Casinos have offered a wide range of games since the dawn of time and, since the birth of online casinos, this has never been more accurate. Whether you prefer card games like Poker and Blackjack that rely on skill or enjoy the spills and thrills of the slot reels, online casinos invite you to give their games a try as you gamble and win real cash prizes.
Slot games, in particular, are often considered to be one of the first gambling machines with the one-armed bandit offering a simple mechanism for players to spin and win.
Video slots are certainly a mainstay of any online casino and present opportunities for players to match symbols to win larger prizes than could be offered by the slot machines in days of yore.
Electronic slot machines have even stepped outside of their casino environments to offer chances to win while you shop for groceries or stop to refuel your vehicle. These slot machines may not have you walking away with millions, however, the chance of winning for spot prizes and shopping vouchers can offer a similar thrill, especially in today’s economy.
What are online slots?
Found at every online casino on the market, online slots come in many shapes, sizes and themes. With lingo like “pays both ways” and “Megaways”, online slot games can offer cash prizes in the hundreds, thousands and even millions as players spin and win to match symbols in a winning combination.
Online slots have evolved a lot from the days of slots where players looked to match horseshoes or Liberty Bells while spinning the reels. Between the 1800s and late 1900s, slot machines saw some prolific progression as it moved from the very basic machine to ones where automatic payouts and high-value symbols came standard.
Back in 1978, the high tech slots used Sony TV screens to display the reels and gained popularity on the Vegas strip. It wasn’t until 1996 when bonus rounds were introduced and invited players to trigger a bonus game for even bigger prizes.
With online slot games offering bonus features like free spins, respins, jackpot games and more, players who enjoy spinning the reels have an endless range of options available at the click of a button.
Are there different types of online slots?
Slots have come a long way since the time of gold bars and fruit and, in your search for the perfect game, you will notice a few slot categories that define video slots in an easy to recognize manner.
- Classic slots – Usually in a 3 or 5 reel format, these no-frills slot games are reminiscent of one-armed bandits in their simplicity. While the game may have a few bonus features, the basic premise is a fixed payline set up where players need to click Spin, to set the reels in motion.
- Megaway slots – With hundreds or even thousands of paylines, players get to land winning symbols and payline combinations to cash in on massive prizes.
Within these basic categories, paylines can expand within the game vertically or horizontally. Egyptian theme games enjoy offering expanding paylines in a pyramid shape while other takes may open up the play area horizontally.
Look out for games that say, “up to 1024 ways to win” to experience this for yourself.
What is a progressive slot?
Once you start playing games of chance, it won’t take long before the term, “progressive slot” comes across your path. While there are many more games that are available in a progressive format, progressive slot games are a fan favourite thanks to the cash prizes that will instantly turn them into millionaires.
Defined as a game where a portion of each stake is added to a prize pool which grows until a player wins it, progressive online slot games will have you coming back for just one more spin!
Each progressive game needs to get triggered by the landing of the correct combination of symbols to initiate the progressive jackpot bonus game. These bonus games often have more than one kind of jackpot on offer and may be framed with, “minor”, “major” and “epic” levels.
While not every triggering of the bonus game will guarantee a million-dollar payout, the thrill of spinning that wheel of fortune is sure to get your heart racing.
What are the benefits of playing online slots?
As when many casino games, your stake determines the size of your prize. With many online video slots in particular though, you get to set the value of your coins, the number of paylines you wish to activate and more.
There are other great features to put to use when spinning the reels for the best possible experience. Explore these features or learn more when selecting the Paytable.
Auto spin feature
The auto spin feature is a convenient option offered by online video slot games. Rather than requiring you to click on the spin button each and every time, you have the option of setting your stake, and then choosing how many times you’d like the reels to spin automatically.
This feature also allows for you to select when you’d like the reals to flick back to manual mode should you, for example, like to see the larger wins being added to your virtual wallet.
By toggling the variables available, you can set up the game in a way that would bring you the most enjoyment and then simply let the slot game run while you sit back and relax.
Bonus features
Another fantastic feature of online slots is the myriad of bonus features available. With slot games that offer free spins and bonus games that increase excitement and delight, it is easy to get swept away by all the features on offer.
Multipliers
By triggering multipliers, whatever you have staked on the spin will grow accordingly. Say you’ve bet €2 per spin and you have matched a line that pays out 5x your stake. Activate a 2x multiplier and you will win €20 instead of just €10.
