Why Play Online Slots and Are They Safe?
Online slots are both fun and safe. You receive the same entertainment as you would on the Vegas Strip from the comfort of your own home.
Modern-day slots are controlled by a random number generator (RNG) which is used to generate completely random number combinations.
This controls the payback percentage for each slot machine.
The RNG is programmed to have a specific payback percentage for its respective slot game. Usually, the more money the machine requires per bet, the higher the payback percentage will be.
Watch Below: How Slot Machines Are Tested and Regulated with Ian Hughes From Gaming Labs International
Gambling author and casino expert Steve Bourie, interviews Ian Hughes from Gaming Labs International (GLI) about how slot machines are tested and regulated.
GLI is the world’s largest independent testing facility for all types of electronic gaming machines and does testing for more than 450 gaming jurisdictions throughout the world, including the state of Nevada.
Are Online Slots Legal to Play in America?
Online slots at legal online casinos in America are regulated at both the federal and state levels. Right now you can legally play at an online casino in the following states:
What are Online Slots and Why Play Them?
Online slots are the virtual version of your typical slot machine except you can play it on your laptop or mobile device from any location of your choosing.
85% of online casino gamblers play slots nearly exclusively. Slots players are in luck when it comes to online slots. This is because:
- Much better RTP on online slots (with many games at 98%!)
- Generally higher jackpot payouts
- Big bonuses available to claim
- No need to wait for a machine
- Huge variety of games
- Provider: NetEnt
- Max profit: x1014
Want to play a slot with a regulated RTP of 98%?
Dive into a world of gothic vampires and dripping blood in NetEnt’s Blood Suckers online video slot. Read More
With modern-day casino technology, slots can provide even more entertainment for players and a much greater abundance of games with exciting graphics and special features.
Modern slots are the biggest draw game-wise at online casinos across America.
Watch below: Slot Machines – How to Win and How They Work – Original and Updated Video
Slot machine video from casino expert Steve Bourie that teaches you the insider secrets to winning at slot machines and how a slot machine really works.
It also includes answers to the most popular questions that people have about how a slot machine works!
Slot Machines – How to Win and How They Work – 2016 UPDATE
Steve Bourie, interviews Mike Trask from Ainsworth Game Technology to get an update on whether or not anything has changed in how slot machines work since our original “how to win on slot machines” video was released in 2009.
Topics covered include:
- How widespread server-based gaming has become
- How “must hit by” slots work
- Whether or not pick ’em bonus rounds are pre-determined, plus more!
| Did you know? |
|---|
RNG payback percentages are rarely ever changed due to the amount of work it requires to make these revisions. |
Real Money Slots that Fit Your Style
You can find real money online slots at any of the top online casinos in America. Many of these casinos give free spins as part of their welcome package or promotions for returning players.
What to pay attention to when choosing a Slot game?
You now have your pick of thousands of real money online slots to choose from.
But with so many choices, how do you know which one to choose?
Here’s our advice below.
1. Game Theme
You can find a number of slots to play just based on the theme of the game. For example, some slots will be based on a certain type of animal, like Cats, or maybe a rock band, like Guns N’ Roses. There are even slots based on classic movies, like Baywatch!
There are so many different themed slot games, it would be difficult for a player to not be able to find a slot that fits their style.
2. Online Slot Payouts – Play the best online slots real money!
It’s no secret that playing online slots for real money has the potential to earn a player some big bucks. Take into consideration how large of a jackpot you could potentially win from the slot before you start investing real money into it.
Watch below: The Slot Machine – When to Bet Maximum Coins
Author and casino expert Steve Bourie takes a look at various types of slot machines and discusses when it is best to bet maximum coins on them.
Machines covered include: multipliers, buy a pays, progressives, and multi-line/multi-coin.
3. Risk
All players should know that there is always an element of risk when playing any casino game. While it is great to win, there is no guarantee that you will.
A great way to evaluate the risk of a game is by looking at its volatility and RTP.
Watch below: Top 10 Mistakes Slot Machine Players Make with Mike “Wizard of Odds” Shackleford
In this two-part series, Mike Shackleford, also known as the “Wizard of Odds” gives his top 10 list of mistakes that slot machine players make.
