We can safely say that slots have won the most popular casino game category – by far! Everyone who is associated with the online gambling world in one way or another has had prior experience with these exciting games.
Best Slots Sites
We can easily explain why slots are so favoured among experienced and novice punters. They offer high entertainment value and big possible profits, so playing them seems like a no-brainer!
You can find slots at any decent online casino, regardless of the jurisdiction it operates upon. So, here, we will shift our focus solely on online slots – types of games you can encounter and how you can play them to secure big payouts!
Slots Evolution – An RNG to Guarantee Fair Outcomes
Well, we can start here by saying that the basics of slots do not differ much from how they were back in the day. To play one, you have to select your wager, spin the reels and hope to hit some winning combinations!
We will take a look at the different features that make modern online slots so appealing and advanced, but one aspect that seems like a game-changer is the introduction of Random Number Generators.
The randomness of mechanical slots was previously done mechanically, so you can see why plenty of people were sceptical about playing these games. However, the evolution of the online gambling world brought us RNGs that now determine slots’ randomness.
Game providers primarily use RNGs when crafting new games. They do that to ensure that their slots are transparent and fair, eliminating the worries about any bias with the result.
An RNG is an algorithm that is planted into the slots. This algorithm nests with the game files on a server hosted by the game provider, and once there is an RNG, no one can influence the result.
Even more so, RNG testing third parties give another layer of trust to punters who seek to play online slots. Such third parties validate the Random Number Generators providers use and they issue corresponding certificates for that. An example of a third party that applies randomness testing is GLI.
RTP And Variance – Crucial Factors to Consider
Sure, an appealing factor that can determine whether you play a certain online slot or not will be the looks of it – graphics, gameplay, etc. However, you cannot neglect the technical information as well – the RTP and the variance level.
RTP
In short, RTP stands for Return to Player. It is always displayed as a percentage that shows how much of any bet you make will theoretically go back to you and how much the casino makes over a certain period.
As an example, if a slot has an RTP of 96%, in theory, you can expect returns of $0.96 for every $1 bet you make. The remaining 4% is the profit the online casino makes – commonly referred to as “house edge”.
Note that the RTP is a measure of how the game will work over an extended period, and it does not necessarily mean that the returns are valid for each spin. We can divide slots’ RTP into three categories:
- Low – essentially, games with a percentage of less than 94%. Such games will payout less often, but low-RTP games tend to have larger jackpots.
- Medium – slots that range between 94-97%, and they offer a decent balance between frequent payouts and hit frequency, making bigger wins a realistic possibility.
- High – any game that has an RTP above 97% is a high RTP game. These games will allow you to enjoy frequent wins, but of course, the jackpots are much smaller.
Variance
Understanding just the RTP of a slot game will not help you make better decisions about the next slot you play. The variance level will tell you how often a slot is likely to pay out and how large the average win can be.
In total, there are four variance levels you can come across when playing online slots:
- High–rollers who are playing with a larger budget usually prefer high-variance slots. Although you will hit winning combinations less often when playing high-variance games, when you eventually secure a win, it will be much bigger. In addition, high-variance slots have an abundance of bonus features.
- Medium – such games allow you to moderate your gameplay a bit, but you can still secure some hefty payouts. Medium variance slots are usually less complex than the ones on the high end of the scale, but do expect some extra features!
- Low-medium – if you want to scale everything down a little bit, then low-medium variance slots are ideal for you. They offer nice value for your money and are ideal if you are on a tighter budget. Usually, low-medium games have a simple grid structure of 3×5.
- Low – finally, low variance slots allow you to play for relatively smaller amounts and they are budget-friendly. You can expect more frequent wins with these games, but the flip side is that your payouts are much lower.
Types of Online Slots
Diversity is a standout feature when it comes to online slots. They would not have been so appealing among punters worldwide if they all offered the same gameplay, rules, payouts, etc. Game providers always seek to gain a competitive edge, hence the creation of new and better slots with each passing day.
There is simply a slot to meet all preferences We can group all the slots you will encounter at gambling sites into several different categories.
Classic Slots
We start with a slot category that will attract players who prefer simplicity over excess – classic slots. Such games will take you closest to the original slot machines that you could find at land-based casinos.
