The Best US Online Slot Sites 2024

By Daniel Bennett & others on
Ready to set the reels spinning? We’ve handpicked the best US online casinos to play slots online. From the hottest new video slots to old cult classics, these top slot sites have games for everyone. All you need to do is compare, sign up and start playing!
State Licensed State Licensed
Expertly Reviewed Expertly Reviewed
Mobile Friendly Mobile Friendly
Fast Withdrawals Fast Withdrawals
Slot Site Score New Customer Offer Expert Review Go To Site & Sign Up Terms
1. Bet MGM
88%
100% Up To $1000 Deposit Bonus

Reviewed & verified by our team

"Every wager counts at BetMGM. Now when you play your favorite slots, card games and live dealer tables online, you can earn comp points for M-Life Rewards "
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New Customer Offer New customers who create verified accounts at BetMGM.com will get: $25 FREEPLAY. All BetMGM.com casino games – 150 iRewards Points Release Requirement and 100% deposit match up to $1000 FREEPLAY® – All BetMGM.com games – 6x Bonus Amount iRewards Points Release Requirement 21+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly.
2. Bet Rivers
71%
100% up to $250

Reviewed & verified by our team

"Bonuses with low play-through requirements, iRUSH Rewards and a complete selection of progressives, slots and live dealer games are waiting for you at Bet Rivers online casino."
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New Customer Offer Make your first deposit using the bonus code 250MATCH and receive a 100% match up to $250. All Bonus Money needs to be wagered within 30 days after being credited, otherwise it will expire. Bonus Money is non withdrawable until the 1X wager requirement is fulfilled. 21+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly.
3. Draftkings
81%
100% up to $1500

Reviewed & verified by our team

"The king of DFS now welcomes casino players. With slots, table games, video poker, keno, and jackpot games - DraftKings Casino has something for everyone."
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New Customer Offer Bonus amount is equal to that of the first deposit amount, not to exceed $1,500 (the patron must deposit $1,500 to be eligible to receive the maximum possible bonus amount of $1,500 21+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly.
4. Fanduel
79%
$200 Risk Free Bet

Reviewed & verified by our team

"Play slots and table games direct from your phone. With bonuses for new and existing patrons, and real cash payouts within 24 hours, FanDuel is fast becoming one of America's favorite gambling apps."
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New Customer Offer 100% back on net casino losses incurred in your first 24 hours of play, up to $200. Max refund $200 in Casino Site Credit (can only be used on casino games). Bonus period begins on your first real money casino bet and extends for 24 hours. No bonus less than $5 will be awarded 21+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly.
5. Sugarhouse
73%
100% Up To $250 on 1st Deposit

Reviewed & verified by our team

"SugarHouse is a popular US brand known for its generous low wagering bonuses and promotions. Spin the reels on the best slots from IGT, NetEnt, BTG, and many other top providers. "
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New Customer Offer The offer is to deposit and receive 100% up to $250 in bonus money with a 1X wagering requirement. Use bonus code 250MATCH when making your first deposit. Minimum deposit of $10. Bonus money will be credited to (within 48h of making the deposit) the player’s regular bonus bank. 21+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly.
6. Party
93%
100% Up To $500 + 20 Free Spins

Reviewed & verified by our team

"Win free spins every day in Slot Races at PartyCasino. Also, enjoy a diverse gaming experience with a wide range of table games, slots, slingo, and poker variants."
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New Customer Offer First deposit = 100% up to $200 + 20 Free Spins on Melon Madness Deluxe. Second Deposit = 100% up to $150. Third Deposit = 100% up to $150 21+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly.
7. Golden Nugget
79%
Up to $1000 Bonus + 200 Free Spins

Reviewed & verified by our team

"Join the online gold rush at the iconic Golden Nugget Casino. Experience a magificent gambling experience with top games such as Megaways slots, jackpots, roulette, blackjack and scratchers."
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New Customer Offer Players must claim the offer from Available Bonuses and make a minimum deposit of $30 to be eligible to receive the welcome offer. Players are eligible for only one First Deposit Bonus Match. Bonus offer must be claimed with a single deposit. The maximum bonus given to any player is $1,000. 21+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly.
8. Caesars
79%
100% Match Up To $300

