Guide to Playing 3D Slots in 2023
Online gambling is a fast-moving, ever-evolving industry that is fuelled by continuous innovation in technology. As the capabilities of laptops, mobile phones and tablets increase, so do the possibilities available to the industry’s leading creative thinkers. Those are the software developers beavering away behind closed doors to produce the next generation of the industry’s best slot games.
One of the most talked-about online casino innovations in recent times has been the development of 3D slot games. This new generation of immersive online slot games is set to be one of the most popular forms of gaming in Canada and beyond. One thing seems certain: these technological enhancements are leading players to expect a new standard of gameplay from this exciting new era. Naturally, a raft of 3D slot sites has emerged in anticipation of this hot new gaming trend, and later in this guide, our experts will assess and reveal which of the new breed of 3D slot sites are worthy of your time and money.
Read our SlotSource.ca guide and learn about the best 3D slot games, slot bonuses, features, and everything else you need to know for exploring the exciting world of 3D slots!
How We Review the Best 3D Slots and Casinos
Having played and reviewed hundreds of slot sites throughout the years, our team of experts at SlotSource.ca has been following closely the rapid progression of slot technology. A few years ago our reviews covered mostly classic slot sites with simple designs. Today we see immersive 3D slots being released every month, constantly raising the bar of creativity and innovation.
Our SlotSource.ca team includes designers, mathematicians, and veteran slot players. So every 3D slot we review undergoes a close analysis of the design, layout, features, game mechanics, and bonus rounds. We also look at the 3D slot’s theme and storyline and report back to you on how the 3D experience combines with the game’s plot. Finally, our casino experts review the online slot sites and apps that offer 3D slots. We rank and recommend these based on online slot bonuses, website and mobile usability, customer experience, and more.
As new and exciting 3D slots are released in Canada every week, we constantly update our guide with reviews and recommendations. Bookmark this page and check it regularly, so you never miss the newest 3D slots.
How 3D Slots Work
As we all experience things visually in three dimensions – the 2D on-screen experience can be pretty dull. Appealing to a tech-savvy audience, high-end game consoles have been producing 3D action for more than a decade. But it has taken longer for slot game developers to catch up. The main reason for this delay is that until now slot games kept players engaged by offering exciting chances to win money. So many developers kept producing 2D layouts that are easier, more cost-effective, and until recently suited to the needs of most online slot players.
That was until the latest laptops and mobile slots were introduced to the market. More powerful than ever before, devices can now handle the visual and processing requirements of 3D technology. Immersive 3D slots work in the same way as traditional slot games, but with the added bonus of outstanding animations and graphics that really bring the action on the reels to life. From standard titles to progressive jackpot slots, an ever-growing variety of 3D games is becoming available. This trend sees more online slot players adopting 3D slots as their favourite way to spin the reels.
3D slots make use of state-of-the-art graphics, animations, and movies to create a perception of depth on the reels and take player engagement to a new level. Unlike classic online slots that have a simple layout with standard symbols, and video slots that although having more intricate designs still provide a 2D experience – 3D slot games combine the theme of the slot visuals and cinematic sounds to provide the player with a fascinating journey through the game’s storyboard.
One example of an immersive 3D slot is Quickspin’s Cash Truck. You will hear intense sounds every time you spin the reels, which become louder and more powerful as you progress through the game. The combination of the plot, sounds, and 3D visuals takes the player on an adrenaline-fueled drive in a post-apocalyptic world.
Another great 3D slot is NetEnt’s Silverback Gold. This jungle-journey slot boasts 3D animation that brings to life the angry pack of silverback gorillas stomping through a lush and dangerous jungle. Go on a wild jungle adventure to get your hands on an impressive maximum payout worth 45,000x your stake!
