Slots are the most popular category at any online casino because of their simplicity, ease of access, high payouts, and variety of themes. This is also one of the few categories often offered for free. For example, you can find a gambling site to play demo slots with no registration and have fun without making a deposit.
Also, within this game category, players can find the biggest number of titles that support progressive jackpots and a variety of features (free spins, multipliers, wilds, scatters, etc.). Keep reading to learn more about slots and start winning right away!
(A slot machine with “BAR” and “7” symbols)
Types of Slots in Online Casinos
Being one of the most popular game categories in online gambling platforms, slots come in different types. Players feel free to choose among games that replicate in detail slots available in land-based casinos, as well as advanced options with virtual reality elements. Below, you can check more about each type and choose the one that matches your interests!
Classic Slots
These games almost completely replicate slot machines you can find in land-based casinos. They are straightforward when you need to collect matching symbols that appear on, usually, a classic 3×3 playing field. Simple design and minimum control buttons make these slots a perfect option for players who are only getting acquainted with the gambling world. Also, compared to advanced slots, these games do not have the same variety of inbuilt features (scatters, re-spins, etc.).
Megaways Slot Games
These games offer many more options to win because of the increased number of reels and symbols. Thus, the average megaways slot can offer approximately 117,649 ways to win a cash prize. The technology was invented and implemented by Big Time Gaming which is a well-known Australian company. As a rule, megaways slots come with a wider collection of features, cascading reels mechanics, and mystery symbols.
Progressive Slots
As the name suggests, these games allow players to win significant sums that exceed more limits set on regular slots. At the time of writing, the Mega Moolah slot is the undisputed leader in this game category, that already provided players with the following winnings:
- 13,212,882 GBP in 2015;
- 18,915,721 EUR in 2018;
- 20,057,734 USD 2019 (January);
- 12,945,603 USD 2019 (March);
- 16,496,060 USD in 2020 (April);
- 13,615,861 USD in 2020 (May).
In this case, jackpots are formed thanks to the players who bet on multiple online casinos. A small portion of every bet placed is redirected to the prize pool. Then, a lucky player can trigger a jackpot and have a chance to get a multimillion-dollar cash prize.
I-Slots
The name here stands for the interactive slots, where a player can directly impact the outcome. This is implemented via multiple mini-games and decision points that the player is involved in. Such a blend of classic slots and video gaming creates an engaging experience.
VR Slots
This is still a rare option that is available in a few online casinos; however, it provides a brand-new level of engagement and interaction. These slots have elements of virtual reality for maximum immersion in the gameplay. You can interact with different elements of the game’s design or even with the virtual casino room. To get a big picture of this genre, you may try your luck playing Gonzo’s Quest VR, Jack and the Beanstalk VR, Lucky VR Slots, and more.
Key Features and Symbols of Slot Games
The range of features available in slot games is impressive. They may differ depending on the slot type as well as a particular provider. Check out the list below and learn more about the most popular features you can experience in slots.
- Wilds. Wilds are substitutes for other symbols to create winning combinations. In some games, these symbols may be associated with multipliers or special effects.
- Scatters. They trigger bonus rounds and/or FS and may appear on different paylines.
- Free spins. As the name suggests, FS allows you to spin slot reels without using real money deposits and gives you a chance to win cash prizes.
- Bonus rounds. Usually, these are mini-games that provide extra ways to win. This feature may be realised in the form of picking items or spinning bonus wheels.
- Multipliers. These features increase the value of winnings by a set factor (for example, x2, x5, etc.). Also, there are progressive multipliers that grow with every consecutive win.
- Cascading reels. This is a type of mechanics, when some symbols disappear from the playing field and free way for new ones. All this may result in bigger potential winnings.
- Cluster pays. Compared to classic winning combinations creation, here you receive cash rewards by getting groups of adjacent matching symbols on the playing field.
- Mystery symbols. After landing on the playing field, it is transformed into any random symbol that can increase winning potential.
- Expanding reels. They add extra rows/reels during the playing round and increase winning opportunities.
- Win both ways. This option allows for double winning chances, as paylines begin to work from left-to-right and right-to-left.
- Scatters. These symbols can trigger a bonus feature after landing on the playing field. As a rule, you need to collect a specific number of scatters (for example, 3).
As a rule, features and symbols are carefully designed to match the storyline of the slot, its design, and sound effects.
(A row of slot machines in a land-based casino with bright neon lights)
How to Win Playing Slots: Tips and Tricks?
Slots are random games, however, several tactics can increase the chances of success. The most popular ones are the following:
|
Method |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Martingale |
Increase the betting sum by 2 after every losing round. |
|
Reverse Martingale |
Double the betting sum after every winning session. |
|
Grand Martingale |
The same as the first option, but you also need to add the initial betting sum. |
Regardless of the strategy used, you players should carefully adhere to the Responsible Gambling rules and start from small betting sums. Also, it is important to start playing games in a demo mode before placing a real cash bet.
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