Online Slots - Where to play & Bonuses
Online slots are fun, exciting and give you the chance to win big in seconds. There are thousands available on the market, each boasting different themes, features and payouts. One of the major reasons for their popularity is how easy they are to play. It's as simple as choosing a stake and then pressing the spin button.
Slots Pros & Cons
Higher payouts than any other casino game
Huge variety of themes and styles
Unique bonus rounds between each game
Easy to play
Instant results
Higher house edge than other casino games
Can burn up balance quickly
While there is a huge variety in game styles, graphics and features - all slots share some common elements.
Basic Slot Features
RTP
This stands for return to player. This percentage shows the average monetary return of a slot game. The higher the RTP, the more you will theoretically win back. For example, on a 96% slot machine, you are expected to win back 96% of every £/$1 you spend - which would be £/$0.96. However, this is only the average RTP - which is calculated from thousands of simulated game rounds. In short gaming sessions, your average return could be much higher - or lower.
RNG
This stands for random number generator - this piece of code is used to produce random results in online gambling games.
Symbols
The pictures in the game that you will need to match in combinations to win - or trigger special features. There are usually several different kinds of symbols in a slot. Typically, these are divided in the following ways.
| Type of Symbols | Description |
|---|---|
| Low value symbols | Combos with these symbols produce low prizes, usually card suits like Queen, King and Ace. |
| High value symbols | Winning with these symbols produces high value prizes. These are usually picture symbols to diversify from the low value pays. |
| High value symbols | Winning with these symbols produces high value prizes. These are usually picture symbols to diversify from the low value pays. |
| Scatter symbols | These symbols can award a win or feature regardless of their position on the game reels. |
| Scatter symbols | These symbols can award a win or feature regardless of their position on the game reels. |
| Wild symbol | A symbol that will substitute for others in a winning payline. Wilds do not usually substitute for scatter symbols. |
| Free Spins symbol | Some slots will have a dedicated free spins symbol. As the name suggests, matching the correct combo of these symbols will trigger the free games bonus. |
| Bonus Symbol | Another form of scatter that can appear in certain games. Matching the correct combo of these symbols will unlock a special bonus round. This could be a pick and click style feature. |
Reels
Vertical sections of a slot where symbols lineup to form winning combos. The common reel formation in a slot game is 5 reels - but there can be more reels or less depending on the game you are playing.
Paylines
The lines where you will need to land a correct combination of symbols to trigger a win. Also known as win lines.
Top 10 Popular Slots
- Starburst Slots
- Cleopatra Slots
- Book of Dead Slots
- Thunderstruck 2 Slots
- Avalon 2 Slots
- Game of Thrones Slots
- Narcos Slots
- Vegas Dream Slots
- Desert Treasure Slots
- Age of the Gods slots
Starburst Slot
Without a doubt, the most popular online slot in Europe and the UK. Starburst is a 5 reel, 10 payline slot developed by NetEnt.
It's one of the easiest online games to understand. Unlike some of the games from this developer, Starburst lacks in features. There's only one bonus - but it activates frequently. And it can result in the games biggest wins.
Land a wild symbol - and it will expand to cover the entire game reel. This will trigger a re-spin with the chance for more expanding wilds to join.
Ironically, the game is extremely popular for casino free spins offers - but there is no free spins bonus in the game. Presentation wise, the game is out of this world with rich HD graphics and punchy arcade sound.
Cleopatra Slot
IGT's Ancient Egyptian themed slot boasts high volatility, making it perfect for the Vegas crowd. In fact, Cleopatra slot is touted to be the most played slot ever.
The actual frequency of wins is rare - but prizes are enormous for certain symbol combos. The game features free spins which trigger when you land three of the bonus symbols.
This will award 15 free spins with a 3x multiplier on all winnings. The scatters also pay out lucrative prizes for a correct combo match. Visually, it's okay by today's standards - but there are far more impressive games.
However, IGT continues to update the series with sequels, spin offs and even progressive jackpot versions.
Book of Dead Slot
Ancient Egyptian themed slots continue to prove popular for the chance to land that forbidden treasure. Book of Dead in recent years has become immensely popular for big winning chances and an excellent free spins bonus.
Gameplay wise, the slot is very similar to Novomatic's Book of Ra. Land scatter symbols and you will unlock the free spins bonus.
