Online Slots – Complete Guide to Playing Slots Online
First and foremost, the key to playing online slots is finding one of the best sites that includes the games you want to play. Let’s start there. Here is our list of the top real money online slots sites on the internet:
Rank | Gambling Site | Deposit Bonus | Get Started | |
#1 |
Las Atlantis
|
280% Up To $14,000 | Visit Site | |
#2 |
Wild Casino
|
250% Up To $5,000 | Visit Site | |
#3 |
Super Slots
|
250% Up To $6,000 | Visit Site | |
#4 |
BetUS Casino
|
200% Up To $5,000 | Visit Site | |
#5 |
Bovada Casino
|
100% Up To $3,000 | Visit Site |
- How We Review Online Slots Sites
- Reviews of Online Casinos With Slots
- Best Real Money Online Slots
- How We Rate Slot Games
- Reviews of Online Slot Machines
- Types of Online Slot Games
- Online Slots Providers
- Real Money Slots vs Free Online Slots
- Online Slots Strategy
- How to Play Slots Online for Money
- Online Slots FAQ
Online slots present gamblers with the chance to get their slots action in a much more convenient fashion than previously thought possible. All it takes is an internet connection and an account with one of the top online slots sites. From there, you can spin and win just as if you were in the casino.
The world of online slots is growing all the time. Gamblers are finding out that gambling via websites and apps can give them the same kind of big-money chances as they would find in land-based casinos near them. But it can be a bit overwhelming if you’re new to the experience.
After all, there are a ton of online casinos with slots, and even more games to be found on those sites. Picking your way through all of that can leave your head spinning. But we’re here to help by giving you a guide through this exciting and potentially lucrative part of the online gambling world.
In the following article, we’ll go in-depth about all the best online slots games and the websites that house those games. We’ll talk about the characteristics of both a great site and a great online slots game, so you’ll know how to spot both on your own. And we’ll also talk about software, strategy, and basically everything else you need to know about online slots.
How We Rate and Review Online Slots Sites
We’ve already given you our list of the best real money online slots casinos that you should consider using if you plan to get involved in slots gambling. But what makes them the best sites? Well, it comes down to all of the things that come into play when you do your gambling online.
There is a process that will take you from signup to playing slots to collecting your winnings. The best gambling websites cover every part of this process with quality and convenience so that you don’t have to worry about much more than playing the games. Take a look at the characteristics that are common to the top online slots websites.
Wide Variety of Slot Games
Let’s start with the really fun part, the actual playing of online slots games. When you walk into a grand casino somewhere in the world, you’re likely to see hundreds of slots as you walk the floor, grabbing your attention with the sheer variety of them. The best online slots casinos can give that kind of experience to you as well in the digital realm.
Ideally, this variety will show up in a few different ways. First of all, you should have your option of what type of play you’re hoping to have in terms of volatility, long-term payback, jackpot opportunities, bonus games, and so on. But you should also be able to go beyond that to find themed games that keep things fun and exciting even when you hit a bit of a losing streak.
Welcome and Slots Specific Bonuses
Bonuses are one of the big advantages that slots online casinos have over their land-based counterparts, as they tend to be able to offer you a little bit more. Since slots are the heart of most online casinos, you should expect bonuses offered to you based on slots play. That could mean percentages added onto your deposit or even free spins on your favorite games.
You should definitely expect a lucrative welcome package to help you to hit the ground running. But you also should be in the mix for bonuses even after you’ve been at the site for years, since they’ll help in your efforts to combat the house edge for as long as you can claim them.
Trustworthy Slots Software Providers
Real money online casinos, especially the ones that offer slots, are only as good as the software providers that they use. The games are operated via this software, which is in charge of making sure that every slot game is random and fair. That software also helps with making the games look and sound attractive, even after you’ve played them for a long time.
The best online slots casinos and the best software providers go hand in hand. In fact, you’ll see some providers used by multiple casinos because they are in demand. But the sites that skimp in this department could cost you, since you might end up with games that glitch out on you at the worst possible time.
Easy-to-Use Website Interface
The ideal situation for you as a gambler dealing with online slots apps and websites is that you can immediately jump and start playing as soon as possible. But a slot interface that tends to load forever from page to page can ruin these hopes. It can also be problematic if the interface is unnecessarily confusing for you.