The gameplay in classic slots is relatively simple – there are three reels and usually only one horizontal payline where you can hope to land your winning combinations.
Moreover, classic slots often have different fruits acting as symbols in the base game, with BARs, lucky 7s and bells being also common.
Of course, such simplified online slots don’t offer you the luxury of extra features, but you can find some slots with Wilds and Scatters on rare occasions.
If you are a novice in the online gambling world, then classic slots and their simplistic design will surely work for you! Since the betting options are limited, players with tighter budgets will enjoy said games much more!
So, with all that in mind, let’s list some of the most popular classic slots you can find at most online casinos.
| Slot Name | Software Provider | RTP |
| Bars and Bells | Amaya Gaming | 95% |
| Random Joker | Merkur Gaming | 96.08% |
| Sevens Kraze | Merkur Gaming | 96% |
| Summertime | Games Global | 95% |
| Lucky Diamonds | Play’n GO | 95.94% |
Multi-Payline Slots
Up next, if you are ready to take your gaming experience with slots to a different level, then you will be wise to look at multi-payline slots. They are quite self-explanatory, as their main feature is the fact they have more than three reels.
Of course, these games have much better entertainment value, but multi-payline slots can be a bit more complicated, thus confusing for newbies in the gambling sector.
More often than not, you will encounter slots that have a ranging number of paylines between 9-100. Of course, these paylines are not just horizontal, instead, they can be anything:
- Vertical
- Diagonal
- Zigzagging
- V-shaped
As a result, you can make more than one winning combination to appear at the same time. Additionally, multi-payline slots have a wider range of symbols and are much sharper in terms of graphics. You can expect slots with various themes here, sometimes even with a storyline.
When it comes to the betting options, you have better diversity here. Some slots allow you to choose the number of paylines you want to activate, and consequently, you can wager as little as $0.01 per spin. We can group multi-paylines slots in the following categories:
- Adjustable paylines – you can choose to place your bets on the paylines of your choice;
- Fixed paylines – you don’t need to activate all paylines
- 243-win paylines – slots with 243 paylines
- Win-both-ways – you win from left to right and vice versa.
We can conclude this section by saying that multi-payline slots are great for both risk-averse and high-roller punters, so let’s give a few examples!
| Slot Name | Paylines | Provider | RTP |
| EggOMatic | Fixed | NetEnt | 96.48% |
| Book of Dead | Adjustable | Play’n GO | 96.21% |
| Immortal Romance | 243 ways to win | Microgaming | 96.86% |
| Nitropolis 3 | Win Both Ways | ELK Studios | 95% |
Bonus Slots
Up next, we have another self-explanatory category of online slots you will come across at gambling sites – slots with bonus features.
Such games are exceedingly popular among regulars in the online casino world, as thanks to the bonus features and rounds, you can drastically increase your winnings – all while enjoying exciting gameplay.
You usually trigger the bonus games in these slots by landing a specific symbol combination on active paylines. Of course, as you would expect, bonus rounds in these games are a complete match to the overall theme and storyline.
Then, when you activate the specific bonus round, you will need to perform a specific action, such as collecting points and earning a prize, or choose from various objects to reveal a prize.
Note that bonus symbols don’t necessarily mean you’ll trigger a special mini-bonus round. Sometimes, they will get you a predetermined number of free spins that you can later retrigger.
Lastly, bonus slots can contain features like multipliers, Scatters, and Wilds that can significantly increase your chances of turning a big profit. We will cover these special symbols and features a bit below in the article, so for now, let’s give you a few examples of bonus slots you can find online.
| Slot Name | Provider | Bonus Features | RTP |
| Age of Asgard | Yggdrasil | Stacked Wilds, Free Spins, Clash | 96.2% |
| Legacy of Egypt | Play’n GO | Scatters, Free Spins, Multipliers, Wilds | 96.5% |
| Wheel O’Gold | Pragmatic Play | Multipliers, Free Spins, Bonus Buy | 96.02% |
| Wolf Gold | Pragmatic Play | Free Spins, Retriggers, Giant Symbols, Jackpots | 96.01% |
Progressive Jackpots
If you feel lucky and ready to hunt some jaw-dropping prizes, then we can present you progressive jackpot slots that any established online casino in the world has!
