Online slot machines are an accessible game, suitable for players of all experience levels. With hundreds of games featuring exciting themes, designs, and bonuses, they’re a great choice for anyone looking for new casino games to explore.
We’re here to help you understand how to play online slots. We’ll cover the online slot basics, rules, features, and some slot machine tips for all players.
How to Play Online Slots: Choosing the Right Game
There are at least hundreds of different slot games. Some have straightforward gameplay, where you must press a button, and the reels line up. Then there are some complex games with mega jackpots.
Broadly, you can divide slots into three types:
Classic Slots
Classic slots are vintage-style games with 3–5 reels (the columns that line up after a spin). The goal is simple: line up matching symbols along a payline (a pattern of matching symbols) to win.
The reels, or columns have paylines (when the symbol lines up together). For example, the symbols could be the classic fruits, bells, bars, and the iconic “7.” When three same symbols line up together, it’s called a payline.
Classic slots have fewer paylines, which reduces the complexity of tracking potential winning combinations. Moreover, the visuals are usually basic. Overall, they focus on the core gameplay rather than bonuses or big rewards.
If you have a smaller bankroll or are new to gambling, start with the classic slots for a relaxed gaming experience.
Video Slots
These are the most common types of slots you’ll find in online casinos. They feature detailed graphics, immersive themes, and exciting bonuses. With five or more reels and dozens (or even hundreds) of paylines, they offer more ways to win.
Video slots are fun to play. Games like Wheel of Fortune, Triple Diamond, and Wizard of Oz have riveting themes and stories that progress with each spin. You’ll also find slot games inspired by everything from ancient civilizations to outer space. Moreover, they feature special symbols, bonus rounds, and free spins, making video slots more entertaining than classic slots.
Note: Since, there are multiple ways to win video slots, take some time to understand the features and rules before playing.
Progressive Jackpot Slots
Progressive slots have massive jackpots that grow with every spin. A portion of each player’s bet adds to the prize pool, which can reach millions before one lucky winner hits the jackpot which can reach millions before one lucky winner hits the jackpot.t. The prize pool keeps getting bigger until one lucky player hits the jackpot. When that happens, the progressive jackpot resets to its original value and the progression starts again.
Fun fact: UK’s Jon Heywood holds the Guinness World Record for the largest jackpot payout in an online slot machine game. He won a whopping £13 million playing Microgaming’s Mega Moolah in 2015.
Slot Machine Tips and Betting Strategies
The outcomes in slot machines are entirely random. These machines use random number generators or RNGs – software that generates random outcomes with each spin. This means you can’t calculate the probability of a payline or predict which symbol will line up next.
However, there are some practical slot machine tips and betting strategies that can maximise your chances of success:
- Some high-limit games have higher payouts. For example, Prosperity Link randomly throws in bonuses of $40 and $80 during spins. Cleopatra doubles your winnings with special symbols. Triple Fortune: Dragon Unleashed has some special symbols (that can be anywhere on the payline) that pay $150. All these are high-ticket games. However, if you have the budget to invest, you could potentially see some returns in these games.
- Some features unlock only when you take the maximum bet. For example, in some progressive slots, the jackpot can only be won if you place the maximum bet. Essentially, if you’re playing for the top prize, you have to pay top money. Moreover, some slots have multipliers that are unlocked with the maximum betting amount. When you spin a video slot, multipliers such as x2, x3, and x5 will line up.
- If you are new to understanding betting odds and finding out more about slot games, keep your bets as small as possible. This will help you pace your play and enjoy more spins. More spins means more chances to win. You also have more chances to hit the bonus rounds. Playing small also allows you to understand the features and see, which reels have the highest payouts. So, if you have a £50 bankroll, start with £0.10 or £0.20 games
- Adjust your game according to the number of paylines. If there are more active paylines, take smaller bets to maximise your chances of hitting winning combinations Conversely, if there are fewer paylines, take higher bets to increase payout potential.
Understanding Slot Games: Bankroll Management
Managing a budget – and sticking to it – are essential to minimise losses and keep your playing experience stress-free.
Set a Budget for every Session
Decide how much money you want to allocate for a gaming session. This means choosing appropriate bet sizes, and knowing when to stop. For example, if your budget for the entire month is £200, set aside £50 per week for slots. Now, divide it into weekly or daily sessions. If you’re planning to play twice a week, you’ll have £25 per session.
Next, you need to set your bet size. Let’s say you’re playing Starburst with a £25 budget for a session. Set your bet size at £0.20 per spin. This will give you 125 spins – plenty of room to win some paylines.
Pace Your Gameplay
Set a time limit on how long you want to play, regardless of your wins or losses. For instance, you could play for one hour and take a break. Slot games are immersive where you can lose track of time. So, set a timer or an alarm to keep track of your session. Step away from the game every 20–30 minutes to clear your mind. Breaks are essential, especially after losses.
