Here at CasinoKix, we aim to bring you all the information you could need when deciding on what online slots to choose and which casinos to play them at. Every player is different when choosing their slot to play, and each player will also have a different budget. Doing your research before you choose will also ensure you have the best possible playing experience. Some players prefer being able to play on mobile whilst others prefer playing on a desktop or laptop. All our guidance will help you on your journey, whether you are a new or seasoned player.
Online slots launched way back in the 1990s due to the evolution of computers and the internet. Slots can be traced back to the 1800s, and the first offering was a 5 reel card-based machine. In the 2010s, mobile slots burst onto the scene, offering a whole new world of online casino gaming.
We aim to give you all the information and tools in this guide to assist you with all the different terminology and all you could possibly need to know about today’s slot machines. You will be able to make an informed choice on where to play, how to choose a slot, and much more!
Research is the key when making all these decisions, and in our article, all the information is here for you on one easy page. One of the major benefits of playing online vs. land-based is you can play from the comfort of your home or on mobile whilst on the move, without having to get dressed up for a night out at the casino!
Beginner’s Guide to Online Slots
As a complete beginner to the world of online slots, a basic understanding of how everything operates at the online casino is key. This ranges from signing up, the basics of slot machines to picking the right slot machine.
You should also learn, how to best maximise your winnings before you start playing online slots. Foremost having a budget before you begin is crucial to playing online. Like this you will avoid financial difficulty and that you are always playing within a comfortable environment.
You can play the slots in demo mode first so that you can get a feel of the slot and decide if it’s for you before spinning with real money.
Slot Tips for Beginners
There are many tools available to assist you with all the tips and tricks to playing slot machines as a beginner. These are some of the best tips and tricks for a beginner:
Set a fixed Deposit limit
Play slots with higher RTP
Stop playing after bigger wins
Look out for Bonuses and Promotions
Keep track of your winnings and losses
Choose only Trusted and Reputable Casinos
Practice with free slots before playing real money slots
What are the most common slot terms?
When you begin playing slots, you might encounter confusing terms. We are here to help by explaining common slot terms like Return to Player (RTP) and random number generators (RNG). Understanding these terms equips you with the knowledge for a better gaming experience.
Terms
Description
Hit
This refers to how often the slot is expected to have a winning line. For example, if the hit rate is 25% theoretically, the slot should pay out every 4 spins.
Reels
Those are every player’s dreams. Once you hit the amount of scatters required, you will enter into the bonus round.
Max Bet
If the slot, for example, has 20 paylines and the max bet per line is €10, the maximum bet allowed per spin on that slot would be €200.
RTP
In slot games, those are the vertical positions that are on the grid. These are spun on each spin and different symbols will land on every spin.
Payout
This is the amount the slot machine pays back to its players over time – this can be up to 99% on some slots.
Symbols
Different Symbols on the slots and there meaning should be understood as they can help you choose what to play. Each symbol pays out differing amounts available to see on the slot’s information page.
Pay Table
When playing slots it shows you what each different symbol pays and also how you can play the bonus rounds.
Bonus Round
Those are usually random. When you hit a bonus round you can have a selection of how many spins you choose to play and also your multiplier amount.
Wild Symbol
This Symbol is what every player wants on their reels. They replace any symbol and when you achieve multiple wilds on the reels, the payouts can be huge.
Scatter Symbol
Those are every player’s dream. Once you hit the amount of scatters required, you will enter into the bonus round.
Winning Combination
To hit a winning spin, you need the same symbols on the reel in a payline. Slots pay out for a combination of at least 3 symbols that are the same.
Progressive Jackpots
Jackpots are rare but once you hit the jackpot, big winnings are guaranteed. With Jackpot Slots, some have one payout that grows over time, whilst others offer a few varying Jackpot amounts, from hundreds, thousands, and millions for the main Jackpot!