As the name itself suggests, said games have a massive progressive jackpot attached that grows with each new bet made by players. There is a common pot where a fraction of every punter’s bet goes and one lucky user gets to take it all home!
When someone eventually wins the jackpot, the meter starts from scratch again and builds itself up – until a player wins it again.
Some progressives are linked to just one slot at a particular online casino, but most commonly, prizes are shared between several online gambling sites that run on the same software. In the case of the latter, the prize pool is always bigger, since a bigger number of players wager on the given slot.
So, in a nutshell, there are three types of progressive jackpot slots you can encounter:
- Standalone – not linked or tied with other slots at other online casinos.
- Linked – several slots “join forces” and create a common prize pool.
- Wide-area – jackpots also shared across online casinos, but ones that tend to have even larger prize pools.
You can also come across flat jackpots, so it is important not to confuse them with the category we talk about here. Some games will have jackpot values on display when you load the game, but they are not progressives – they are predetermined and triggered by you performing a certain action.
Of course, you cannot expect frequent wins if you play progressive jackpot slots. They are usually low-RTP and high-variance games, so you really need to be on your lucky day to secure the life-changing win!
Lastly, before we spread a few examples of progressive jackpots, you need to be aware of one important feature – to qualify for the biggest prize, you often need to wager the maximum bet amount of the game.
| Slot Name | Provider | RTP |
| Mega Moolah | Microgaming | 88.12% |
| Age of the Gods | Playtech | 95.02% |
| Major Millions | Microgaming | 89.37% |
| Treasure Nile | Parlay Gaming | 92.11% |
3D Slots
Some of the most prominent names in the game providers industry like NetEnt and Betsoft have added 3D slots to their rich game portfolios. Players easily fell in love with 3D slots as they offer far superior graphics, great animations, rewarding features and better sound effects.
Software providers like to get creative when crafting 3D slots, so you can expect a wide range of themes that can live up to everyone’s expectations. Movie themed-games, comic-themed – you name it, even the most choosy players can find a slot they like!
If you try out a 3D slot, you will probably notice that they tend to have more complex storylines and a burst of special features – free spins, Wilds, Scatters, Multipliers – all making your gaming experience even better.
At last, a key feature of 3D slots is cross-compatibility – meaning that you can enjoy them on any device you prefer without any shortages in quality. You can even argue that since screens of mobile devices have higher pixel density, 3D slots look better and more pleasing on such devices!
| Slot Name | Provider | RTP |
| Aliens | NetEnt | 96.4% |
| A Night of Mystery | High 5 Games | 96% |
| After Night Falls | Betsoft | 97.27% |
| Time Travel Tigers | Yggdrasil | 96.3% |
Innovative Slots Mechanics – Enhance Your Gameplay
The types of slots we mentioned above are not all that you have to know about these games before you try them out. Different slot games run on different mechanics, and there is great versatility here, but let’s take a look at the most common ones.
Megaways Mechanic
Speaking of multi-payline games, a special mention has to go to Megaways slots. These games represent a new and exciting way for players to experience the thrills of playing slots, as they come with an innovative mechanic that offers up to 117,649 ways to win with each spin.
Each spin you make is unique and the number of paylines changes all the time – giving you a nice chance to secure big wins!
Big Time Gaming is the provider that came up with this innovative Random Reel Modifier. Other providers were quick to follow suit and integrate the Random Reels Modifier, so now you can find an abundance of Megaways slots at any reputable online casino!
| Slot Name | Provider | RTP |
| The Dog House Megaways | Pragmatic Play | 96.55% |
| Monopoly Megaways | Big Time Gaming | 96.39% |
| Buffalo King Megaways | Pragmatic Play | 96.52% |
| Gonzo’s Quest Megaways | Red Tiger | 96% |
InfiniReels Mechanic
Most of the slots you will encounter stick to a fixed number of paylines. However, all that changes in InfiniReels slots, where the number of paylines can grow indefinitely.
This is a very appealing mechanic that was developed by industry leaders NetEnt, and it adds new reels to the right of the original ones every time you land a win. Since you have new reels into the mix, there are extra symbols to play with – thus the winning potential increases!
