TYPES OF SLOTS
Although there’s a staggering number of slot games on the internet, they fall into just a few categories. Understanding the nature of different slots will help you determine which games most suit your budget and play style.
The ancestors of slots, classic slots usually have a vintage look with simple game plays. The main differences between a classic slot and its video counterpart are the number of reels, paylines, and themes. With only 3 reels, classic slots have a more limited number of paylines. However, the frequency of payouts is higher though the amount is usually smaller. Some people prefer these slots for their straightforward gaming experience and basic appearance, with no distractions from complicated videos and animations.
Video slots evolved from the 3-reel classic slots to be more attractive with superior graphics and a variety of exciting bonus features. These type of slots commonly have 5 reels and can have more than 100 paylines that you can bet on. Video slot games often adopt their themes from pop culture like iconic blockbuster films and popular characters, making them even more appealing. With the availability of advanced graphics technology today, 3D video slots can offer a very realistic gaming experience.
When online versions of casinos started hitting the internet by storm, the concept of progressive slots really took off. This type of slot games contributes to a dynamic jackpot, which grows every time someone makes a bet on the game but does not win. A fixed percentage of the wagers made on the game is funneled to the jackpot, making it rise until it resets to the base amount when a lucky player cashes it out. Progressive slots jackpots can build up to a gargantuan amount, potentially up in the millions, creating an irresistible allure to players who dare to dream big.
Many online casinos offer a free version of their slots games. These free slots are a great way for you to get a sneak peak of the game without betting with real money. Free slots offer you a risk-free way to get an idea of the gameplay, theme, and experience so you should take advantage of it. Most free slots have a trial period and once the trial ends, you will be asked to make a deposit to continue playing. However, free slots are just there for you to get a taste of the game without any financial commitment so you will not be able to cash out any winnings gained from playing it.
WINNING MONEY WITH SLOTS
Casinos are business establishments and, therefore, will always ensure that they have a mathematical edge over their clients. The house edge is there to ensure the casinos earn enough to cover their operation costs and be profitable. The RNG that casinos use is programmed so there will be less winning combinations than losses.
Does this mean that you will never win at slots? On the contrary, online slots are known to produce millionaires. In April 2015, Jonathan Heywood from Cheshire was playing on “The Millionaire Maker” Mega Moolah slots in Betway’s website, betting on just 25p a spin when the Jackpot Bonus Game showed up on his screen. Unsuspectingly, he spun the wheel and it landed on the Mega Jackpot, winning him a record-breaking €17,879,645!
Another story that proves the house does not always win was when a Swede walked away with a whopping €4,531,301 jackpot playing on NetEnt’s Mega Fortune Dreams slot at Maria Casino. Less than a week later, another Swedish player, also playing on Mega Fortune’s slot, hit an even bigger jackpot of over €8.5 million at Folkeautomaten. This shows that you never know when the next millionaire jackpot winner will be!
You do not always have to have a huge bankroll to be a lucky winner. In fact, 32-year-old Katherine from Mersyside hit the jackpot without even spending any money at all. She logged in to her account at Maria Casino for some slots entertainment one afternoon and discovered that the casino had given her some free spins to use on the Neon Staxx slot. On an extremely lucky winning streak, Katherine cashed out on her winnings from the free spins. Subsequently, using that payout, she hit the jackpot and instantly became £1,200 richer!
PLAYING SLOTS LIKE A PRO
Slots are a game of chance and there is no foolproof formula for winning. However, there are certain steps that you can take so that you can play like a pro, even if you are new to slots:
Like all gamblers, pro slot players must have discipline and must play within their affordable bankroll. You must avoid playing on credit and never take a debt to play slots. It is all about being wise in what you do, not being arrogant in your bets.
You should always take paylines into consideration when deciding how to make a spin. For example, if a slot has 20 paylines available, making bets with just 5 paylines will never get you that 6-digit jackpot. However, with smaller bet amount, you will be able to afford more spins, thereby increasing your hit frequency.
Like all pro gamblers, you must prepare for losses, both financially and mentally. Tackling the slots thinking that you will definitely win might lead to high expectations and intensified disappointment when you lose a spin, which will negatively affect your morale.
Before deciding on which slot games to play, you should always do your research. It is no secret that some slots are better than others, having higher payback percentage and bigger payouts. Information about many slot games is available online to help you make the best choice.
WHICH GAMES SHOULD YOU TRY FIRST?
The first step for a beginner to start playing slots online is to choose a good casino offering a wide range of slot games. Many reputable online providers offer several hundreds of slot games, which could seem daunting for a newcomer to choose one to start.
One of the best beginner slot games on the internet is the hugely popular Tomb Raider – Secret of the Sword. This 5-reel 30-payline slot’s design is amazing and has all the features present for a new player to learn the ropes like scatters, wilds, and free spin rounds. The bonus feature is triggered by landing the passport symbol on the centre position on all 5 reels, helping you get familiarised with second screen games.
If the thought of just pressing a button and making spins after spins bore you, then Immortal Romance might just be right for you. As one of the most successful video slots created by Microgaming, this vampire-themed game is extremely engagingwhich lets you discover various characters and their special abilities. The more you spin, the more characters and features you will unlock, each with their unique twists!
If your aim in playing slots is to win big, then look no further than Mega Moolah. Its progressive jackpot starts at an astounding £1 million but most jackpot winners walk away with an amount several times higher than the minimum. The game features a standard 5 reels and 25 paylines system with four exciting themes to choose from: Wild Africa, Egyptian, American or Holiday.
Head over to our slot reviews section to find the games that best fit your play style and budget. Enhance your playing experience and increase your odds on any particular slot with our professional tips, secret insider news, latest promotions, bonuses and more.
TOP TIPS FOR ONLINE SLOTS
When it comes to playing slots, a game of chance, nobody can give you a guaranteed methodology to win. However, you can equip yourself with certain knowledge and expertise to help you achieve better odds:
The first thing you need to do is to set your bankroll and stick to it so you do not lose money that you cannot afford.
Many casino providers regularly give out slots bonuses, which you should use to your advantage. With the bonuses, you can gain insights on certain slot games while gaining mileage on your bankroll at absolutely no risk. Online casino bonuses can be rather generous with thousands of free money for you to earn, usually in the form of deposit match bonuses, free spins, loyalty programme gifts and even no deposit bonuses!
Check the payout percentages of the casino and the games when choosing one. Some casinos and games have award higher payout percentages than others.
Read up on the rules and fine print on how the game and bonuses work to determine the best way for maximising your bets. Some bonuses have extremely high wagering requirements, which might just not be worth your time.
