Top Online Slots – Best Slots at Online Casinos

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Slots are the most popular casino game with an estimated 74% of global gamblers playing slots. When compared with other casino games and gambling options like sports betting (33%), live casino games (32%), lotteries (17%), and bingo (12%), it’s clear that gamblers like slots.

This is true in person and at online casinos. Because online slots are a huge part of gambling online, it’s important for players to have an understanding of the difference between online slot games and how these differences affect your experience and your chances of winning at online slots.

This page will take a deep dive into online slots looking at the top online slots based on different criteria. The online slot toplists we rank below include:

What Are Slots?

Slots, both online and physical, involve betting on the random outcome of spinning reels. While every slot has its own symbols, gameplay, and winning combinations (paylines), the goal of every slot is the same — end each spin with the slot symbols aligning into a winning sequence.

What Are Slots So Popular?

Online slots and land-based slot machines are the most popular casino game because they are easy to play — most slots require little skill or strategy which make them perfect for any gambler. Slots are also popular because they have flexible betting options with minimum bets lower than blackjack, roulette, and other casino games.

Players also like online slots and live slots because of their potential jackpots — with some of the largest casino winnings of all time coming from slots. Finally, slots are the most popular casino game because they are typically the most profitable for casinos. Because casinos make more from slots than any other casino game, they are motivated to incentivize gamblers to play slots. They do this through free spin promotions, no deposit bonuses, and other promos that encourage people to play slots.

Top Online Slots by Return to Player (RTP)

Return to Player (RTP) is a crucial metric in online gambling, representing the average payback of a casino game over time. It’s the percentage of your wagers that you can expect to be returned and directly correlates to the house edge of that casino game. For instance, an online slot with an RTP of 95% suggests that over an extended time, you would likely get back 95% of what you wagered, while the casino nets the remaining 5%.

However, RTP is based on millions of spins, meaning your individual return may vary. Generally, the higher the RTP, the better your chances of winning more frequently. It’s also noteworthy that online casinos can alter RTPs, so a slot may exhibit different RTPs across various platforms.

Best and Worst RTP Online Slots

Our rankings for online slots are based on RTPs, highlighting slots with the best and worst returns.

Best Online Slots Based on RTP

High RTP slots are more player-friendly as they imply a higher frequency of winning. These slots are typically the go-to choice for savvy players looking to maximize their chances.

Slot Provider Released RTP Variance Max Win Min Bet Max Bet
Razor Returns Push Gaming 7/4/2023 96.55% High 100,000x 0.10 100
Sweet Bonanza Pragmatic Play 6/27/2019 96.51% Med-High 21,100x 0.20 100
Reactoonz Play’n Go 10/24/2017 96.51% High 4,570x 0.20 100
Le Bandit Hacksaw Gaming 8/15/2023 96.34% Medium 10,000x 0.10 100
Stack Em Hacksaw Gaming 5/14/2021 96.20% High 10,000x 0.20 100

 

Worst Online Slots Based on RTP

Lower RTP slots mean the casino benefits more from your bets, reducing your odds of winning. Such slots might be appealing for their gameplay or jackpots but offer less favorable returns.

Slot Provider Released RTP Variance Max Win Min Bet Max Bet
Book Of Ra Greentube 3/3/2005 92.13% High 5,000x 0.01 18
Nitropolis 4 ELK Studios 2/8/2023 94% High 50,000x 0.20 100
Pirots 2 ELK Studios 10/31/2023 94.00% High 10,000x 0.20 100
Outlaws Inc Hacksaw Gaming 6/16/2022 94.17% High 10,000x 0.10 100
Book of Dead Play’n Go 1/14/2016 94.25% High 5,000x 0.01 100

 

Key Aspects of RTP in Online Slots

RTP and Game Volatility: RTP is often discussed alongside a game’s volatility. While RTP indicates the long-term average return, volatility measures the frequency and size of payouts. High RTP slots with low volatility pay out small amounts frequently, whereas high-volatility games offer larger but less frequent payouts.

