At first glance, online slots can look complicated, but they really aren’t. Slots are easy to play and get to grips with, especially with the help of this simple online slots betting guide.
Read on to find out how to play online slots and the main types of slots you’ll find online. We’ll also run through some tips to make the most of your online slots betting.
How to Play Online Slots
Whilst slots come in a huge variety of styles and themes – from classic slots and video slots to Megaways slots – at their heart, they’re all based on the same core fruit machine play. Once you’ve learned how to play one online slot, all the others will soon make sense to you. And you’ll quickly get the hang of how to play and how to bet.
All online slots have reels, or some variant of reels, with symbols on them. You play by setting those reels spinning. And if certain combinations of symbols are present on them when they come to a stop, you either win or lose.
Most often, you need to have an unbroken line of three or more matching symbols across your reels, called a payline. The more matching symbols you have in a payline, and the higher the value of that symbol, the more you win.
What are Paylines?
Paylines are the different lines across the reels that matching symbols can land in for you to win. The simplest of fruit machines, with three reels, usually have one payline – a line of three matching symbols across the middle of each reel, like three Lucky Seven symbols in a row.
The first symbol in a payline usually needs to be on the first reel on the left. The other symbols then have to land on reels next to that one, moving from left to right.
However, lots of slots play with variations on this. Some allow diagonal paylines as well as horizontal ones. Some move right to left and others require more symbols or less. You can always find out how many paylines an online slot has by checking its in-game menu.
How do I place my first bet on an online slot?
Once you’ve picked a game to play, you can make your first slots bet by:
- Setting your bet level (the amount of money you bet on each spin) using the bet options, usually at the bottom or the right side of the screen
- Hitting the spin button to set your reels spinning
You’ll win on that spin if matching symbols land in a payline, and you’ll lose if they don’t.
Why Choose Online Slot Games?
Online slots are immensely popular games to play. Partly, that’s because they’re convenient and can be played at any time. You can even play from your phone or tablet when you’re out and about with our mobile app.
But they’re also popular for the huge range of features and themes that cater for all tastes. And of course, online slots offer you the chance to play for real cash prizes.
What are the Myths Surrounding Online Slots?
There are some common misconceptions surrounding online slots and slots betting, including:
- Slots pay out better during quiet periods or if they’ve not paid out for a long period of time: Neither of these are true. The most important aspect to understand about playing and betting on online slots is that they’re random. Each spin of the reels is dictated by a random number generator (RNG). This means the symbols that land on the reels won’t be influenced by any outside factors, like the time of the day or when the last winning spin was.
- Placing higher bets improves your chances of winning: Again, this isn’t true. Whilst you’ll win more on a winning spin if you place a higher bet, the amount of money you stake won’t affect your actual chances of winning, as all results are random.
- Online slots are rigged: Again, not true. Every online game is rigorously tested to ensure they’re fair, that they’re random, and that they deliver on the RTP they claim to offer. You can have faith in any online slot you play and every slots bet you make with Grosvenor Casinos.
What are the Top Tips for Playing Online Slots?
Online slots are games of pure chance. Whether you win or not on a spin is down to a random number generator and good luck. There’s no strategy you can employ to improve your chances of winning with a given game, but there are steps you can take to make sure you get the most from your online slots betting.
- Play games with the highest return to player (RTP): The higher the RTP, the better your chances of winning.
- Make use of the in-game menu: Online slots have menus you can access that explain the rules of the game, including the paylines and bonus features offered.
- Set a budget to play with: Begin playing with a set amount of money you can afford to lose, and never bet beyond that.
Are All Slots the Same?
There are thousands of online slots out there, and whilst each has its own unique combination of features and themes, beneath the surface all online slots play in the same way. They’re all based on spinning a set of reels that activates a random number generator (the symbols that appear on the reels with each spin are entirely random).
However, although the underlying play is the same, the details of online slots will vary. Different slots will offer different:
- Paylines
- Bonus features
- Themes and graphics
- Return to player (RTP) – the average amount of money you can expect to win as you play
It’s well worth trying a range of online slots to find the themes and features you enjoy the most.
What Online Slot Machines Do We Have?
You’ll find a huge selection of the world’s best online slots at Grosvenor Casinos, with games to suit all tastes. The vast majority of online slot games fall into the following categories, and you’ll find plenty of examples of these in our online casino:
Classic Slots
Classic online slots offer the quintessential slots experience. Some classic games recreate the retro fruit machine feel, with games featuring three reels and traditional symbols, like bars and fruit. Others play with five reels, and have more modern symbols. All classic slots offer time-honoured play and established game features, like wild and scatter symbols, and free spins rounds.
Modern Slots
Modern slots cover a broad range of games, but all of them tend to offer innovative features, with many modern games pushing the boundaries of what online slots can offer. Expect to see additions like more reels and rows, more paylines, interactive bonus games, animations and cut scenes, all of which can enhance your playing experience. Take a look at our latest online slots to find some great examples of modern slot play.
Megaways Slots
Megaways slots come in a wide range of themes and styles, but all include a suite of added Megaways features that make them a unique online experience.
Most notably, Megaways slots don’t have fixed paylines. Instead, the number of rows on each reel will randomly vary with every spin, from between two and seven, usually giving you somewhere between 64 and 117,649 ways to win with each spin of the reels. Other great Megaways features include unlimited multipliers, plus cascading symbols that mean you can win more than once on a single spin.
Read more about Megaways slots.
Progressive Jackpot Slots
The majority of online slots have fixed jackpots, with specific amounts paid out for landing winning symbols. Instead of offering fixed jackpots, progressive slots have jackpots that gradually grow over time, until they’re won.
Each time you spin the reels of a progressive jackpot slot, a portion of your bet is added to the jackpot pool. With many progressive slots, other players playing that same game will also add to the jackpot pool. Sometimes even players playing a variety of other games, made by the same studio, will also add to a combined jackpot pool. Typically, the more popular the game, the faster that jackpot pool grows, and the larger your potential winnings become.
Fantasy-Themed Online Slots
If fantasy is your thing, then you’ll be well catered for, with so many fantasy-themed slots to choose from. Popular fantasy genres include Ancient Egypt, Norse Mythology, lost Atlantis, Sword and Sorcery, Eastern themed, Fairytale slots, and many more.
Arcade-Themed Online Slots
Fruit machines were a common feature at arcades. And in honour of that, you’ll find a variety of online slots inspired by classic arcade games that deliver a wonderfully nostalgic hit, including the fantastic Space Invaders online slot.
Video Game Slots
As well as being inspired by traditional arcade games, plenty of online slots are themed around popular video games. They give you another way to experience the worlds and graphics of your favourite titles, whether that’s Tomb Raider or the wonderful Worms.
Jewel and Gem-Themed Online Slots
An immensely popular genre of online slots – jewel and gem-themed games are fun, colourful slots packed with glittering jewels. They’re typically great-looking, glamorous games with fast-paced music and plenty of added glitter. If jewel and gem-themed slots sound like your bag, then take a look at Starburst, Da Vinci Diamonds, and Gemix.
Board Game/Game Show-Themed Online Slots
If you’re a fan of board games or game shows, you’ll find plenty of online slots that are right up your alley, including online games inspired by Monopoly, Snakes and Ladders, Deal or No Deal, and Who Wants to be a Millionaire.
Can I win real money playing online slots?
Yes, you can. Play online slots with Grosvenor Casino, and you can play for real money. Simply sign-up for an account with us and start playing the world’s best online slot games.