Key Features to Look for in Online Slots
Popular Themes and Variations
There are many types of themes and categories for users to pick from and opt-in for when it comes to slots on online slot sites. The themes range from classic fruit machines to adventure stories. From historic China to buccaneering pirates and futuristic space stations to ancient Rome, customers will find a game with that theme.
What makes a slot a good one, though? Take the Ancient Egypt theme, for example. Players have a large number of slots with that theme to choose from. What makes one more playable than the other? Of course, personal preference comes into play, but there are other factors to weigh up, too, which we’ll look at in more detail below.
Why Is High Variance Relevant?
When considering whether to play an online slot, variance is one of the most important factors. Does a slot deliver a steady stream of small-value wins, or is it volatile? These slots might offer wins very rarely, but they have the potential to be big ones on the rare occasions they hit. Many players often choose to bet on these high-volatility slots, drawn in by the allure of life-changing jackpots that can transform a modest wager into substantial payouts.
The high risk but potentially high rewards offered by volatile slots see many develop cult status. They’re certainly chancy, but if luck points in the right direction, they can deliver some knockout action.
Hacksaw Gaming, in particular, is known for its extremely volatile online slot games, with titles like Wanted Dead or A Wild and Cubes 2. These online slots offer a truly all-or-nothing experience, exemplifying a high-risk, high-reward style of gameplay.
Max Win Online Slots
Closely tied in with high variance slots are those that offer high maximum payouts or max win. The big rewards have made these some of the most popular slots around. Players love to chase huge wins; the bigger the potential rewards, the more appealing they become.
For instance, let’s consider NetEnt’s Dead or Alive 2. It might not be the most innovative slot out there, but the fact that one of its features has a maximum win of 111,111 x your total stake means it’s become one of the best online slots and a fan favourite. They later surpassed this with the release of Starburst XXXtreme at 200,000x!
While the allure of massive jackpots captures attention, players should also be mindful of the wagering requirements that can affect their overall gaming experience.
The Importance of Superb Design
Players who will be staring at a screen for a decent amount of time want something easy on the senses. Many of the best slot games come with high-class sound and visuals. Players expect more than ordinary bars, bells, and oranges found in an old-school fruity.
A Great Example of a Winning Design
Combine impressive design with high variance and big win potential, and you’re on the way to creating a classic. Games Global’s Immortal Romance is a prime example. Packed full of backstory, it has its uniquely-developed soundtrack.
It also offers super volatile gameplay and potentially massive payouts. Put that together with the classy sound and visuals, and you can see why it’s become one of the best slots to play online.
Among the standout titles is also Pragmatic Play’s Big Bass Bonanza, which offers players an exciting fishing theme complete with engaging bonus rounds and the potential for hefty payouts.
Understanding Return to Player (RTP) Rates
RTP is the amount that a slot pays out on average. The return-to-player percentage is crucial for understanding potential payouts. The higher the percentage figure, the more that the game returns. For example, a slot with a 96% RTP pays out £96 out of every £100 wagered.
The average return-to-player (RTP) percentage for the best online slots is approximately 96.4%. There are some outliers in both directions, though. Some jackpot slots can have a lower RTP rate. Slots with an RTP of over 97% are understandably popular with slot players.
Which Online Slots Have the Highest RTP?
9k Yeti by 4ThePlayer has a 97% RTP. Set sail on a voyage in 1429 Uncharted Seas by Thunderkick, and the RTP is a massive 98.6%. You can usually find a slot’s RTP in the paytable or game info section. Is the return-to-player percentage a factor for you? Check out the best RTP slots.
Are Bonus Features Significant to Players?
Some players are happy with slots that hammer home a limited range of extras (like NetEnt’s Starburst). Others demand more in the way of bonus features and promotions. Many players are drawn to online slots that provide exciting gameplay and come with generous welcome bonuses that enhance their gaming experience from the very start. Thankfully, there are loads of online slots available that offer both styles.
