How to Start Playing Slots Online
Virtually all online casinos boast a range of real money slots for players to enjoy. This means slots fans are spoiled for choice when it comes to picking the best site. You’ll need to be clued in on exactly what a site has to offer before you sign up to start playing. Luckily for you, Compare.bet has everything you need to know about playing slots online, from the very basics of how slots work, to claiming a bonus at the best online slots sites.
You can start playing online slots in just a few simple steps:
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Compare
You won’t find it hard to find online casinos with real money slots, but it’s not as simple as signing up to the first site. From sign up bonuses to banking options and the titles on offer, there are a few factors to consider. We’ve made this easy, sifting through the best online slots sites on the market to bring you the cream of the crop.
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Sign up
Settled on a slot site? Time to sign up. The link on our list will take you straight to the registration page where you can create your account. You’ll need to wait for the casino to verify your identity before you can play.
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Deposit
You’ll need to make a deposit to play real money slots. Head to the cashier, select your deposit option and deposit amount and confirm. The very best slot sites offer instant deposits, so you can start playing in next to no time.
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Play
With the money in your casino wallet, you’re ready to play. Choose a game that suits your budget, make your bet and hit spin. Good luck!
How Do Online Slots Work?
Unlike other casino games, such as blackjack and poker, playing real money slots online involves little skill. Luck alone determines whether or not you’ll hit a winning symbol combination when the reels stop spinning. The symbols that appear on the reels are determined by a random number generator (RNG), ensuring that the outcome of every spin is random and fair. In order to be licensed to operate in the US, every casino must use this technology to ensure fairness.
This RNG technology at online casinos will determine which symbol will show on each reel at the end of the spin. The outcome of every spin is separate from the previous and next spin, which means you’re never ‘due’ a win when playing real money slots. Likewise, if a slot has just paid out the jackpot prize, there’s no saying it won’t pay out again on the next spin.
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Set your bet and select your paylines
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How to Play Online Slots
Real money slots are about as simple as it gets when it comes to online casino games – just set your bet, hit the spin button and wait to see if you get lucky. Even if you’re playing one of the latest video slots with multiple paylines and bonus features, the basic premise is the same. Sure, you might need to set your coin size and select the number of paylines you want to bet on, but that’s pretty straight forward too.
The more paylines you bet on when playing the best online slots, the more ground you cover. Just remember that your bet will multiply by the number of paylines you bet on, increasing your overall wager for that spin.
If you do land a combination of winning symbols, you’ll know about it. Music will play and images will appear on the screen to let you know that you’ve struck lucky. You’ll then have the option to use your winnings to play again or to keep them in your casino wallet.
Which Slots Can I Play Online
Online slots might be simple, but there’s still plenty of variety when it comes to the games on offer. Whether you’re a fan of traditional fruit-machine style titles, or prefer all-singing, all-dancing progressive jackpot slot games, the best online slot sites have something for everyone.
Classic Slots
These real money slots hearken back to the days of one-armed bandits, though the symbols aren’t necessarily fruit, bells and lucky 7s. Most classic slot games have three or five reels, making it pretty easy to select your paylines, which are almost always in one direction. This simplicity makes them a popular choice among slots newbies. Top examples of classic slots include:
- Mega Joker by NetEnt
- 777 Strike by Red Tiger Gaming
- Triple Sapphire Sevens by Spin Games
- Fruit Shop by NetEnt
- Diamond Hearts by Everi
Video Slots
Video slots tend to have more going on than classic slots. Expect crazy themes, tailor-made soundtracks and graphics that could give some video games a run for their money. These games offer players multiple ways to win, with some titles offering over 1,000 paylines in every direction you could imagine. Video slots also tend to have more bonus rounds and in-game free spins than classic slots. Video slots are perfect for players looking to combine their love of online casinos with their favorite films, TV shows and music genres, with software developers such as NetEnt and Playtech partnering with big production companies to create branded video slots. Titles to look out for include:
- Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen by NetEnt
- Monopoly Megaways by Big Time Gaming
- Spartacus Gladiator of Rome by WMS
- Cat to the Future by High 5 Games
- Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy by Bally Technologies
Penny Slots
You don’t need to be a high roller to play online slot games, thanks to penny slots. You can bet as little as a cent per line on these titles, which is great if you want to play real money slots but have a limited budget. But that’s not to say that penny slots are a budget option, you’ll still get high-quality graphics, top-notch soundtracks and the chance to win big. Examples of penny slots include:
- Cleopatra by IGT
- Starburst by NetEnt
- Da Vinci Diamonds by IGT
- 2 Million BC by Betsoft
- Fruit Serenity by Nucleus Gaming
Progressive Jackpot Slots
This is where real slots enthusiasts get excited. Whereas most real money slots have a fixed prize for winners, the prizes for progressive jackpot slot games just keep growing! However, even progressive games come in different shapes and sizes. Whereas some jackpots are specific to the online casino at which you’re playing, others are pooled between different casinos sites. Whatever the nature of the progressive jackpot, the size of the prize pool increases as players wager. These jackpots have been known to hit the hundreds of thousands, with titles such as Mega Moolah and Mega Fortune making players millionaires!
