Video slots are at the top of the hierarchy of online casino games. They make up the vast majority of any casino’s catalog, offer an unmatched diversity of themes, and can deliver life-changing wins from a single spin.
Learning how to play slots is super easy, as these games are designed so you can play and win without diving into the rules. Everything is based on luck (or a random number generator, to be exact), so your past experience won’t affect the outcome.
Still, it’s good to grasp how online slots work before trying them for the first time. Understanding the spin values, mechanics, features, paylines, and payouts can help you pick the right game. Our guide below will cover all this and more, helping you start on the right note.
What is an online slot machine?
Online slots come in all forms these days. They distinguish themselves by incorporating various themes, ranging from mythology and outer space to sports, fantasy, and TV shows, with different mechanics used to award payouts.
Slots (typically) contain paylines across their grid. Once you spin, symbols must align on a payline to form a winning combination. How much you win depends on your bet amount, the number of matching symbols, and their value. Each game uses a random number generator (RNG) to determine symbol positions, so the outcome of every spin is unpredictable.
The number of reels and paylines, as well as the depictions of symbols, vary across games. However, some titles don’t even use paylines and instead incorporate mechanics like ‘cluster pays,’ while others feature tumbling reels, multipliers, and all sorts of bonus elements.
Still, before we discuss all of the specifics, let’s learn how to play online slots from scratch.
How to play online slots — step-by-step guide
Here’s a simple step-by-step protocol you can follow to start playing any online video slot:
- Choose a casino site — First, select a trusted gaming platform. When browsing through a list of the best online casinos, verify that your pick is legal in your jurisdiction. Also, check if it meets your other preferences, like the number and quality of casino games, the value of bonuses, the availability of payment methods, and more.
- Create an account — Registering an online casino account requires sharing your name, age, and other personal information. This standard process usually takes just several minutes.
- Deposit — Once you create and verify your account, head over to the Cashier section to make a deposit. Select a preferred payment method, enter the desired amount, and submit your deposit. The transfer should go through almost instantly.
- Claim a welcome bonus — Online casinos typically offer a bonus to new players. For instance, this can be a deposit match or a number of free spins. Read the T&Cs to learn what it takes to unlock the bonus (minimum deposit amount, promo code, etc.) and claim the offer.
- Pick a slot game — Enter the casino’s game library and choose an online slot that you wish to try out. Click/tap on the game and wait for it to load.
- Set your stake — Enter the game’s betting menu or use the +/- buttons on the screen to adjust the size of your stake. This will represent the amount wagered per spin.
- Press the spin button — Once you hit the spin button, the reels will begin their spinning animation. Once they stop, the alignment of symbols across all of the reels will determine whether you’ve won or lost.
| Tip: Some casino sites enable you to try free online slots in demo mode. This lets you play using a simulated balance instead of your own money, which is great for testing out the game and learning its mechanics. |
Different online slot mechanics
Not all slot games are built the same. Different mechanics shape how the reels behave, how wins are triggered, and how much excitement builds with each spin. Some slots keep it simple with classic paylines, while others introduce more advanced mechanisms.
The key is to find what fits your style, whether it’s unlocking bonus rounds, chaining massive multipliers, or hunting progressive jackpots. That said, here are some of the most common mechanics found in popular video slots:
Classic slots — Typically presented with three or five reels, these classic slots contain a limited number of paylines and feature vintage graphics and symbols, reminiscent of old-school slot machines from Vegas’ Golden Age.
Video slots — This term was coined to describe more modern online slot games, a new generation that added more reels and paylines and started experimenting with various themes and mechanics.
Megaways slots — Megaways is an engine that dynamically changes the number of symbols on each reel with every spin, potentially generating thousands of possible ways to win. Instead of relying on traditional fixed paylines, you can form winning combinations by matching symbols on adjacent reels, regardless of their position.
Cascading reels slots — Also known as “avalanche” or “tumbling” reels, this mechanism works by destroying winning symbols and letting new ones fill in the gaps, thus enabling chain reactions that can create multiple wins during a single play.