How to Play Online Slots
Once you have decided on your slot and have deposited money into your casino account, choose your lines on the slot machine and decide how much you want to wager per spin. Hit spin, which will start the game, and the reels will land on various outcomes. If the outcome is the payline required to win is hit, you will be paid out. You are free to change your bet amount at any point to a higher or lower amount and can continue spinning. With our easy slot guide, you will be a slots pro in no time!
Time needed: 5 Minutes
Tools required: Mobile, Tablet or Computer
Funds required: unlimited
Select your Favourite Slot at on of our top Casinos
Check out the Best Slot Casinos in our list above and choose your top pick!
Deposit and select the Bet Levels in the slot game
Make your Deposit in order to play slots and select the relevant bet level before spinning the reels.
Start Spinning the Reels
Once you are all set, it’s time for the Hit button to start the slot reels.
Enjoy unlimited Slot Fun
Now you can spin away and enjoy all type of slots!
History of Slots
In 1891, Sittman and Pitt created the first gambling machine, which was card-based; however, the first coin-operated gambling machine was created in 1894 by inventor Charles August Fey with picture symbols and reels. In the late 1940s, slot machines started gaining popularity in Las Vegas.
The rest of the world followed suit, and places such as Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean opened casinos. The 1970s was when the video slot was born, which was the predecessor to today’s slot games.
Online casinos first hit the digital world in the 1990s, and online slot games were born. You can equally play this in online casinos like in German online casinos, European Casinos or in your favorite available online casino.
Mobile slots made their breakthrough in the 2010s. The popularity of slot machines has not decreased, and if anything, they are more popular than ever!
Transition to Online Slots
Land-based slots originally were chunky with big arms to pull to spin the reels. In the 1990s, when online slots first entered the market, they didn’t have many features and were pretty basic. In 1996, video slots started offering bonus rounds, and this is when online casinos exploded with bigger winnings on offer, and more and more players started turning to online casinos.
The first online gambling venue was Liechtenstein International Lottery in 1994
The first online casino launched in 1996 by Intercasino
The first progressive online jackpot was Cash Splash, launched in 1998
Top 7 online slots
No.
Slot Game
RTP Percentage
1
Book of Dead
96.21%
2
Starburst
96.09%
3
Gonzo’s Quest
96.00%
4
Mega Moolah
88.12%
5
Bonanza
96.00%
6
Immortal Romance
96.86%
7
Thunderstruck II
96.65%
1. Book of Dead
The Book of Dead brings players on an exciting adventure to ancient Egypt. You will join the explorer Rich Wilde as he searches for hidden treasures. The game features five reels and ten pay lines, and is famous for its high potential payouts. The RTP is 96.21%, making it a favorable choice for players hoping to win big.
2. Starburst
Starburst is a vibrant and fast-paced game known for its colorful jewels and engaging gameplay. It offers five reels and ten pay lines. The game is straightforward and fun, making it perfect for beginners. Its RTP is 96.09%, offering a fair return to players.
3. Gonzo’s Quest
This game is themed around the historical character Gonzalo Pizarro, an explorer searching for the lost city of gold. Players enjoy unique avalanche reels instead of traditional spinning ones, which increase the excitement with each win. The RTP is 96.00%, promising a solid gaming experience.
4. Mega Moolah
Known as the “millionaire maker,” Mega Moolah is a progressive jackpot slot that offers the chance to win huge sums of money. It has an African safari theme and a lower RTP of 88.12%, but the potential for large jackpots compensates for this.
5. Bonanza
Set in a gold mine, Bonanza uses the Megaways mechanic, meaning the number of symbols and ways to win can change with each spin. It’s a dynamic game with an RTP of 96.00% and offers lots of excitement and ways to win.
6. Immortal Romance
This slot has a dark, gothic theme with a storyline involving love and intrigue between vampires and humans. It features five reels and numerous ways to win, with an impressive RTP of 96.86%. This game is well-loved for its detailed graphics and interesting plot.