In our January 2021 interview with award-winning game studio Blueprint Gaming, Jo Purvis, Director of Marketing and Relationships, spoke to us about Blueprint’s Jackpot King progressive jackpot series and why the genre is so popular.
“There’s a large segment of players that absolutely love the possibility of winning huge amounts of money from any spin. For them, it enhances the gaming experience and adds something extra to the gameplay. Jackpot King is so successful because players have the opportunity of winning some amazing prizes, but they also get to play quality games at the same time. It simply makes for an entertaining experience, and those fortunate enough to reach the Wheel King are always on the edge of their seat in anticipation of what awaits.”
Other progressive jackpot slots to look out for include:
- Divine Fortune by NetEnt
- MegaJackpots Golden Goddess by IGT
- Bison Fury by GVC
- Mercy of the Gods by NetEnt
- Melon Madness Deluxe by Bwin.Party
Online slots are the most popular online casino games in the US, attracting more players than roulette, blackjack or any other game type.
Keep Your Favorite Slots in Your Pocket
With so many players choosing their mobile for online gambling, real money slots developers create games with mobile players at the top of the priority list. This means there’s plenty of choices when it comes to mobile slot games. It goes without saying that virtually every online slots game is available on mobile, but some of the best new slot games have been created especially for play on a smaller touch screen. Not only does this mean you can benefit from improved usability, but the graphics are also designed for mobile, which makes for an improved aesthetic, too.
Every online casino on our list has a mobile-friendly website, but the best have developed apps for Android and iOS, which makes playing mobile slots a breeze. You can get from your home screen to your favorite titles in just a couple of taps. Pay by mobile sites make it even easier, as you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips.
Claim Your Bonus for Online Slots
The best online slot sites reward players for choosing their site. A welcome bonus is the most common offer, but there are also other slots bonuses up for grabs through other promotions, such as happy hours and VIP rewards. You can get your hands on these bonuses at the best online slots sites:
Welcome Bonus
There will almost always be welcome bonuses ready to greet you when you sign up at online casinos. The exact offerings and eligibility criteria will differ from site to site, but you may be provided with free spins for certain slots, a matched deposit bonus, or a combination of the two. We’ll look in more detail at matched deposits below.
Free Spins
Free spins are the ultimate bonus for online slots. This bonus is as simple as it sounds: you can play real money slots using these tokens meaning there is no need to dip into your own wallet. Some online casinos offer a set number of spins when you make a qualifying deposit, whereas others offer free spins in relation to how much you deposit.
No Deposit Free Spins
You don’t always need to make a deposit at online casinos to claim a free spins no deposit bonus. Simply sign up, verify your account and opt-in. Once the free spins are credited to your account, you’ll be in with a chance of winning real money on slots, without spending a penny of your own.
Matched Deposit
Matched deposit bonuses are one of the most common casino offers at real money slots sites. You’ll receive a percentage of your first deposit as free casino credit. Percentage matches will vary between online casinos, ranging from 25% to as much as 200%, though there’s almost always a limit to how much credit you can actually claim. These bonuses are ideal if you’re interested in other casino games, besides slots. Of course, you can play slots with this credit, but you can also use it on the likes of online roulette and blackjack games.
Some online casinos spread the matched deposit bonus across your first two or three payments rather than in one lump sum.
No Deposit Casino Credit
These bonuses work in a similar way to matched deposit deals, but you won’t need to dip your hand into your own pocket first. Much like no deposit free spins, you have a chance to win real cash even though you’re playing for free. No deposit bonuses are usually more modest than matched deposit deals, but you can play a whole host of casino games, including online slots, with your rewards.