Reviewed & verified by our team

"Download the app and play online at one of America's best known casinos. Earn Caesars Rewards on each bet to add more value to your real money gaming activity."
Play Slots
New Customer Offer $10 minimum deposit. Players must wager the combined deposit and bonus amount 5x on slot games, 10x on video poker games, and 25x for all other games 21+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly.
🏆 Best Overall Score:
93%
🎁 Largest Free Bet:
$1000
🤝 Highest Deposit Match:
100%
💵 Minimum Deposit:
$10
Getting Started

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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 to Find the Best Slot Site

Red Man Magnifying Glass Icon STEP 1
Compare Licensed Casinos
Compare our top US-based operators and check your state's casino page to ensure they are licensed where you are.
Purple Slots Play Icon STEP 2
Review Range of Slot Games
Slot sites offer thousands of games across different themes. Checking which developers are featured on the site is an easy way to get an idea of available games at a glance.
Blue Money Checklist Icon STEP 3
Review Slot RTPs
If you’re looking for the best payouts, you’ll want to find slots with the best RTPs. For any player, we recommend titles with an RTP of at least 96%.
Yellow Checklist Bonus Icon STEP 4
Sign Up & Claim
If the slot site is ticking your boxes, sign up with your details and claim a welcome bonus — it’s a great way to familiarize yourself with how the site and its games work.
How Slots Work

How 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.

 

  1. Set your bet and select your paylines
  2. Hit spin
  3. See if you land
How to Play

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.

If you want more information on how to play slots, you can check out our dedicated guide page.

Slot Games

Available Slots

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.

Special Features

Special Features of Online Slots

Classic, video, penny, and progressive jackpot are four broad categories of online slot, but within each of these, you’ll find many ways in which games can differ from one another. Through ranges in RTP (return to player) percentages, variety in game mechanics, and diversity of bonus features, slots catalogs at the best online casinos cater to all tastes. Here are some further features of the titles found at the best slots sites. 

Wilds and Scatters

One feature of all slots is that they contain symbols. You’ll often see symbols representing different playing cards, such as kings and aces, as well as those that chime with the theme of the game. You’re also likely to come across wild and scatter symbols, which serve as the most common bonus features of online slots.

The concept of a wild symbol is simple: as it lands on the reels, it has the power to sub in for any adjacent symbol on the grid. This broadens the payline network, building winning combinations with all other symbols; landing several wilds in one spin can generate decent payout potential. 

Wilds will more or less function in the same way across every title. Scatters, however, can serve a different purpose from slot to slot. The most common use of the scatter is to use them as the key to unlocking further bonus features; for example, landing three scatters from one spin often triggers a round of free spins, or a similar type of bonus reward. The functionality of wilds and scatters will be broken down at the start of the game, so make sure you read this information to understand how they work. 

Megaways

The world’s first slot machine was called the Liberty Bell. Manufactured by Charles Fey at the end of the 19th century, it had just the one payline consisting of standard playing card symbols. Eventually the technology evolved to incorporate further paylines — first to three, then to five, ten, and so on. When gambling modernized again into a digital format, this opened up many more possibilities for game developers. 

The apex of this modernization came in 2016, when online casinos were introduced to a brand-new medium of slot: the Megaways payline structure. Developed by Big Time Gaming, Megaways slots jumble up the number of available paylines with every spin of the reels. The first wave of Meagways slots offered games with 117,649 different ways to win, but this has since been elaborated even further to games that offer over a million paylines.

Megaways slots are favored by players looking for range in their games. Since every spin of the Megaways reels is different, you don’t know whether you’ll have 100,000 routes to victory or 50 — this fluidity is appealing to many gamblers. 

Cluster Pays

Traditionally, slot combinations are formed in adjacent lines across the reels, but the success of free-to-play games such as Bejeweled Blitz provided inspiration for casino software developers to mix things up. Through the cluster pays game mechanic, combos are formed in clusters: symbols drop from above, connecting wins when landing next to each other. NetEnt’s Aloha! Cluster Pays is perhaps the best-known example of this type of slot.   

