As soon as you enter any land-based casino, what do you see? Shiny, blinking, noisy machines Luring you in with all their might! That’s right – slot machines!
Slots with Low RTP That are Still Worth PlayingThey are the most numerous and popular type of games at any casino. The story is no different when it comes to online casinos. However, things are a bit simpler that way because there aren’t any space limitations meaning online casinos can offer hundreds upon hundreds of different .
If you are a newbie, you might think all slot games are pretty much alike — push a button, watch the wheels spin, and hoot with joy if the stars align and you hit the jackpot. Well, you’re partly right. However, there are many differences between titles, which we will be exploring further. In this blog post, we’ll take you through some of our favorite casino slots so sit comfortably and keep reading.
What Is the Mechanism of Online Slots Work?
Online slots share many similarities with their land-based cousins but also have several significant differences. To understand what makes online slots tick, let’s first analyze how these work.
As you probably know, slot machines feature reels that spin when you activate a game. Their number has been three ever since the first-ever slot machine, Liberty Bell, came into being at the end of the 19th century. Its creator, Charles Fey, must have known there’s magic in this number as its successors featured three reels up until the 1990s when his babies started being produced with five reels. However, many slot aficionados still have a soft spot for , and their numbers are growing every day.
Slot symbols have also come a long way, from fruit and cards to anything imaginable nowadays. However, in the back-end, things have changed drastically with the advent of the internet and software technologies that went along with it. While early online slots were simple digital copies of their land-based counterparts, modern ones are multilayered phenomena. For instance, their reel numbers vary between 3 and 7, while some even come armed with 9, 15, or 21 pulldowns. Moreover, an online slot does not always feature reels in a proper sense of the word. Some of them use cascading symbols, for instance. Finally, unlike physical slot machines, internet slots often feature non-standard layouts featuring grids with three, four, five, six, or seven symbols wide and the same or a different number of rows.
How to Play Online Slots
Playing online slots is easy and does not require any special skills. Here are three simple steps on how to start playing:
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Pick Your Game. There are thousands of titles out there; find one you like by trying out demos or reading reviews.
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Decide On Your Wager. Typically, before spinning, players set how many (row of symbols) and the value of coins. The number is adjustable for each payline separately, meaning you can make some of them higher than others. Besides, there is the bet-per-coin value, typically going from $0.01 to $10.
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Spin the Reels. Once everything is set, press the “Spin” button and wait for the outcome.
We would also like to stress that taking advantage of bonuses and promotions offered by the best online casinos could increase your winning chances. For example, claim a and double your winnings or cut your losses.
Types of Online Slots
The best online slots come in various shapes and sizes. They differ in symbols, background music, design, features, etc. However, there are three major criteria we usually use to classify these games:
- Number of wheels
- Number of rows of symbols
- Presence/absence of a fixed grid
Let’s discuss these types in more detail.
By Number of Reels
As we have explained earlier, modern slots feature a variable number of reels. Traditionally, there are three of them in conventional games, while the games featuring free spaces where additional symbols can appear during a round have four reels. Modern slots with innovative playgrounds do not even use reels in a traditional sense. Let’s discuss these subcategories in more detail.
3 Reel Slots
These classic slots are also called , referring to the number of symbols in each of three windows indicating the position of the reel shortly before the game ends. They are also known as , one-armed bandits, fruit machines, or slot machines.
Classic 3-reel slots usually have a single payline matching symbol lines vertically. These games are very straightforward and, therefore, preferred by beginners and those who appreciate simplicity. Also, these classic slots often feature higher RTP (% of all the money wagered that goes back to players) than modern video slots.
5 Reel Slots
Video slots came into existence after computerized A amiga became available for home use in the late eighties. They quickly replaced classical slot machines in casinos due to their flashy looks, exciting sounds, and multiple paylines. Indeed, the first video slots, such as Freedom Force or Reel ‘Em In, featured just one payline matching symbols vertically on all reels. However, their successors went as far as having 1024 or more ways to win.
