Online slots are increasing in popularity. These games are favourites among casual and seasoned gamers alike due to the variety available and how fun they are to play. If you’ve never tried online slots and are thinking of giving them a go, our handy guide will help you understand what these games are and how to enjoy them safety.
What are online slots?
Online slots are digital versions of the physical machines that exist in brick-and-mortar casinos. They operate on the same basic principle: you spin reels containing symbols and hope that you land a winning combination. Online slots bring the classic game concept to the digital world – and they’ve become really advanced too.
Basic mechanics
Online slots are simple but they’re really engaging. Here’s how they work:
- Reels and paylines: They typically have three to five reels with different symbols. To win, you need to land matching symbols on a payline – ie a specific pattern. Old slots had a single horizontal line but modern slots may have hundreds of possible combinations.
- Symbols: The traditional symbols were fruit but now, you’ll find all sorts of symbols depending on the theme. There are special symbols like Wilds, which substitute for others to create a winning combination, and Scatters, which trigger bonus rounds like free spins.
- Random number generator: The games run using a random number generator (RNG) so that the outcome of the spins is entirely random and fair. This makes the outcome unpredictable.
The differences between online slots and traditional slot machines
Both types of slots share the same general idea but they have several differences:
- Accessibility: Online slots can be played anytime and anywhere (as long as there’s an internet connection). Traditional slot machines are only located in a physical casino setting. With online slots, you can also pay by a range of online payment methods, including cryptocurrency in some cases.
- Variety: Online slots are so varied. You’ll find a range of themes, bonus features and paylines. Traditional machines just can’t compete.
- Bonuses and promotions: Online platforms will often give you bonuses like free spins, which you rarely get with traditional slot machines.
- Customisation: Some online slots allow you to adjust your bet size and the number of paylines. You can even set the game to autoplay.
Popular types of online slots
There are thousands of different types of slots and some are more popular than others. Here are some of our favourites:
- Classic slots: These are inspired by the traditional slot machines. They usually have three reels and simple mechanics. You’ll see basic features like fruits, bars and 7s.
- Video slots: These are the most common type of online slots. They have advanced visuals, immersive themes and engaging storylines. You’ll find a variety of bonus features like free spins rounds too.
- Progressive jackpot slots: These are linked to a network and each bet contributes to a growing jackpot until one lucky person wins.
- Megaways slots: These were introduced by Big Time Gaming and have a unique mechanic that changes the number of symbols on each reel per spin. This creates thousands of ways to win – up to 117,649, in fact.
- 3D slots: These have advanced graphics and animations. Playing these is more like a cinematic experience.
How to choose the right slot game
With so many to choose from, it can be hard to choose a game to play. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Understand your preferences. Decide whether you’re looking for a simple, classic or feature-rich game, then choose a theme that resonates with your interests.
- Look at the RTP and volatility. The higher the RTP, the better the long-term returns. If you would prefer frequent, smaller wins, go for a low-volatility slot. For larger, less frequent wins, go for a high-volatility one.
- Read reviews and ratings. Check out independent reviews from the likes of Leanna Madden. This will tell you what the game is like to play before you spend your money.
- Try in demo mode. Many games and online casinos will let you play slots in demo mode so you can try them out before wagering real cash.
- Look for bonus features. Check out whether the game offers things like free spins and multipliers, or whether it has wilds and scatters that help you win.
Responsible gaming practices
Above all else, it’s important to gamble responsibly. Only play at sites with reputable licenses – for example, those issued by the UKGC, which is one of the strictest regulatory bodies for online gambling in the world. Always set out with a budget in mind, and don’t exceed it. If you find yourself worrying about how much you’re playing or spending, use the casino’s responsible gambling tools to protect yourself from problem gambling. Options like loss limits, deposit limits, time-outs and self-exclusion are invaluable. Use them wisely.
Conclusion
Online slots offer an exciting way to enjoy casino gaming from the comfort of your own home. They have a variety of themes and features – there is something for all tastes and budgets. It can be a challenge to start navigating this world but by taking the time to research, read reviews and establish healthy gaming habits, you’ll have a much better experience overall.
