If you're a US slots fan, you've probably heard whispers about Reel Em In. This classic fishing-themed slot from WMS is a legend, known for its huge progressive jackpot and the famous second-screen bonus round. But finding a physical machine can feel like hunting for a trophy bass. Unlike newer digital slots, you can't just download an app. This article will tell you exactly where to look and what to expect when you find one.
Where to Find Reel Em In Slot Machines in Casinos
Your best bet is on the casino floors of major land-based resorts, particularly in markets where WMS slots have a strong historic presence. You won't find this specific title at every Caesars Palace or MGM Grand, but they do pop up. Focus your search in older slot banks or areas with 'classic' or 'legacy' games. Atlantic City properties like Borgata and Harrah's have been known to host them. In Las Vegas, check the older Strip casinos and downtown venues like The D or Golden Nugget. Regional casinos in states like Mississippi, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania are also good hunting grounds. Ask a slot attendant—they usually know which banks have the older progressives.
Why Isn't Reel Em In at Every Casino?
Reel Em In is a physical, cabinet-based slot machine released in the late 1990s. Casinos constantly rotate games to make space for new, more efficient models. While Reel Em In has a cult following, it takes up the same floor space as a modern multi-game terminal that can host 20 different titles. Its maintenance also requires specific parts that are getting harder to find. So, while it's not extinct, it's certainly a rare breed on the modern casino floor.
Playing Reel Em In Online in the USA
You cannot play the original WMS Reel Em In at legal US online casinos like BetMGM, DraftKings, or FanDuel. Those sites license games from different providers like IGT, NetEnt, and Evolution. However, the fishing slot theme is alive and well. You'll find spiritual successors with similar mechanics. For example, games like Big Bass Bonanza or Fishin' Frenzy offer cascading reels, free spin bonuses with multipliers, and that same satisfying 'catch' mechanic. These are available at most legal online casinos across states like Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
What About the Big Jackpot?
The main allure of the land-based Reel Em In is its standalone progressive jackpot, often displayed prominently on a fishing pole above the machine. This jackpot grows with every play and can reach well into the six figures before it hits. The online fishing slots you'll find typically have fixed jackpots or bonus buy features, not a massive, ever-growing progressive tied to a single machine. If you're chasing that specific life-changing prize, you have to find the physical cabinet.
Tips for Your Reel Em In Search
Call ahead. The casino's guest services or slot department can sometimes tell you if they have the game on the floor. Use player forums like Vegas Message Board or Slot Fanatics; enthusiasts often post sightings. When you do find a machine, check the jackpot meter. Regular players often avoid machines with a low progressive, believing it's 'not ready to hit.' There's no statistical truth to this, but playing on a high meter is more exciting. Always bet max coins (usually 3) to be eligible for the progressive jackpot and the full second-screen bonus features.
FAQ
Can I play Reel Em In for free online anywhere?
Yes, but not the official WMS version. Various 'unofficial' gaming sites and apps may have cloned or simulator versions of a fishing slot called Reel Em In. These are not the licensed game and don't offer real money play. They can be useful for understanding the basic bonus round mechanics before you hunt for the real thing.
What's the second-screen bonus in Reel Em In?
This is the famous part. When you trigger the bonus, the main game screen changes to a fishing pond. You get to select a certain number of fishing spots (based on your trigger). Each spot reveals a fish with a cash prize or a multiplier. You keep picking until you catch the 'Mystery Fish,' which ends the round. The multipliers can be huge, leading to massive wins on that single spin.
Is there a mobile app for Reel Em In slots?
No, there is no legitimate, real-money mobile app for the original Reel Em In slot. WMS has not ported this specific classic title to its online platform. Any app claiming to be 'Reel Em In' is either a free social casino-style game using the name or an outright fake.
What's the average RTP (Return to Player) for Reel Em In?
As an older Class III slot machine, its theoretical RTP (Return to Player) is typically lower than modern video slots. While exact figures vary by casino and jurisdiction, Reel Em In usually operates in the 88% to 92% range. Compare that to modern online slots which often have RTPs of 94% to 97%. You're playing for the nostalgia and the progressive jackpot potential, not the optimal statistical return.