Top-Rated 3D Slots for 2023
Casino players in Canada can now choose from a wide range of 3D slots developed by the best software providers. The 3D slots listed below are the kind of games that players return to time after time. This may be due to game quality, high payouts, bonus features, or a combination of all. There are hundreds of great 3D slots available to players in Canada. But in case you are looking to start quickly, below are some of our favourites:
- Dead or Alive 2. Saddle up and ride to the Wild West with this NetEnt 3D slot that features some great 3D gun-slinger symbols, free spins, and a Sticky Wilds feature.
- Age of the Gods: Wonder Warriors. Software developer Playtech produced this larger-than-life 3D slot game. Filled with exotic trees, 3D ancient mighty warriors and their 3D crew give you the chance to win jackpots that often go over the C$1 million mark.
- Book of Dead. Play this Egyptian-themed 3D slot that comes with 5 reels and 10 dynamic paylines. While hunting for ancient treasures on the Nile, the 3D graphics of this slot will take you through fascinating temples and tombs, with a chance to find treasures and win big.
- KISS: Reels of Rock. Go on tour with Gene Simmons and his band in this heavy-metal 3D slot. The 3D design combined with blasting sounds brings to life the heavy-metal theme of the KISS band. With the visuals being such a big part of KISS, anything less than a 3D experience just won’t cut it on the reels. So this 3D slot delivers in a big way.
- Game of Thrones Power Stacks. Slot developer Microgaming brings all the drama and suspense of the TV series Game of Thrones to this 5-reel, 5-row, and 40-payline 3D slot. Jump into the world of ice and fire, and start spinning the reels to win real money.
Advantages of 3D Slots
While some Canadian players still go to enjoy 3D slots offline at their local casino, the real excitement comes from casinos online which is growing in popularity in Canada and beyond. There are numerous advantages to playing 3D slots online both in terms of the gaming experience and other benefits that playing online brings:
- Play on the Move. It doesn’t matter where you are – on the sofa, sitting in public transport, waiting in a waiting room – as long as you have a Wi-Fi or 4G/5G connection, you can enjoy the best 3D slots from anywhere you are, at any time.
- Easy Payments. Carrying out transactions online is safe, secure, and efficient. So you can make payments quickly and easily to your online slot site and start playing right away. It sure beats carrying bags of loose change.
- Game Variety. There is a huge selection of 3D slot games available online, and you find a new 3D slot to play at any time you wish. With new 3D slot games constantly being released, a typical online slot site in Canada will offer hundreds of slot games. In a brick-and-mortar casino, there is only a limited number of machines to enjoy.
- No Queues. The local casino may only have a select band of 3D slot machines, and since these are likely to be the most exciting to play, there may be a waiting time with a long queue of players wanting a piece of the action. At an online slot site, you can play whichever slot game you choose to play, at any time with no need to wait and no other interruptions.
- Immersive Experience. 3D slots boast the most innovative design, layouts, and sounds. Beyond the design of the reels and symbols that provide a perception of depth and make the gameplay more realistic, many 3D slots also feature special animations and movies that come up on the reels as you progress through the game’s storyline.
- Progressive Jackpots. Many progressive jackpot slots feature a 3D design. So you can not only enjoy great and immersive gameplay but also have a chance to win huge, mouth-watering jackpots.