Topics covered include:
- Playing slots in the first place
- Playing in “tight” casinos
- Overplaying
- Playing participation slots
- Not using a players card
- Not paying attention to promotions
- Playing progressive machines when the meters are low
- Over-tipping on jackpots
- Leaving a game in a high state
- Leaving credits, or money, in a machine
Part 1
Part 2
4. Lookout for slot volatility
Learning about the volatility of the particular slots titles will show you how frequently you can expect the slot to payout.
A game’s volatility refers to how much risk is involved with that game title.
If you are aware of the volatility of the particular slots you wish to play, you will have an idea of how frequently you can expect the slot to pay out and how to win on slot machines.
Low volatility slots will hit frequently but have lower payouts, while high volatility slots will hit less frequently, however, will payout in much higher amounts.
Right in the middle are medium volatility slots. These will pay out more often than low volatility slots but with smaller amounts compared to high volatility slots.
5. Pay attention to online slot RTP
RTP refers to the funds a player is expected to win back from a certain game over a predetermined amount of time.
This percentage is a theoretical number usually used as a reference. The average RTP rate for online slots is 96% however, some online slots have extremely high RTP rates.
Check out our list of the best High RTP slots here.
6. What’s Your Budget? Play Online Slots Real Money No Deposit
The best rule of thumb when it comes to online slots for real money is to only play if you can pay.
Never spend money that you don’t have. Online gaming should be seen as a means of entertainment and not an attempt at a get-rich-quick scheme.
Players can enjoy playing with online slots real money no deposit bonuses at a number of top US casinos!
Watch Below: 10 Tips To Stretch Your Slot Machine Bankroll
Steve Bourie, the author of the American Casino Guide, gives 10 tips on how slot players can make their playing bankrolls last longer.
Topics include:
- Playing slowly
- Avoiding wide-area progressives
- Not always making max coin bets
- Always use your player’s club card
- Forming a slot team with a friend
- Plus much more!
Casino Slots Bonus: Online Slots Machines
Alright, let’s be honest. When playing choosing real money online slots, we’re looking for any bonuses that they have attached to them. This will enhance our experience when playing. So, here are the top bonuses and aspects you should be looking out for.
Casino slots bonus: online casino free spins
Free spins bonuses are among the most popular bonuses for a reason. They are essentially a free bonus that allows players to have an extra opportunity to play again. When it comes to the end of the game, you may probably have a better chance at winning thanks to those extra free spins.
Casino slots bonus: online casino no deposit bonus
The no deposit bonus is a way for you to benefit from an awesome bonus without have to deposit money to opt in. They usually carry a low play through and can be used on most of your favorite games. Read the terms and conditions to make sure.
Casino slots bonus: online casino easy withdrawal
No one likes a complicated withdrawal process, so that’s why I recommend checking out our fast withdrawal casino page to find out where you can go to get the quickest and easiest withdrawals.
Casino slots bonus: online casino easy verification
Easy verification is an important aspect for a lot of players. Casinos with a complicated process may end up loosing players. A lot of the online casinos we promote have a straightforward process, so make sure you check them out.
If it helps, find an online casino that offers limits tools via their responsible gambling page. These tools can help a player place limits on their time spent gaming as well as on their overall spending on wagers and deposits.
You can find more tips on responsible gambling here.
Types of Online Slots – Enjoy free online slots no download
You’re going to find a huge selection of slots at any online casino you visit in America. These most commonly range from 3-reel classic slots, 5-reel video slots, and jackpot titles.
Let’s take a look at each one below.
Number of Slot Reels
Real money slots online come in all shapes and sizes these days. The number of reels a slot has will determine how many ways there are for a player to win.
3-Reel Slots
3-reel slots are also known as Classic Slots. These are closest to the original slots from yesteryear. You’ll find that 3-reel slots have between one and five paylines.
5-Reel Slots
The majority of new video slots produced these days are five-reel slots. These games give players more paylines for more potential matches and possibly larger wins.
6-Reel and 7-Reel Slots
As providers seek to be more innovative and present new types of games to players, you may run across a slot that has more than five reels. These are not very common as of now, but they are out there.