You can get to where you want because the interface is easy to understand. That means less time staring at the screen trying to figure out what to do and more time playing real money slots online.
Variety of Banking Methods
When you play online slots for real money, you have to fund an account at the website of your choice. That means they’re acting as a bank for you during the time that you gamble with them. Just as if you were using an actual bank, you should be concerned about the flexibility that you have in terms of your banking methods.
If there is only one way to deposit or withdraw money from a certain slots casino site, you might find that you’re using a method that doesn’t make sense for you. But slots sites online that can give you multiple credit card, e-payment, and even cryptocurrency options can help ease these concerns. You can rest assured that your preferred method is one of the ones provided if you choose a site wisely at the start.
Mobile Slots Sites and Apps
If you want to play online slots on the go, it can be a bit problematic to try and drag a computer around with you. That’s where mobile gambling sites and slots apps can help. The best online casinos to play real money slots can go beyond the CPU and bring action to your phone, tablet, or other smart device.
Many slot machine sites have a mobile counterpart that works well when you use it on a smaller screen. Others actually have an app that you can download on your mobile device. In any case, you’ll greatly appreciate the chance to play your online slots game in a mobile capacity, as it will likely lead you to play and potentially win more.
Customer Service and Support
Things occasionally go wrong when you’re playing online slots games, and that’s true even if you’re at one of the top online slots casinos. But part of what makes them the best is their willingness to help you rectify those problems when they arise. Customer service is a crucial part of any business, and online casinos are no different.
When you sign up for a site to play online slots, you should make sure they give you options in terms of how to contact them.
In addition, you should be able to expect a response from them quickly when an idea of how your problem should be solved. Finally, the customer service should always be friendly in their dealings with you, even if they can’t always fix the problem to your liking.
Reviews of Online Casinos With Slots
We’ve provided you with our list of the best online casinos for real money slots and included our criteria on how we rate them. Now we will provide you with links to reviews of our top online casinos to see how each of them performs in each of the criteria points.
Best Real Money Online Slot Games
These are the real money online slots that best combine exciting and lucrative play with themes that will keep you interested even after hours of play. Take a look at what makes them special.
Cash Bandits
Cash Bandits puts you on the other side of the law as you try to amass the most loot by pilfering from those who never see it coming. Put together symbols with cash and jewelry to amplify your winnings. And there are many bonuses that you can activate which will put you into a situation where your bankroll soars.
Sugar Pop
You won’t need a sweet tooth to enjoy this action, but it will certainly enhance your candy-themed enjoyment in this one. Jellybeans, lollipops, and jawbreakers are just some of the symbols you’ll be trying to bring into the fold as you spin to win. In addition, Sugar Pop allows you to level up into higher payouts by forming certain patterns.
Cleopatra’s Gold
Cleopatra’s Gold is an excellent game for players looking for a progressive jackpot. This slot provides the traditional feel on your classic slot game with a twist that players love. In addition to the massive progressive jackpot potential, this game also provides numerous opportunities to collect free spins.
Caesar’s Empire
This game has been one of the longest-running of the popular real money online slots on the market, doing a wonderful job of matching its ancient Roman theme to fun game play. There are many symbols which will unlock big payouts, including a centurion’s helmet and Cleopatra herself. You can expect lots of chances to win with 25 paylines.
Breakaway Deluxe
This ice hockey-themed slot is perfect for gamblers who are looking to spice up their slots gameplay. Played on a five-by-five grid with anywhere from 18 to 88 paylines, Breakaway Deluxe is the perfect online slot game for fans of sports and real money casino gambling. If you’re just learning how to play online slots, this could be the game for you.
Take the Bank
Here is another game where you’ll be on the wrong side of the law and love every minute of it. You’ll be able to crack open vaults, while exploding bombs will open you to up to big winnings. Take the Bank even gives you the option of buying special features if you want to play at a heightened level immediately.
Play Online Slots for Free
These slot games that we have discussed above are the best online slot games you can play for real money, but what if you want to try them out first? Sites for online slots have considered this, and a wide majority of them offer a free play mode so you can see the game is for you. Practicing in free mode before playing real money slots online is a key component to incorporate into your strategy when playing slot machines online.