Avalanche Reels

The NetEnt studio also boasts the most famous example of the avalanche reels through its seminal title, Gonzo’s Quest. With this mechanism, players are able to build chains of wins on the reels. Each time you hit a combo, the symbols involved will instantly explode, with new symbols landing in their place. If further combinations are found, the chain will continue repeating until no more wins fall. Avalanche reels have now been replicated in other slots numerous times, but they first appeared during the Spanish conquistador’s search for lost gold.

Pick Games

The format of online slots can become a bit repetitive, so it’s always great when a developer adds an additional playing backdrop to their title. Picking games are one way in which they can achieve this: a game within a game, where players make simple picking selections to reveal bonus prizes. 

Players will trigger the ‘pick me’ round by finding the right combination of symbols, such as landing three scatters at once. If they manage to do so, they’ll usually be transported to a different playing backdrop, where the pick game takes place. If you’re a fan of Disney’s Toy Story, you might like to check out Eyecon’s Fluffy Favourites — a slot with a picking game that resembles “the claaaaawww”, requiring players to select their preferred cuddly toy.

Free Spins Round

As well as offering free spins when you sign up, the best slots sites also host plenty of games offering free spins bonus rounds. In most cases, the number of free spins up for grabs is predetermined; for example, when you land three scatter symbols on Pragmatic Play’s Wolf Gold, you’ll be rewarded with six free spins. In other slots, the quality of the free spins round may depend on the way it was triggered.

Multipliers

Multipliers do exactly what you might think — they boost a spin’s payout potential by multiplying the winnings. This bonus feature goes hand in hand with avalanche reels, adding a value to the multiplier for every sequence in the chain. Gonzo’s Quest includes this feature, as do many other casino slots — Monopoly Megaways is another good example.

Michael Maokhamphiou headshot
Michael Maokhamphiou
Operations Manager, Lightning Box
See Interview

Expert Insight: Do Slots Differ State to State?

“Different states do require certain regulatory changes that is reflected in our games. However, this has long been the case in Europe and the rest of the world. We proudly abide by all legislation and regulation unique to each region. Lightning Box has been creating hit titles for nearly two decades globally and with this in mind each title allows us to adjust parts of its platform or stake size for any regulatory needs without effecting the core gameplay.”

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
Niklas Mravjle Headshot
Niklas Mravjle
Director of Product Marketing, Oryx Gaming

Expert Insight: US Player Preferences

“We have seen U.S. players gravitate toward games that have roots in land-based casinos. This can be attributed to brand recognition but it’s the underlying popular game mechanics from land-based titles that are also attracting players.”

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!

Jo Purvis Headshot
Jo Purvis
Director of Marketing & Relationships, Blueprint Gaming

Expert Insight: Progressive Jackpot Games

“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
Slots

Online slots are the most popular online casino games in the US, attracting more players than roulette, blackjack or any other game type.

Armen Tatarevic Headshot
Armen Tatarevic
Business Development Director, White Hat Studios

Expert Insight: Emerging Features in Slots

“As the market develops and players seek more innovative offerings, we see differentiated products such as Megaways and features such as bonus bets becoming increasingly popular, especially with VIP players. As well as that, games that effectively integrate popular IPs are enjoying much longer lifecycles, sticking in the top games lists for longer periods.”

Mobile Slots

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.

Michael Maokhamphiou headshot
Michael Maokhamphiou
Operations Manager, Lightning Box

Expert Insight: US Market Preferences

“Some key differences we have found in both our land-based releases and online is that the US market is more heavily influenced by the marketing of our releases. Specifically, the thumbnail of a game prior to choosing to play one of our titles. We may promote a slot “mascot” in a US market with for example the Gorilla from Lightning Gorilla being the focal point. Whereas we may focus on the title and branding when positioning the same game in the UK.”

Slot Bonuses

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.

Terms and Conditions

Bonus Terms and Conditions

We all love casino bonuses, but they always bring an unfortunate corollary: terms and conditions. You’ll need to negotiate these T&Cs if you want to withdraw any winnings from your bonus, and we’ve explained how you might go about this below. 

