How To Play Online Slots
If you want to learn how to play the best online slot titles, you’ve come to the right place. Most of the best online gambling sites will feature hundreds, if not thousands, of online slot titles. In this how-to guide, we will take you through the rules of slot games and some tips and strategies to maximise your bankroll and win real cash prizes.
We bring you top UK online casinos, where you can take advantage of the generous welcome offers on this page and get started on your online slot adventure.
How Do Slots Work?
When it comes to playing online slots, there are a few basic elements that you will encounter regardless of the game you choose. Understanding these basic rules and symbols can help you maximise your chances of winning and allow you to get the most out of your gaming experience. Let's take a look at the most common features of slot titles.
- Reels - Reels are the vertical lines that display the symbols of the game. Most slots have between three and five reels, but some may have more.
- Symbols - The images that appear on the reels. They can be anything from the conquistador themes of Gonzo's Quest to movie characters like in Blueprint Gamings' The Goonies, and each has a unique value.
- Paylines - Paylines run across the reels from left to right, and matching symbols along a payline leads to payouts. Most slots have multiple paylines, and some even have hundreds or thousands.
- Wilds - Wild symbols are slots version of a "Joker" and can substitute for other symbols to create winning combinations. They can appear on any reel and greatly increase your chances of hitting a winning combination. There are a few types of wilds, and whether standard, sticky, or expanding, they will always add excitement to proceedings.
- Scatters - Often found in advanced slots titles, scatter symbols are a special type of symbol that can activate bonuses, free spins, or other rewards regardless of their position on the reels as they don't need to be on an active payline to spark a win.
- Bonus Rounds - Bonus rounds come in many forms, and you trigger them by hitting specific combinations or symbols. From simple mini-games like "select a box" to more complex games where you shoot cowboys, these bonus rounds give you a chance to win extra prizes or free spins.
- Free Spins - Just what it says on the tin – free spins are spins that you don't have to pay for. Trigger them by hitting specific symbols or combinations, and you can greatly increase your chances of winning.
Understand these basic elements, and you'll be able to approach any game with more confidence and knowledge. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a gambling novice, these tips and strategies will help you make the most of your gaming experience and increase your chances of hitting the jackpot.
Top Ten Tips For Playing Online Slots
Our iGaming experts have put together ten top tips to help you on your online adventure.
- Increase Your Chances of Winning - Choosing a game with a smaller jackpot can increase your chances of winning. These games typically pay out more frequently, so you have a greater chance of hitting the largest prize.
- Manage Your Bankroll Wisely - Set a budget, and stick to it. Only bet what you can afford to lose, and don't try to chase losses by increasing your bets if you can't afford it.
- Choose a Trustworthy Casino - Make sure the online casino you choose is reputable and licensed by a trusted authority. You don't want to win big only to find out you can't withdraw your cash. Luckily for you, every site we feature has been fully screened by our expert team, so you can be sure that any link here is safe.
- Understand Paylines - The number of paylines a game has can affect your chances of winning. Take the time to learn about each game's paylines before you start playing so you know what you're getting into. Many casinos will allow you to play each title in demo mode - a great way to get to know each title before playing for real cash.
- Take Advantage of Bonus Rounds - If you want to win big and unlock free spins, bonus rounds are essential. Know where to find them and how to play them to maximise your winnings.
- Play at Your Own Pace - Don't let the excitement of fast-paced online slots catch you out. Relax, take things slow, and think about each move you make – especially during bonus rounds where you can influence the game.
- Don't Chase Progressive Jackpots - Progressives offer the chance to win life-changing amounts of money. However, these titles pay out much less frequently, so if you want to extend your playtime, getting frequent small wins is a better idea.
- Stick to Simpler Games - More complex games often require more time and money to build, which means they may take more from players before paying out big. Simple, traditional games can offer better odds of winning.
- Keep Track of Bonus Codes and Promotions - Most online casinos offer bonuses and promotions to both new and loyal players. If you're a new customer, sign up with one of our exclusive links to get started today. Once registered, keep track of these bonus codes and other promotions, such as free spins, cashback, and no-deposit bonuses, to increase your chances of winning.
- Aim for Big Progressive Jackpots - As mentioned above, progressive jackpots are not games if you want to play for an extended period. But the megabucks are in the larger jackpots if you want to win big.
Online Slot Strategies
Always keep in mind that you cannot influence the RNG on slot machines. Each spin is entirely random, and there is no way to cheat the system or predict winning combinations. The RNG ensures that you have an equal chance of hitting the jackpot with every spin.
With that said, there are some things you can do to give yourself a better chance to bag a big payday.
Change Strategy Depending on the Title
Every online slot game has its own level of volatility and return-to-player percentage. It's essential to adjust your gameplay strategy based on the platform you're playing on.
If you're playing a high-volatility game, placing the maximum bet is generally recommended. While this can be risky, it also offers the potential for a big win when you hit a winning payline, especially if you have enough funds to sustain your play. On the other hand, small and medium bets can give you an advantage in low-volatility machines, providing constant small wins that can help keep you in the game and pad your bankroll.
Understand RNG
Random Number Generators (RNGs) are microcomputers that generate predetermined or unpredictable random numbers inside slot machines, whether they are being used or not. These numbers correspond to specific pay lines and determine how much you can win or lose with every spin.
Every slot machine uses an RNG to ensure you have an equal chance of hitting the jackpot with every spin. So, to increase your chances of winning big, look for online slots with high Return to Player (RTP) percentages. As every spin has the same chance, slots with RTPs of 95% or higher are generally a good choice, with some machines offering as much as 98% RTP.
Quit While You’re Ahead
Casinos are designed to make a profit, and the saying goes that "The house always wins." You will always be at a disadvantage, so when you win, never assume you will keep winning over the long term.
You will most likely win when playing slots. The issue is that failing to withdraw your winnings while you're ahead in pursuit of more significant and frequent wins may mean you end up squandering your profits and even more.
The most effective strategy for online slot games is to cash out while you're ahead
Final Thoughts
Looking to put this new knowledge to the test? Check out our independent reviews of the best UK casinos to find the perfect place to play for real money, or take a look at our game developer guides to find which sites offer the top slots from the best software creators around.