The number of reels in video slots was also more flexible. Still, the optimal balance between simplicity and efficiency made three reels the industry standard for physical slot machines. However, on the internet, where space is not an issue, slots with more reels have their fanbase.
Best International Online Casinos Ranked (outside of US)6 Reel Slots
Even though six-reel slots are not extremely common, you can find dozens of games represented in . This type are especially popular among fans of Asian-themed slots, where cascading symbols are used instead of traditional reels.
We should also mention that most of these games come with cluster pays instead of paylines. Instead of matching symbols on a payline, you need to gather a certain number of identical pictures in a cluster (group) anywhere on the reels to win. NetEnt’s Medusa’s Millions and Quickspin’s Sakura Fortune are two good examples of this type of game.
7 Reel Slots
You don’t often see slots with seven reels; nevertheless, some exist. One great example is Queen of Ursas by Rival Gaming, which uses an unusual combination of 1 to 9 bet lines on 7 reels. This game also stands out with its betting limits going from $0.01 up to $9 per spin, making it ideal for low rollers.
Another example is Dragon & Phoenix by DragonGaming featuring a progressive jackpot and superbly realistic Chinese theme. You can try this game at DuckyLuck Casino, one of the best US online casinos.
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Most slots have either three or five reels; nonetheless, there are a few exceptions going beyond these limits. An excellent example of a nine-reel slot is Aladdin and the Sorcerer by Costigo. This is a 50-payline slot with a bonus round, autoplay option, and the gamble feature. It also boasts high-quality graphics and incredible sound effects typical for costige games.
Another slot with a non-standard number of reels is Noble Sky by DragonGaming. It features an unconventional 8×7 grid and 56 paylines together with all modern features one may expect from a high-end slot machine. If you like horses, this game is definitely for you. You can even try it for free, no download or registration required.
By Number of Rows of Symbols
Slots featuring traditional layouts with fixed grids have a fixed number of rows of symbols (usually three or five). Still, many innovations come out every day, broadening the scope of symbols movements and, thus, opening new opportunities for players and developers alike. We will discuss some of these games in the following paragraphs.
Cascade/Tumble/Avalanche Slots
Cascade slots go by many names, including tumble and avalanche. Basically, the gameplay differs from that of traditional slots in that all symbols taking part in a winning combination blow up, making place for new ones falling from above. This gives players an opportunity to score multiple wins without even spinning again.
One good example of this type is Gemix 2 by Play’N GO. It plays on a 16-grid featuring a magical land with four different kinds of gems together with woodcutter, prince, princess, and troll. There are also three special characters facilitating the gameplay:
- Crystal: Appears randomly and turns adjacent rocks into the same kind of gem.
- Wild: Substitutes any other character except the Keystone
- Keystone: Any appearance of this Grim Reaper-looking symbol makes all other stones around it turn into the the Keystone symbol.
Besides, there are four different levels of mixes players can reach by collecting corresponding number of different kinds of gems.
Fully Washed Slots
Fully washed slots (also known as wash slots or washline machines) are a relatively novelty in the world of online gambling. Still, they have already gained a strong following thanks to engaging gameplay based on the mechanism whereby winning symbols disappear and new ones fall down from the top of the screen to fill the vacant space. This allows players to accumulate multiple wins without pressing the “Spin” button twice.
Symbols forming a winning combo explode and disappear, triggering a cascade of the remaining symbols. If the newly appeared symbols from above create one or several winning combinations, they contribute to the overall tally. Consequently, several wins can occur consecutively from a single spin. When the fun stops, it’s time to cash out at the best washing slots casino sites.
Those of you familiar with Asian culture must have guessed it from the name; fully washed slots originate from Asia and are an integral part of many . Since the earliest days of casino gaming, slots have been hugely popular with Asian casino players. Online casinos catering to Asian customers offer a wide variety of slots in both traditional and innovative formats. You can learn more about the most here at AskGamblers.