Wagering Requirements

If you make use of a bonus that offers cash, you’ll notice that your funds will be kept in two separate pots: a real money pot, where your deposits sit, and a bonus pot, where bonus cash is kept. As you’d expect, there are no barriers to withdrawals of your real money funds, but withdrawals of bonus cash can only take place once wagering requirements have been completed. These requirements demand that players wager their bonus cash a certain number of times before it can make a profit. 

Let’s take a look at how this works in the context of a generous welcome bonus. You’ve made a $30 deposit to unlock a 100% up to $200 matched deposit. The wagering requirements are set at 35x, which means you’ll need to wager a total of $1,050 ($30 x 35) before you can withdraw any bonus cash. 

Wagering requirements can make it impossible for players on smaller budgets to profit from casino bonuses, so it’s often best to view them as a way of getting used to a new slots site without spending too much of your own money. 

Game Weightings

The requirements alone only tell half the story. For a complete picture of how wagering requirements work, you also need to be mindful of game weightings. 

Each game in the casino’s library will be given a weighting percentage in the T&Cs. If that weighting is 100%, then 100% of the wagers placed on that game will contribute to the overall requirements. The majority of slots will be weighted at this value, but games with high RTP rates — particularly table games like blackjack and roulette — will be weighted much lower. This can be as negligible as 10%, 5% or even 0%, so make sure the full weight of your wagers are being used if you’re looking to complete the requirements.

Time Limits

As soon as you join one of our recommended best slots sites, you’ll trigger a time limit for collecting the welcome bonus. Then, once you’ve done so, you’ll set off two other time limits: one set against the use of the bonus as a whole, and another against the completion of the wagering requirements. If any of these clocks run out of time, you’ll lose any outstanding funds or free spins.

Minimum Deposits

Unless you’ve secured a no deposit bonus, you’ll need to unlock the offer with a monetary deposit into your casino account. $10 is about par for the course, but you’ll also come across minimums as low as $5 and as high as $20. 

Winning Caps

If you’ve managed to hit a hot streak with a bonus, and you’re having visions of a life-changing payout, remember that winning caps will remove that possibility. Online casinos are savvy businesses, ensuring that players aren’t ever able to win more than a specified amount from a bonus.

Payment Exclusions

From bank cards to cryptocurrencies, there’s a wide range of available payment methods at the best slots sites. For regular deposits at the casino, you can use whichever method you like best, but when it comes to accessing bonuses, you’ll need to pay attention to which banking options are eligible. Digital wallets, for example, are often included on payment exclusions lists.

Game Restrictions

Similarly to the condition above, not all of the casino’s games will be eligible for use with a bonus. This is particularly apparent with free spins bonuses, where sites often limit use of the spins to just one title. Take a look to see whether your favorite games are available to play before committing to a bonus. 

Slot Promotions

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.

Free Slot Games

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.

New Slots

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.

A headshot of James Marshall, the CEO of Pushing Gaming.
James Marshall
CEO, Push Gaming

Expert Insight: Catering to Players' Needs

“You can still innovate while keeping true to what players enjoy, and given that there’s not a huge range of content in the US right now, especially in comparison to Europe, you’ve also got your back catalogue to lay with. We know about the content that’s going to work moving from land-based to online and when it comes to new content, it’s going to be a bit more of trial and error. Studios are going to have to be agile and flexible, adapting to the feedback from this new demographic.”

High RTP Slots

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.

Slot Game Return to Player (RTP)
Mega Joker
99%
Jackpot 6000
98.86%
Blood Suckers
98%
Starmania
97.87%
Jackhammer II
97.1%
Banking

Payment Options at Slot Sites

Many slot sites allow you to play free games in demo mode, but if you want to be in with a shot at landing a real money jackpot, you’ll usually have to make a deposit. The best real money slots sites offer players plenty of ways to fund their accounts. Better yet, most casino payment methods offer instant top ups, so you can start enjoying the online slot machines straight away. From bank cards to Bitcoin, here are some of the payment options you might see.

