Slots are immensely popular among online casino players, so it is hardly surprising that they constitute a substantial part of the gaming collections of the lion’s share of the established web-based casino operators. What contributes to their success is their very simplicity and, above all, the amusement they provide. Practically anyone can learn the rules, start playing, and potentially finish their betting session with a hefty win.
Most of the time, online casino operators offer an impressive range of slot titles and variations. Each game has its own distinctive features, theme, and story, so new players are often overwhelmed by the sheer scope of options available to them. The vivid graphics, engaging animations and great sound effects further add to the entertainment value of slots.
Because of the sheer profusion of options to pick and choose from, gambling enthusiasts are often hard-pressed to determine which title is best suited to them. Fortunately, we have compiled a list of the criteria that slots should meet to ensure you get the most out of your betting session.
Criteria to Consider when Choosing Online Slots
As there are literally thousands of online slots to choose from, novices who have never played before are often confused and experience difficulties in deciding which games to place their bets on.
There is one very important factor to consider before you start playing slots for real money. The easier a game is to play, the poorer the odds it typically offers. This applies equally to slots. Below, you will find a few criteria to consider prior to joining the fun that online slots can offer. If you stick to these criteria and choose the slots you play wisely, you will be able to maximise your profits.
Volatility and Payout Percentages
With thousands of options to choose from, players should remember that not all slots are created equal. When choosing an online slot to play for real money, the first thing you need to check is the game’s Return to Player percentage or RTP. The RTP denotes the long-term expected payout percentage from all bets made on a given casino game, be it a slot, blackjack or roulette variation.
For example, if a slot is said to have a theoretical RTP of 95%, players can expect to receive £950 back for every £1,000 wagered. Knowing a slot’s RTP is crucial when making your selection. Needless to say, it is better to pick a game with a house edge of 3% or 4% than one with a 10% built-in house advantage.
It is vital to remember that even if a slot’s RTP is rather high, this does not necessarily mean you will finish with a profit. In essence, while betting on such games, players are less likely to end up penniless.
Volatility is another term new players should become well acquainted with. Volatility (also known as variance) reflects how often and how much players can expect to win during any given betting session. High-volatility slots offer more substantial payouts that occur less frequently. In comparison, with low-volatility slots, players hit winning combinations more often, yet the payouts are much smaller.
Which of the two types you choose depends solely on your bankroll size. Playing high-volatility slots requires patience and suits players with larger bankrolls who do not mind seeing less action. If you have sufficient funds, eventually you will hit the lucrative combination that replenishes your bankroll. Low-volatility slots are recommended for players with smaller bankrolls who enjoy more action and are satisfied with collecting more frequent, though smaller, payouts.
The only way to determine the volatility of a given slot is by giving it a try. Fortunately, you are not required to play for real money, as most online slots are available in Fun or Practice mode. You can play a game free of charge to test it and decide whether it suits you.
Number of Paylines
Another important criterion when choosing a slot is the number of paylines it features. Paylines are among the most fundamental features of online video slots. Their number determines how many winning combinations a slot can produce. Many experienced players advise novices to look for slots with multiple paylines.
There are slots with fixed paylines, which means players must bet on every single payline available. Then again, there are variations that allow players to adjust which lines they wish to activate. Each line counts as a separate bet, which means that if you select a slot with 25 paylines and your coin value is £0.10, each spin of the reels will cost £2.50.
How you play the paylines is also important. Players can potentially collect a payout only on lines that are active. If you activate only 10 out of the 25 paylines and the winning combination falls on a deactivated line, you will not turn a profit. Generally, it is recommended to play all paylines on every spin, even if that means playing with a smaller coin value. If you fail to do so, you might end up missing out on a hefty prize.
Progressive Jackpots
Many slot fans prefer to play games that have a huge jackpot attached to them. The jackpot increases incrementally, meaning that a small portion of every wager goes towards the pot. Naturally, this can cause jackpots to skyrocket to millions of pounds.
However, players are usually required to bet the maximum amount allowed on the progressive slot to become eligible for the massive prize. Also, progressive slots often offer fewer and smaller regular wins to balance out the possibility of someone hitting the jackpot. That is why it is advisable to play progressives whenever the pot has escalated to a life-changing amount. You can keep an eye on the jackpot meters of all progressive slots to see how big the prizes are at any given moment.
