Online Slots
Online slots are easily the most popular choice of players from all over the world. Regardless of how big your bankroll is or how often you play on the internet, the odds are you've tried your luck with slots at least a few times. These games attract players with simplicity (since there are no rules you need to learn to get started) and the inherent capability to produce some stunning wins.
At the same time, online slots offer a variety of betting options, so players can wager anywhere from a single cent to hundreds or even thousands per spin. Thus, these games are equally attractive and available to everyone. You can make the smallest of deposits and still get a couple of hours of entertainment and even walk away a decent winner with a bit of luck.
Online Slots in a Nutshell
Online slots have originated from their land-based ancestors. First slot machines were mechanical in nature, featured only three reels and just a single payline. Over the time, however, these machines continued to grow and develop, becoming more elaborate and, as a result, more entertaining to play.
The first real breakthrough came with the invention of video slots, which replaced old, mechanical reels, with virtual ones. Instead of having actual reels, these machines introduced graphic representations of these wheels, creating possibilities for many more symbols and combinations. All online slots found at internet casinos these days are, in fact, video slots.
How Slots Work: RNG & RTP Explained
For many players, slots represent a mystery of sorts as it is hard to understand how they work and how they determine if and when you should win. So, to shed some light on the topic, we’ll explain basic principles of online slots. There are two basic terms that are important to understand in this sense:
• Random Number Generator (RNG)
• Return To Player (RTP)
Like the name suggests, RNG has a job to produce random numbers on every individual spin of the reels. These numbers are calculated using a number of different variables, which are kept hidden as to avoid any manipulation. Once you press the spin button on a slot, RNG will perform its calculations and based on the number it returns, it will show a set of reels connected to that number.
This is somewhat simplified explanation as RNGs can have various parameters included but it’s the basic principle of what happens when you click the button to initiate the spin. Images appearing on the screen are just a graphical representation of the number.
The concept of RTP is closely connected to RNG. RTP determines how much a particular online slot will pay back to players over a really large number of spins. So, for example, a slot with 96% RTP will give back $96 for every $100 that goes into it. Of course, this happens over millions of spins so RTP isn’t all that important for any particular session, although slots with higher returns are, in general, more generous.
Main Types of Online Slots
Although slots vary in terms of its themes, game features, and a payout potential, there are several main types of online slot machines found online. These are:
Classic Slots
Video Slots
Progressive Jackpot Slots
Classic slots, like the name suggests, are based on traditional slot machines and created to resemble old games that you’d find in an old land-based casino or a pub. Often also referred to as fruit machines, these slots usually feature just three reels and only a small number of paylines (one to five, in most cases). Additionally, symbols found in these slots are often of the fruity variety (hence the name), i.e. cherries, plums, watermelons, grapes, oranges, etc. In addition to these, fruit machines also feature symbols such as 7s, bells, and bars.
When talking about online slots, video slots pretty much encompass all other games that aren’t qualified as “classic.” These usually have five reels and the number of paylines can vary greatly. With the introduction of the pay-ways concept, some modern video slots even have millions of potential ways to pay. These games also usually come with special bonus features such as free spins, pick and click bonuses, and much more.
Progressive jackpot slots can be of both varieties, i.e. classic or video slots. What makes these games special is the jackpot prize, which increases with every spin played on the game. Often, these games are linked across many online casinos, leading to progressive jackpots reaching huge, life-changing amounts. The jackpot is usually rewarded completely at random or if a player gets lucky enough to land a particular combination of symbols on the reels.
Popular Developers of Online Slot Games
With slots being so popular, it is no surprise there are dozens of gaming companies whose business completely revolves around imagining, designing, and launching new online slot games. Although the number of slot developers is fairly big, there are a few companies that are definitely leaders in the market and whose games you’ll encounter at most online casinos. These are:
• Microgaming
• NetEnt
• Play’n GO
• Pragmatic Play
• Yggdrasil
• Playson
• WMS
• IGT
These companies have libraries of games with hundreds of titles. Some of them have decades of experience having started way before internet casinos were even a thing. Others are more recent and focused solely on the online aspect. Either way, these and a few other names have created (and continue to create) many great online slots for us to enjoy.
Pick Your Favorite Slot & Get Started
There are thousands of slots out there so you can really have your pick. Whatever theme may be of interest to you and whatever type of betting limits you’re looking for, you’re highly likely to find an online slot that speaks to you.
So, take your time and find the games that you really like and give them a try in the free play mode. Only when you’re happy you found the machine that you really enjoy you can proceed to deposit real money and go for the glory. That way, you’ll be certain to have a lot of fun playing so, win or lose, your money will be well spent!