Dive into the exciting world of online slots with this comprehensive guide. Learn the ins and outs of online slots, their strategies, rules, and variants. Understand the potential impact of bonuses and symbols and uncover reviews and rankings of the top online casinos boasting the best real money slots in the business.
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There is something magical about the simplicity of slot machines. Their iconic design, featuring a screen, payment shoot, and a handle, is essentially the face of gambling. You can show a picture of a slot machine to practically anyone anywhere, and they will know exactly what it is and how you operate it. However, crude knowledge is not enough. You need an in-depth understanding of slots if you wish to take your slot gaming to the next level.
Slots were always an incredibly popular casino game, with its roots going back to the 19th century. There were dozens of variants with countless exciting themes. Slot machines distinguished themselves by altering reel counts, paylines, themes, and visual cues. However, the early days of Las Vegas saw a lot of mafia interference. The latter was prone to rigging slot machines and manipulating the outcome of gambling sessions.
Mafia interference was, luckily, subdued over the years. When online casinos hit the stage in 1994, a new era of strict regulation and quality control came about. Slots were more popular than ever, and game developers were rushing to meet demand.
The interreference of casino software developers led to incredible innovation. Special features such as free spins, pick-and-win bonuses, progressive jackpots, multipliers, re-spins, and more appeared. While this was great for increasing your selection, it also made choosing an online slot game a nightmare.
Choosing a modern online slot is not just about finding the theme that appeals to you the most. You also have to take into account its special features and potential bonuses. Moreover, not all online casinos are made equal, which anyone who has experienced prolonged payouts or unresponsive customer support can attest to. Join us in this comprehensive guide and see how you can pick the best online slot game around today.
To truly understand online slots, we first have to dive into the history of conventional slots. The evolution of these and the features that accompany said evolution will help you get an unparalleled understanding of slot gaming.
The story of one-armed bandits started in 1895 when Charles August Fey invented the first mechanical slot machine, known as the "Liberty Bell", in San Francisco. It was comprised of three spinning reels featuring horseshoes, stars, and playing cards.
Slots evolved over the years and quickly gained popularity in bars, saloons, and cigar shops. They initially did not offer monetary prizes but rather gimmicks such as gum or cigars. This was done with the express intent of cheating gambling laws.
The 1930s gave birth to the first electric slot machine that replaced mechanical components with electric ones. This transition made gameplay smoother and more reliable.
The 1960s introduced video slot machines, which replaced physical spinning reels with animations on a screen. These were the closest ancestors to our modern digital slots.
Punters were always petrified regarding the fairness and randomness of slots, which was addressed by random number generators in the 1970s. These algorithms ensured random and fair outcomes, which increased trust.
1994 saw the launch of the first-ever online casino that came with the first online slot games. These were built on over the years, which led to progressive jackpots appearing in the 2000s. Slots then started breaking onto the mobile gaming scene with an unmatched quality of animations, graphics, and bonuses. Recent years have seen several VR and AR slot games appear, with more on the horizon. We believe that this incredible technology is the next chapter in the exciting history of slots.
There is nothing worse than joining an online casino game and being completely confused. Understanding the terms and phrases that govern online slots is crucial to maximizing your gaming experience, which is why we have prepared the following breakdown.
Every online slot is slightly different because of bonus rounds, scatters, wilds, and the overall theme. However, the basic gameplay is standardized across the board. Your usual gameplay follows these steps:
You will inevitably be tempted by slot strategies, as these often promise insane returns at the cost of minimal effort. However, strategies cannot overpower odds and force winnings. Check out the following breakdown of the most popular slot strategies and see what you can expect.
Return to player or RTP is a vital aspect of any casino game. The higher the RTP, the more funds punters get back during their gaming session. Slots with an RTP above 95% are considered optimal. Remember that RTP is based on a huge sample size of wagers, so you will not experience its full force.
Bonus symbols are part and parcel of online slots, with the most common ones being wilds and scatters. Wilds can substitute other symbols and forge winning combinations, while scatters trigger free spins and bonus games.
There are two predominant bankroll management techniques out there. These are the so-called “loss limit” and “win goal”. The former sets a maximum amount that you are willing to lose. Reaching said amount should result in your stopping your session and avoiding further losses. Win goals, on the other hand, are based on you setting target winnings and cashing out once you reach them.
The size of your bet is incredibly important, especially if you have a limited budget. While lower denomination bets make your deposit last longer, they also rob you of certain bonus features. Larger bets enable every bonus feature and shoot for the biggest wins, but they also come with higher risk.
We want you to have the best possible slot gaming experience, which is why we have prepared the following collection of amazing tips.
It is crucial that you are familiar with your slot's specific rules. These do not only cover gameplay but also explain how wilds, scatters, and other bonus features work. Understanding all of these aspects helps you make informed decisions.
It is crucial that you set a budget for your slot gaming session and stick to it. Consider the wagers, games, bonuses, and other gaming costs far in advance. Moreover, only ever gamble what you can afford to lose.
We recommend that you stick to high RTP slots, with an RTP percentage over 95%. The higher the RTP, the more you stand to win back during your gaming session. Check out our online slot recommendations to maximize your RTP.