A symbol will be chosen at random to become the expanding symbol for the duration of the feature.
If you are lucky, you could randomly receive one of the high value symbols. Aside from A+ gameplay - this slot is also popular for casino bonus offers.
Thunderstruck 2 Slot
One of Microgaming's flagship games: Thunderstruck 2 is a 243 ways to win 5 reel slot with the famous Hall of Spins bonus feature.
Land three of the bonus symbol and you will be able to choose from four free spins features. Each bonus offers something different with transforming symbols, multiplier prizes and even rolling reels.
The game is unique as it offers a progression mechanic. With continuous bonus round activation, you are unable to unlock more of the bonus rounds.
There's also a random feature where Thor turns several reels into wilds. The original Thunderstruck slot game certainly was showing it age - and the developer gave the sequel a substantial graphical update.
Avalon 2 Slot
Another Microgaming sequel - this is one of the most feature rich games currently available.
There are 8 bonus features in total - which are all themed around the legend of King Arthur. In the Lake of Legend bonus, you assemble the sword Excalibur for a 6x bonus. While in the Misty Vale - you can unlock free spins with a random 2x multiplier symbol.
As you play, several random features can activate on any given spin. The magician Merlin can step in to award a cash prize or multiplier. Or the Lady of the Lake can become an expanding wild on the reel.
Jackpot Slots
Jackpots Slots is an umbrella term that encompasses several different types of slots described below.
Types of Jackpot Slots
| Jackpot Slot Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Progressive Jackpots | One of the most popular types of jackpot slots, progressive jackpot slots offer huge prizes, but they are more difficult to win. Run by networks across several online casinos, progressive jackpot games take a small percentage from each bet to create a prize pool. Any player playing the game on participating sites can theoretically win the jackpot. These networks can be national or international, creating bigger prize pools but reducing your chances of winning. |
| Local Jackpots | Local Jackpots are progressive jackpots, but the prize pool is only formed by bets from a particular casino. This generally means the prize pool is smaller, but you have a much better chance of winning it. Local jackpots may run across up to ten games. |
| Network or Pooled Jackpots | This type of jackpot slots often offers the biggest prize pools. Here, players at different online casinos play for one jackpot on one game. Again, the prize pot is formed from a percentage of each player’s bets. |
| Fixed Jackpots | Fixed or non-progressive jackpots do not change and are not altered by players' bets. This kind of jackpot is a bonus feature of some slots where players try to win a predetermined jackpot. Fixed jackpots can still involve significant amounts of money. Winners should be determined by random outcomes. Some fixed jackpot slots offer more ways to win than others, and some include a ‘buy’ feature for their bonus rounds. |
| Slots with Multiple Jackpots | Some jackpot slots offer multiple jackpots, giving players more chances to scoop a significant cash prize. Sometimes there is the main jackpot, with the others triggered during bonus rounds. Other times, any jackpot can be randomly triggered, at any point, during the game. |
The Best Progressive Jackpot Slots
- Mega Moolah slots
- Mega Fortune Slots
- Beach Life Slots
- Gladiator Slots
- Jackpot Giant slots
- Age of the Gods slots
- Hall of the Gods slots
- Siberian Storm slots
- Mega Jackpots
- Wheel of Fortune Slots
Mega Fortune Slot
Developed by NetEnt, this multi million jackpot slot fits the bill nicely with a deluxe, premium design. Glasses of expensive champagne, cigars and sports cars complete the opulent look.
Before Mega Moolah stealing the crown, this was the former world record holder for biggest online slot win. Land three or more of the bonus wheel symbols and you could spin your way to the mega fortune.
To keep you entertained while you aim for the prize, there's also a free spins bonus with multipliers.
Beach Life Slot
Beach Life is a bright and colourful Summertime slot with an impressive jackpot prize to win.
Land five or more of the sun wild symbols on the 20th payline to win the progressive jackpot. That's not all, landing the same combo on another payline will pay 100,000x your total staked bet.
The game doesn't feature free spins - but there is a pick and click bonus. Land treasure chest symbols and you could fish out a prize. Playtech has many jackpot games in their portfolio, but this is one of their most popular.
Gladiator Slot
One of Playtech's many licensed movie slots and based on the 2000 Russel Crowe film.
We travel back to the blood soaked world of Maximus for a shot at the ultimate prize in this jackpot slot.