The Inifni Reels Mechanic works very simply – you don’t need any additional symbols to trigger it. All you have to do is land a win, and the game will automatically add a new reel on the right. New wins mean new reels!
| Slot Name | Provider | RTP |
| Gods of Gold InfiniReels | NetEnt | 96.21% |
| Dragons Fire InfiniReels | Red Tiger | 95.73% |
| Get the Gold InfiniReels | Red Tiger | 95.72% |
Gigablos Mechanic
Yggdrasil is one of the most prominent names in the software providers industry, and it is also the creator of the stunning Gigablox mechanic.
It is a completely different mechanic from the ones we mentioned above, as it puts its focus on mega symbols. Such symbols can take a few positions on the reels and provide players with enhanced wins.
Symbols in Gigablox slots come in different structures and sizes – 2×2, 3×3, 4×4, or 6×6. There are not too many Gigablox slots around at the moment, but we are quite confident that their number will increase drastically in the coming years.
| Slot Name | Provider | RTP |
| Lucky Neko – Gigablox | Yggdrasil | 96.4% |
| Giganimals GigaBlox | Yggdrasil | 96% |
| 4 Fantastic Fish GigaBlox | Yggdrasil | 96% |
| Tiki Runner GigaBlox | Yggdrasil | 96% |
Splitz Mechanic
Besides the Gigablox mechanic, Yggdrasil recently introduced the Splitz Mechanic, further cementing its place near the top of the game providers industry. This is a mechanic that splits symbols – giving you two matching ones that can deliver higher wins.
Splitz is one of the most innovative and certainly most popular mechanics we have come across – some games have a winning potential of over 20,000x your stake, so we are not surprised by their high demand among punters!
| Slot Name | Provider | RTP |
| Syncronite Splitz | Yggdrasil | 96% |
| Rise of the Valkyrie Splitz Lightning Chase | Yggdrasil | 96.50% |
| Fruit Gemz Splitz | Yggdrasil | 95.5% |
Cluster Pays
Compared to the Yggdrasil mechanics mentioned above, the Cluster Pays is not really a new one. Winning combinations in this fun mechanic are made in different ways than just from left to right.
Here, you need at least three similar symbols to create a cluster on the game grid. Here, you will need to match said symbols and use them to secure a win, regardless of their location, reels and lines.
Some of the Cluster Pays slots come with a wide betting range, so they are appealing to all types of slot players.
| Slot Name | Provider | RTP |
| Aloha! Cluster Pays | NetEnt | 96.42% |
| Jammin’ Jars | Push Gaming | 96.83% |
| Rich Wilde and the Tome of Madness | Play’n GO | 96% |
| Finn’s Golden Tavern | NetEnt | 96.01% |
Slots’ Special Features and Rounds
Creators of the gaming content you see at online casinos don’t just stop with innovative mechanics and gameplay. There is something extra that makes online slots exceptionally imaginative – bonus rounds and special symbols.
Software providers try to push their boundaries beyond the ordinary and make the players’ gaming experience even better. So, that is where bonus features and rounds come into the main frame, so let’s check out the most common ones.
Wilds
Wilds are arguably the most widespread feature in online slots as most video slots have at least one. They are special symbols that can replace regular-paying icons on the grid to help punters land a winning combination.
Some slots even have Wilds that can form their own winning combinations with a boosted payout if you land at least three on a winning payline.
Scatters
Scatters are also common among online slots these days, and they often award a payout regardless of their position on the reels. You don’t need to land them on the same line or adjacent positions to win. In addition, a certain number of Scatters on the reels will trigger a free spins bonus round.
Free Spins
Speaking of free spins, they are arguably the most sought-after bonus round in video slots these days. Of course, if you trigger them, you will get to play a certain number of rounds without wagering any real money.
Various Other Bonus Features
We can spend all day in listing bonus features in online slots, but we only have so much space! Instead, let’s see some of the features that have been far-reaching among players:
- Dropping Symbols – also known as Tumbling Reels or Cascading Symbols, they represent a situation where winning symbols disappear from the reels and make room for new ones to fall into their place.
- Multipliers – can be attached to other bonus rounds or features, and they can range from 2x all the way up!
- Special Wilds – Wilds can have additional perks, such as taking over the entire reel, including multipliers in wins they create, etc.