Online casinos often feature free or demo versions of their slots, which are perfect for practice. We recommend that you explore your game library, pick a strategy that works for you, and stick to it.
Bonuses are a great way to boost your bankroll and prolong your gameplay. Check out your casino’s free spins, deposit bonuses, reload bonuses, and cashback offers. Remember to also evaluate the wagering requirements and eligible games.
Now that you are familiar with the ins and outs of online slots, it is time to take the next step and actually play them. However, finding and playing your first online slot might be a bit daunting, which is why we have prepared the following step-by-step guide.
The reason why you should pursue reputable casinos is simple: they treat you fairly. Payouts are guaranteed, games are fair, and customer support is second to none. You can find the best casinos on our list of recommendations.
While this step might seem silly, it is where most punters go wrong. Some casinos require you to follow referral links or enter special codes when registering. This is a prerequisite for certain no-deposit, deposit matching, and welcome promotions. Our online slot recommendations feature the best bonuses of this kind.
Make sure to use a banking method that you are familiar with, such as a credit card or e-wallet, so that you know what kind of processing time to expect. Moreover, make sure that you can lose your entire deposit without endangering your financial stability.
You should be very conscientious when picking a slot. It should not only boast high RTP, fun gaming features, and generous bonus components, but it should also be in line with your needs and wants.
It is crucial that you have fun. Gambling is not about winning money; it is about the journey. We recommend that you start with small bets and enjoy each spin for what it is, not what it could be.
Slots have been played by countless players over the years. Each player had a different linguistic background, which naturally led to various terms and phrases being used. Some of these remain as slang, while others have evolved into jargon. Check out our handy slots glossary, and sound like a slots pro in minutes.
Slots GlossaryThe internet is packed with incredible slot games that cover every theme under the sun. What is more, each slot has slightly different gameplay courtesy of its unique mechanics and bonus features. Check out the following breakdown of the most common slot types to learn more:
These are your traditional 3-reel machines that have a vintage feel akin to that of Las Vegas slots. The gameplay is simple, with limited paylines and symbols such as bars, sevens, and fruits.
These are the most common slot games in online and land-based casinos. They feature advanced graphics, animations, and sound effects that forge immersive gameplay. Moreover, they often have multiple paylines, bonus features, and themes.
These are a staple of the UK gambling scene, with fruity symbols such as cherries, lemons, and watermelons. They often come with interactive bonus rounds and hold-and-nudge features that test your skill.
A Japanese slot sensation that combines pinball and slot machines. Punters launch steel balls into vertical playing fields and bounce them into slots at the bottom. The gameplay is taken further by the addition of large numbers of balls.
These are your traditional slot machines with simple designs, few paylines, and straightforward gameplay. They are practically carbon copies of traditional brick-and-mortar casino slots.
The modern variant of slots that has taken the world by storm consists of five spinning reels, a wide range of paylines, various themes, and additional bonus features.
These are among the most popular online slots due to their incredible win potential. Each placed bet contributes to the growing jackpot, which makes it swell to enormous amounts.
These slots take player engagement to the next level with skill-based bonus rounds and interactive elements. Your objective is to complete tasks or make certain choices in order to win prizes or progress.
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If you decide to play at licensed, regulated, and audited online casinos, then slots are definitely not rigged. They are based on random number generators that are completely random and fair.
Yes, you definitely can! Many online casinos feature free or demo slot games that you can play for free. What is more, you can even pick up amazing free spins that allow you to withdraw some winnings.
There are some. However, these are incredibly rare and usually limited to high-rollers and VIPs. You will usually only encounter digital slot games.
Yes, there are plenty of online slot bonuses. You can find your typical welcome bonuses, free spins, deposit bonuses, cashback offers, reload bonuses, and more. Note that free spins often appear as additional rewards for other promotions.
When thinking about this question, you should always consider the underlying casino and its features. We recommend that you check out our recommended online slot casinos, as these offer perfect online slot bonuses.
Yes, you definitely can! Online casinos have mobile-friendly websites and dedicated mobile apps that can be used on your favorite Android or iOS smartphone or tablet. Note that mobile slots are clones of their desktop counterparts.
Yes, you definitely can! However, you need to be careful regarding win conditions. While some slots allow you to win progressive jackpots completely at random, others require you to enter bonus rounds. Moreover, there may be minimum bet amounts for progressive jackpots.
No, you do not. While there are dedicated casino applications that allow you to gamble directly from your favorite device, you can always visit the casino’s website and play online slots there.
Yes, there usually is! Slots often boast an Autoplay function that allows you to set a number of spins with various betting conditions. The game then automatically implements your spins based on your settings.
Discover the ins and outs of the best real-money online casinos in the business. Learn what a casino has to feature in terms of security, safety, games, promotions, banking options, customer support, and more. Become an expert at distinguishing the best from the rest, and join one of the leading online real money gaming venues of today. All this and more in this in-depth guide to the top online real money casinos around.
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Get ready to explore the exciting world of virtual reality online casinos with our handy tips, tricks, expert insights, and a general overview of hardware. See which VR headset matches perfectly with your current setup and personal preferences. Discover the history and future of VR. Find the best online VR casinos and more in this comprehensive guide.
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