Fruit Machines & Online Slots Guide

Online Slots

There’s a reason why online slot machine games are offered in such huge variety at online casinos – we simply can’t get enough! Players love the straightforward game play of slots and the fact anybody can win big, regardless of experience.

Low stake levels keep players coming back for more chances at real money winnings and make slots the bedrock of every major real money casino.

Getting Started

The beauty of online slot machines is in their simplicity. It really is as straightforward as spinning the virtual reels and waiting to see what comes up on the payline. Each reel contains upwards of 20 symbols (fruit symbols are the classic slots theme, but this varies today) and the name of the game is hitting specific winning combinations on a payline. With so many different combinations of reels, symbols, and paylines, slot machines offer millions of possibilities to win real money.

In terms of your stake level, you may be able to alter this during play in some formats. In some cases increasing your stake may activate additional win lines. The funds you use to play with online will be drawn from your casino account. This is also where all winnings will be paid.

Just sign up with your favourite real money online casino, and choose your game.

Slot Machine Varieties

Online slot machines have come a long way from their humble beginnings at land casinos. The classic fruit symbols and throwback games of your youth are still around, but now, you’ll find literally hundreds of formats offered at the top online real cash casinos. There’s a game to suit every taste and more varieties are added by the day.

3 Reel - Simple and classic, 3 reel slots are a great place for a beginner to start. 3 reel slots, often remembered for their classic fruit symbols, were the first games on the slot machine market, so even online gambling veterans come back to the game for the nostalgia.

5 Reel - The same basic setup as a 3 reel slot, but with a more complex setup and symbol design, which includes special features like bonus rounds to keep things exciting. Great for new and seasoned players alike.

Video Slots - Today, both live and online slot machines dazzle players with rich storylines and themes supported by high resolution videos and symbol animations. Did we mention the bonus rounds? Video slots are some of the most popular casino games on the internet, and it’s easy to see why.

Themed Slots - Many online casinos even offer licensed slots based on the biggest franchises in entertainment, including Terminator 2, Game Of Thrones, Jurassic Park, Arabian Nights, Superman, Wonder Woman, South Park, Dracula, Battlestar Galactica, and Tomb Raider.

No matter what you choose to play, all of today’s online slot machine games offer spectacular graphics, lively animations, and lucrative bonuses. You can even find slots with seven reels or more, if you’re up for a challenge. That’s the limitless nature of online slots that keeps us coming back to casinos for more. Look out for unique and inventive formats that stretch the concept of what a slots game looks like.

Win Big with Progressives

Progressive slot tournaments are undeniably one of the most popular online casino games out there. Unlike standard slots that offer fixed jackpots, progressive jackpots grow rapidly over time. Every time a player spins a participating progressive jackpot slot machine, a small percentage of their wager gets added to the jackpot. Any player who places a maximum bet and lands the top combination of symbols will win the jackpot.

Progressive jackpots grow quickly since they are network wide. That means players from different connected site contribute to the jackpot and are eligible to hit it. These jackpots vary widely in size but many of them are regularly over £1 million. We’ve witnessed online jackpots in excess of £15 million and the future can only get more lucrative. People come back to progressive slots for the excitement and unpredictability, but experienced players know that their chances of a win are extremely small.

But with some players qualifying for less than £1, why not take a spin?

The Facts: Probability & RTP

When you play online slot machines every spin is conjured by the magic of random number generator software. The outcome is sealed the second you press the spin button and there’s little you can do to influence the results. Your odds of actually winning are based on simple probabilities.

Every game has a posted payout rate (RTP). A 96% payout rate means that £96 out of every £100 wagered is returned to players. Since this is averaged over all the players, of course a 96% RTP doesn’t mean you’ll lose 4% of your input every time. That wouldn’t be very exciting!

Rather, this simply means the casino will make a 4% profit over time. You might win £900 or lose all your money. When you play online slots, the payout rates tend to be better than you’ll find at live casinos, as land-based venues have far more overheads to cover and can’t afford to be as generous.

Basic Strategies for Real Money

Real money slot machines, especially with free spins, are a great place for beginners to get started playing for real money. That said, we have a few best practice tips for those looking to capitalise on the random nature of slots.

  • Do your research - Find out which casinos offer the best probabilities, and learn about the game. Extra knowledge of slot machine strategies never hurts!
  • Bet wisely - Theoretically, you may have to bet the maximum to score the biggest jackpot on a slot machine. If you’re feeling lucky, give it a try, but we recommend setting a budget before your session and not exceeding that. Take part in progressives, but remember that your chances of hitting a winning payline are small.
  • Take advantage of free spins - We can’t say this one enough. To get a feel for a new game, always take advantage of free spins or bonus credit. Free play is the perfect low-stakes way to test a game out.
  • Have fun - Since slot machines are essentially governed by random number generators, no one can expect to win consistently. Celebrate your victories and don’t get down on your losses.

Head for the Paylines

Online Slots

Slot machine games at online casinos can be a thrilling route to a jackpot or simply a fun way to pass some time. Who would have thought that a random number generator could create so many possibilities for payouts? Whether a classic 3 reel game with fruit symbols or an advanced progressive jackpot, the slots keep us coming back for more.

Whichever real money online casino you choose, remember that any kind of free play, be it through a free spin, a deposit bonus, or a signup bonus is a terrific option for easing into a game. What are you waiting for?

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