As slot machines go, it’s hard to argue that video slots aren’t among the most popular and widespread type of this casino game. In fact, there are so many great video slots out there that picking one as your favourite could be a very difficult choice indeed!
So, in order to rank the best video slot games of all time, we will use a set of criteria such as popularity (both with players and awards), overall theme and execution, originality, innovativeness, payouts, etc. So, without further ado, here are our picks for top 10 video slot games ever made!
Starburst by NetEnt
A true classic not just among the best video slots of all time but in the entire world of online slots, NetEnt's Starburst is still one of the most played and loved slot games today, more than seven years after its initial release! With its futuristic gemstones, Starburst offers plenty of excitement thanks to wild (starburst) symbols expanding to cover the whole reel thus activating a free re-spin in any direction.
Featuring 5 reels, 3 rows, and 10 paylines, this space-themed video slot boasts top-notch graphics, an upbeat soundtrack, and an RTP of 96.09%. While Starburst herself may appear on reels 2, 3 and 4, when she does, watch those wins pile up! Although it doesn't feature a free spins round per se, Starburst's re-spins often create multiple winning combinations which can result in yet another re-spin!
Bonanza by Big Time Gaming
One of the most innovative video slots ever made, Big Time Gaming's Bonanza brought the Megaways mechanic into the spotlight and helped redefine the very concept of modern slot gaming. Set deep in a Mendip hills coal mine, this highly volatile 6 reel slot (2-7 rows) pays both ways and features up to 117,649 Megaways per spin.
In addition to standard playing card symbols, Bonanza features barrels of dynamite, various gems, and four scatters (G, O,L). Landing at least three Scatter symbols triggers the Free Spins bonus round, while four Scatters will get you 15 Free Spins plus an ultimate of 50 on top. A fun little detail is that all wins are reported to a guy named Fred who writes them down in a ledger.
Best Poker Apps Android & iPhone 2023 - iPhone, AndroidGonzo’s Quest by NetEnt
Another NetEnt masterpiece, Gonzo’s Quest is an absolute must-play for all fans of video slots. Based on everyone’s favourite conquistador Gonzalo Pizzaro, this 5-reel, 3-row slot with 20 paylines was a true innovator upon release thanks to its avalanche (called Tumble in the game) game engine whereby winning symbols disappear and new symbols fall into place, allowing for consecutive wins and wilds being added.
Set in the Peruvian jungle during the historical quest to find the Lost City of Gold, Gonzo’s Quest features intricate 3D animations and authentic sounds which perfectly complement the gameplay. With an RTP of 95.97%, the maximum win per £$/€1 bet is 50 (with a max bet of £$/€50).
Mega Fortune by NetEnt
What list of top video slot machines would be complete without mentioning the legendary Mega Fortune? Another brainchild of NetEnt, Mega Fortune has produced some of the largest online slot machine jackpot wins in history, including €17.8 million in 2013 and €11.7 million in 2009 – both wins happening in November!
real no deposit casinosWith a marine luxury yacht theme, Mega Fortune boasts 5 reels, 3 rows, and 25 paylines, alongside a host of luxurious symbols such as champagne, diamonds, cigars, and sail boats. The goal, of course, is to unlock the 3-stage Bonus Jackpot Wheel which gives players a shot at winning the Rapid, Major or MEGA Jackpots.
Thunderstruck II by Microgaming
Who says gods don’t have a sense of humour? Witness Thor's mischievous side in Thunderstruck II, one of the most successful video slots of all time developed by Microgaming. This 5 reel, 243 ways to win slot packs a host of bonus features including Wild Symbols, Wild Desire Feature (randomly turns whole reels wild), scattered HAMMERS which lead to 15 free spins with a 5x multiplier, and much more.
The Great Hall of Spins features 4 different bonus games: The Valkyrie (10 free spins with cumulative multipliers up to 6x), Thor (15 free spins with rolling re-spins as long as a win is achieved), Odin (25 free spins with a 2x multiplier and trail of ravens turning into 2x multipliers), and Loki (15 free spins with wild magic randomly creating symbol wilds.) Playtime or daytime, at work or on the move, Thunderstruck II delivers thunderous excitement every single time!
Dead or Alive by NetEnt
Wanted dead or alive… in this case, hoped for greatly since Dead or Alive is one of the highest variance video slots out there, capable of draining your bankroll faster than greased lightning. However, balance that sticky situation with a healthy bankroll and Dead or Alive can make you the proudest outlaw in the Old West-themed video slots hall of fame.
Featuring 5 reels, 9 paylines, and an unmatched 9602% RTP, this wild west adventure offers two key features: Sticky Wilds and a Free Spins round activated when 3 wanted posters appear - granting 12 free spins with all wins (except for the FREE SPINS WINDOW) doubled (2x multiplier). Sticky Wilds come into play during free spins as any win activates a respin of the entire game window, holding all symbols in place until you get 12 free spins in total.
Book of Ra by Novomatic
An Egyptian-themed adventure like no other, Book of Ra took the video slots world by storm upon release and remains a player favourite to this day. With its iconic adventurer as the brave explorer bravely searching for long lost treasures hidden within the Pyramids of Giza, this 9+5 line video slot features risk games, free spins, scatters, wilds, and much more.