| Brand | Slot Providers | Jackpot Slots | Total Slots | Mobile Slot Providers | Visit Site | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 12 | 500 | 45 | Play Now | Must be 19+. ON only. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards are issued as non-withdrawable site credit, unless otherwise provided in the applicable Terms. Please play responsibly. If you have questions or concerns about your gambling or someone close to you, please contact ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 to speak to an advisor, free of charge. |
| 25 | 23 | 570 | 25 | Play Now | 19+ | T&Cs apply | Please play responsibly | http://connexontario.ca |
| 114 | 16 | 2151 | 114 | Play Now | 19+ T&C Apply. Play Responsibly. |
3D Slots vs Classic Slot Games
So what are the key differences between traditional online slots that are beloved by so many and this new breed of 3D slot games that is rapidly gaining popularity? Below find a comparison between the two types of slots:
| Features | Traditional Slots | 3D Slots |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics & Animations | Standard 2D graphics and ‘flat’ game layout. | Animated graphics, immersive side games, easier to use interfaces that provide a depth perception and more realistic gameplay. |
| Bonus Rounds & Special Features | Limited special features and bonus games. Usually offered on the same game grid with little change. | Improved visuals, new screens, movies and animations that bring enhanced interactivity of bonus rounds and leads to a more immersive gaming experience. |
| Gameplay | The theme of a 2D slot game can only be taken so far visually. Usually it is limited to a simple layout with standard symbols. | 3D slots introduce dynamic storylines and narratives, making the experience more engaging as the storyboard progresses throughout the game. |
| Availability | Game developers release less traditional slots and the selection is becoming limited, with new traditional-slot games being hard to find. | As technology advances, more 3D slots are being released to the online casino market. The number of players enjoying 3D slots is increasing. So 3D slots are expected to become the game of choice. |
Types of 3D Slot Games
The key thing to remember is that 3D slots are in essence the same as video slots. So in that sense, you can consider a few common types of slots when looking for the best 3D slot games:
- Retro 3D Slots. Although they are based on old favourites, don’t let these 3D slots fool you. This class of 3D slots is based on nostalgic themes and symbols, but the games still strike you with capturing 3D graphics and innovative bonus features.
- 3 Reel 3D Slots. If you still prefer the classic slot layout but want to enjoy it with a feature-rich, engaging gameplay, 3 reel 3D slots are for you. You will even find 3D slots that are based on three-reel games that hark back to the bygone age of pub fruit machines.
- 5 Reel 3D Slots. This is pretty much the standard of 3D slots these days. Although you can also find 3D slots with 6 and 7 reels. Some Canadian online casino players like the simplicity of 3 reels and less paylines to follow. But others prefer more reels and additional paylines because they provide more ways to win.
- Bingo Slots. There are many online slot players in Canada that love a game of bingo. For these and others that are looking for a fun, casual slot game – there are 3D slots that offer a hybrid of bingo and slot gaming, all with exciting 3D design.
- Progressive Jackpot Slots. You can win sensational sums of money with progressive 3D slots linked to a progressive jackpot. These 3D slots attract many players, and each wager that any player makes will contribute to the jackpot prize pool. So until triggered and won by a lucky player, 3D-slot jackpots just keep increasing in size by the minute.
3D Slot Apps and 3D Slots on Mobile
When online casinos were first introduced in Canada in the turn of the century, slot games and other online casino games were available to play on slow, bulky computers. A lot has changed since, with mobile technology and connectivity having an impact on many aspects of modern life. This mobile shift includes how we play slots online. Whereas new 3D slots are developed in HTML5 technology which makes them responsive and optimised for any desktop or mobile device. Nowadays, the best mobile slots in Canada can be played seamlessly through a browser on a PC, Mac, smartphone or tablet.
Many leading Canadian casinos have taken the mobile experience they provide to players a step further. The best slot apps can now be downloaded and installed on Android, iOS and even Windows mobile devices. With great screen resolution and sound systems that mobile devices provide nowadays, many Canadian slot players prefer to play 3D slots on their mobile app.
| Brand | All Mobile Games | iOS App | Android App | Mobile Slot Games X | Visit Site | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1535 |
|
| 540 | Play Now | 19+ T&C Apply. Play Responsibly. |
|
| 589 |
|
| 500 | Play Now | Must be 19+. ON only. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards are issued as non-withdrawable site credit, unless otherwise provided in the applicable Terms. Please play responsibly. If you have questions or concerns about your gambling or someone close to you, please contact ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 to speak to an advisor, free of charge. |
|
| 598 |
|
| 570 | Play Now | 19+ | T&Cs apply | Please play responsibly | http://connexontario.ca |
Newest 3D Slot Sites in Canada
The Canadian online casino market is full of slot sites powered by retail sportsbooks, land-based casinos, and a host of local and international online slot site operators. This gives every Canadian player many options for playing 3D slots online. Keep in mind though, the experience you get from the site that offers a specific 3D slot is no less important than the gameplay of the slot itself.
