Strictly Slots December 2022

Favorite Progressive Slot Machine This one was a no-brainer, as it has been at the top or in second place in every one of our surveys—Wheel of For tune from IGT, which initiated the era of themed slot games 26 years ago, and has spawned more than 20 versions in the ensuing time. The combination of the wheel bonus, the big-money progressive and strong base games like Double Diamond—oh, and that audience chant from the TV show,“Wheel... of... FORTUNE!” before spinning to chase that 1,000-credit prize—means this game will rest at the top of our survey for years to come. Coming in second in the progressive category is another peren nial favorite, Lightning Link from Aristocrat. This is the game that introduced the “Hold & Spin” feature, in which special symbols on the reels lock in place and the other reels re-spin, in a free-spin round that lasts as long as the special symbols keep landing. Right behind that is another Aristocrat game, Dollar Storm, which combines that same Hold & Spin feature with a mystery bonus and a three-level pro gressive. Rounding out the top five progressive slots are Light & Won der’s Dancing Drums, one of the most popular Asian-themed slots of all time; and Aristocrat’s Buffalo Diamond, which takes the classic Buffalo theme and adds bonus multipliers and a multi-level bonus round feature, and a reel configuration that results in 2,400 ways to win on each spin.

Favorite Video Slot Machine At the top of your list in the video slot category is another of Aristo crat’s popular Hold & Spin games, Dragon Link Happy & Prosperous. In addition to the Hold & Spin feature, this game features scalable bonus prizes, cash-on-reels symbols, and the ability to win up to 250 times your bet on a scatter-pay. During the free-games feature, all the lower-paying symbols are removed, and any scatter win during the feature adds three more free spins. Right behind this version of Dragon Link is the original version of Lightning Link from Aristocrat, another game that has stood the test of time in popularity; and Buffalo Link, another Aristocrat game, this time combining the Hold & Spin feature with the classic Buffalo theme and its popular free-games event. Rounding out your top five video slots are Dancing Drums Pros perity from Light & Wonder, a new version of the Bally classic; and The Wizard of Oz, which has had a boatload of new versions, all using great video graphics to re-create the classic 1939 film. Favorite Video Slot Theme No surprise here—you favorite video theme is Aristocrat’s Buffalo, with its fast-paced game action, bonus-round “stampede” and ani mal theme, topped by the shout of “Bufalooo!” The game has remained one of the most popular slot games in the world, which is why the theme is reprised in many sequels. Coming in second in video slot themes is The Wizard of Oz from Light & Wonder, another game that has inspired a host of sequels. The latest version, The Wizard of Oz Yellow Brick Road, uses L&W’s gigantic Mural cabinet and high-resolution graphics to create stunning visuals. All of the sequels feature the most popular bonus, when Glinda the Good Witch floats across the screen in her bubble to grant ran dom bonus awards. Third place in this category goes to Monopoly, another fran chise theme from Light & Wonder that has generated ❶ Dragon Link Happy & Prosperous, Aristocrat Gaming ❷ Lightning Link, Aristocrat Gaming ❸ Buffalo Link, Aristocrat Gaming ❹ Dancing Drums Prosperity, Light & Wonder ❺ Wizard of Oz, Light & Wonder

❶ Wheel of Fortune, IGT ❷ Lightning Link, Aristocrat Gaming ❸ Dollar Storm, Aristocrat Gaming ❹ Dancing Drums Explosion, Light & Wonder ❺ Buffalo Diamonds, Aristocrat Gaming

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