Do you know the difference between a 3-reel and a 5-reel slot? Are you in search of clarity on RTP? Find this info and more in this handy guide on online slots.
Best online casinos to play online slots:
$200
100% Deposit Match
Play up to $200 extra on first deposit
$1000+ $100
100% Deposit Match + $100 On the House
100% deposit bonus up to $1000+ $100 on the house
$2000
Casino App Bonus
Make a Deposit and get 100% match up to $2000
$250
100% First Deposit Match
Claim a 100% match on your first deposit up to $250
$250
100% First Deposit Match
Claim a 100% match on your first deposit up to $250
3-Reel Online Slots
3-reel online slots are the simplest options on the market, calling back to the original game designs of yesteryear. These classic-style games are getting harder to find in the modern online casino landscape, but there are a few still going.
These include Triple Diamond and Wizard of Oz – 3 Reel. 3-reel games typically have a maximum of five pay lines – one across each row and two diagonals.
5-Reel Online Slots
The most common type of online slot is the 5-reel offering, which has five reels that spin independently of one another. These will usually have three rows, but some modern slot developers have increased this to a grid format. 5-reel slots enable a vast number of paylines, as symbols can match across various combinations.
The minimum number of paylines on these games is 25, but there are some offerings like Game of Thrones that have 243 ways to win.
Progressive Slots
Progressive slots are online slots that are linked over a sprawling network. Players from all over the world can play the same titles and, when they do, a portion of their stake contributes to a rolling jackpot. These games list the jackpot at the top, so you can see how high it is. The jackpots are programmed to pay out after reaching a specified figure or after a certain amount of time.
There have been some famous cases of progressive slots paying out lottery-like winnings to players in the past. The best-known game of this type is Microgaming’s Mega Moolah, which rewarded over $21 million to one lucky player on the Isle of Man in 2018.
Online Slots – Glossary
Active Payline
Slots with several paylines usually allow players to choose how many they want to activate on each spin. By activating more lines, you increase the stake of each spin. When winning combinations land on an active payline, you get a return on your stake.
Auto Play
Most online slots have an auto play button, meaning that you can leave the reels spinning for a desired number of times without having to press spin each time yourself.
Bonus Feature
Some modern slot games come with a bonus feature. This can be activated by landing winning combinations, and it usually gives you a chance to win the top prizes.
Fixed Jackpot
A fixed jackpot is when the grand prize is listed on a game, and it pays out the exact amount when you win it.
Multiplier
A multiplier is when winnings are multiplied by a certain amount. This can often appear during the bonus feature, and it helps activate the top pay-outs.
Progressive Jackpot
A progressive jackpot is a rolling jackpot that pays out to one lucky winner in a lottery-like system.
RNG
RNG stands for random number generator. Every online slot game uses RNG to determine where the reels land. This means that the games are fair for all players.
RTP
RTP stands for return to player. This is listed as a percentage, and you can find this in the slot’s information page. It means that a slot theoretically pays back a certain amount to players. For example, if the RTP is 96%, it should pay out around $96 to every $100. This isn’t exact, though, and other factors such as RNG have an influence.
Wild Symbol
Nearly every slot game has a wild symbol that can replace any other symbol in the game to create winning combinations.
How to Play – Tips
The simplicity of online slots makes them accessible to everyone, which is why they are the most popular casino games in the world. All you do is press the button to spin the reels and wait to see if it’s your lucky day. We do have a few tips about how to make the most of your playing experience, however.
- Choose a game that you feel an affinity towards
There are so many games out there to choose from that you don’t want to waste your time on something that doesn’t suit you. If you like films like Bridesmaids and The Goonies, you’re probably going to enjoy the slots. Or, if you prefer adventure, check out a game like Rich Wilde and the Book of Dead.
- Decide whether you want the chance to win big money
What kind of jackpots are you looking for? Check the game’s payouts before you get started and decide if they are right for you. If you want the chance to win big money, go for the progressive slots.
- Take advantage of welcome bonuses at online casinos
There are plenty of free spins offers out there that give you a chance to play for free. Taking advantage of these is one of the top tips for slot players, as you may win money without having to stake your own.
- Have a bankroll strategy and know when to walk away
Before you start playing online slots, you should decide on a set amount that you are willing to spend. Once you have wagered this, walk away, and come back to play later.
- Gamble responsibly and always have fun
Playing online slots should always be about having fun. If you are not enjoying the experience, it’s time to stop. Please always remember to gamble responsibly.
FAQs
We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of all the top sites for players, based on how trusted they are and what kind of bonuses they have. Choose any of the options on our site to find a place to play online slots for real money.
Keep an eye out for sites that are offering free spins bonuses to new players. These can be used to play online slots for free before staking any money.
Free spins welcome bonuses are when you play the slot for free first. A Free spins feature within the game is when the reels keep spinning in wins for a set number of times.
When you take advantage of online casino welcome bonuses, winnings will usually be subject to wagering requirements before you can withdraw them. This means that you will have to stake the winnings a certain number of times. Once these requirements have been fulfilled, you can withdraw.
Slots are purely based on RNG, meaning that nothing you can do can increase your chances of winning. You just have to hope to get lucky.
If you are lucky enough to win, the funds will enter your online casino account. From there, you simply click withdraw to start the process of moving the cash to an outside payment method provider.