We’ve included an example of a free online slot game that you can find at many different slots online casinos, but we took this game from Las Atlantis casino. If you decide to play slots online at one of the slots sites we have listed on this page, there is a good chance that you can play for free before you start to play online slots for money.
How We Rate and Review Online Slot Games
When it comes to online slot machines, there are different measuring sticks of which you should be aware. Some have to do with the actual gameplay and winning money, while others have to do with the characteristics surrounding the game in terms of how it looks and sounds. Here are some factors you should consider when judging online slots games.
High Return to Player
If you’re looking at your online gambling as an investment, which is always a wise thing to do, then RTP, or Return to Player, should be your main determining factor in choosing games. RTP is measured as a percentage, with 100% being a breakeven situation. The difference between 100% and RTP is the house edge, which should ideally be as low as possible.
Ideally, you’ll be able to find real money online slots with RTPs that are over 95%.
Even though this still means that you’d be looking at a loss over time, you can make some of that difference up with the bonuses you’ll earn for playing at top online slots casino sites. You can usually find RTP information about the top online slot games so that you don’t go into play blind as to what your return might be.
Lucrative Bonus Rounds and Free Spins
One of the reasons that people might turn away from a slot game is that they feel it’s too much of the same thing over and over, simply spin, spin, spin, and see if you get a winning combination. But games with many special features can change that formula up and keep you interested every single spin. That’s because these special features generally pump up your payments well beyond what normal play can provide.
Bonus rounds which have extras such as multipliers or enhanced pay tables are one method that online slots can achieve this. Free spins get the job done, as they usually come with extras attached and come without you having to put anything at stake. The more special features contained within an online slots game, the less likely you are to feel that play has become stale.
Jackpot Potential
You can talk all about bonuses, themes, and exciting play attached to online slots. For many old-school gamblers, the real lure of online slots is the opportunity to win a lot of money in a small amount of time. The games that put more of those chances in front of you definitely garner some extra attention.
This could occur through a combination of the bonuses and special features that we mentioned above. Or it could just be because the top prize is higher than the average online slots game, perhaps because it has a progressive feature attached to it. In any case, big jackpots are definitely part of the lure of top online slots games.
Exciting Game Play and Visuals
If you’re going to be playing an online slots real money game for a long period of time, you should find games that give you a little eye and ear candy. In other words, it shouldn’t be just the same flat panels and same old symbols that you can see in any casino. You should be seeking something that is stimulating and keeps you on your toes.
As far as exciting gameplay, a lot of that comes from some of the elements that we mentioned above. It’s a byproduct of having something other than the one-spin-at-a-time format that is the fallback for lesser slots. Any online slots that present something unexpected to you while you play is one you should consider playing.
Fun and Unique Themes
When we spoke above about the best online slots games, we listed games that have unique themes. You’d be surprised how much something like that can add to play. And again, this is especially true if you’re going to be playing a game for a long stretch of time.
Themes sometimes take you to exotic locations or ancient times, or they let you participate in completing a task almost as if you were playing a video game. Indeed, many of the concepts aren’t too far off from role-playing video games that have become so popular. With fun themes in place, you can get enjoyment from the journey of playing the game even as you strive to win big.
Reviews of Online Slot Games
When you check out different gambling sites and the games they offer, they’re obviously going to tell you that theirs are the best online slots. But you have no way of knowing if that’s true or not. As a result, you should seek out an impartial resource to help you find your way to the best games.
We’re here to help you out with that. Check out all our reviews of the top online slots. With these reviews at your disposal, you can ensure that you’re never wasting your time on an inferior game and are only playing the very best.
Different Types of Online Slot Machines
Before you try to choose a specific online slots real money game to play, you might be better off approaching it from the perspective of the larger sub-groups of games. When you know the characteristics of these basic groupings, you’ll be able to tell which suits your style. Take a look at some of the main categories of online slots.
Three-Reel Slots
Three-reel online slots represent the classic experience of playing slot machines, as people have known them for a century of so. When you play a three-reel online slots, you’ll see just three spinning reels when you spin in one horizontal row on the screen. That means you’re able to keep a stronger focus on each spin and will be able to tell much more easily if you’ve won your spin or not.