Game Type
Classic Slots and Fruit Machines
3-reel slots or classic slots are very similar to the earlier forms of slot machines. These classic forms of online slots are not as common anymore now that they’ve been replaced with modern games offering more paylines and special features. Tech companies are still creating modern classic slots, however, for those players who still enjoy playing 3-reel slots. If the classic slot is fruit-themed, you might hear it called a Fruit Slot or Fruit Machine.
Video Slots
Video slots can offer many additional opportunities for winning combinations, making these games more exciting than the classic online slots. In the same way as classic slots, the paylines in video slots can be formed in a horizontal fashion as well as diagonally, along with additional formations on the screen. More extra features in video slots can include free spins, scatter symbols, multipliers, and bonus rounds. Extra features can potentially increase your winnings or at least earn you more opportunities to increase your winnings.
Progressive Slots
Progressive slots will build up a jackpot prize until a lucky winner hits it, and then the figure resorts back to the base. They come in all kinds of different shapes and forms, and can also include special features like free spins, multipliers, and wilds. The jackpots are made from a percentage of the money wagered on the game. As more and more players put money into the progressive jackpot, the total grows until someone gets the winning combination. These slots can pay upwards of $1 million, however, the odds of actually winning are small. A few of the most popular progressive slots in America are Mercy of the Gods and Divine Fortune.
Megaways
Megaways slots are still new to the United States and come with a bit of a twist. Basically, these slot games give you hundreds of thousands of different ways to win by randomizing the outcome of every spin. Megaways feature six reels, with a maximum of seven symbols per reel. At random, the number of symbols changes every spin which creates multiple different ways to win every time you spin.
Bonus Buy Slots
If you’ve ever wondered if it was possible to fast forward right to the bonus round in a slot game, then bonus buy slots might be for you! These types of slots will allow you to buy your way to the bonus game for around 60x to 100x your initial wager.
You will recognize the bonus buy feature as a large button usually displayed on the side of the game, with the amount it costs to buy your way through.
The most popular bonus buy slots in America right now include:
- Medusa Megaways
- Pillars of Asgard
- 300 Shields Extreme
| Did you know? |
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A Pennsylvania woman currently holds the record for the largest win from Divine Fortune in America! In 2019, after wagering just $1 on the game at PlaySugarHouse.com, she hit the jackpot of $533,239.70. |
Win Real Money Playing Online Slots
Online slots are much less intimidating than casino table games. There is not a huge deal of strategy involved. If you want to win the slot jackpot, you have to bet some money and for the most part, hope for the best.
However, there are some slot tips that can increase your winning odds and help guide you to the best slots online in America.
Watch below: Slot Machines – How to Win – The Truth!
Steve and Matt Bourie, from the American Casino Guide, discuss how to be a long-term winner on slot machines.
They explain how most people will have to expect to lose, but they also go on to give examples of three different ways that you can become a successful long-term winner on slots.
Check out our Reviews of Top Online Slots in the US
If you want to find out more information on a specific slot, read our slot reviews. We have new reviews weekly on the newest and most popular slots in the industry!
Read about the slots features, bonus game, graphics, where you can play, and more.
Be Aware of the Online Slot RTP
It is very important to familiarize yourself with the slots you choose to play. Different titles have different return-to-player (RTP) rates. One important aspect of winning at online slots is finding a game that lets you win the most. Look for slots with a high RTP percentage.
Find Slot Bonuses – Discover online slots real money free spins
Another important aspect of coming out a winner in real slots online is through welcome bonuses, promotions, and perks that the casino gives. Features in a slot game like bonus rounds and free spins can do wonders for your bank account if you’re lucky enough!
Watch Streamers
You can watch slot gamers on different streaming platforms play in real-time! This is beneficial for learning how online slots work and maybe picking up a few tips along the way.
You can find a number of streamers to watch for free on Youtube or Twitch. Here are a few to check out: TrainwrecksTV, Coscu, VonDice, Yassuo, and ClassyBeef.
Watch below: How to Win at Slots – Interview With a Professional Slot Machine Player
Steve and Matt Bourie, from the American Casino Guide, interview professional slots player, Peter Liston. Peter is the author of “Million Dollar Slots” and has been making his living from playing slot machines for more than 20 years.