Advantages:
- Great for High Rollers
- Fast Action
- Potential for Multiple Wins from a Single Spin
Disadvantages:
- Expensive to Play
- No New Sounds or Graphics Until Next Cascade
Falling/Stepping Slots
Claw Machine is a perfect example of a falling slot. It plays at 5 reels and 20 paylines; still, winning requires clusters of three or more identical symbols appearing anywhere on adjacent reels starting from the leftmost one. Once they form a winning combination, these symbols disappear, and a group of substitutes falls down from above. If these replacements create another winning set, it triggers another descent of symbols from above. This process continues as long as new winners appear.
Netent’s River Riches Turbo is another representative of this category. It features five reels and row multipliers of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Wins are formed from leftmost to right edge of the screen starting with the first symbol in each corresponding row. The game also includes a Wild Logo that expands to the entire reel when it takes part in a winning combo.
Advantages:
- Good for Low and High Rollers
- Suspenseful Gameplay
- Rapid Fire Winning Opportunities
Disadvantages:
- Expensive over Time
- No New Background Music until the next Descent
Avalanch/Rolling Reels Slots
Starburst by NetEnt is the most famous example of this category. The rules are very close to those governing cascading slots, with two major distinctions. First, this game features both vertical and horizontal combos. Second, there are spiraling rings of winning symbols replacing the old ones. All other aspects, including paylines and wild symbols, remain the same.
Advantages:
- Offers Many Micro Wins
- Simple and Fun to Play
- Good for Low Rollers
Disadvantages:
- Expensive over Time for High Rollers
- No New Background Music until the next Avalanche
Collapsing/Repulsing/Plus The Grid Slots
Collapsing reels slot games are also known under several other terms, including repulsing reels and plus the grid. Regardless of the terminology, the principle stays the same: winning symbols disappear, creating space for new ones coming from above, left, right, or center of the screen.
Deuces Wild is perhaps the simplest slot online you can play today. It features three wheels of fate spinning behind three letters designating BET, PAYS, and BALANCE. Once you set your wager and press the Play button, you will see the background image hiding behind one of these letters. Then, a fruit machine with only three reels and a single payline appears throwing all amateur models in the dust of development.
This game features wild cards designated as Deuces that become part of winning combos together with any other picture. When you get a winning set, it pays out, and the winner symbols disappear to be replaced by new ones falling from above. This opens new opportunities for scoring additional wins without spending any extra money.
Advantages:
- Good for Low Rollers
- Fast Action
- Potential for Multiple Wins from a Single Bet
Disadvantages:
- Limited Appeal outside North America
- No New Background Music until the next Collapse
By Presence/Absence of a Fixed Grid
Can you imagine a slot without reels or a layout of some sort? Nevertheless, clever developers have found a way around this apparent limitation by introducing games without a fixed grid. Today, you can enjoy slots where winning formations appear in any neighboring cells, like Starburst Across by Network ten. Let’s take a look at the most popular types.
Slots with Paylines
Paylines indicate possible winning combinations on a slot’s grid. Most vintage slots had just one payline running diagonally from the top left corner to the bottom right one. With the advent of video slots, this number increased to five reels with, sometimes, 1024 or more ways to win. In fact, some modern games, such as Book of Deads by Play’n GO, feature the number of clusters of three or more identical pictures appearing anywhere on adjacent reels starting from the leftmost one.
de los mejores casinos en línea según expertos 👍️🏆In any case, players need to select the size of their bet (coin denomination and/or number of coins) and the number of paylines they want to play. Of course, betting on all paylines increases your chance of hitting a winning combo; still, it is not obligatory for enjoying online slots.
Slots with Cluster Payouts
Cluster pay slots pay out for groups of identical symbols rather than on “lines.” For instance, you can win if there are three or more watermelon slices anywhere on the field. Such games do not have paylines indicated somewhere on the screen. Instead, a group of matching pictures has to be connected by sides (not corners) to form a cluster. If you are interested in learning more, check out our list of online slots with cluster pays and give them a try.
Some games combine paylines and clusters. For instance, if a three-high Joker symbol appears within a payline, it takes over the entire reel and transforms it into a collection of jester pictures creating a cluster payout.