One of the complaints of modern online slots is that they can be too confusing. Three-reel online slots games simplify matters a great deal while still offering excellent payback in the process. For players used to the multiline slots of the modern era, however, three-reel slots might not keep a fast enough pace.
Multi-Payline and Multi-Reel Slots
Most online slots in this era feature a multi-payline format that allows you to win in many different combinations on the screen. The most common format is 3×5, with five reels spinning in three different rows. But there are games that up the ante and make the screen as busy as possible.
You can still win based on horizontal lines, but multi-reel action also lets you win if symbols in odd patterns across the screen match up. When you play multiple lines, you raise the volatility level of the game, but you also generally raise the potential for a quick strike payback.
Video Slot Machines
In essence, there is great overlap between video slots and the multi-reel slots that we mentioned before. And to be technical, every online slot game is essentially a video slot. That’s because there are no physical reels spinning, with the results of each spin instead derived from a random number generator within the software of the game.
That is basically how online slots work most of the time, so the vast majority of the games you find will be of the video slots variety. Basically, video slots open you up to far more possibilities than the old-fashioned one-armed bandit slot machines of old. They basically allow you to play as many lines and reels as possible, while also opening up the possibilities of special features that wouldn’t otherwise be available to you.
Progressive Slots
Progressive online slots are a very specific type of game that gives you a chance for a bigger payback than the average online slot game. In a progressive online slots game, there is usually a certain spin that is designated as a jackpot spin.
That’s not all that unusual in the world of online slots.
But with a progressive online slots game, that jackpot keeps rising every time someone plays it at the website housing it until someone makes that spin. That pushes the jackpot might higher than it would be if it just stayed at the same level all the time. When a progressive jackpot rises to a certain level, you can actually get to a point where the RTP approaches 100%, which is a great thing for gamblers.
Online Slots Providers
It’s not enough to know about the best online casino slots games and websites if you’re going to be a hardcore online slots player. You should also learn which software providers are responsible for the best games. In that way, you’ll know when you see a certain brand name of provider listed next to a game if the game is worthwhile, even without playing it.
With that in mind, take a look at some of the top software providers for real money online slots. When you see these names, you can trust that you’re going to enjoy an excellent online slots experience.
RealTime Gaming
- Established: 1998
- Top Slots Game: Cash Bandits – 97.85%
- Top Online Casino for RTG Slots: Las Atlantis
You’ll see the abbreviation RTG sprinkled throughout many of the best online slots games. That’s because RealTime Gaming truly is one of the titans of the industry, one that ensures you’re getting exciting, reliable and fair action from your online slots. Find out some of the games that you can play courtesy of RealTime Gaming.
Microgaming
- Established: 1994
- Top Slots Game: Lucha Legends – 96.3%
- Best Online Casino for Microgaming Slots: Betway Casino
Microgaming is a software provider which has been there, done that, so to speak, with over a quarter-century in the online gambling industry. That kind of history means that you can trust their games more than providers who have just come into the picture. Take a look at the list of real money slot games available at Microgaming online casinos.
Net Entertainment
- Established: 1996
- Top Slots Game: Mega Joker – 98.9%
- Top Casino Site for NetEnt Slots: Slots Empire
Here is another case where the longevity of the establishment should tell you a lot about what you’re getting. In the time that they’ve been in business, Net Entertainment has become known for the state-of-the-art action available from their games. Find out some of the popular games that you’ll get from this top provider.
Betsoft
- Established: 2006
- Top Slots Game: Sugar Pop – 97.60%
- Best Online Casinos for Betsoft Slots: Slots.lv
Betsoft has surged in a relatively short time to become one of the top software providers for online slots. They’re known for innovative titles that provide a great combination of action and entertainment. Learn all about the games you can play from Betsoft.
Other Online Slots Providers
Real Money Online Slots vs. Free Online Slots
Real money online slots aren’t the only way that you can enjoy slots action online. If you seek them out, there are numerous free online slots games that you can play. Check out the advantages of choosing one over the other.
- You can win real money with them. This is the obvious edge, but it is worth mentioning. While it’s nice to have fun playing free slots, some people don’t want to waste their time playing games that don’t really give them the chance at actual financial benefits.
