Free Bonuses Straight to Your Inbox