How to Claim Your Bonus
Exactly how you claim the bonus will vary between slot sites. While some simply ask players to opt-in during the sign-up process, others need a bonus promo code. Be sure to check the bonus terms and conditions before you sign up to make sure you don’t miss out on a deal when playing real money slots.
Bonus Terms and Conditions
There will be terms and conditions attached to whichever online slots bonus you choose and you’ll need to factor these in when comparing bonuses. Wagering conditions apply to pretty much every offer bar no wagering bonuses, and you can’t withdraw any bonus winnings until you complete these.
On top of wagering requirements, there are also other terms to consider. Some slots bonuses may only be used for selected titles, such as the newest games. Sites may also restrict how much you can win with your bonus, how long you have to complete any wagering requirements and how much you can withdraw at once.
Offers for Existing Customers
While the most generous offers are reserved for new customers and first-time depositors, the best online slots sites provide plenty to reward returning customers. You’ll often find free daily spins, cash giveaways, free spins promotions that coincide with holidays or the release of a new game, lucrative slots tournaments.
Slots tournaments, sometimes called leaderboards, don’t actually cost extra for entry. It’s simply a promotion that adds the element of competition to a game that is designed for solo gameplay. Each online slot site will have different rules, formats and prizes but a typical tournament format will see any winnings on slot games in a predetermined period of time converted into a point score for a leaderboard. When the event ends, the top-ranked players will win a prize in the form of bonus cash, real money, player points and in some instances some sort of exclusive gift.
Play Slots Online Without Spending a Penny
You don’t need to spend a penny to play online slots. Pretty much every slot game, with the exception of progressive jackpot titles, is available in free play mode. Free online slot games are ideal if you simply want to play slots for fun or try out a new slot game before you put real money on the line.
Of course, you can’t win real money when you play free slots, but you do get to sample all the same bonus features as real money games. Whether your title features expanding reels, walking wild symbols and scatter symbols, you get to see what all the fuss is about without dipping into your own wallet.
Try Out the Freshest Online Slot Sites
The great thing about online slot games is that there are always new titles popping up. There’s plenty to keep online slots players entertained as multiple brand new slot games are released each month. With each new release, online slots developers wow players, be that with bigger brand partnerships, higher definition graphics or bigger progressive jackpots.
Understanding High Return To Player Slot Types
It’s important to understand the return to player (RTP) percentage of a slot game before you start playing, as this gives you an idea of how much you could theoretically win. These percentages are calculated over an infinite number of spins, which means you could win more or less than this percentage of wagers during your period of play.
When it comes to RTP, the closer to 100% the better. Many of the best online slots have an RTP of around 90% and those over 96% RTP are generally considered high payout slots. However, some of the highest paying slots offer even higher payout percentages.
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Return to Player (RTP) |
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99% |
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98.86% |
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98% |
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97.87% |
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97.1% |
Compare the Best Online Slot Sites and Sign Up
Now that we’ve taken you through the ins and outs of online slots, you’re ready to head to the casino and spin the reels yourself! Not sure where to play? You’re sure to find your best bet from our carefully curated list of top online casinos. It’s jam-packed with casinos that offer the best slots, promotions and bonuses you’ll find online. Simply compare and sign up to claim your exclusive welcome bonus today!
Your Questions Answered
Yes. If you’re playing at a US slot site, you’ll need to create an account, and have the slot site verify your identity before you can start playing. These rules apply whether you’re playing free slots or real money games, though the exact account verification process will vary between sites.
Yes. All the real money slots operators we recommend are licensed to take bets in the United States, which ensures they’re held to high standards when it comes to player protection. This means each site uses industry-standard data encryption and provides secure payment methods and communication channels. It also guarantees that each slot you play is fair and uses RNG, so you can play in confidence at our recommended slot sites.
Not necessarily. Of course, you could get lucky and hit the jackpot when you bet big on high roller slots, but putting more money on the line doesn’t increase your chances of winning. Choosing a high payout slot is your best bet when it comes to playing games online but, even then, you’ll need luck on your side. Unfortunately, there’s no strategy for how to win at slots.
No, but you can play real money slots tournaments. You aren’t technically playing slots against other players, but rather competing in a leaderboard. There are often prizes up for grabs for the most successful slots players, but you should bear in mind that there’s usually a tournament entry fee.
Yes. The best slot sites offer a wide variety of banking options, including PayPal deposits and withdrawals. Found the perfect new slot site but it doesn’t accept PayPal? Neteller and Skrill are good alternatives, offering instant deposit and fast withdrawals.
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