- When you play real money online casino slots, the excitement will actually be amplified by the possibility of winning. There won’t be as much of a thrill activating bonuses, multipliers, and other features of free slots if they don’t really amount to anything. If anything, it might make you wonder what might have been if you manage these feats on a free game, as opposed to actually enjoying the benefits of the real money action.
- Real money online slots also come with bonuses offered up the websites that house the games. You can use these bonuses for more betting, or, in some cases with VIP programs, even get cash back for your gambling. That won’t be available to you from free online slots.
- When you play free online slots, there is no risk involved. You can take chances and make wild bets because you know that your real money isn’t at stake. It’s more of an “anything goes” experience, and there isn’t any pressure.
- Free online slot machines can let you get a feel for the game to see if you want to play real money slots online. If you’ve never gambled for real before, the free slots will let you know if you can handle the ups and downs. Playing for free will let you know if you’re ready for the real thing.
- In terms of just killing time, free online slots games are a fun way to pass a few minutes or a few hours. It’s always entertaining to see the spinning reels and find out if they’ll match up for you. You can mindlessly play free slots whenever you have some time and have a little bit of harmless fun.
Online Slots Strategy
You might not think there is any strategy that will help you with online slots. After all, the games are based on random luck, and there isn’t any real way that you can influence the outcome from spin to spin. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t ways to improve your overall results.
With that in mind, here are some tips that can make you a better online slots player. You’ll find out that having even a little bit of a plan will help you navigate the games in a smoother fashion. And you could even find that your bottom line gets a little bit of a boost.
Decide What Kind of Player You Are
If you know what you’re seeking out of your online slots action, you’ll be able to choose the games that fit your style. And that, in turn, will produce results that are more to your liking. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I want to play for a long time with a small bankroll?
- Am I more interested in a big payout in a hurry, even if that means a greater risk that I’ll lose my entire bankroll?
- Am I in this for the long haul and trying to come out with the best possible return?
When you answer those questions, you’ll be able to pinpoint games related to their variance and RTP. Variance measures the ups and downs expected from an online slot game. You should be concerned about that if you’re trying to either win a lot quickly (look for high variance) or want to stay afloat with your bankroll as long as possible (look for low variance).
And if your main goal is the best possible return, RTP should be the metric you seek out. This will tell you what you can expect in terms of payback from a game. Knowing what you want to get out of your online slots play is the first step to being a better player.
Learn to Walk Away
Even the highest-paying online slots fall short of 100% payback, which means that the house edge is always in place. That means you are bound to lose money over the long haul playing these games. Using the bonuses offered by online casinos can help to offset this, but only to a certain extent.
But one way that you can help to fight against this phenomenon is banking your winnings every now and then. In other words, if you do start out a session on a hot streak and put together a nice profit, consider taking that and withdrawing it from your gambling account. That will prevent you from losing it all back once your luck turns.
We suggest setting a level, such as 10% above your original bankroll, that will be the point where you cash out. By putting these winning sessions away, you might actually feel some positive financial impact from your online slots play. That will make you feel like you’re actually beating the house edge.
Look for High Progressive Jackpots
When you spot a game with a progressive jackpot, you might actually have an opportunity to legitimately combat the house edge. As the progressive jackpot rises, the RTP for that particular game does as well. That’s because it factors in the potential payback of the progressive.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that you’ll be the one to hit the jackpot. But if you’re sensible about it and don’t get carried away trying to hit it, you can still earn your usual return, banking winnings when you can. And if you should be the one who hits that big jackpot, you can actually make a long-term profit playing the game, which is rare in the online casino world.
The trick to this is seeking out those games where the jackpot has hit a level that makes the game ripe for the picking. Be on the lookout for progressive jackpots that are well above the lower limit. Then be prepared to pounce.
Understand How It Works
For as long as there have been slots machines, there have been misconceptions among gamblers about how they work. You’ll still hear today players talking about how some slots are “hot” or “cold,” even though such a concept is pretty much impossible the way the machines now work. The same is true for online slots.
You have to understand that no previous spins will have a bearing on your current spin. Your chances of hitting any of the winning combinations or activating any of the bonuses never change. If you hit a jackpot on one spin, your chances of hitting the jackpot on the next spin are exactly the same as they were the spin before.