Cluster pays slots — Symbol matches in these slots are formed via clusters rather than traditional paylines. You need to land multiple symbols connected horizontally and vertically across adjacent positions to win.
Pay-both-ways slots — Video slots usually pay out when you connect matching symbols starting from the leftmost reel. However, in pay-both-ways games, you can form winning combinations right-to-left as well.
Jackpot slots — Jackpot slots bring you the chance to win life-changing rewards, with jackpot prizes that can be either fixed or progressive. The former features set prize amounts, while the latter grows over time as players contribute a portion of their bets.
How to play land-based casino slots
Playing video slots online isn’t all that different from trying your luck on a slot machine in a buzzing land-based casino. The thrill, the randomness, and the potential for big wins remain virtually the same, so you don’t need any special guide on how to play slots in Vegas as opposed to doing so on the internet.
Online casinos offer the convenience of playing on a home computer or using your mobile device and host a wider scope of games. Everything from registering an account to making deposits and claiming winnings is done quickly via your device.
Meanwhile, playing land-based slots requires that you show up at a specific location and deposit at the cashier. Of course, the whole experience is slightly different, as you can order drinks, socialize, and enjoy the general atmosphere under the bright neon lights, but the games and potential payouts are pretty much the same.
Tips for how to play slots and win real money
There’s no surefire way to win at online slots, as the outcomes are completely random and out of your control. Still, we wish to give you a few tips on how to choose the right game and leverage its mechanics.
Find the right bet level
When playing video slots or any casino game, it’s essential to manage your budget wisely while keeping the experience fun. Each slot provides multiple bet levels, ranging from a few cents to several hundred dollars. Always try to play within your means and spread out your bankroll evenly.
Understand RTP
The RTP (return-to-player) percentage indicates a theoretical return of a given online slot game. If the RTP is 96%, the game is expected to pay back 96 cents on average. Logically, the higher the RTP, the better. However, it’s worth remembering that this is only a theoretical figure based on millions of spins, so take it with a grain of salt.
Recognize volatility
Low-volatility slots are ideal for longer, more consistent play, helping you preserve your balance in the hope of triggering an exciting bonus feature. High-volatility slots are riskier but can be more rewarding over short-term play.
Find casinos offering free spin bonuses
Leveraging bonuses is a great way to extend your playtime and have a better overall shot at winning real money. Promotions like free spins are specifically designed for slots, offering a fixed number of plays on a specific game. The downside is that free spins can’t be used on any slot you like and are usually credited at the lowest coin denomination, typically $0.10 or $0.20.
Consider bonus buy slots
Bonus buy is an option available on some video slots that lets you skip ahead to the game’s bonus round for an elevated price. Although this gives you direct access to the segment of the game where all the big prizes are hiding, it won’t always guarantee a profit and is considered a risky play over the long term.
Understand common myths about online slots
There are various myths around certain casino games, such as the idea that there is a best time of day to play slots. In reality, all slot outcomes are determined by a random number generator (RNG), ensuring that each spin is independent and completely random. No slot machine “remembers” previous outcomes, and there’s no way to predict when a game will hit a jackpot.
The most famous online slots of all time
Now that you know how to play slots, it’s time to pick a game and dive into action. If you need any suggestions, this list of the most popular online slots of all time is a good starting point:
| Starburst (NetEnt) • RTP: 96.09% • Volatility: Low • Max win: 500x • Release date: April 2012 | Mega Moolah (Microgaming) • RTP: 88.12% • Volatility: Low-medium • Max win: Progressive jackpot • Release date: November 2006 |
| Immortal Romance (Microgaming) • RTP: 96.86% • Volatility: High • Max win: 12,150x • Release date: December 2011 | Age Of The Gods (Playtech) • RTP: 95.02% • Volatility: Medium • Max win: Progressive jackpot • Release date: July 2016 |
| Gonzo’s Quest (NetEnt) • RTP: 95.97% • Volatility: Medium-high • Max win: 2,500x • Release date: November 2011 | Book of Dead (Play’n GO) • RTP: 96.21% • Volatility: High • Max win: 5,000x • Release date: January 2016 |
| Rainbow Riches (Barcrest) • RTP: 95% • Volatility: Medium • Max win: 500x • Release date: May 2009 | Sweet Bonanza (Pragmatic Play) • RTP: 96.48% • Volatility: Medium-high • Max win: 21,100x • Release date: June 2019 |
Online slots glossary
Learning how to play slots may be simple. Still, understanding key terms will also help you understand the terms displayed in the ‘info’ section within the slot itself. Here’s a breakdown of essential slot terminology.
