Online Slots

Online slots… it's a massive topic, and one that we're going to target on this website. Whenever you need to know something about slots, we're the people to provide you with some answers. Slots seem like simple games, but there's a lot involved behind the scenes. Check below and you'll see what we mean.

An introduction to online slot games

The original slots came out in the late 1800s. These had symbols that we still see in classic slots today. Horseshoes, diamonds, and the famous gold bell were among the options that popped up on the three reels in play. There was nothing more complex than this available.

Games used to be mechanical, but as modern times rolled around, they were replaced by machines using random number generators or RNGs. Touchscreens and more detailed graphics and imagery also came in, including 3D graphics. While slot machines still exist in many bricks and mortar casinos, they are also now found in online casinos.

Understanding the basics of online slot games

The basics are simple, thankfully. Each machine has several reels - often three or five, although some have other variations. Those reels give you various ways to win prizes. These might be arranged in lines, clusters, or simply a minimum quantity of matching symbols anywhere in view. Some combinations will trigger other rounds or bonuses. These can happen on another screen (a second screen bonus) or simply give you free spins. These might occur on the main reels or a second set of reels. Slots can be anything from simple three-reel affairs to games that are far more complex in nature.

Online slot machine varieties: How to find your favorite

Think about what you want from a slot machine. Would you like something basic, if only to begin with? What's your budget like? Three-reel slots are often cheaper to play (although not always) because they have fewer lines to cover. Paylines range from just one to 100 in rare cases. Then there are machines with ways to win, offering all the possible combinations for a single bet.

Think about your penchant for other features too. Some players prefer the basic slots with no bonuses or special features. Others like to see wild symbols that stand in for others, and scatters to launch some free spins. Could there be jackpots, bonus rounds, and on-reels bonuses available? Yes, absolutely, so think about which of these features you would like to see in your favorite slots.

How do online slots work? Exploring the technology, software, and mechanics

We've explained about the symbols that pop up on the reels. The design of the symbols will change according to the slot theme. We also highlighted the random number generator (RNG) software that randomly determines the outcome for each spin of the reels. All reputable game creators and casinos will use a testing lab or business to make sure its games are honest and fair to play.

The RNG ensures that symbols worth less in prizes will land more often than symbols worth more in prizes. Obviously, the jackpot will be the hardest prize to win. Every reputable slot will use RNG software to determine a fair experience for all players. We know that many players will not make back what they spend playing the game. Conversely, some might end up winning more than they wagered.

Adopting strategies for online slots: How to maximize your winning potential

The starting point is your budget. Once you have that in mind, you need to think about how far you can go with that budget. Opting for a cheaper wager makes sense as you can get more spins out of the same amount. It's also worth looking for low volatility slots as they will offer a better chance of picking up more low-value prizes rather than going through a prolonged period of losing spins. If you are going to play jackpot slots, make sure you choose the ones that allow you to play with the jackpot in action without betting anything extra.

In short, it's the spin to budget ratio that matters most. The more spins you can get out of your budget, no matter how big or small it is, the more chances you'll have of picking up prizes.

Have you spotted these popular online slot themes and features?

Some slot themes are more popular than others, but it's impossible to predict which games will prove most successful. Examples of popular themes include ancient Egypt, 'book of' slots, space themes, slots based around set times of the year such as Christmas and Halloween, and Aztec slots. You can think of many others, we're sure.

Slots tend to have certain features included in them too. For example, free spin rounds are commonplace, offering players a chance to get some spins without paying for them. These may include a few twists as well, such as multipliers. Other common features include wilds, scatters, bonus rounds, on-reel bonus features, and jackpots.

How to play slots responsibly: Manage your budget and mindset

If you are thinking about playing slots, make sure you do so responsibly. Work out what you can afford to lose on them, since winning is never guaranteed. Never chase your losses either - you can never guarantee the outcome of any spin or gaming session. Think of it as entertainment rather than playing for money.

Researching slots, playing some practice games for free, and figuring out how they work all helps you enjoy them more. However, you should have the mindset that you're playing for amusement and entertainment, and if you should win something, that's a bonus. Most online casinos have responsible gaming rules and services you can read and use if you wish - and it's worth doing just that.

Mobile slots: Spin those reels wherever you are

The power of the internet has transformed all our lives. However, it is easier than ever to play slots now than ever before, thanks to the development of smaller mobile computers to carry around with us. We're talking about smartphones and tablets, of course, able to load and play slots wherever you are if you have internet access. Touchscreen controls have made these possible to play, and there are many online casinos that have either released mobile apps or developed a mobile-friendly website for players to use.

Slot volatility and RTP: What do they mean?

Do you know the volatility level you're happy with? You should do before you play any slot game. They go from low to medium to high volatility. Low volatility points to a slot that could release several low-value prizes quite often. High volatility is the opposite - it may go through a dry spell with no prizes at all, but you stand a better chance of netting a few high-value prizes in quick succession, too. Medium volatility obviously sits between them.

As for RTP, this means return to player, and tells you the amount you can expect to get back for each $100 you bet on a slot. So, if you see a slot marked as 96% RTP, you know you should get back $96 for every $100 played. Of course, it doesn't work quite like that as some will get back less and others more if they manage to scoop a bigger prize or even the jackpot. It doesn't tell you how long you'll need to play for to get the RTP mentioned. That said, the higher the percentage, the better.

Where does the future of online slots lie?

Virtual reality has already made inroads - albeit small ones - into the online slot world. We expect this to grow in future years. And with AI making its mark here, there, and everywhere, we might also expect artificial intelligence to influence the world of slots. How that might happen remains to be seen, but technology is certainly at the forefront of how the online slot game world might change as we move further into the 21st century.