Understanding this will stop you from making foolish moves like raising the size of your bet just because the game hasn’t produced a winner in a while and you think it’s “due.” Make sure not to fall for these outdated notions. They could actually harm your overall payback if you indulge in them.
Keep Up to Date With the Latest Slots Strategy
The old adage says that the only constant is change, and that’s certainly true for the world of real money online slot games. Because the industry is growing so fast, the innovation for new games and new ways to play is always on the rise. As a result, you should try to keep up with what’s going on in the slots world.
To that end, we’re always penning new articles about what’s happening in online slots and the online casino industry in general. If you want the best results, you should keep up to date with these articles. You’ll find information on the newest games, the best strategies and much more that will help your overall play.
Slots Strategy Guide
How to Play Online Slots for Money
If you’re new to online gambling, it might be a little daunting to get started with your slots play for real money. But we have you covered. Check out the following step-by-step guide, and you should have no trouble getting started.
Online Slots FAQ
What Online Slots Pay Real Money?
When you search the internet for real money online slots, you’ll literally find hundreds of options. Some will be part of websites and apps that are devoted entirely to slots. Others will be a part of online casinos that offer a wide variety of games besides slots.
You’ll know that an online slots game pays real money if you first have to provide some sort of financial information before you get started. That means you’ll be betting real money to win some in return. The number of online slots games for real money that are available to you practically grows by the minute, so you’ll have plenty of options.
Are Online Slots Legit?
They are legit as long as you choose your website wisely. Sadly, there are many sites out there that don’t really care too much about their customers. They are only in it to get rich quick, and they will often do so by scamming the people who are hoping to win money at their site.
Luckily, these malevolent sites are easily avoided if you just take the time to do a little research. Choose online slots sites that have established a reliable relationship in the industry over a period of time. To be extra sure, check out reviews of these sites that come from other online gamblers.
Is It Legal to Play Slots Online for Money?
The legality of online gambling is a tricky one because there are so many different laws that contradict each other. In addition, the laws in the location where the person is gambling are often different from the laws in the location where the gambling website originates. But we’re here to tell you that you don’t have to concern yourself about the legality of online slots gambling.
Basically, if there were illegal activities going on or if a site was somehow operating against the law, that site would be the one that faced the legal burden. There are no real cases where a local or federal jurisdiction has prosecuted individual gamblers for their online play for real money. Hence, you can play online slots and not have to worry about any legal issues.
Should I Play Online Slots?
Whether or not online slots are for you comes down to personal preference, of course. If you’re the type that can handle gambling for real money, we think you’ll enjoy it. You can get all your action in complete convenience without having to worry about trying to make it to a casino.
As far as whether online slots are preferable to other online casino games, you might choose slots if you like something that is easy to play. And you might also like the potential jackpots that are available at real money online slot machines. Other games require you to grind out winnings, but online slots give you a much quicker path to a big score.
What Are the Best Free Online Slots?
Free online slots come from many different sources. You can find them as part of their own websites, which are free from any real money games. But you’ll also find them at real money casinos, as they are offered so that players can try them out and perhaps decide to go for the real money versions.
As far as what free online slots are the best, look for those that come from reliable software providers. In addition, consider those games that look and sound the best and offer a fun theme. If you’re not going to play for real money, you might instead want to get involved with games that have a high entertainment level so that you don’t lose interest.
Are There Online Slot Apps for Real Money?
Mobile online gambling is one of the most popular forms of gambling that you can find these days. It gives players the chance to play on the go instead of being forced into a casino or stuck to their computer. And real money online slots are a big part of these mobile gambling sites.
Many of these sites achieve mobile play through an app that you can download onto whatever portable device you have available to you. Others simply have a scaled-down version of their website that is better-suited for a smaller screen. In any case, these sites have the ability to put your favorite real money slots in front of you at any time of the day wherever you are.
What Are the Best Sites for Slots Online?
When you’re choosing the websites where you’re going to be playing your online slots for real money, always keep in mind what goes into the process. You’ll want a safe site that offers a wide variety of slots games and gives you some of the best bonuses. The site should also provide top customer service, many different banking options, a simple interface, and mobile gambling capabilities.
You can go searching for those sites on your own. Or you can check out our list of the best online casinos to play real money slots right here: