Finding the best video slot casino online can seem like a daunting task at first, but that’s where we come in. With so many options available online it could take forever to choose the right online casino to suit your needs. For your convenience, we have done all the groundwork for you. Our expert team have done the due diligence on video slots.
A simple online search should yield a variety of online casinos that offer video slots. Making sure that they are safe, secure and legitimate is crucial. Several criteria need to be met before we confidently recommend a video slots casino, which we will discuss in more detail here. Let’s take a look at the best online casinos to play video slots in the UK right now.
What Are Video Slots?
Arguably the most popular version of all the slot games, video slots have enjoyed the most growth and evolution, a factor that contributed to their incredible popularity. The video slot is the younger brother of the classic fruit machine.
Casino video slots come loaded with intense graphics and animations, are packed with features such as free spins, and the best ones will have bonus games that can take you on a completely different journey.
Because of their ability to play animations, video slot games are usually based on a specific theme. Currently, the most popular themes are mythology, folklore, adventure and even blockbuster movies have seen a tremendous rise in popularity.
As technology evolves, so do the games, the industry is cutthroat and developers are continuously trying to outdo one another, which has given rise to even more spectacular games. This works in the players’ favour as we are now spoilt for choice with games getting bigger, better and far more indulgent.
Classic Slots vs Video Slots – Which Are Better?
When you think of a classic slot game, the slot machines from the good old days come to mind. Slot machines were first introduced in 1895 and were rudimentary machines with 3 reels that only featured a couple of symbols. These included fruits, bells and a couple of others depending on the manufacturer.
These days, online slot machines are all video-based, which means even a classic-themed game is still considered a video slot, technically. Video slots are new age slots that are designed with a particular theme that gives the game its identity. Online casino video slots will usually come with awesome animations and are loaded with features and even some bonus games that can be triggered during the base game. These types of online slots will offer more paylines which translates to more winning combinations.
The main differences between slot video games and classic slots are evident from the moment you begin playing. As mentioned already, classic slots will have just a few symbols and will almost always be played on a 3-reel layout with only 1 payline that runs horizontally on the middle row. Video slots will offer up to 5 reels and sometimes more than 1000 paylines depending on the game.
Another major difference is the available features. Video slots come packed with numerous features, including wilds, scatters and free spin symbols that trigger a game within a game. Classic slots will not offer any of these fancy frills.
At the end of the day, it’s up to the player to decide which version of slots they prefer. With that being said, online casino video slot games provide a far more feature-rich experience. Coupled with loads of paylines, breathtaking graphics, animations that blow your mind and, of course, bonus games that often prove to be extremely lucrative, video slots are the better option.
How to Win at Video Slots
Online slots at the best slots sites are completely random and as such, there is no true way to beat the system. With that being said, there are several ways you can increase your chances of winning big when playing video slots online. Let’s take a closer look at some of the ways you’ll get a little extra bang for your buck playing your favourite video slot games online.
Choose the Right Game
There are a few criteria to take into account that will help you with your decision. Check the RTP of your desired slot. This refers to the amount you can expect to win back after every bet. Keep in mind that this may not happen on every spin but overall it balances out. You will also want to consider the theme, bonus features, and jackpots in your decision-making.
Test Drive Games with Free Play
A good video slots online casino will have a variety of games that can be played for free. This is a great way to get a feel for the game mechanics and payout structure before having to bet with real money. Check out our list of recommended free-play video slots casinos to find one that offers what you’re looking for.
Familiarise Yourself with the Paytable and Special Symbols
Selecting a game that incorporates a myriad of special features and symbols is essential when trying to win big. If you speak to any avid slots enthusiast, they will tell you that free spins and bonus games are often the most lucrative. Choose a game that gives you free spins, and includes multipliers, wilds, and other helpful symbols to maximise your chances of winning big.
Set a Budget Limit
It’s far too easy to get carried away playing free video slots. The visual stimulation can often distract you and you’ll lose track of your bankroll. Make sure you set a limit for yourself and be strict about adhering to this when playing slots video games for real money.
Play for Mini Jackpots
This may sound a little counter-intuitive to newcomers; however, it is sound advice. The larger jackpots will not be won as frequently as much smaller ones. This is exactly why it often proves more fruitful to attack the smaller jackpots, unless you have a massive bankroll behind you.
Video Slots with Jackpots
Jackpots are considered the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for video slots aficionados, and for good reason. Jackpots are continuously enticing players with the opportunity to win life-changing sums of money with a single spin of the reels. Some food for thought is the fact that huge jackpots are notoriously hard to win and will often drain your bankroll before striking it rich.
Most jackpot slots require that you make the maximum bet to win them. Smaller jackpots are far more attainable and provide the same excitement without the need for a max bet. Progressive jackpots have become all the craze of late, as their jackpot is raised with every non-winning spin. This often leads to massive jackpots, but as a rule of thumb, rather play for smaller jackpots.