7. Thunderstruck II
This Norse mythology-themed slot is a sequel to the popular Thunderstruck game. It offers 243 ways to win and includes various gods like Thor and Odin. The game is well-known for its Great Hall of Spins feature, which provides multiple levels of free spins. The RTP is 96.65%, making it a top choice for many players.
Top 5 Online Slots Myths
There are myths in any industry, and the online casino world is no exception. Most of these myths are misleading and false. We will help dispel some of these common myths in order for you to make informed decisions with the correct and accurate information at hand. Many of these myths originated in land based casinos. Listed below are some of the most common myths you will hear today about playing slots online.
1. Online Slots Are Rigged
All slots come with Random Number Generators (RNG), which means that each spin is independent of the last. These are tested regularly and there are very strict and heavy regulations in place. Developers and providers are continuously working hard to earn players’ trust and to offer a fair gaming experience.
2. Slot Machines Can Run Hot or Cold
Again all slots have strict regulations to ensure fairness and the Random Number Generator ensures that each spin is independent. Every outcome is entirely random, and just as you could hit 2 bonus rounds in a row, you could also go many spins without one.
3. You Win More Often With Play Money Games
When testing a slot with play money, the same rules apply as with real money. Each spin is independent, so you can experience both losing and winning streaks, just like with real money.
4. The Games Crash When You Are Winning Too Much
The game will not have crashed due to you being on a winning streak, it would have just been bad timing that it happened to crash when you were winning. All your spin details and winnings will be available for the operators to rectify if this happens.
5. Online Slots Pay More Than Live Slot Games
The best online casinos have worked incredibly hard to ensure good reputations, and the Live Slot Games will have the same RTP statistics. They will be controlled and regulated strictly to ensure complete fairness and transparency when playing. You are just as likely to have a big win on a live game as you are on an online slot game.
Benefits of Playing Online Slots
Playing slots within your financial means can be a very enjoyable experience. With so many choices and the chance to have a big win, it can be a thrilling, exciting, and fun experience. With strict regulations in place, you can be guaranteed a fair and safe gaming experience.
Wide Game Selection: Some slots are what they call high variance, meaning they will pay out less often but larger, whereas low variance pays out less often. With so many slots to choose from, you will find your favourite in no time.
You can play On The GO: We all own mobile phones and tablets, and they are always with us, so whilst you are on the train travelling somewhere or just down the park or beach, you can still access your favourite online casino.
Easy and Fast: The beauty of online casinos is how quick it is to create an account, navigate your way around the site, and play games in no time!
Online Slots FAQ
If you have some questions left about online slots in online casinos, then we have gathered some of the most commonly asked questions below for you.
How do you play slots online?
Firstly you find your casino via our review sites or through recommendations. When you are signed up and you have deposited money, you are ready to play. Online casinos are incredibly user-friendly, and with most having customer support service, you will be playing in no time.
What slots tips and tricks are there?
Slots with higher volatility have higher payback percentages. Choose a slot based on your playing personality and style. If you are playing Jackpot Slots, make sure you are playing the minimum wager required to qualify for payouts. Always play within your budget.
What is the best slot winning strategy?
To win more frequently, it is always best to choose a slot with a higher Return to Player as you will gain more winning spins, and if you hit a bonus round, there is a chance you can increase your winnings massively.
Do slots have a different payout at night?
Slots have the same payouts at night as they do in the daytime. The theory is that because generally, more people play at night, the payouts will be higher. This is untrue, and you are just as likely to have a big win in the daytime as you would at nighttime.
Which online slot has the highest RTP?
The online slot with the highest RTP on the market today is Ugga Bugga by Playtech, with an RTP of 99.07%. Mega Joker from Netent and Ooh Aah Dracula by Barcrest comes in a very close second with an RTP of 99%.
With over 5 years of experience within the gambling industry, Alina has decided to dedicate her set of skills to Casinokix. She has great knowledge of online casinos and knows exactly what makes a fair and reputable casino. For the time being, she is responsible for our content production and tries to provide readers with the best information about the casino world. Her professional approach is part of our success story. Alina also has a Diploma in Journalism.