Straight Slots

A slot machine with a preset (static) jackpot.

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Straight slots are also known as flat tops or static slots. These were the original slot machines, with a set jackpot. In the early days of slot machines around the turn of the 20th century, slot machine top prizes were $5. This was better than poker machines, which offered cigars and drinks.

There were no slots but straight slots throughout many decades of slots gambling. After the invention of electronic slot machines and random number generators, progressive jackpots were added to some slot machines. These slots had jackpots which steadily increased until someone won the top prize. Progressive slot machines became the second major type of slots game.

Straight slots are in contrast to progressive slots. Straight slots have a set jackpot which is the same for every spin. This doesn't mean that straight slots necessarily have small jackpots. Straight slot jackpots can reach into the six figures, though most of them are in the four or five figures.