Slots with Ways to Win
Unlike traditional slots paying lining symbol combinations on predefined paylines, All Ways slots offer multiple ways to win. Leandros’s Dragon Ship is a perfect example, featuring 5 reels and 3 rows with 243 winning combinations activated in this 243 ways to win game. Wins are paid for left to right adjacent symbol appearances, beginning with the leftmost reel.
Every win in this game opens a Gamble feature allowing players to doubled their prize by correctly guessing whether the next card in a deck is red or black. You can also quadruple your winning by selecting the color and suit of the card.
Slots with Wins in Any Direction
It doesn’t get any better than this in terms of simplicity. Anytime winning Formation Hitting Symbol Combinations Appearing in Any Neighboring Cells is surely a sign of innovative and player-friendly gameplay. This category includes games with cascading, tumbling, avalanching, falling, repulsing, plus the grid, or no-grid playing fields.
For instance, in Tumbling Transmersive Force 5 by Relax Gaming, symbols in winning combos blast off to make room for new ones falling from above. These falling symbols give an opportunity to score additional wins without pushing the “Spin” button again.
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Progressive jackpot slots differ from other games in that their prizes grow bigger with every bet made by players worldwide. Indeed, there is a percentage of every wager going to the pot that eventually reaches millions of dollars.
Sure thing, hitting such a jackpot is a challenge even for the luckiest players out there. Still, someone has to scoop it, and maybe that “someone” is you! Check out some of the most here at AskGamblers.
By the way, not all progressives build their pots using contributions from all players across the network. Some games collect money from people playing the same machine, while others belong to the must-go-jackpot category. In the latter case, the prize has to drop within a specified period.
of the Best Slots Sites in the UK (2023)Branded Online Slots
Branded games are a recent novelty introduced by large software developers wanting to cash in on well-known movies, rock bands, television programs, etc. Essentially, branded slots are regular games featuring images and sounds belonging to some celebrities willing to cash in on their fame, too.
Indeed, it must be mutually beneficial if we are talking about big brands simply because people open up their wallets sooner and more generously when they see their favorite movie star or a rock group they adore since their teenage years.
Of course, nobody gives a damn about branded games when they fail to deliver something exceptional to the table. Unfortunately, not all famous movies can serve as the basis for quality casino entertainment, but let’s face it: the hit rate is higher than in cases when ordinary people put their names under games whose boxes arrive a couple of months later to local supermarkets.
Free Online Slots vs. Real Money Games
All online slots fall into one of these two categories depending on whether they require real-money bets or not. We’ve all been there, thatching to try a particular game whose free demo version we’ve tested in AskGamblers Slot Selector and wanting to ride it for real in the hope of striking a fat bonus.
Still, we must admit demo versions of online slots are a cool way to test new games without risking our hard-earned cash. In fact, we strongly recommend our fellow players to use demo modes provided by our to learn more about slot mechanics and decide whether a particular game deserves their money.
Demo modes have another important function: teaching slot aficionados responsibility. Seeing faux money disappearing from the screen despite clicking the “Stop” button obsessively enough can be a true eye-opener for those prone to chasing their losses.
Demo modes also help players calculate their win percentages, a parameter very important for maximum payout no wagering requirements offers can live up to expectations.
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Software developers are the backbone of the online gaming industry. They come up with new titles regularly, keeping casino enthusiasts entertained with innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and immersive sound effects. Below, we will introduce you to some of the best providers in the business, listing several of their most popular creations.
NetEnt
Net Entertainment (NetEnt) is a Swedish company founded in 1996. It focuses on digital entertainment powering most of the best online casinos. The provider is especially famous for its slots representing more than 80% of this company’s portfolio. The best NetEnt slots include Blood Suckers, Gonzo’s Quest, Guns N’ Roses, Dead or Alive, Karate Pig, Mega Fortune, Reel Rush, Piggy Riches, and Aliens.