Key Video Slot Features
There are several reasons for the rapid rise in the popularity of video slots. Although they are quite similar to the slots games of old, new exciting additions have made them a first choice for many players. There are loads of new features that you’ll come across. Here we will take a closer look at the key features that help video slots stand out:
Wilds
These symbols will often be depicted by the mascot of the game, although not always. However, they will tie in with the theme of the slot. The wild symbol is used in numerous ways depending on the game. Sometimes they will trigger a bonus game, or they may just add to your total win.
Wilds may also substitute other symbols to create bigger wins. The function of a wild will differ depending on the game so familiarise yourself with them in the information menu. Here are a few examples of the different types you’re bound to encounter in video slots: expanding wilds, cascading wilds, sticky wilds, and stacked wilds.
Free Spins
One of the most highly sought-after aspects of online video slot games. Free spins will often prove to be one of the most lucrative features in any slot. They are usually triggered when a player lands between 3 and 5 scatter symbols on the reels. This will then trigger the free spins feature.
Depending on the game, you could be awarded anywhere from 5 to 100 free spins. On the odd occasion, you may even receive more. Certain slots will allow players to re-trigger free spins during the feature or may add multipliers to their wins.
Cascading Reels
As the name implies, this is when the reels fall after each win and allow players to register even more spins without placing a new wager.
Multipliers
With these, whenever you register a win, the amount will be multiplied. Some slots will have their multipliers go up to 500x, which could lead to incredibly larger wins.
Bonus Games
Bonus games refer to a separate game that is triggered during the main game. In today’s video slots, there are a wide variety of bonus games that you’ll come across. Think of them as mini-games where you’ll have the opportunity to win bigger and better prizes.
Most video game slots require you to land at least 3 special symbols to trigger the bonus games. Here are just a couple of bonus games you’ll have the chance to play depending on your chosen slot.
Instant Win: Landing a certain number of the correct symbols during this bonus game will give you instant cash. Sometimes there can be a few of these within one round. These can pump up your bankroll considerably and are always a welcome feature.
Pathway Game: You’ll need to progress through a series of mini-games where the prizes will usually increase with every level passed. In most cases, completing the entire bonus game will see you walking away with the jackpot.
Pick & Choose Game: A simple mini-game where your task is to pick from a set of symbols on the screen. This bonus game will usually consist of several rounds, which you’ll need to progress through. Make it all the way to the end for the most impressive prizes and cash wins.
Top 10 Video Slots (2024)
With so many options available, choosing the best slots can be a hit-or-miss endeavour. Here are the top 10 video slot games online you should try:
- Triple Diamond – IGT
- Wheel of Fortune – IGT
- Starburst – NetEnt
- Book of Ra Deluxe – Novomatic
- Wizard of Oz – WMS
- Thunderstruck 2 – Microgaming
- Mega Fortune – IGT
- Avalon 2 – Microgaming
- Flaming Hot – EGT
- Guns N’ Roses – NetEnt
Playing Video Slots for Real Money
Most online video slot casinos will give players the opportunity to play for free. This is a great way to get a feel for the game but doesn’t compare to the pure excitement of winning real money. Although playing video slots for free is still great fun, there are numerous video slots that will not be accessible to you. The only way to get a taste of all the video slots on offer is to play for real money.
There’s no better feeling than winning big and the only way to do so is by triggering the special features and bonus games. This, as you’ve probably guessed, can only be done with cold hard cash (or credit card). Since you’re using actual money, it is vital that you choose a reputable casino. Making sure an online casino operates legally, is safe, and offers industry-standard safety are essential criteria to consider when choosing a video slots online casino.
How We Review Casinos
The industry is jam-packed with online casinos and the task of vetting them all is time-consuming, to say the least. We have strict criteria that every casino we recommend must meet before we think of endorsing a video slot online casino. Here are the key aspects we focus on and how we review casinos online:
When joining a casino, you will need to register. This process requires that you share some highly personal data and sensitive information online. This is the main reason why you need to make sure the casino is safe and secure. And so it is important that the casino has SSL encryption technology to ensure that all your data is kept behind a virtual lock and key.
Also, the casino needs to possess a valid operating license that has been granted by a reputable authority. And that is why all casinos listed on this page are licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission so your rights are protected.
Having an impressive library of games is one thing, but having a library of games that provides industry-leading technology, highly immersive graphics and smooth gameplay make all the difference. The sites we recommend have been supplied by industry giants such as Microgaming, NetEnt and IGT amongst other top-rated studios.
In this day in age, an online casino must be fully compatible with a variety of mobile devices. As such, we only recommend casinos that can be accessed from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Some casinos may require players to download an app before giving them access to the complete suite of games in their library.
Customer support is a facet of online casinos that cannot be overlooked. Great support means that players will be able to resolve issues and get answers to queries efficiently and professionally. The less time spent trying to get help, the more time you can spend playing your favourite video slots.
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