RTP and Hit Frequency: Hit frequency is another critical concept. It indicates how often a slot delivers winning combinations. However, it’s essential to understand that a high hit frequency doesn’t always equate to better payouts, as many winning combinations might offer lower returns.

Calculating RTP: RTP is calculated by dividing the total amount paid out by the total amount wagered. Slot machines undergo extensive simulations to determine their RTP, which remains consistent over time, though actual payouts can vary.

Online vs. Land-based Casino RTPs

The RTP in online slots often surpasses that of land-based casinos. While land-based slots might offer RTPs up to 92%, online slots frequently feature RTPs above 94%, with some reaching as high as 98% or 99%. This difference is due to the operational capacities and overheads associated with physical casinos compared to online platforms.

RTP in Other Casino Games

Besides slots, RTP is a significant factor in other casino games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. These games have built-in RTPs that, along with player skill, influence the outcomes and potential returns.

Bottom Line: Maximizing Your Odds with RTP

Understanding RTP is vital for any casino game enthusiast. It helps in choosing games that offer better chances of winning and managing expectations regarding payouts. While RTP offers an insight into potential returns, remember that gambling outcomes also depend on luck and individual play sessions.

By focusing on games with high RTPs and understanding their volatility and hit frequencies, players can make more informed choices, leading to a more satisfying and potentially profitable online gambling experience.

 

RTP, or Return to Player, is a percentage that indicates how much of the wagered money will be paid back to players over time as they play a casino game. It’s a long-term average and is not a guarantee of individual winnings. For instance, if a slot has an RTP of 96%, on average, a player can expect $96 back in winnings for every $100 wagered. The remaining percentage goes to the casino as profit.

No, the RTP percentage does not apply to each individual wager. It’s a measure of the overall payouts of a game over a long period of time, not a reflection of what happens in a single session. The actual winnings of a player in a single session can vary widely from the RTP percentage due to factors like the volatility of the game and the randomness of each spin or hand.

The RTP value is set by the game designers through thousands of simulations to collect data on the game’s payouts. Casinos, particularly online casinos, can change RTP to favor players or themselves.

The RTP is a theoretical value determined by dividing the total amount returned to players by the total amount wagered. Although each pull or game round is random, the average RTP can be determined over time. This preset setting remains constant, but the actual payout can vary. The RTP will get closer to the designed value as the number of plays increases. For example, a slot machine that’s been played a million times will have a deviation of about 1% from the mean RTP.

Top Online Slots by Volatility (Variance)

Understanding the concept of “Volatility” or “Variance” in online slot games is crucial for players who aim to align their playing style with the right type of game. Volatility essentially measures the risk level associated with a slot game. It affects the frequency and size of payouts, playing a significant role in managing expectations and bankroll.

High Volatility Online Slots

High volatility slots, known for their potential for large but infrequent payouts, are a thrill-seeker’s dream. These games can offer life-changing wins, making them ideal for players with larger bankrolls who can weather the periods of no wins or small returns. However, their unpredictable nature means they’re not suitable for everyone.

Slot Provider Released RTP Variance Max Win Min Bet Max Bet
Book of Dead Play’n Go 1/14/2016 94.25% High 5,000x 0.01 100
Sugar Rush Pragmatic Play 6/16/2022 95.50% High 5,000x 0.20 100
The Dog House Pragmatic Play 3/5/2019 95.51% High 6,750x 0.20 100
Big Bamboo Push Gaming 2/18/2022 95.11% High 50,000x 0.10 100
Gates of Olympus Pragmatic Play 2/13/2021 95.51% High 5,000x 0.20 100

Low Volatility Online Slots

On the other end of the spectrum, low volatility slots provide more consistent, smaller wins. They’re perfect for players seeking a longer play session and those with smaller bankrolls. While the wins might not be as significant as high volatility slots, these games offer a steady gaming experience, making them a reliable choice for many.