The reels in some games spin quickly, which can speed up your play considerably. It may leave you feeling underwhelmed and make you want to play more. Instead, take your time between each spin.
For example, Gonzo’s Quest has cascading reels, where the symbols appear to tumble or fall on the screen and then explode and disappear, making way for new symbols. The bonus in Gonzo’s Quest triggers a free fall round, where the graphics move pretty fast. Don’t be tempted to keep spinning mindlessly to hit the free fall, or you’ll end up depleting your bankroll. Slow down and enjoy the game’s features.
Setting Win and Loss Limits
Games like Dead or Alive 2 have massive payout potential. So, it’s easy to get caught up chasing big wins. Set limits for yourself before you begin. For example, you can walk away after doubling your budget or when your bankroll goes down 50%.
Accept that losses are a part of the game and resist the urge to “revenge” bet – an attempt to recoup all the losses with one massive win. Revenge betting can lead to even more losses.
Guide to Playing Slots: Understanding Volatility, Risk, and Reward
Slot volatility tells you how often you can expect to win a game. It is also known as “variance”. In simple terms, variance looks at the deviation from the average. It shows how your payout might differ from the average results. If you want to calculate your chance of winning at a slot machine, look at its variance. Variance determines the frequency and size of wins.
To understand the online slot basics, look for these three types of volatility:
- Low Volatility: Frequent, smaller wins (e.g., Starburst).
- Medium Volatility: A balance of moderate payouts and regular wins.
- High Volatility: Rare but larger payouts (e.g., Mega Moolah).
If you look at the risk-to-reward ratio, low-volatility games are low risk, high reward as they pay frequently. On the other hand, high-volatility games are high-risk, and low reward, as the payouts are less frequent.
However, you can choose the right volatility for you. If you want to play safe, stick to low-volatility games, and if you want to try your luck at the jackpot, pick high-volatility slots like Mega Moolah if you’re comfortable with larger bankrolls and infrequent wins.
Bonus Features: How to Maximise Slot Rewards
- Multipliers: They can increase your payout by 2x, 5x, and so on. Note, that multipliers appear in free spins and bonus rounds.
- Bonus rounds: These are triggered by landing specific symbols or combinations. This can be a pick-and-click prize, a free spin, and multipliers. Check the symbols and combinations needed to trigger the bonus round.
- Wild symbols: Wild cards/ symbols appear in cascading reels. Dead or Alive 2 features sticky wilds, where the special symbols stay at the exact same position.
- Scatters: The symbols need not align in a line, and can be anywhere on the reel. Winning a scatter unlocks the bonus round. Look for themed slots like Cleopatra, which have multiple symbols and scatters.
- Free spins: As the name suggests, you get to spin the reels without additional bets.
Try playing different slots in the demo mode to see which ones offer wilds, scatters, and more bonus features. You’ll also need to play longer (with a smaller budget) to maximise your chances for a bonus.
Practical Tips for Enjoying Slot Games Responsibly
- Set clear time limits for every session. Use a timer/ alarm, so you can get up to take frequent breaks.
- Set a session budget to spread your bankroll over the entire month.
- Stop playing when you are on a losing streak. Slot games are based on chance, where sometimes you lose or win. View these losses as a part of your entertainment cost.
- Never double down and increase your bets after a loss. Stick to your budget.
- Focus on the fun, and don’t get too involved in a game.
- A win is a win, no matter how small. Don’t play waiting for a big win.
- Don’t play more than once or twice a week. Take breaks to stay mindful.
- Set daily deposit limits to control your budget.
- Set a stop-loss limit to cap your losses.
- Never borrow money to gamble.
- Stop playing for some time if you’re feeling anxious or stressed about losses.
FAQs on How to Play Online Slots
Can I increase my odds of winning on a slot machine?
The more you play, the better your chances of unlocking bonus rounds for bigger rewards. But make sure to manage your bankroll. Bet small to extend your gaming session.
What’s the role of wild and scatter symbols?
Wild and scatters help your chances of winning. A wild can pair with other symbols to make a payline. Scatters are symbols that can make a pair, irrespective of where they land on the reel.
How can I find slots with the best bonuses?
Check out 7bet’s slot games that give you multiple features like bonuses, free spins, and multipliers.
Getting Started with Online Slots
Online slot games are simple and accessible for all players. While the outcomes are random, understanding the basics, managing your bankroll, and using tips from this guide can increase your winning odds. Wondering can you play real slots online? This guide has you covered!
As you explore these games, remember that the ultimate goal should be enjoyment. Use the insights above on how to play online slots to make the most of your gaming sessions. For more tips and casino guides, check out these resources:
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