Like all top quality movie slots, this game features characters and clips from the award winning movie.
To win the jackpot, you will need to land three gladiator helmets. Select from golden coins and you may win the jackpot prize. Completing the game is free spins with extra wild symbols.
Jackpot Giant Slot
Since it’s launch in 2014, the 50 payline and 5 reel Playtech slot has become a firm fan favourite.
With literal giant jackpots, slick gameplay and an intro sequence that rivals the best, this giant is a sheer stomping success.
To win the progressive, you will need a five of a kind wild symbol combination, which is similar to the mechanic used in Cleopatra Megajackpots.
You will need to qualify for the jackpot by making the max bet and having the maximum number of paylines active.
Mega Moolah Slot
The world record holder for biggest online slot game win. In 2016, this slot instantly transformed the life of a UK soldier who won £13.2 million.
Appearances can be deceiving - and that's especially true for this slot. With its African wildlife theme - it doesn't look like the game that can pay millions on a single spin.
Online Slot Software Providers
Online gamblers have a rich selection of content to choose from when it comes to slots. It's no exaggeration to say that there are thousands of games available - with new titles launching every week.
At the heart of these games are the software developers themselves. And there are hundreds out there building the latest gambling experiences. Here are some of the most popular gambling game developers:
| Software Provider | Details |
|---|---|
| NetEnt | The Swedish developer creates feature rich and visually appealing slots. At the time of writing, the developer has over 200 games - with licensed titles like Planet of the Apes and Street Fighter. Their catalogue is small compared to other developers, but they have some of the most popular games around - including Starburst. |
| Playtech | Established in 1999, this developer boasts a large selection of licensed TV and movie slot games. This includes American Dad!, Robocop and Marilyn Monroe. In 2017, the developer also reached an agreement with Warner Brothers to produce slots based on the DC Universe. Aside from these licenses, they also have a large range of jackpot games including Age of the Gods. |
| Microgaming | The Isle of Man based company is an industry leader in the iGaming market. They boast one of the biggest catalogues of any developer with 600+ games. Microgaming is also keen to jump on new technologies - they even built the world's first slot game for smartwatches. |
| IGT | One of the most iconic and established names in slot game development. IGT started with gaming cabinets and arcade machines in 1975 - but have embraced the world of online gambling as well. Their most popular game, Cleopatra is the most played slot game in the world. |
Online slot games far outweigh any other game type in terms of variety. Despite the huge selection, several games have remained consistently popular over the years. These games feature rewarding bonuses - and have been played by many millions of players.
Here are the top 5 games you should expect to see at online slot casinos.
No Deposit Free Spins
Sometimes casinos will offer welcome bonuses that do not require a deposit. This may be a free bet, bonus funds, free spins or even no deposit free spins. Receiving free spins without depositing is an excellent incentive for many players to sign up for a new casino. The casino gains a new player and hopes they will like the site enough to stick around and deposit once the free spins expire. The player gets to try a new site and start playing as soon as they are verified, without having to put funds in their account.
Often this kind of offer has a short window of playing time, encouraging the player to start playing as soon as they join. The free spins may be for a designated game or a suite of specified titles, such as slots from a particular software provider.
You may find that the free spins are awarded without a deposit as part of a wider offer, eg 20 free spins when you join and 30 more on your first deposit.
Sometimes no deposit free spins offers run across multiple sites from a particular casino brand or are brought to you in partnership with a software operator across several online casinos.
It is important to check the T&Cs and wagering requirements whenever you sign up to a new casino or accept a new offer. Some no deposit free spins offers are as they seem, giving the player ‘something for nothing’. However, others come with lots of strings and unfavourable conditions that mean you are better off giving them a wide berth.
Even if everything is as it seems, there may be circumstances where not all players benefit. For example, certain offers may not be available to members of the casino from certain countries or those using certain currencies or payment methods. Finally, be sure to check the withdrawal policy regarding winnings from free spins before you sign up.
Top Tips to Win on Slots
Slot games can award massive prizes, making them an appealing choice. It makes sense then that players would want to fine tune their strategies to receive the most optimal payouts. For slots, this is difficult - as these games are among the most random. However, there are some ways to extract more value from your gaming time. Here are a few tips on how to play these games.
