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Originals vs sequels: Which online slots are best?

author logo by Deni in Tips & Tricks

calendar icon August 7, 2025

clock icon 4 minutes to read

If you’ve ever spun the reels on an online slot, then you have probably seen that some of the most iconic games have more than one version. Think of titles like Book of Ra and Book of Ra Deluxe, or Gates of Olympus and Gates of Olympus 1000.

Many players remain loyal to the original game, but others instead seek out their sequels. Do you know why? It could be that the newer versions tend to offer more features. Or it'd be because of the better odds and potentially bigger rewards.

In this article, we will look at why the updated versions of classic slots are often the smarter choice and what you should look for when searching for what to play.

The evolution of online slots

Most game developers are constantly looking for ways to improve the gameplay. The goal is to keep players entertained and engaged and they try to achieve that with improved graphics, bonus features, or volatility.

Take for example the original Book of Ra, which is a classic. However, the sequel Book of Ra Deluxe comes with extra expanding symbols during the free spins that improve your chances of hitting the jackpot. It is played on a 5x3 grid with 10 traditional paylines, and your bet starts at €0.01.

Gates of Olympus 1000 kept everything fans love about the original Gates of Olympus, like the Greek mythology theme and exciting features, but it comes with even bigger multipliers and higher winning potential. Betting starts as low as €0.20 with a big max win of 15,000x.

Big Bass Bonanza has a fishing theme and is one of the most popular among players. One of its sequels, Big Bass Bonanza 1000, is a force to be reckoned with! It features a high volatility and a max win of 20,000x compared to the 2,100x of the original slot.

There are also many other Big Bass slots to choose from that players can’t get enough of spinning.

Why newer versions often pay out more

While traditional slots have their own appeal, new slots tend to have better payout options and higher max wins. This is mainly because software developers focus on the overall improvement of the gameplay, which includes higher Return to Player (RTP) percentages, better slot volatility, and the addition of exciting bonus features which were not present in the original.

Slot developers are adding new modern updates to improve your favourite games. They look like better visuals, smooth animations, and immersive gameplay. This makes slots not only more enjoyable and rewarding, but also much easier to land a win while playing.

Choosing the newer versions of online slot games increases the chance of winning advanced features, which may include but are not limited to bonus buy options, multipliers, and expanding symbols.

What to look for in a slot sequel

One of the best parts of playing slots is finding your favourite iconic version. Because of the popularity of online slots, developers are taking advantage of this by creating equally popular sequels.

Players have built expectations that the sequel must live up to, and creating the perfect one will be challenging. Check for a higher RTP, extra rounds, special symbols, and max win potential.

With so many versions of popular slots available, they often deliver better features and improved payout opportunities, but they also reflect the latest innovation in slot design. It doesn't matter if you are a casual player or chasing the next big win. Upgrading your favourite slot could be one of the most effective tricks in your playbook.

So, next time you log into your chosen casino site, look beyond the original and give the sequel a spin. This might just be the one you didn’t know you needed.

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Deni logo

By Deni

Verified Casino Expert

Expertise: Casino Content Writing, Journalism & (PR), Gambling Regulations, Dutch & German Gambling Markets

Hi, I'm Deni! I'm a research obsessive with a passion for gambling regulations, market trends, and casino news. I dig deep into every topic I cover - so every article, review, or guide I write is built on solid research and real detail.

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Last updated: August 7, 2025

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