Slot Provider Released RTP Variance Max Win Min Bet Max Bet
Sweet Bonanza Pragmatic Play 6/27/2019 96.51% Med-High 21,100x 0.20 100
Big Bass Bonanza Reel Kingdom 12/3/2020 95.67% Med-High 2,100x 0.10 250
Fruit Party Pragmatic Play 5/21/2020 95.48% Medium 5,000x 0.20 100
Dork Unit Hacksaw Gaming 7/26/2022 94.30% Medium 5,000x 0.10 100
Le Bandit Hacksaw Gaming 8/15/2023 96.34% Medium 10,000x 0.10 100

 

Understanding Slot Volatility

Slot volatility is a gauge of the payout behavior of a slot machine. High volatility slots typically pay out big wins spread apart, whereas low volatility slots tend to pay out smaller wins in quick succession. It’s important to remember that slot volatility is an average indicator and your short-term experience may differ.

Volatility vs. RTP

It’s crucial to differentiate between slots volatility and RTP (Return to Player). While volatility indicates the risk and the payout frequency and size, RTP refers to the average percentage of money returned to players over time. Both high and low volatility slots can have similar RTPs.

How to Determine a Slot’s Volatility

Figuring out a slot’s volatility can be a bit challenging as casinos may not always provide this information upfront. However, you can try the following methods:

  1. Check the Slot’s Info: Some online casinos provide volatility information in the game’s details.
  2. Google Search: Look up the slot title with “volatility” to find insights.
  3. Play Demo Versions: Experimenting with a slot in demo mode can give a good sense of its volatility.

Playing Smart

Regardless of whether you prefer high or low volatility slots, the key to enjoying online slots is responsible gaming. It’s about finding the balance between entertainment and risk, and choosing games that match your personal preference and bankroll management strategy.

Bottom Line: Pick Volatility Based on Your Comfort with Risk

Whether you’re after the adrenaline rush of high volatility slots or the steady enjoyment of low volatility games, understanding these concepts will enhance your online slot experience. Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the gaming experience responsibly and within your means.

Slot volatility, or variance, is a measure of the risk associated with a slot game, indicating the frequency and size of potential payouts. High volatility slots, like Book of Ra’ offer larger but less frequent payouts, akin to placing a single-number bet in roulette. In contrast, low volatility slots such as Bloodsuckers, similar to betting on red or black in roulette, provide smaller, more frequent wins, ideal for players seeking consistent entertainment and extended playtime.

Determining the volatility, or variance, of an online slot game can be a bit tricky as casinos and game developers often don’t provide this information explicitly. However, by using the following methods, players can get a sense of a slot’s volatility:

  1. Examine the Paytable: The paytable of a slot game can give you some clues about its volatility. If the payouts for combinations of five symbols are significantly higher than those for four symbols, it’s likely that the game has high volatility.
  2. Play the Demo Version: Most online slot games offer a free demo version. By playing this, you can get a feel for the game’s volatility without having to risk any real money.
  3. Conduct Online Research: You can search for specific slot titles online, using the game’s name followed by “volatility”. This should lead you to information from various sources that can help determine the game’s volatility.
  4. Observe and Gain Experience: Simply playing a slot game for a while can provide insights into its volatility. You’ll start to notice the frequency and size of wins, which can give you a good idea of the game’s volatility.

Volatility in slot games significantly influences gameplay and strategy. High volatility slots require patience and a larger bankroll, as players may experience long periods without wins before hitting a big win. These games are best for players who can afford to wait and are excited by the prospect of a substantial payout.

On the other hand, low volatility slots provide more frequent but smaller wins, making them suitable for players with smaller bankrolls or those who prefer a consistent gaming experience. These games are ideal for extended play sessions and for those who enjoy the entertainment value of slots without extreme fluctuations.

Medium volatility slots strike a balance between the two, offering moderate-sized wins at a reasonable frequency. These games cater to a broader range of players, providing a balanced risk-reward ratio that’s suitable for various playing styles and budgets.