To find for you the most complete gaming experience, our experts at SlotSource.ca scour the internet to find the best new slot sites in Canada. We carefully review, rank, and recommend the newest slot sites based on the variety of slot games offered, payment methods available, slot bonuses, usability, and customer service.
3D Slot Bonuses and Free Spins
Canadian slot sites offer generous bonuses that can be used to test and try many of the most popular 3D slots. If you are a new player, you can enjoy welcome offers that include sign-up bonuses. These let you claim bonus money or the free spins bonus, just for signing up and verifying your account. Another type of welcome offer is the deposit bonus which gets you bonus money to match the amount you deposited with the online casino. These slot bonuses can often double the amount you can wager on 3D slots.
Veteran online slot players can also claim generous slot bonuses that will let them play on 3D slots. These include deposit-match bonuses and free spins on featured 3D slots, daily, weekly and seasonal promotions, leader-board slot tournaments, and more. More loyalty bonuses that can be used to play 3D slots include refer-a-friend promotions. Where the slot site will credit both your friend and your account with a welcome bonus. Most Canadian slot sites also offer a loyalty program that lets you collect loyalty points for every wager you make. These points can then be redeemed for cashback, bonus money, prizes, and gifts.
Once you selected the 3D slot you would like to try, check our guide for the best slot bonuses and claim one of the generous bonuses that are available to SlotSource.ca visitors.
Free 3D Slots
Some slots sites offer the opportunity to play free 3D slots online. Once you signed up, verified your account, and claimed a slots bonus you can avail of free 3D slots. Playing 3D free slots is a great opportunity to check different games and test the design, gameplay, and features without spending money. Although you will need to complete the wagering requirements before being able to withdraw winnings, free and bonus spins on 3D slots can generate a win, just like any real-money spin.
3D Slot Game Developers
The leading Canadian slot sites offer hundreds of 3D slot titles from the world’s best software providers. So you can sign up to one site and gain access to 3D slots from many slot game providers. The following are a few of the leading software developers which are responsible for some of Canada’s most popular 3D slots:
- NetEnt. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, NetEnt is known for combining Scandinavian advanced design with innovative 3D slot themes and features such as their trademark Symbol Avalanche. NetEnt slots are extremely popular in Scandinavia, Europe, and lately the US and Canada as the market regulates. Popular NetEnt 3D slots include Starburst XXXtreme, Gonzo's Quest, Vikings and more.
- Microgaming. One of the longest-standing slot developers in the world, this Isle of Man-based company is considered one of the leading providers of games to the Canadian market. Microgaming is known for superb technology, unique features, and the design of iconic slots. Popular Microgaming slots include many 3D slots like Immortal Romance Mega Moolah, Masters of Valhalla, Jurassic Park: Gold and more.
- Barcrest. This developer has part of the Canadian slots history, as it started as the supplier of land-based fruit machines which are an iconic feature in every Canadian pub. Barcrest started developing online slots and quickly became popular with Canadian online audiences as well. Known for its friendly designs, fun, and familiar themes, and straightforward gameplay, revered Barcrest slots include 3D slots like Ooh Aah Dracula, Monty’s Millions and more.
- Playtech. Another iconic slot developer is Isle of Man-based Playtech. The company is known for its online poker and bingo games, as well as the impressive portfolio of Playtech slots that include 3D titles like Fire Blaze: Green Wizard, Age of the Gods: God of Storms, and Buffalo Blitz Megaways.
- ELK Studios. Founded in 2013, this developer quickly become popular with Canadian slot players. ELK Studios is known for creativity and artistic design that is combined with the most advanced mathematical models and game mechanics. ELK Studios slots include 3D slots like Buffalo Toro, Coba, and Nitropolis 3.
Final Word on 3D Slots
Now that you know everything there is to know about 3D slots, why not dive into the exciting gameplay and start spinning the immersive 3D slots for free or for real money? Sign up to one of our recommended online slot sites today, claim the best slot bonus, and get submerged into capturing 3D slot stories, sites, sounds, and chances to win some serious cash!