Paylines
Paylines intersect the reels on which you need to land matching symbols to form winning combinations. There can be anywhere from one to thousands of paylines, although in most cases, only the highest-paying winning combo is paid out if you hit multiple ones at the same time. Paylines can be positioned across the grid in a straight, diagonal, or zig-zag pattern.
Return-to-player (RTP)
Expressed as a percentage, RTP indicates the expected payout over time. For instance, an RTP of 95% implies you will win $95 back on every $100 wagered. The RTP is calculated over millions of spins — but keep in mind that it’s only theoretical.
Random number generator (RNG)
An RNG is software that ensures every spin is completely random and independent, making it impossible to predict or manipulate results. Providers typically have their games tested by independent auditors, such as iTech Labs, in order to receive RNG certificates.
Volatility
This is how a slot’s risk level is measured. Low-volatility games offer frequent, smaller wins, while high-volatility slots provide larger but less frequent payouts. There are also medium-volatility slots that strike a balance between the two.
Symbols
Symbols are icons that appear on the reels. Each game comes with standard symbols that range in value. However, there is generally a set of special ones, too — like Wilds, which serve as a replacement for regular symbols, and Scatter symbols, which unlock special features.
Reels and rows
Reels are the vertical columns that spin, while rows are the horizontal lines across the grid. A typical slot features 5 reels and 3 rows, though layouts vary. For instance, you can run into classic slots with just 3 reels and a single row, but you may also come across ‘cluster pays’ slots with 7×7 or 8×8 patterns.
Max win
This is the highest possible payout a slot can award, often displayed as a multiple of your bet, like 10,000x. Certain video slots come with progressive jackpots, so the max win isn’t fixed — in fact, it can grow into the millions, as seen with the world record jackpot payout of €38.4 million won in January 2024.
Autoplay
Thanks to the autoplay feature, the game will spin automatically for a set number of rounds, enabling you to play hands-free. Autoplay options include the function to stop after you’ve unlocked a bonus round or reached a certain win or loss limit.
Bonus features
Bonus features are special mechanics that generally enhance the gameplay and enable bigger wins. They can be anything from free spins, jackpot wheels, and other bonus mini-games to various base game features like expanding wilds, multipliers, or cascading reels. It is here where the game’s top multiplier win is often found.
Conclusion
Once you’ve figured out how to play online slots, you’ll unlock a vibrant world full of dazzling themes, thrilling features, and exciting mechanics, all packed with the potential for epic wins. While there is no secret formula to winning, it’s still worth knowing how these games work and what sets them apart so that you can make the most of your experience.
Slots are ideal for casual players who don’t want to bother learning complex game strategies and just want to enjoy the show while potentially being one lucky spin away from a life-changing prize.
The dynamic pace of video slots can easily make you lose track of your balance, though. That’s why it’s especially important to stay responsible, stick to a budget, and understand the random nature of these games. We also suggest testing slots in free demo mode first and only playing them for real money at safe and trusted online casinos that are legal in your jurisdiction. Best of luck!
FAQ
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References
- ⁃ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Return_to_Player
- ⁃ https://www.playngo.com/games/reactoonz-2
- ⁃ https://games.netent.com/video-slots/starburst/
- ⁃ https://games.netent.com/video-slots/gonzos-quest/
- ⁃ https://www.playngo.com/games/rich-wilde-and-the-book-of-dead
- ⁃ https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/games/sweet-bonanza-slot/#