Bank Cards

Both debit and credit cards are accepted at US online casinos, and together, they represent the number one banking method at these sites. Players are familiar with payment providers like Mastercard, Visa and American Express, using them regularly in their daily lives. Bank cards are safe and secure, with decent customer support infrastructure available if any issues arise. Depositing through this method also guarantees eligibility for any casino bonuses.

In terms of withdrawals, bank cards rank as one of the slowest payment methods available, sometimes taking as long as seven working days to land in your account. Visa card holders may be able to speed up this process at new slots sites through Visa Fast Funds — a mechanism that’s able to return requested funds in just 30 minutes.

There is, however, an important distinction to be made between the use of debit and credit cards at US casino sites. In 2020, the UK Gambling Commission prohibited the use of credit cards at all of their licensed sites in line with new responsible gambling legislation. This requirement hasn’t extended to online casinos licensed in the US, though you may find that your state has taken it upon itself to ban the use of credit cards, so check the terms and conditions of the casino first. And if you enjoy playing at an offshore site licensed by the UKGC, you won’t have the option to deposit funds using a credit card. 

e-Wallets

From mobile casinos to sportsbooks, e-wallets are a popular payment option at many online gambling sites. On real money slot sites, the most widely supported e-wallet is PayPal, and its handy mobile apps for Android and iOS make managing your funds on the go even easier. 

It’s easy to sign up for a digital wallet and add your debit cards, credit cards, and bank accounts. You can then make secure, fee-free deposits on gambling sites, funding your deposit with your payment method of choice while sharing only your e-wallet details rather than bank card numbers. e-Wallets can also help you to organize your slots bankroll more efficiently and should see you in line for faster payouts too. The only real issue you might come across is that e-wallets don’t always qualify for casino bonuses and promos for new players, so do check the fine print.

Prepaid Cards

Prepaid cards are the payment solution of choice for many players. These cards are safe and highly secure, since they keep your financial details private and can almost be thought of as a way to use cash online. Top slot sites like FanDuel and BetMGM have their own branded Play+ cards which can be topped up with funds and used to make instant deposits.

Even better, Play+ cards tend to boast some of the quickest withdrawal times at US casino sites. So, for a sleek and seamless banking experience, they’re a great way to go.

Cryptocurrencies

You’ve probably heard about slot sites that accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Crypto casinos offer plenty of benefits for players, such as fast payments, anonymity, and tight security. Casinos that accept crypto also tend to offer generous welcome packages like match bonuses and bundles of free bonus games. 

The problem here is that Bitcoin casinos and other crypto gambling sites are yet to really take off in the US. You can find some reputable looking crypto casinos online but that’s not to say they are regulated in the state where you want to play. We’d suggest being careful with crypto casinos, and ensuring you only ever create an account with a slot site that’s licensed in the state.

Software

Online Slot Software Providers

From classic one-armed bandit-style distractions to modern 3D slots, there’s a fantastic selection of online slot games out there. There’s also no small variety of gaming studios that develop and release the top online slots we love to play. Here’s a quick introduction to some of our favorite software providers.  

Microgaming

Founded all the way back in 1994, Microgaming is a truly pioneering company responsible for some pretty epic slot games for desktop and mobile devices. These include the famous Mega Moolah, a renowned millionaire maker and arguably one of the best slot site games of all time. New for 2022 is Dungeons and Diamonds from Microgaming’s PearFiction Studios. This dazzling fantasy-themed slot’s 40 paylines, giant jackpots, and storyline that takes players deep into the dragon’s lair means it looks set to be a top pick among new 5×5 reel slots this year.

Yggdrasil

Founded by Fredrik Elmqvist, the former CEO of famed developers NetEnt, Yggdrasil Gaming offers a huge variety of must-try online slot games. These include fan-favorites like Valley of the Gods and Vikings Go Wild. In 2021, Yggdrasil entered the North American market courtesy of a multi-year exclusive partnership with International Game Technology (IGT). This means that US players should soon enjoy access to an excellent range of real money slot games from this Swedish slot game developer. 