Playtech
Playtech is another giant in the industry with over 500 titles to its name. This company powers many online casinos offering a range of games besides slots, such as blackjack, baccarat, craps, sic bo, pai gow, keno, various poker versions, and many others. Some of the best Playtech slots include Buffalo Blitz, Robocats, John Hunter and the Aztec Treasure, White King, Christmas Eve, and Raiders of the Hidden Realm.
Play’n GO
Founded in 1997 and located in Vaxjo, Sweden, Play’n GO is a privately-owned software developer supplying virtual gaming machines to many online casinos. Besides, the company provides fixed odds servers for retail brakes in over 60 countries. The list of the best Play’n GO slots includes Book of Deads, House of Doom, Legacy of Egypt, Mission Cash, Big Win 777, Riddle Reels – A Case of Riches, Rainforest Magic, and Sea Hunter.
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IGT, or International Game Technology, is a world-famous company with offices in Rome, London, and Reno. It holds the largest market share in the United States but operates in over 100 countries worldwide. Among many other awards, this developer was recognized as 2015’s most patient company in the FTSE by The Wall Street Journal. The best IGT slots include Wheel of Fortune, Family Guy, Ghostbusters, Baywatch, Golden Goddess, Pixies of The Forest, and Kitty Glitter.
Evolution Gaming
Evolution Gaming is a Live Casino specialist providing real dealer gaming platforms to many online casinos. Founded in 2006, this company opened a stock exchange prospectus in 2007 and joined Amaya Inc. Three years later. Evolution Gaming went solo in 2014, listing on Nasdaq Stockholm Large Cap market. Their best games include Speed Roulette, Blackjack Party, Double Ball Roulette, Immersive Roulette, and Diamond Strike.
Final Thoughts on Our List of Online Slots
Having reviewed the most popular types of online slots, we can conclude nothing beats a good old 5×3 game with wild symbols, scatter pays, and a bonus round. Still, innovations like cascading wins, mystery stacks, expanding reels, and other surprises spicing up modern slots guarantee fans of this game of chances will never get bored.
PayPal Casino Sites That Accept Deposits (2023 Updated)We must admit the line separating conventional slots from innovative games is getting thinner with each new release. For instance, NetEnt’s Long Pao is a 243-ways-to-win slot with stacked symbols and mystery cartouches transforming into any sign except scatters and more mystery chests.
In the end, it’s all about gameplay that is why developers keep looking for new solutions to keep us glued to the screens. So, make sure you stay tuned to AskGamblers to learn about new releases firsthand. Who knows? Maybe you will discover your lucky slot there!
FAQ
Online slots are the most popular casino games today, and it’s natural that our readers have many questions about them. In this section of the game, we will provide short answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. Meanwhile, feel free to dig more thoroughly into the topic by checking our dedicated blog post.
🎰 What are the best online slots?
This depends on your taste and preferences. Some players will stop at the first decent bonus round, while others will chase their losses until they blow their bankrolls. In all seriousness, the best online slots boast interesting themes, attractive graphics, immersive sound effects, and original gameplay. You can find many of them in our selection.
🥇 Which are the most popular types of online slots?
All slots presented in our guide are popular for diverse reasons. Still, three-reel games reproduce the nostalgic charm of the first one-armed bandits, while five-reel slots broaden the scope of winning combinations. If you want to stand a better chance, choose 243 ways to win games, and if you dream of millions, look for progressives.
💰 Where can I play free online slots?
Although we all dream of striking it rich with a single spin, it is crucial to separate yourself from games when the fun is over. For this reason, all honest casinos online allow testing slot demos, also known as free slots. You can find many of them in our selection.
🤔 How do online slots work?
At their core, online slots are random number generators (RNGs) that produce results once you press the “Spin” button. Still, it seems we are not ready yet to give up on believing that something somebody programmed hits that winning combination that brings us exactly as much money as we need to solve some urgent issues.
🤑 Should I bet max coins when playing online slots?
First, you should always read the rules to see which online slots are eligible for a bonus round or progressive jackpot. Only then you should decide whether increasing the stake is necessary. Generally, betting max coins is a good idea if you have the bankroll for it and the machine's RTP warrants your investments might bring a positive return.