Topics covered include:
- How he got started
- What kind of machines he plays
- Where can people find exploitable slot machines
- How much of a bankroll is needed to be successful
- And much more!
Watch below: How to win on slot machines – Interview with slot machine expert Frank Legato
Steve Bourie, author of the American Casino Guide, interviews slot expert, Frank Legato, at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas.
They discuss how slot machines work, how to win on them and whether or not there is such a thing as “hot” and “cold” machines.
They also talk about server-based gaming and how it differs from regular slot machines.
Watch below: How to win at slot machines – Interview with gambling expert Michael “Wizard of Odds” Shackleford
Steve Bourie, author of the American Casino Guide, interviews Michael Shackleford, also known as the “Wizard of Odds.”
They talk about how slot machines work and how to win on them.
Is There Such a Thing as a “Slot Strategy”?
Online slots are much less intimidating compared to table games. There is not a huge deal of strategy involved. If you want to win the slot machine jackpot, you have to bet some money and for the most part, hope for the best.
However, there are a few steps you can take before making a slots online real money wager that could increase your odds
Your best bet is to look at the game’s RPT and volatility. These should be listed on the online casino directly. However if you cannot find it there, you can find this information from a simple Google search of the game.
How do slot games work?
Slots come in different shapes and forms, but the basics for gameplay remain the same.
- Place your wager amount per spin. You can set up auto-play for anywhere between 10 to 100 spins at a time.
- Once the reels have stopped spinning, you will see a combination of symbols on one or more paylines. Depending on the combinations, you could be rewarded on the slot’s credit meter.
- Your winnings will go into your account automatically while you play. Depending on the slot you have chosen, this could mean entering mini bonus games, or collecting free spins.
- When you’re finished, you can choose to withdrawal or exit the game instantly. You will not lose your winnings if you leave the game.
Now, every online slot will feature paylines, symbols, and reels. However, a lot of slots even go the extra step and add features like wild symbols, scatters, and bonus rounds, to make the game more fun for users.
Let’s take a look at what some of this stuff means:
These lines appear on the screen, showing a payout based on the winning combinations. Different slots games have different numbers of paylines which usually run from left to right.
In order to win, the player must match the symbols along an active pay line.
These symbols are found in slots games. They can be used in order to create winning combinations. Wilds come in different forms including:
- Expanded wilds, which cover an entire reel.
- Walking wilds that move around from reel to reel while the player spins.
- Sticky wilds, which stay still and remain on the reels for a certain number of spins.
Normally, landing scatter symbols are what unlock the slots bonus game or it’s going to pay out a large amount of cash. You’ll need to hit at least a couple on the same payline, or it just acts as another normal symbol.
Bonus Rounds
Bonus rounds are an exciting feature offered by slots that allow players to increase their winnings substantially. You’ll need to land certain symbols on the payline (depending on the slot) to unlock the bonus game and then will usually get a select amount of free spins to use.
Bonus rounds definitely have the potential to make you a lot of money, however, it isn’t guaranteed just because you have entered the bonus game.
Play Free Slots Online at Your Favorite US Casino
Online casino registration bonuses will give you free money to try online slots games. You can keep what you win, however, you will be required to meet wager requirements before cashing out.
You can play free online slots in demo mode but will not be eligible to win any real money during this time. However, it is a great way to learn slots and practice them!
Ultimately, all online casinos will offer a demo mode to their game library but some might require you to have an account first before accessing the library. You can browse through these casinos by visiting our online casino reviews!
Note: If you wish to play for real money, please make sure that you meet all legal, regulatory requirements before gambling in an online casino.
Watch below: How to Win in a Casino – GUARANTEED! – Even if You Know Nothing!
Steve and Matt Bourie, from the American Casino Guide, discuss how to be a guaranteed winner in a casino – even if you know nothing!
They explain one easy method for doing this and they also give details on another simple way to get a mathematical edge over the casinos.
Both of these methods are simple to use and they will work for both novice and experienced gamblers. Matt and Steve explain in detail how the methods work and the expected mathematical advantage you will have.
Online Slot Providers You Should Check Out
Slot providers supply online slot games to the operators of the online casino. These companies are responsible for the software, theme, and design of the online slot, including the RNG.