Lightning Box

Lightning Box is a top software provider based in Sydney, Australia. It was founded in 2004 and the current boss is Peter Causley. Lightning Box slot games can be found at some of the best-known online casinos in the US, including Caesars, Golden Nugget, and SugarHouse, so there’s every chance you’ll have already put a few of their games through their paces. Some of the hottest titles in the Lightning Box portfolio include Silver Lion, Chicken Fox, and Blown Away.

Light & Wonder

Headquartered in Las Vegas, and with offices around the world, Light & Wonder is a leading cross-platform content provider with hundreds of global creators working to create innovative new slots games for players. You’ve likely played or heard of some of the games in the Light & Wonder library already. Rainbow Riches anyone? If that sounds familiar, it’s because until March 2022, Light & Wonder went by the name Scientific Games, or simply SG, a powerhouse of online gaming that’s now focusing 100% on lottery. 

Push Gaming

Push Gaming has its headquarters in London and holds licenses from both the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority. The company has a pretty small selection of titles compared to some of its rival game developers, but titles like Nightfall, Big Bamboo Zenith, and Jammin’ Jars make it easy to forgive this software provider for focusing on quality over quantity. After partnering with Coolbet in early 2022, Push Gaming entered the North American market by launching in Ontario. 

Bragg Gaming

Founded in 2018, the London-based Bragg Gaming is rapidly gaining a foothold in the US market. The company has a handful of premium content studios in its toolkit, including Wild Streak Gaming in Nevada and the Reno-based Spin Games. The acquisition of Spin Games saw Bragg achieve an instant presence in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, with Connecticut since added to the list. With no doubt more states to follow, watch out for top Spin Games slots like Shadows of Olympus and Wild Gypsy coming your way.

RTG Slots

RTG Slots is the slot-developing arm of Realtime Gaming, a major casino software developer owned by Hastings International. Its games are particularly popular in the Asian market, with titles such as Wu Zeitan, The Three Kingdoms War, and the Kung-Fu Hero series all major hits.  

Online Slot Regulators

Online Slot Regulators

How can you be sure that online slot machines are fair? The good news is you don’t have to take a casino operator’s word for it. Licensed and regulated slot sites throughout the United States will host games that are subject to rigorous audits by respected testing agencies. Perhaps the best-known of the bunch is eCOGRA, but there are a number of others out there, including iTech Labs and BMM Test Labs. 

These organizations are there to ensure the games perform as they should. They assess the algorithm of each slot game, checking that the random number generator is indeed random, and that games pay out at the highest RTP advertised. All kinds of variables are carefully analyzed before certification is handed out. And this goes for live dealer games as well as RNG games. With all this in mind, you can rest easy when depositing and placing real money bets at slot sites licensed in the state you’re based in. However, we always like to stress that veering off to sites that aren’t regulated by the state gaming authority does put you at risk of playing games that haven’t necessarily been subjected to the same level of independent scrutiny — which is why we always recommend only sticking to licensed slot websites.

Time to Play!

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

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an account to play free online slots?

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.

Are these slot sites safe?

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.

Will I win more money if I set higher stakes?

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.

Can I play slots against other players?

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.

Can I use PayPal to deposit at online slot sites?

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.

The people behind this page

Compare.bet's online gambling content experts helped write, edit and check the content on this page:

Daniel is the editor-in-chief at Compare.bet. He has half a decade of experience writing on topics including sports betting, online casino and the NBA. Daniel also covers Premier League football for The Warm-Up and has interviewed Louis Saha, Richard Dunne and Gary Pallister. In his spare time, Daniel enjoys film photography and making Spotify playlists.

The following external expert contributors worked with Compare.bet to ensure the content of this page provided maximum value, accuracy and insight:

Armen Tatarevic Headshot
Armen is the Business Development Director at White Hat Studios. Previous experience includes Oryx Gaming, NetEnt and Greentube.
Guy Evans Headshot
Guy is a writer and editor at Compare.bet US. Along with producing expert commentary on the betting industry, Guy presents English Premier League predictions on the UK site. Outside work Guy plays soccer and online chess to an almost-concerning degree.