Bonus rounds
Triggering the bonus game or round offers you the chance to pick a box, spin a wheel or roll the dice to unlock extra bonus features. Whether it is free spins or multipliers, activating the bonus game always adds a level of entertainment and a chance to step away from simply just spinning the reels.
Gamble games
Another bonus feature that you may come across is a gamble game. This often takes the form of colours or playing cards you will need to choose between for a chance to double your stake. Should you choose correctly, your will may be doubled and the bonus feature will take you back to the reels once more.
How do I make my bankroll last online?
When gambling online or in land-based casino environments, it is always best for you to set a guideline for how much you’d like to spend on games of chance. Simply stay with the boundaries you have set to ensure that gambling continues to be fun and exciting.
Online slots are fantastic if you have a smaller bankroll as many games allow you to bet as little as $0.01. Of course, if you are more of a high roller, betting $100 per spin is not unheard of.
By betting on the lower end of the scale, it is perfectly possible to stretch your bankroll for hours of fun as you spin and win.
In a nod to those one-armed bandits from back in the day, slot machines use coins as a value when placing bets. These coin values don’t necessarily translate exactly into cash values, so make sure you keep an eye on the actual value of the bet in order to not get taken by surprise.
Where can I play the best online slot games?
Online slot games are available everywhere. From land-based casinos to your local fuel station, electronic slot machines are not only easy to play but easily accessible in whichever format you prefer.
The internet has brought the world into our living rooms and online casinos have made a commitment to constantly up their game when it comes to offering players what they want. Many online casinos offer over 100 online slot games alone and the fact that these tend to outnumber all other games of chance speaks to the popularity of this particular vertical.
Video slot games require very little from you as you select one that suits your mood and theme preference. Whether you enjoy the more classic fruit slots or prefer to launch yourself into outer space on a galaxy quest, there is an online slot for you.
What are the best online slots games?
New online slot games seem to get released weekly and the popularity of more intricate slot games can ebb and flow with the tides.
Progressive games draw in the crowds as each player contributes towards the prize pool. Those in the know take the time to see how often the progressive game has paid out its jackpot before deciding on whether to give it a try or move on to an online game that pays out more frequently.
- Starburst offers a sweet payout as chocolate bars and other treats line up for a big win. This online slot game is very popular at the moment and there are a wealth of online casinos offering free spins as part of their welcome package.
- Rainbow Riches has you joining a lucky leprechaun in a bid to unlock riches with each spin of the reels.
- Gonzo’s Quest lets you join Gonzo on the road to Eldorado and unlock bonus features for massive cash prizes.
- Mega Moolah creates a journey to Africa as you go on Safari to undiscovered lands. This popular progressive jackpot is considered to be a millionaire-maker as the ever-growing prize pool pays out frequently.
- Wings of Ra takes you to Ancient Egypt where historic symbols usher in the big wins.
Casino game software developers are constantly pushing the limits of invention as they squeeze more features and bonuses into their video slot offerings. The 5 slot games mentioned above are just the tip of the iceberg.
Can online slot games be rigged?
All reputable online casinos rely on award-winning casino game software developers to offer games of chance that have been tested and verified by independent 3rd party agencies.
These games are extensively tested regularly to ensure that the random number generator is working correctly and the theoretical Return to Player (RTP) is accurate.
By choosing to register an account with an online casino recommended here, you can rest assured that the online casino games are not rigged in any way.
Playing land-based slots vs online video slots
Land-based slot games attract attention with all the sights and sounds on offer. Players relish in their excitement as they catch coins that come pouring out as the machine pays out that big win.
However, there is something positive on both sides of the scale to be considered:
- Land-based slots are very tactile.
- Land-based slot machines offer a very real sense of excitement with chimes, dings and colourful symbols.
- Online slots move at a quicker pace with more ways to win.
- Online slots offer a wide range of themes, betting options and payouts.
Online slot games offer you the opportunity to simply spin the reels and land a win. There is no need to learn any specific skills, memorize rules or get caught up in a Math lesson. This casino game is the easiest game available both in brick and mortar casinos and online and every player should give it a try at least once.
Check out our list of reputable online casinos who offer a wide range of video slots and may even give you the chance to spin the reels for free with their welcome package.
FAQs –
Are there different types of online slots?
What are the benefits of playing online slots?
How do I make my bankroll last online?
Where can I play the best online slot games?
What are the best online slot games?