Originally released in the first version back in 2005, Book of Ra has gone through several transformations throughout the years. It started as a land-based slot before making a seamless transition to online casinos powered by Novomatic software. Fun Fact: Did you know that Book of Ra was the inspiration behind our very own Ra's Book slot? Give it a spin if you want slightly updated visuals and experience!
Immortal Romance by Microgaming
Get ready to sink your vampire fangs into one of the most popular video slots of all time! Packed with five unique character stories woven into one thrilling slot adventure, Immortal Romance brings together Amber, Troy, Michael, Sarah, and the enigmatic Miller to provide hours of captivating gameplay.
With 5 reels, 3 rows and 243 ways to win, Immortal Romance also offers Chamber of Spins Feature, Wild Desire, Vampire Bat Feature, and free spins. Choose between Amber the Heiress, Troy the Biker, Jon Miller the Scientist, or Sarah Newberry the Hippie to trigger one of the following bonuses: Amber - 10 free spins with a 5x multiplier; Troy - 15 free spins with Vampire Bat Feature which turn random symbols into 2x or 3x multipliers; Michael - 20 free spins with 5x multiplier and fifth and final spin is a winner; Sarah - 25 free spins with Bat Feature and 5x multiplier plus rolling re-spins as long as you keep finding vampire bats. With its immersive theme and innovative features, it's easy to see why Immortal Romance is considered one of the all-time best video slots.
Must-Know Strategies for Crushing Online Poker TournamentsMega Moolah by Microgaming
And then there’s Mega Moolah. Dubbed the "Casino Millionaire Maker", this safari-themed 5 reel, 25 payline progressive jackpot slot by Microgaming has made hundreds of players instant millionaires since launching in 2006. As of May 2023, the game has paid out over €2 billion worth of prizes, including the largest ever online slot machine jackpot win worth an astonishing €18.9 million!
While the Progressive Bonus Wheel feature might seem a bit underwhelming at first (it could land you anything from cash prizes to the 4 Progressive Jackpots after all), there's really no complaining when your life has been changed forever. Also, Mega Moolah offers several ways to win including free spins (scatter 3 or more Lemurs) and wild symbols (Giraffe, Monkey, Gibbon, and Antelope) which double or triple your payout if they participate in a win.
Guns N’ Roses by NetEnt
Rock Hard or Go Home! If there ever was a band fitting the above motto, it would be Guns N’ Roses. And what better way to commemorate their legacy than by dedicating an entire video slot to them?! Released in 2016 to celebrate the iconic rock band's 30th anniversary, Guns N’ Roses video slot packs hits such as Sweet Child o' Mine, Welcome to the Jungle, Paradise City, and November Rain, alongside iconic band members Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan.
This 5-reel, 20-payline rock n' roll adventure comes packed with awesome Cluster Pays features such as Legend Spins, Encore Free Spins, Crowd-Pleaser Bonus Game, and more! With an RTP of 96.98%, Guns N’ Roses offers a perfect blend of nostalgia, great gameplay, and potential payouts that will appeal to slots enthusiasts and diehard GN'R fans alike.
Overlooked Online Casino House Edge Tips - Page 2 of 2Honorable Mentions
Our top 10 video slots list was certainly tough to put together but, of course, there are many other excellent titles deserving of honourable mentions. Here's a quick rundown of some of the best video slots that narrowly missed the cut:
- : One of the first games to implement the 243 ways to win payment mechanism, This game tells the story of Leona Lewis' hit song using stunning visual effects and catchy music bits to bring the jungle to life. Featuring 5 reels and 243 paylines, X Factor Judges (Simon, Louis, Dannii, Cheryl) serve as high paying symbols alongside Wilds, Scatters, and Free Spins with a 3x multiplier.
- : Get ready to party with Pharrell Williams in this colourful video slot inspired by his Happy hit song. Featuring 3 rows, 5 reels and 243 ways to win, Happy slots offer Wilds, Multipliers, Free Spins, and a Special Feature where oversized wheels determine additional bonuses such as Extra Free Spins, Win Multipliers, or special Wilds.
- : Based on Michael Jackson's unforgettable Thriller music video, this video slot offers 5 reels, 3 row, 20 payline game with plenty of bonus features such as stacked wilds, bonus wheel bonus, wheels of luck bonus, free spins, and more!
- : Step right up and try your luck at this circus-themed video slot featuring acrobats, lions, tigers, elephants, clowns, ringsmasters, popcorn, soft drinks, and more! With 5 reels and adjustable 88 paylines, Circus of the Stars offers free spins, scatter pays, and gamble and risk game features.
- : Have a blast with these adorable and quirky monsters living in Monstropolis! With 5 reels, 3 rows, and 20 paylines, Medusa's Golden Gaze offers Wilds, Scatters, Free Spins, and Stacked Symbols.
Your Favorite Video Slot Machine Games?
As you can see, choosing the top 10 video slots of all time is no easy task considering the sheer number of excellent titles out there! Still, we did our best to pick what we think are the crème de la crème of video slots while taking into account their popularity, innovation, payouts, themes, and other important factors.
Of course, your favourites may vary, especially if you prefer , movie, or animal-themed video slots. After all, there's a video slot out there to suit virtually everyone's tastes and preferences. So, tell us, fellow players: what are your favorite video slots of all time? We'd love to hear about your experiences and memories so please feel free to leave a comment in the section below.