IF the terms RTP and volatility sound confusing to you, then don’t worry, you are not alone. Online slots are one of the most popular forms of gambling among the UK public, but if you are new to them, some of the information you are greeted with can be a little daunting.
In this online slot guide, we will take a look at how online slots work, what phrases like RTP and volatility mean, and if there is any way you can maximise your potential returns when playing slots online.
How do online slots work?
Online slots work much in the same way as their land-based counterparts. A set of reels spins, each displaying a selection of symbols. To win, the symbols must land a specific way on the reels, creating winning combinations. The mechanics will vary from slot to slot, with some using traditional paylines, where winning combinations need to land on the leftmost reel and appear in certain patterns, and others using more complex payment systems, like ways to win or Megaways. Regardless of the gameplay mechanics, the principles remain the same.
What is RTP for online slots?
RTP stands for return to player. This is displayed as a percentage, and it shows players the amount of their stake they could expect to see returned over a period of time. For example, if a slot has an RTP of 96% and you staked £100 over a prolonged period, you could expect roughly £96 returned. It is important to remember that RTP is not an exact science and should be used as an estimate.
What is online slot volatility?
Whereas RTP tells you how much you are likely to see over a period of time, volatility can give you an indication of how often you are likely to win and what kind of prizes you could win. Slots with low volatility will pay out smaller prizes more often, while higher volatility slots require longer gameplay but will pay out bigger when they do.
How do online slots paytables work?
Slot paytables tell you everything you need to know about how the slot works and how much you can win. You will find instructions on how to play the game, a breakdown of what each bonus symbol pays, and an explanation of how to trigger the bonus features and what they do. The paytable is often marked by a question mark or the letter ‘i’.
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Which slots have the best RTP?
Plenty of slots have high RTPs, but the following titles are the ones with the highest on the market right now. Remember, just because a slot has a high RTP doesn’t mean it will offer up the biggest wins, with most of these titles only boasting moderate maximum wins.
Book of 99 (Relax Gaming) – 99%
Relax Gaming is one of the most creative developers on the market, and it took the popular ‘book of’ mechanic seen in titles like Book of Dead and Book of Ra and mixed it with an extremely high RTP. As its name might suggest, the Book of 99’s 99% RTP is its biggest selling point. The game serves up a maximum win of 5,000x, and its main feature is a free spins round with expanding symbols, just like other ‘Book of’ games.
Mega Joker (NetEnt) – 99%
Matching the 99% RTP of Book of 99 is NetEnt’s Mega Joker. The game uses an old-school design, pulling inspiration from classic fruit-machine slots. The slot keeps the base game simple, with just five active paylines across three reels. The maximum win here is 200x your stake, which is not as impressive as many other titles, but this is the ideal slot for those who like to keep things simple and are fans of retro gambling.
Marching Legions (Relax Gaming) – 98.12%
Relax Gaming makes the list for a second time with Marching Legions. This is a 5×3 slot that has 243 ways to win. It combines a charming design with innovative features, including a stacked symbols mechanic and a tiered free spins bonus. The game serves up a maximum win of 7,458x your stake.
Madame Mystique Megaways (Pragmatic Play) 98.03%
Pragmatic Play is one of the most active developers in the industry, so it should be no surprise to see their names on this list. Madame Mystique Megaways combine an RTP of 98.03% with the popular Megaways gameplay mechanic. It serves up a potential 200,704 ways to win on every spin, which is higher than a standard Megaways slot. This is all topped off with a fun free spins bonus and a maximum win of 5,000x your stake.
Blood Suckers (NetEnt) 98%
Blood Suckers is easily the most popular on this list. The game, originally released by NetEnt in 2009, has spawned a sequel and a Megaways spin-off, both of which also boast high RTPs. This gory, action-packed slot has an RTP of 98%. The slot serves up a maximum win of 1,014.6x your total stake. Blood Suckers has stood the test of time, with its high RTP and subsequent sequels and spin-offs being the biggest reasons.
Is it possible to build a winning slot strategy?
There is no guaranteed way to win when playing online slots. Unlike games like blackjack or poker, there is also no strategy guide that you can use to help minimise your potential losses. However, there are certain steps you can take to find the games that are most likely to see returns depending on the way you would like to play.
What are the top strategies for winning online slots?
The following tips should all be considered when you are attempting to put together a slot strategy that suits your needs.
1. Choose the right slot
If you want to have some luck with online slots, then you will first need to research and make sure you are picking the right slot for you. There are many factors that will determine this, with your own playing style and budget probably being the biggest two. Are you looking for highly volatile slots with huge winning potential? Or do you want smaller games where you can land regular, smaller wins? Your budget is also likely to play a part in this decision. We recommend checking out slot reviews and, where possible, playing slot demos to find games that suit your strategy.
2. Use free games to learn the ropes
A great way to get used to playing online slot games is to take demo slots for a spin. This allows you to learn about the slot’s gameplay and bonuses before you part ways with real money. Players in the UK can no longer access slot demos at casinos, but they are still available on several websites. To play, you will need to register and verify your identity first.