It is always important to keep in mind that 3D slots provide great excitement and fun. But being a game of chance, real money slots should always be played responsibly. Set a budget and time limits, and stop playing when you reached your limits. Always gamble responsibly and seek help if you feel things are getting out of control. This way you can come back fresh to explore the next amazing 3D slot.
3D Slots FAQ
What is a 3D slot?
3D slots are games that have enhanced graphics that create the illusion of depth, rather than the flat graphics of 2D video slots. The aim is to create an immersive experience, where it feels like the player is "inside" the game. Unlike 3D films, where glasses are usually required to get the full effect, 3D video slots do not require any special visual equipment.
Can you get free spins on 3D slot games?
Most of the top 3D slot games will have an inbuilt free spins feature. This is usually triggered by getting a specific combination of symbols on the reels, and the casino has no influence over them. If you are looking for a free spins bonus, it may be tricky to find one that is for a specific 3D slot. However, you can claim a welcome bonus from a top online slot site and use the bonus funds to play the 3D slots at online casinos.
Which software companies make 3D slot games?
Due to the popularity of 3D slot games, more slot software providers are starting to develop their 3D game catalogues. Play'n GO is a prolific software provider in this sphere and offers a wide selection of 3D slot titles with a range of themes. Some of the other notable 3D game providers are NetEnt, Thunderkick, Yggdrasil, Pragmatic Play, Red Tiger, and Games Global.
Why are 3D slots so popular?
Unlike classic slots that provide standard gameplay, 3D slots are based on a storyline that develops thorough the game. 3D slots can be based on ancient mythology, popular TV shows, blockbuster movies, fantasy worlds and more. They provide animation, design and sounds, as well as bonus features and more ways to win cash.
How do you compare and choose the best 3D slot site?
Our slot experts at SlotSource.ca have played and compared thousands of online slots. We are the first to review new 3D slots as soon as they are released, and give you a full evaluation in our guide. All you need to do is visit our site, look through our reviews and find the best 3D slot for you.
Do 3D slot sites use a lot of data?
3D video slots are rich in sounds, motion graphics and game features, so they tend to use more data than classic 3-reel slots. If you are playing 3D slots on your mobile device, check the tariffs with your mobile phone company.
How much can I win playing 3D slots online?
Winning money on 3D slots depends on many factors such as payback, volatility, paylines, and how much you wager. Prizes range from a few coins to eye-popping jackpots worth millions. Still, the outcome of every spin of the reels is totally random, so always gamble responsibly.
Are 3D slots in Canada safe and secure?
Yes they are. All the 3D slots we recommend on SlotSource.ca are a 100% legal and fully regulated by the MGA or other recognised licensing bodies. As such, they must comply with strict regulations and adhere to the highest standards of safety and security.
Do 3D slots have software requirements?
3D slots can be played on most computers and mobile devices without any special software requirements. If played on mobile devices, performance may be affected by device memory and connectivity, but most current mobile devices are robust enough to handle any 3D slot.
What are progressive jackpot 3D slots?
Regular slots offer a payout based on the individual game session. Progressive 3D slots offer a jackpot that grows with every wager players make on the slot game. Until won, progressive jackpots continuously grow and can pay out sensational prizes worth millions of dollars.
Are 3D slots more difficult to play?
No they are not. Although 3D slots have a lot more going on in terms of design, features, bonus rounds, etc. they follow the same principles of classic slot games: place your bets, spin the reels, enjoy the great sounds and sights and hopefully win big cash.
Which 3D slot has the best special features?
There are several 3D slots that offer superb in-game features. Microgaming's Jungle Jim El Dorado has a Multiplier Trail that can net you wins of up to 20x your stake. Rabcat's Castle Builder II offers you 3 avatars and multiple story lines, where you can build castles, unlock new levels, and discover 15 magical kingdoms.