- Gamble – you can choose to gamble your winnings from your previous round in a mini-game. If you win, you double your winnings, but you can imagine what happens if you lose!
- Respins – you can retrigger a free spins round if you meet certain conditions, like landing additional Scatters during the original bonus spins round.
Tips When Playing Online Slots
Before we go on about some guidelines you can follow when you play online slots, we have to quash away one misconception – you can win at slots by using a strategy. As slots are RNG-run games of chance, luck will always play a crucial role in determining the outcome.
Nonetheless, that doesn’t mean you cannot implement some tips to your gameplay that can help you boost your chances of winning.
Do Your Research
We know that there are thousands and thousands of slots out there, but you need to find your preferred ones and pick from the best casinos to play them. You can look at the mechanics, bonus rounds, gameplay, theme, RTP, and volatility – cover the whole cycle so you can choose what types of slots you like the most!
Play For Free
Almost all popular slots have demo versions you can try out for free, and we strongly suggest you do so! There is no limit on how long you can play without wagering your own money, so playing for free can help you understand the game better and build your confidence.
Take Advantage of Casino Bonuses
Bonuses and ongoing casino promotions can help you maximise your winnings, and we recommend you keep a close eye on them. Reload bonuses and free spins are common promotions you can encounter for online slots.
Know the Paytable
Every online slot has a unique paytable that represents the symbols’ value and bonus rounds information. So, always study it in detail before you play for real money.
Start off Small
Games with smaller jackpots tend to have more common payouts, so if you are completely new to the industry, such games are the way to go! Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that beginner’s luck will follow you if you aim for the big bucks.
Stick To Your Budget
We finally arrive at the golden rule of online gambling – stick to what you can afford when playing online slots. Never play with borrowed money or think that online slots will make you rich. At the end of the day, slots are meant to be just a fun pastime activity!
How to Start Your Online Slots Gaming Adventure
Now that you know all there is about online slots, we can slowly wrap things up by giving you a guideline on how you can start playing these games. The procedure below is rather a straightforward one, so by following it, you can start playing almost in a flash!
Choose A Licensed Online Casino
You need to gamble at a 100% secure platform, so choosing a licensed online casino is the bare minimum you must do. Just scroll to the footer of the casino’s homepage and see whether it contains license information. If it does, you are good to go!
Choose a Payment Method & Deposit
Now, you need to choose a payment method that you will use to deposit funds and withdraw winnings when playing online slots. Note that every casino has a minimum deposit amount you can claim at the start.
Claim the Slots’ Welcome Bonus
If you are content with the structure and the T&Cs of the welcome offer, then proceed with claiming it. As mentioned above, choosing the right bonus can boost your potential winnings.
Choose a Slot & Play
The fun part can now begin! Scroll through the game library, find your preferred online slot and start an amazing gaming adventure! Select your bet size, and let the reels spin!
Verdict- An Ever-Growing Industry
All in all, we can say that the online slots industry does not seem to stop developing, and it is good news for all punters! The entire online gambling scene is very competitive, meaning that we see new and better slots being released all the time, and we simply love it!
Now that you have all the information you need about how online slots work, choose one according to the criteria above and start your thrilling gaming adventure!
FAQ
How do online slots pay out?
Slots pay out when you line up winning symbols on the reels. Deepening on the game you choose to play, there will be a number of paylines and symbol combination requirements you need to adhere to secure a win.
How can I win in online slots?
Well, due to their RNG structure, there is no winning strategy that can guarantee you wins. However, by gambling responsibly and practising the game, you at least shift the odds a bit in your favour.
Are online slots fair?
Yes, all online slots by reliable game providers run on Random Number Generators. To ensure that you play fair slots, register at licensed sites that audit games for fairness.
Can I play slots on my mobile phone?
Of course, you can! Almost all modern slots run on HTML5 technology, meaning that they are 100% optimized for all devices – without you needing to download additional software.
How do I get free spins in slots?
The requirements for triggering the free spins round will vary, depending on the game you choose. Most notably, a wide range of slots will require you to land at least three Scatters to land a certain number of free spins.
You must be at least 18 years of age to gamble in the United Kingdom. If you feel that gambling is becoming a problem for you or someone you know then we encourage you to visit begambleaware.org for help and advice.