Many online casinos offer a selection of free spins and bonuses for new players at slot games. However, it’s important to read the terms carefully, as many of these promotions come with a wagering requirement that specifies how many times you must play through your winnings before you can cash out.
Online Slots with Great Bonus Features
Playtech’s Age of the Gods slot comes with 4 different free spin features, each one based on one of the ancient deities. They all offer decent winning potential, too.
Other examples of the best slots for features include games from Blueprint Gaming. The popular slot Ted, based on the hit movie about the foul-mouthed talking bear starring Mark Wahlberg, is brimming with base game modifiers and a massive collection of triggered features.
Does Originality Play A Role in Best Online Slots?
Slots have come a long way from their one-armed bandit roots. We still enjoy playing a simple, classic fruity game from time to time, but most players expect a bit more originality. The best slots deliver that in spades.
The prime example in recent years has been the explosion in popularity of slots using the Megaways game mechanic. Big Time Gaming isn’t resting on its laurels, though. The developer behind Megaways has also launched the Megaclusters and Megaquads game engines.
Another good example of innovation is ReelPlay’s Infinity Reels game engine, which adds an extra reel with each successive win. The best slot games often feature the best new gameplay.
Jackpots and Their Prizes
Progressive jackpot slots can accumulate massive prizes over time. Many slot players aim to scoop an enormous, life-changing sum. With their multi-million pound paydays, progressive jackpot slots certainly offer that. Players can win jackpots exceeding $1 million on more than 250 progressive slot machines.
NetEnt’s casino game Mega Fortune and Games Global’s Mega Moolah might be relative veterans, but their eye-watering jackpots mean they remain some of the most popular slots in the UK.
These machines not only attract players with their dazzling graphics and engaging themes but also enhance the gaming experience by offering substantial wagering contributions towards various promotional bonuses and loyalty rewards.
Mobile Compatibility of Online Slots
More and more people are giving up on the desktop computer and using ever more powerful tablets and mobiles as their primary devices for slot websites. Mobile gaming accounts for about 62.1% of all online slot play in 2024.
The online gaming world has kept up with these technological changes to create superbly designed slots that are fully optimised for mobile play.
A prime example of this comes from the developer 4ThePlayer. They created the Big Reel Portrait Mode, which uses 60% of the screen for the game interface. They are some of the best slots for iPhones you’ll come across.
Land-Based Slots Turned Online
Many of the best online slots started life as land-based slots found in casinos, arcades, pubs, and bars up and down the land.
Some of the top-rated slots were around long before online slots even existed. Some players will stick to the games they’ve played for years and even decades.
The likes of IGT’s Cleopatra, Barcrest’s Rainbow Riches, and WMS’ Zeus became popular in live venues before transferring to the online slot world. These are the best slots in Vegas, meaning their online presence remains constant.
However, to truly enjoy the gambling experience and maximize potential winnings, players must find a balance between their favourite classics and exploring the innovative titles that continuously emerge in the online gaming landscape.
Best Slots FAQs
The best slot games are up to your personal preferences. Some prefer games with high win potential, while others like ones with superb design. When choosing the best online slots, it’s important to account for factors such as the game’s Return to Player (RTP) percentage, volatility, and bonus features to ensure a satisfying gaming and casino experience.
Different elements of an online slot appeal to different players. Some like high variance games, others like those with high RTP, precision, and innovative game mechanics. Check out the features you should consider before you play on this page.
Nowadays, all slot games can be played across various devices, including smartphones and tablets. All our best slots can played on Windows, iOS, Android and MAC-powered devices, including iPhones. These user-friendly experiences are made possible by a variety of leading software providers who consistently develop innovative games with stunning graphics and engaging gameplay.
The best slots in the UK tend to be the ones that offer big potential payouts and allow various payment methods. Games like Dead or Alive 2, Bonanza Megaways and Book of Dead can pay out huge stake multipliers from just one spin. While these thrilling online slots offer the potential for significant spin winnings, it’s essential to remember to gamble responsibly and set limits to ensure a fun and enjoyable gaming experience.