Top Online Casinos for Bonus Game Features

“Bonus Game Features” in online slots refer to additional games within the slot that can be triggered by certain combinations or symbols. These bonus features can offer extra spins, multipliers, pick-and-win games, and other exciting elements that can significantly enhance the playing experience and potentially increase winnings.

Here are our rankings for online slots based on the slots with the best and worst Bonus Game Features:

Best Online Slots Based on Bonus Game Features

Slots with rich bonus game features can offer more excitement and winning opportunities. Here are some of the top slots known for their exceptional bonus features:

Slot Provider Released RTP Variance Max Win Min Bet Max Bet
Big Bamboo Push Gaming 2/18/2022 95.11% High 50,000x 0.10 100
Sweet Bonanza Pragmatic Play 6/27/2019 96.51% Med-High 21,100x 0.20 100
Money Train 3 Relax Gaming 9/22/2022 96.10% High 100,000x N/A N/A
Razor Returns Push Gaming 7/4/2023 96.55% High 100,000x 0.10 100
Nitropolis 4 ELK Studios 2/8/2023 94% High 50,000x 0.20 100

Online Slots with Least Bonus Game Features

While these slots may not offer the thrill of numerous bonus features, they provide a simpler, straightforward play experience that some players might prefer.

Slot Provider Released RTP Variance Max Win Min Bet Max Bet
Wanted Dead or a Wild Hacksaw Gaming 9/29/2021 94.55% High 12,500x N/A N/A
Pirots 2 ELK Studios 10/31/2023 94.00% High 10,000x 0.20 100
Power of Merlin Megaways Pragmatic Play 6/22/2023 96.08% High 40,000x N/A N/A
Stack Em Hacksaw Gaming 5/14/2021 96.20% High 10,000x 0.20 100
Retro Tapes Cluster Link Push Gaming 11/23/2022 95.47% High 10,000 N/A N/A

Remember, the presence or absence of bonus features in a slot game is just one factor to consider when choosing what to play. It’s also essential to take into account the slot’s RTP, volatility, and theme, as well as your own gaming preferences and budget. Always play responsibly and enjoy the gaming experience.

Bonus Game Features in Online Slots

The intricacies of online slots go beyond just spinning reels. Bonus game features are vital aspects that can significantly transform the gameplay and potential winnings. These features differ greatly, each contributing its unique appeal to the gaming experience. Here’s a rundown of some commonly observed bonus game features:

  • Free Spins: Among the most sought-after features, free spins let players spin the reels without staking additional bets. Activated by specific symbol combinations, these can dramatically boost winning odds without risking extra money.
  • Multipliers: These bonus elements enhance winnings by a predetermined number. Multipliers can double, triple, or even increase winnings more drastically, often appearing in free spins rounds or exclusive bonus games.
  • Pick-and-Win Games: These interactive features entail players selecting from a set of objects to unveil hidden rewards. Prizes could range from cash rewards, multipliers, or extra free spins, introducing an element of player choice and interaction.
  • Cascading Reels: Also known as Tumbling Reels, this feature substitutes winning symbols with new ones, potentially triggering consecutive wins from a single spin. It adds a dynamic element to the gameplay, with each win possibly leading to further cascading symbols.
  • Expanding Wilds: These are wild symbols that extend to cover an entire reel, boosting the chances of forming winning combinations. They can convert an entire reel wild, potentially resulting in substantial payouts.
  • Bonus Wheels: Spinning a wheel to win prizes adds a game-show-like thrill. Prizes on these wheels can vary from instant cash, multipliers, to access to other bonus games or free spins rounds.
  • Interactive Mini-Games: Some slots feature mini-games that demand player interaction, such as solving puzzles, navigating adventures, or other skill-based challenges. These games often result in significant rewards and add an extra layer of engagement.
  • Retriggering: This enables players to reactivate bonus rounds, usually by landing the same symbols that initially triggered the bonus. Retriggering can lead to extended gameplay and increased winning opportunities.