- Wins are proportionate to your bets - If you play small bets on a slot - you will only be eligible for small wins. However, turning up the dial will mean much bigger prizes. As long as you can afford to, we recommend making the biggest bet possible to be eligible for the biggest prizes.
- Your returns will be better on high RTP slots - All slots have different return values. The average return to player is 96%. If you aim for slots with an even higher return, you could receive more back - keeping you in the game for longer while waiting for the big win.
- Play with real money where possible - While bonuses are good for trying out a casino, it's hard to win anything from them. The only exception to this rule are no wagering free spins - which are rarely offered at online casinos. With a slots bonus, you may be asked to wager your deposit and the bonus funds 20x each - which will eventually grind down your balance.
- Manage your money - A smart money management strategy can save you from A) depositing too much and B) not spending all your winnings. Let's say you deposit £20 as your entire gambling budget for the week. You play £10 and you win £100. That's a balance of £120. In this instance, you will want to withdraw any excess (the £100) while keeping the remaining £20 for further gambling.
- Be careful of side bets - Some slots come with additional features that activate at the cost of an increased stake. In some cases, these features increase the average RTP. But this could come at the cost of lower prizes - or you burning through your finances even quicker.
Online Slots Tournaments
Slot tournaments have become increasingly popular with online casinos for promotions. Over the years, many top sites have adopted a 24 hour schedule of tourneys.
Tournaments are a fun way to play your favourite slots with other players. Another big advantage of slots tournaments is that you can't lose a large amount of money as most events have a set number of re-buys.
There are many different types of tournaments you can sign up for.
Types of Slots Tournaments
| Slot Tournament | Description |
|---|---|
| Freeroll Tournament | As the name suggests, this tournament has no initial fee to enter. Freeroll tournaments are great for players who have never experienced a slots tournament. You'll start with a set number of spins awarded by the casino. You will need to play these spins to see how much you will win |
| Buy-in tournament | A slots competition where you have to pay an entry fee to play in the tournament. |
| Scheduled Tournaments | These competitions start at a fixed time and are typically by Invite Only. Sit ’n Go Tournaments are those where anyone can register and participate. These events start as soon as the minimum number of players has registered. |
| Extender Tournaments | These type of tournaments give you the option of using the Continue option and keep accumulating your score until the tournament ends. These events have a low buy-in amount making it suitable for all levels of players. |
| One-Shot Tournaments | Are played in rounds only and are fast paced and packed with action. With just one round the winner gets to win the entire prize pool. |
| Reloader Tournaments | Gives everyone a level playing field and allow you to play multiple times. This allows you to have another chance to gain the best score possible. |
Online Slots - FAQs
Which online slots pay the most?
The online slot which pays the most is Mega Moolah, a progressive jackpot game. This jackpot slot awarded a prize of £13.2 million to a lucky Betway player making it the world record holder for biggest online slot win. In general, progressive jackpot games payout the most. These slots pool their prizes from player stakes - and as these games are networked, prizes tend to build up quickly.
Which online slots are fair?
Any slot at a regulated online casino should be fair and safe to play. Software houses and their casinos have to rigorously check their games in annual tests to make sure all results are fair. These tests are published on reputable gambling authorities such as eCogra. It's always advised to play at a regulated casino for this reason. By playing at an unlicensed site, you open yourself up to playing unfair games.
Which is the most popular online slot?
The most popular online slot is Starburst, the 10 payline NetEnt slots. Its popularity stems from its simple gameplay and vast availability. It's one of the most awarded games for free spins too. Thanks to its simplicity - it's one of the best beginner slots.
How much can I win playing an online slot?
You can win millions playing an online slot. Each slot will have its own prizes that are set by the software houses. The paytable shows you the various winning combinations and all the prizes you can win while playing. However, it won't show you the prizes for combo wins with different sets of symbols.
What is the best online slots site?
The best online slots site will offer the latest games from a long list of leading software suppliers. Beyond the games, a quality slots site should also offer attentive support, bonuses with fair terms and ongoing promotions. Finally, the slots site should keep player safety as a major point of concern.
What is the best slots bonus to claim?
Free spins with no wagering are considered to be the most player friendly bonus. Upon playing your free spins, you will receive winnings in real cash that require no additional wagering. This makes the offer exceptionally fair. In recent years, these bonuses have exploded in popularity and can be found at many top online casinos.