NeEnt and IGT are both powerhouses in the iGaming world when it comes to game providers. NetEnt is known for releasing slots with very high RTP’s and IGT has designed some of the best video slots in the market.
There are also numerous other providers supplying casinos in America, including:
Take a look at our chart below to see some of NetEnt and IGT’s most popular online slots.
| Slot Provider | Game | RTP |
|---|---|---|
| IGT | Pixies of the Forest 2 | 98.8% |
| IGT | Wheel of Fortune | 96.0% |
| NetEnt | Blood Suckers | 98.0% |
| NetEnt | Jackpot 6000 | 98.8% |
Glossary – Learn the Lingo!
| Term | What does it mean |
|---|---|
| Paylines | The lines the symbols fall on to create winning combinations. 3-reel slots always have at least 1-3 paylines, but slots with more reels can feature over 100 ways to win! See more here. |
| Jackpot | Many online slots are linked to particular jackpots. Jackpots accrue over time and can eventually pay out millions. |
| Free spins | Players can earn free spins during bonus rounds, giving them additional opportunities to win and increasing their winning odds. A multiplier is sometimes added to any wins accrued during the extra spins. |
| Symbols | A slot game can feature between 3 to 10 or more symbols, and decide your paylines based on the combinations they make. Besides the standard symbol, you will also see a bonus, scatter, and wild symbols. Different symbols result in different payouts. |
| Wilds | A special feature symbol that can turn into any other symbol in the game to get you as many winning paylines as possible. Often, wilds can not replace other special symbols, like scatters. |
| Scatter | These lucky symbols pay out big bonus rewards or activate bonus rounds which can lead to free spins or other rewards. |
| AutoPlay | All online slot games have the option to enable autoplay. You can choose to activate 10, 20, 50, 100, or more spins, with the click of a button. |
| Reels | The vertical lines of the slot that determine the outcome of the game. Like symbols, different reels will offer different types of payouts. |
| Multiplier | These bonus features are found in certain games. Multipliers increase your winnings, multiplying them by a specified number. (x2, x5, x10, etc.) |
| Maximum Bet | The maximum bet is the highest amount of money you can wager on a single spin in slots. These can vary depending on the online slot game and casino. |
| Minimum Bet | The minimum bet is the lowest amount of money you can wager on a single spin in slots. Like maximum bets, these can also vary depending on the platform you are playing on. |
Land-Based Slot Machines
Just like online, slots dominate the floor at every land-based casino. The experience you get playing at a slot machine versus online, are completely opposite.
There are a number of luxurious casino resorts across the United States which have hundreds of slot machines to choose from, built using the newest technology in the industry. This includes flashing lights, big chairs, high-quality sounds, and graphics.
Payouts are instant, including for progressive slot machines where you could end up with a $1 million dollar check in your hand!
Slot machines might seem like an easy game, but there’s a lot more than what meets the eye. To be successful at a slot machine, it’s to your advantage to know all about the game you’re about to wager on.
Dominic, the host of the All American Casino Guide, breaks down exactly how a slot machine works and what you should keep an eye out for when choosing your machine. Watch in our video below!
Slot Podcasts
We have compiled a comprehensive selection of YouTube videos, and podcasts about slot machines and how to win the slot machine jackpot! Learn how to play slot machines and how these complex machines work.
Find out how to win on slot machines by hearing these unique strategies from slot experts. Read and listen to interviews with the experts to learn slot machine tips and advice on the best slot machines to play.
Click the links below to watch the videos and hear the podcasts. Watch as casino expert and author Steve Bourie, with other slot experts, answer the most common questions about slot machines.
- Audio Podcast – Everything you ever wanted to know about slot machines with slot expert Frank Legato
- Audio Podcast – Winning on Slot machines with slots expert Frank Legato
- Audio Podcast – Slot machine myths with slots expert John Robison
- Audio Podcast – Slot machines with John Growchowski
Conclusion
Online slots continue to rule casino libraries and remain a favorite for players all over the world. With so many variations of the game, players should have no problem ever finding a slot game that suits them.
Check back here to stay up to date on the latest online slots launching this year!