Online slots are now the most popular online casino game of all – and it’s not hard to see why. They’re simple to get the hang of, are fun and exciting, and offer the chance to potentially win major cash prizes. Best of all, the sheer volume of online slots available means everyone can find a game that suits them, their playing style, and their gaming budget.
If you’re new to online slots and thinking about dipping your toe in the virtual water, then keep reading for all the information you need to get started.
Slot Symbols
Just like in the sort of traditional three-reel slots still found in arcades and physical casinos, the general idea of an online slot game is to spin and hope for the reel to stop on matching symbols or a variety of symbols in a specific configuration.
As well as ‘regular’ symbols, online slots tend to feature several special symbols: most commonly, wilds, multipliers, and scatters. Wilds typically allow you to substitute this symbol for one that you need on your playline, while multipliers can increase your win by multiplying your original win a specific number of times.
The scatter symbol is one of the best symbols to crop up on an online slots game. Having enough scatters land on a reel usually means winning instantly, or the appearance of the scatter symbol may mean you get access to a bonus game where big money is up for grabs.
What is the Gamble Feature?
Some online slots feature a Gamble feature that’ll activate when a player hits a win. The feature typically gives this player the opportunity to double (or more) their original win – but the catch is that this original win will go up in smoke if the player loses. While high-stakes, high-risk players may find this option attractive, for others, the Gamble feature may be a wager too far.
What is RTP?
A slot’s RTP (Return to Player) rate represents how much the game pays out, on average. So, a slot game with an 80% RTP means, on average, a player will receive back $80 of every $100 they gamble during a session of playing the game.
However, it’s important to bear in mind that RTP rates are calculated using millions of spins, so if you’re just planning to play a small number of spins, there’s a good chance that you won’t reach the game’s RTP rate.
Can I Play Online Slots for Free?
Many online casinos offer free demo versions of their slot games, which is a great way to learn the ropes of a specific game and get used to gameplay before gambling with real money. You will usually need to create a casino account to access these demo games, but this is normally a quick and easy process.
You may also be able to play for free by taking advantage of the no-deposit free spins offered by some online casinos on selected slot games. And the best part? Often, you can win real money via this promotional offer.
How Do I Choose an Online Casino to Play Slots?
It’s crucial to ensure that you use a trustworthy online casino when playing slots. Luckily, there are several steps you can take to assure yourself on this front. Firstly, check that the casino is authorized by the relevant gambling authority. You should be able to find this information on the site and, if necessary, check with this authority that the company is, indeed, registered. Next, take a look at the customer service provision offered – you should be able to contact staff members easily via a number of different means.
Check out as many reviews of the online casino as possible; don’t rely just on reviews that you read on the casino’s site itself. This will give you an accurate idea of the quality and service offered by the platform – and highlight any red flags.
Keeping Things Fun
The most important thing: keep online slots fun by setting a daily (or weekly) budget and sticking to it rigorously. Slot gameplay tends to be fast-paced and exciting, meaning it’s very easy to get carried away and keep hitting spin without realizing just what a hit your bankroll is taking. Keep a close eye on this bankroll, and if you’re worried about your gameplay, then seek support. You’ll find details of how the online casino can help you keep within your limits on its website, or there are plenty of outside advice organizations that can help.