Bottom Line: Pick Your Slots Based on Bonus Features

Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of free spins or the suspense of pick-and-win games, understanding these bonus game features will enhance your online slots experience. Each feature holds the potential to transform a regular spin into a rewarding experience, adding depth and excitement to online slots

Bonus buys in online slots allow players to bypass the usual method of triggering bonus features, such as free spins or special bonus games, through standard play. Instead of waiting for the right combination of symbols to appear on the reels, players can pay a certain amount, usually a multiple of their bet size, to access these features immediately. This option gives players instant access to potentially high-rewarding bonus rounds, but at a cost. It’s important to note that while bonus buys offer immediate entry into exciting features, they do not guarantee wins and should be used responsibly.

Free spins in online slot games are typically triggered by landing a specific combination of symbols, usually scatter symbols, on the reels. The number of scatters required and the amount of free spins awarded vary from game to game. Additionally, some slots may offer free spins through other special symbols or bonus rounds. Certain games also allow players to re-trigger free spins during the bonus round by landing more scatter symbols, extending the free spin session. Furthermore, some online casinos offer free spins as part of promotional offers or welcome bonuses, which can be used on specified slot games.

In-game free spins are a feature within the slot game that gets triggered by specific actions, like landing scatter symbols. They do not deduct any funds for these spins and use the player’s last bet amount for calculation. The winnings from these spins are typically added to the player’s total game winnings.

Casino free spin bonuses, on the other hand, are promotions offered by the casino itself, not linked to in-game events. They often come as part of welcome offers, loyalty rewards, or special promotions and may be restricted to certain games. These spins usually have wagering requirements or other terms and conditions. Winnings from these spins are generally considered bonus money and need to meet the casino’s wagering requirements before being withdrawn as cash.

Top Online Slots for Gameplay, Graphics, and Themes

Online slots are ultimately meant to be entertaining — and if we look beyond the thrill of winning, the other elements that can make playing slots online fun are the more literal elements of the game like it’s theme, graphics, music, and more.

While entertainment and fun is subjective, we’ve tried to create a ranking based a more universal perspective of entertainment and liveliness that many slot players are looking for when gambling online.

Best Online Slots for Gameplay, Graphics, and Themes

Our curated list of the best online slots showcases games that excel in gameplay dynamics, graphic finesse, and thematic creativity. These slots stand out for their ability to provide an all-encompassing gaming experience.

Slot Provider Released RTP Variance Ma Win Min Bet Max Bet
Reactoonz Play’n Go 10/24/2017 96.51% High 4,570x 0.20 100
Book of Dead Play’n Go 1/14/2016 94.25% High 5,000x 0.01 100
Money Train 3 Relax Gaming 9/22/2022 96.10% High 100,000x N/A N/A
Gates of Olympus Pragmatic Play 2/13/2021 95.51% High 5,000x 0.20 100
Nitropolis 4 ELK Studios 2/8/2023 94% High 50,000x 0.20 100

Online Slots with Simpler Gameplay, Graphics, and Themes

Not all slots aim for extravagance in graphics or complexity in gameplay. Some games appeal for their straightforwardness, offering a nostalgic or simpler slot experience without compromising on enjoyment. These slots are perfect for players who appreciate the essence of traditional slot gaming with a modern twist.

Slot Provider Released RTP Variance Ma Win Min Bet Max Bet
Dork Unit Hacksaw Gaming 7/26/2022 94.30% Med 5,000x 0.10 100
Juicy Fruits Pragmatic Play 3/16/2021 95.54% High 5,000x 0.25 100
RIP City Hacksaw Gaming 1/1/2023 94.27% Medium 12,500x 0.10 100
Le Bandit Hacksaw Gaming 8/15/2023 96.34% Medium 10,000x 0.10 100
The Dog House Pragmatic Play 3/5/2019 95.51% High 6,750x 0.20 100

Online slots offer a rich mix of engaging gameplay, beautiful graphics, and varied themes, all of which are crucial for an immersive gaming experience. Here’s what you need to know about these elements:

Gameplay in Online Slots

Gameplay is the heart of any online slot game. It’s not just about pressing ‘spin’; it’s about the unique features and mechanics that make each game special. Exciting elements like cascading reels, expanding wilds, and interactive bonus rounds can turn a simple slot game into a thrilling journey. Games with innovative gameplay give you more than just a chance to win; they provide a fun and exciting experience with every spin.