3. Learn the paytables
Before you play any online slot, you should take five minutes to acquaint yourself with the game’s paytable. Understanding how online slot works is important, and it will help you choose which games you think will work for you and which won’t.
4. Understand RTP rates
Another habit you should get into when playing slots online is to check their RTP and volatility. This information will give you an idea of the kind of wins you can expect from a slot. Of course, you should also make sure you spend some time making sure you understand exactly what these numbers and terms mean.
5. Set loss and win limits
As with all online gambling, you should ensure you manage your budget correctly. Having a firm grasp on finances and not overspending is essential to enjoy online gambling. The best way to do this is to use the limiting services that casinos offer. These will prevent you from spending big sums when playing online. You can also use self-exclusion options to give yourself a chance to cool off if you need to.
Should I go for smaller or bigger jackpots with online slots?
This all depends on how you want to play. Of course, everyone would like to win big, but games with bigger jackpots also tend to be highly volatile and have lower RTPs. Hitting a big jackpot is the dream, but it can take a long time. Some players prefer to play games with smaller but more frequent payouts.
What are the best UK casinos for playing online slots?
There are plenty of top casinos in the UK that offer online slots. The following are our picks for three of the best:
1. Duelz
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Duelz is one of our favourite online casinos. The site combines a unique, fantasy-based theme with a slot selection home to over 1,000 titles. You will find high-paying slots from modern innovative developers like Hacksaw Gaming and Relax Gaming, as well as classic titles from veterans like Play’n Go, NetEnt, and Pragmatic Play. The casino also serves up a generous welcome bonus for new players.
2. Mr Vegas
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When it comes to game catalogues, you will struggle to find many that can compete with Mr Vegas. The casino is home to over 5,000 games, including classic slots like Big Bass Bonanza, Book of Dead, and Gonzo’s Quest, as well as modern hits like Money Train 3, Tombstone RIP, and more.
3. Hotstreak Slots
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Hotstreak Slots serves up plenty of high-paying online slot action. The casino works with well-known developers like Red Tiger and NetEnt, as well as smaller studios like Rabcat and Snowborn, ensuring that players have a big collection of popular and classic online slots to choose from. There are slots here to suit just about every type of playing budget and gameplay strategy, with the operator also offering an excellent selection of live casino and table games.
Should I leave a slot game after a win?
No. There is no rule about leaving a slot game after a win. However, it can sometimes be sensible to quit while the going is good. If you find your account is significantly boosted, then you might want to dial back the bets and cash in your winnings.
How to win big on penny slots
There is no guaranteed way to win big on any online slot game, but there are definitely steps you can take to boost your chances. We recommend looking for penny slots with a high RTP. If it is big wins you are after, you will also want to check for highly volatile games. Though, this also brings more risk as you will often need to play for longer periods. We also recommend looking for slots with dynamic features with strong winning potential. Gameplay mechanics like avalanches, hold & spin, free spins, and respins are often good ones to look out for.
What are the best bonuses for online slots?
There are tons of excellent bonuses out there that can be used on online slots. Of course, free spins promotions are extremely popular among slot players, and these can be a great way to land some potential wins courtesy of a casino. We also recommend looking out for deposit bonuses. These are often less restrictive than free spins and can be used on a wider range of slots or games.
Should I avoid branded slot games online?
No. There are plenty of excellent branded and licensed online slot games available. In terms of slots based on licensed properties, we recommend checking out both Ted and The Goonies from Blueprint Gaming, both of which are bonus-packed titles that make great use of their IPs.
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Are online slot games rigged?
No. Online slot games use random number generators (RNG) to determine the outcome of each individual spin. This ensures that each spin is separate from the last and that operators can have nothing to do with the outcome. If you ever have any concerns about an online casino, then you should simply leave and go to another one. There are hundreds of excellent top online casinos that are fully licensed and 100% fair.
Which slot mechanics have the biggest chance of paying out?
There are so many innovative and interesting online slot mechanics and features available. If you are looking for slots that can lead to big wins, then the Megaways mechanic can be a good place to start. These titles boast an increased number of ways to win and are often highly volatile with high-paying bonus features. In terms of bonuses, we recommend looking out for progressive jackpots if you want big wins, while free spins and respins can be great if you want to boost your winning potential.
What are my odds of winning with online slots?
The RTP largely determines the odds of winning in an online slot. This is a percentage that displays how much of your money you are likely to see returned over an exact period of time. This will vary from slot to slot and is not an exact science. The industry average for this is around 96%.
About the author
Liam Hoofe
Liam is an experienced iGaming and sports betting journalist based in Cardiff. He has worked in the sports betting industry since 2017 and has provided content for some of the biggest casino and betting brands in the UK. He has also covered football and other sports for both regional and national newspapers.
Find Liam on Twitter: @LiamHoofe
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
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