Also, we recommend players opt for progressive slots that have low to medium volatility. Popular titles in this category include Thunderstruck II by Microgaming (96.65% RTP), Iron Man 2 with 25 paylines by Playtech (95.98% RTP), and Mega Fortune by NetEnt (96.60% RTP).
Free Spins and Bonuses
One of the biggest advantages of playing online is that web-based casino operators offer an abundance of bonuses and promotional offers to both new and existing players. Many reputable operators regularly grant a number of Free Spins on selected video slots. This gives inexperienced players the opportunity to generate profits without risking any of their own funds. So, it is always a good idea to keep track of the Free Spins offers available and claim the bonus rounds on eligible slots.
In most cases, newly registered players are greeted with Welcome Bonuses upon their first deposit at online casinos. For example, if you deposit £100 and claim a 100% Welcome Bonus, you will receive an additional £100 to play with free of charge. This is yet another way to enjoy some quality time playing the hottest slots without risking your own money.
Often, existing customers are rewarded for their loyalty with Reload Bonuses each time they fund their accounts using a specific payment solution. In most cases, such bonuses vary between 5% and 15% of the deposited sum, depending on the payment method used.
However, before you claim your Free Spins on a given slot or opt for a specific bonus, it is strongly recommended that you read the online casino’s terms and conditions. Usually, these promotional offers have wagering requirements attached, which must be met before players attempt to withdraw any winnings accrued with bonus credits.
Another way to boost your bankroll and play slots without risking your funds is by taking advantage of the so-called Comp Points. Each real-money wager you make earns a specific number of points, which can later be exchanged for additional bonus credits or, on some occasions, cash.
Rules and Basics
Slot Types
Choosing Online Slots
Line Number and Multiplier
Classic Online Slots
Special Features
Many advanced video slots boast a number of special features that can make players’ betting sessions even more lucrative. These special features are typically listed in the paytable, so make sure you always check them before placing a bet on any given slot.
Many online slots contain bonus symbols whose appearance can trigger mini-games that vary greatly from one title to another. Some bonus games require players to choose from different options in order to win additional prizes; others, like Mega Fortune, give players the chance to pocket a larger prize by spinning a wheel.
Players should also check whether the slot they have picked is equipped with special symbols such as the scatter symbol. Usually, whenever three or more scatters appear on the reels after a spin, they trigger a round of free spins. The latter multiply payouts on winning combinations by between one and five times. If two or more scatter symbols appear during a round of free spins, another multiplier or batch of bonus spins is triggered, although this is not always the case with every modern slot.
The wild symbol also enjoys tremendous popularity among slot fans because it improves their chances of winning. These symbols function in the same way wild cards do in card games. In other words, wild symbols act as substitutes for missing symbols that players need to complete a winning combination on the reels. There are all kinds of wild symbols, including expanding/spreading, stacked, sticky and shifting wilds. Each of these can boost players’ profits by making it much easier to complete winning combinations.
Slots with multipliers are exceedingly popular among fans of the genre as well. Such symbols can multiply players’ profits by a specific amount. Multipliers can range between 2× and 1,000× your winnings, but this depends entirely on the slot you have chosen. Some multipliers are unlocked by scatter symbols, while others function only as part of a given bonus game.
Software Developers
Though less important than the criteria mentioned above, the visual appeal of the games should not be underestimated. It is recommendable to opt for slots that have been developed by leading gambling software suppliers such as NetEnt, Microgaming, IGT, Playtech and Betsoft, to name just a few.
Such slots not only boast a variety of handy features but also impress when it comes to design. The visuals are typically exceptionally vivid and lifelike, while the great sound effects and sleek animations will hold your attention for a long time, making your gaming session even more entertaining. Often, when a winning combination is spun, the symbols on screen come to life thanks to artful animation.
Some software suppliers cater to players’ preferences by offering slots inspired by popular movies, TV and comic series. These slots are impressive not only in terms of graphics and sound effects but also because they boast more complex storylines. An example would be Microgaming’s Battlestar Galactica slot, where achievements enable players to move through three different ranks: civilian, colonel and admiral. Another example is NetEnt’s Aliens slot, based on the popular blockbuster, where players can advance through three levels – the Search, the Encounter and the Hive.
Last but not least, online gambling operators that rely on software developed by leading suppliers such as those mentioned above are often highly regarded for their reliability, fairness to players, and transparency. Always make sure you check whether a given casino is licensed and which software suppliers have developed the slots in its portfolio.