The Importance of Graphics

Graphics play a significant role in the appeal of an online slot. High-quality visuals bring the game’s theme to life, setting the tone and enhancing your gaming experience. Whether it’s the lush colors of a jungle adventure or the sleek design of a futuristic game, good graphics show the developer’s commitment to quality.

Themes in Slot Games

Themes are the backbone of online slots, taking you on a variety of adventures. From ancient Egypt to the wild West or even outer space, the theme adds depth and personality to the game. A well-crafted theme, complete with matching symbols and soundtracks, makes a game memorable and enjoyable. The best slots combine these elements seamlessly, creating a captivating story that keeps players coming back.

A slot game’s theme becomes engaging and entertaining when it successfully immerses players in a distinct and vivid world. Themes that resonate with players often include captivating storylines, culturally rich elements, or popular genres like ancient civilizations or fantasy realms. The key is to offer a unique and cohesive experience that aligns visuals, sound, and gameplay mechanics with the theme.

Gameplay mechanics significantly impact the entertainment value by adding depth and excitement to the game. Features like bonus rounds, free spins, cascading reels, and unique symbols contribute to a dynamic gaming experience. They not only provide variety in the gameplay but also increase the chances of winning, keeping players engaged and interested.

Popular themes in online slot games include ancient civilizations (like Greek and Egyptian slots), cultural themes (such as Asian and Irish slots), adventure themes (pirate and Viking slots), and pop culture themes (TV and movie slots). These themes attract players through their familiarity, aesthetic appeal, and the way they integrate into the game’s mechanics.

Online Slots FAQs

Online slots are basically your traditional slot machines gone digital. They’re all over the internet and come in a bunch of fun themes and formats, like classic slots, video slots, and even progressive jackpot slots.

Online slots are powered by a random number generator (RNG) that decides the outcome of each spin. This means every spin is a fresh start, so there is no such thing as running hot or cold.

Absolutely, as long as you’re playing on a legal online casino. These platforms use RNGs that are regularly checked by independent bodies to ensure fairness. Plus, they use encryption to keep your personal and financial info under lock and key. There is a risk of gambling addiction, but from the perspective of gameplay fairness and gambling safety, online slots are legit.

You bet! Many online casinos let you play free versions of their slot games — we also have demo games of many popular slots. These games are just like the real deal, but you don’t need to bet actual cash. It’s a great way to test out new games or hone your strategies.

Your chances of winning while gambling on online slots will vary from game to game. Each slot has a different Return to Player (RTP) percentage. This tells you the average amount of money players get back over time. Generally speaking, slots with higher RTPs give you better long-term odds.

Look for online slots with high RTPs or gameplay that you enjoy. Also, check out the bonus features — some might fit your style of play better. Consider the game’s volatility too — low volatility slots offer smaller payouts more often, while high volatility ones have bigger payouts but less frequently.

Progressive jackpot online slots are games where the jackpot keeps growing each time someone plays it but doesn’t win the jackpot. This can sometimes lead to jackpots reaching up into the millions!

Yes, as long as you’re playing with real money. To win cash prizes, you need to sign up at a legit online casino, make a deposit, and place real money bets.

Many online casinos offer slot-specific bonuses like free spins or bonus cash. But remember, these bonuses often come with wagering requirements.

The legality of online gambling, including online slots, depends on where you live. Make sure you check your local laws before you start betting real money on online slots.

 

 

 

 

 

Top Slots by RTP
Top Slots by Volatility
Top Slots for Bonuses
Top Slots by Gameplay