Optimising Your Winnings while Playing Slots Online
It is hardly surprising that slots have become some of the most-played casino games not only in land-based venues but online as well. Demand is so high that slots have slowly begun to push table and card classics into the background.
Something many gambling aficionados fail to consider when they start betting on slots is that no strategy, knowledge or skill can influence the outcome of the games. This is because a Random Number Generator dictates which combination of symbols lands on the reels when they stop spinning.
Whenever you feel like betting on slots, remember that the odds are set so the house invariably holds the upper hand. As we have already explained, casinos gain their advantage in slots just as they do in other casino games: they pay players at rates that are lower than the true odds.
Unlike other casino games, where skill and knowledge play a crucial role in winning or losing, nothing can be done to increase the likelihood of a payout when playing slots. This naturally leads many gamblers to ask how they can still win.
Whether you are a daring or a risk-averse slot lover, it is only natural to want to get the full benefit out of your betting session. Despite what we have said, some of the choices you make while wagering can help you get the most from your session.
Opt for Higher Denomination Slots
When searching for a slot to bet on, gambling enthusiasts are advised to pay special attention to games with higher denominations. Such slots usually have payback percentages at the upper end of the spectrum, which translates into a smaller house edge – one reason they are fan favourites.
As expected, penny slots pay out the least, while dollar slots boast the highest RTP. That being said, players should not feel compelled to stick exclusively to dollar slots; personal preference and entertainment value are also important factors.
Although higher-denomination slots offer better payback percentages, the amounts you must stake are greater. For that reason, this approach is recommended only if your bankroll allows it.
Play the Maximum Bet while Wagering on Progressive Slots
The popularity of progressive slots is easily explained: these games have brought windfalls to many lucky players. You may already know that while betting on such games, a portion of every stake is added to a steadily growing jackpot.
Furthermore, many slots offer multi-tier jackpots, meaning that players can try to bag one of three or four separate pots.
As mentioned earlier, to be certain of qualifying for the biggest prize, you must stake the maximum number of coins before setting the reels in motion. If you do not comply with this requirement and the jackpot combination lands, the prize awarded will shrink dramatically.
That said, some progressive slots do not require the maximum bet to qualify for the top prize, while others prompt players to place an additional stake to improve their chances of collecting the jackpot.
Bear in mind that such slots may fail to provide frequent payouts. If you are uncomfortable making substantial wagers, it might be better to choose a lower-paying slot or one without a progressive jackpot.
Bet Within Your Budget
If you want to get the most out of your slots session, always keep your stakes within the budget you initially set. This involves not only lowering your wagers after a few losses but also ending your session when you reach your win or loss limit.
Before you begin, be prepared: in most cases, betting on slots will consume some of your funds. One of the best ways to get the full benefit out of your slots session is to know your limits and choose games that suit your bankroll.
To work out how much you should set aside, ensure the amount is sufficient to place around 250 wagers within three hours.
Players should also learn to adjust their wagers as circumstances change. If you start with a bankroll of £200 and have already gambled away £100 of it, switching to penny slots may be sensible.
It is vital to remember that slots are not like some other casino games where placing multiple bets or exploiting shifting odds is possible. With slots, your chances of winning are invariably the same on every spin, and implementing a betting system will be fruitless.
Take One Step at a Time
One piece of advice total novices often overlook is to start their slots session slowly but steadily. Many casino enthusiasts mistakenly believe that wins will come straight away.
Players tend to place modest stakes at the beginning and gradually increase the staked amount, hoping to bet big once they score a win.
As mentioned, the likelihood of a payout is always the same, whether you have just started or have been betting for some time. Contrary to popular belief, changing your stake has no impact on a slot’s payback percentage. In other words, the “prime the pump” approach remains futile when applied to slots.
Activate All Paylines of the Chosen Slot
As explained already, slots can have either fixed or adjustable paylines. In many modern titles, wagering on all paylines is a must if players want the chance to unlock any of the special features the game offers. It goes without saying that if you switch off any win lines, you decrease your chances of entering bonus games and potentially bagging a hefty prize.
Put simply, ensuring that all win lines are active is essential if you want to enhance your chances of a payout.
Players should be mindful that multi-line slots with numerous bonus features or special icons typically have lower odds. Such games are likely to deliver smaller but consistent wins which, although modest, can add up over time.