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Online Slot Games Crash Course
2022-07-19

Online Slot Games Crash Course

Online slot games are the most popular games by players around the world. Let's take a look on the online slot games from the players perspective and bring about in order and details all the most relevant things you should know about them.

Section 1. The popular kinds of online slots

Video Slots. These slots have video intros and and, when hit, their bonus game and other features will start with video playbacks, etc. Some of the emblematic video slots include Dragon Emperor, Lucky 88, Red Baron, Thunderstruck 2, Wizard of Oz, etc. As separate kind of video slots, there are movie-themed slot games, that are based around a specific movie theme and plot. They are licensed by a film maker studio and might be discountinued by a maker the license expires. As a separate kind of Video slots, there are 3d slots that were made famous by Betsoft and later Netent, with Gonzo's Quest being one of the well known titles thereof. 

Classic Slots. Slot machine games online offer gameplay based on situations that may seem ancient. They may be obsolete but are evergreen and never worthless. A top feature of classic slots is they are offered for free by developers, allowing players to understand how to wager and spin. Here is our collection of classic slotsFruit machines are a part of larger classic slots type, dating back to where it all just began. With them all the symbols on the reels include: lemons, 7’s, berries, bells, and Bars. Notably, fruit machines are among the low-paying slot games, usually because of the payouts the symbols offer. 

Progressive slots or Progressive jackpot slots. These slot machine allow you to win more than their announced Maximum Win number since they will have either standalone random jackpot reature installed in the game or progressive jackpot prize that is being pooled from all the network of players who play this slot for a certain time. Also, for example, Blueprint Gaming create a prize pool from some 40 titles all connected together, obviosly, as a way to increase loayalty and gametime of their slots. Now, progressive jackpots are hugely popular due to some tens of millions of euros win potential, but needless to say these wins come rarely.   

📌 Editor's note: Online slots has gradually developed from what is now called classic ones to the current state that's utilizing more and more quality video and complex features. Remarkably, the oldies are still there and have their audiences too: though being remastered and published in crisp graphics, their mechanics stays the same. In you want to travel in time, you may want to start from classic fruit machine. 

📣📢 According to Thees Buchmann (wishcasinos.com): 
There’s a never-ending selection of online casino slots available to online casino players today, many of which that come with high-quality graphics, and stunning sound effects. Mega Moolah is one good and popular example of a video slot. Slots like this make up a better gaming experience for slot game fanatics. They also usually offer more paylines, free spins and bonus rounds than traditional slots, which means players have more chances to win on each spin. These features make video slots a popular choice among casino players.

💎 Related collections of slots by type:

📣📢 Section takeaways
Classic slots (fruit machines) have simple gameplay and a few ways to win. Their presentation is built on traditional symbols like 7's, cherries and berries, hearts, etc. These simple games appeal to players looking for relaxing and charming games. This includes older players, men and women alike (they are more balanced by gender) as well as time poor and occassional players.  
Video slots are in general more complicated games, both in terms of features and presentation. They would utilize much more complex features and quality looks and sounds. These games may appeal to players looking to novel features and, possibly, having some prior experience in gambling.

 

Section 2. Online Slots Features

Subsection 2.1. The grid

Grid is a number of vertical and horizontal sections on the game screenm wherein symbols appear. Classic slots has had started from 3x3 and later 5x3 grid. 2020s games would often have 6x4 or 7x5 grid, etc.

Reels are probably the first feature you will see when you load the game on your screen. Reels are the vertical sections on the grid layout, which spin after setting your bet and hitting the spin button. The number of reels has increased along with technological advancement from 3 onto 5 to 7 and even more. 5x3 and 7x5 grid slots machines means that you can more easily create longer winning combinations: consider chances of collecting 5 matching symbols with 5 reels and the same number of matches using 7 reels.  

Lines make another element of the grid: these are horizontal sections that give width to the games presentation. The classic grid is 5x3, which means 5 reels and 3 lines and makes a simple 15 paylines. One good example of a simple 5 reels and 3 lines slot is Hot Hot Fruit by Habanero Systems. 5x4  grid become more common afterwards...

Payline or Ways to win is the final element of the grid, a way a winning symbols may connect to form a winning combination. For example, 5 cherries lined up in a single row, etc. Winning ways recognized by a software developer are immediately visible after you hit any combination, so a player don't have to remember it, etc. Obviously, there can be cases when you hit a number of winning symbols in no particular order, so this is when no payline has been formed, and you get nothing.

The 243-payline feature increases your winning opportunities significantly as compared to the previous generation of slots. They have a fixed number of paylines (243) and were first introduced by Microgaming and found in its bangers like Immortal Romance or The Game of Thrones 243 ways. In many cases, a slot machine may have 15-30 paylines version as well as 243 playlines version (as often indicated in the title). Here's a collection of some 300+ online slots with 243 paylines

Multiways slots. This is a common name of slot machine having more than 243 paylines, most often, 1024 or 4096 ways to win, etc.

Megaways slots. Megaways is a trademark by Big Time Gaming covering their emblematic 117'649 ways to win games. Yet, Megaways slots is sometimes used to refer to any slot machines that has a 7x5 grid or more and too many ways to win.

Cluster pays slots. Alternativey to playlines, there can be cluster pays slots machines, where symbols that appear in no particular order will still count towards your win.  

📌 Editor's note: Online slots are entertainment businessness foremost. So, as the developer started with 9 cells (3x3) grid and 9 paylines, like 3 Diamonds by Swintt or 15 cells grid (5x3) and 30 paylines, like Safari Sam™ by Betsoft in 2012, so they then would release the same title with 50 paylines (Safari Sam 2™) in 2021 or Alkemor's Tower™ with 243 paylines in 2015, etc. Importantly, a higher number of paylines does not inform the higher chances of winning. The significant change comes in with the volatiloty here: the more ways to win are there, the more volatile is the game, meaning further up and down you may go with it.

💎 Related slots' collections by type:

Subsection 2.2. Wilds, scatters, multipliers and other fun features

Expanding Wilds. The wilds boost the hopes of getting a winning spin by substituting all other icons except the scatter. However, the Expanding wilds are now an addition to the regular wilds. While the expanding wilds have the same function as regular wilds, they also do as they are named -- expand. So they would spread across the entire reel length, turning all the standard symbols they come across into a wild. Obviously, slots with expanding wilds will make gameplay even more intriguing and have increased win potential.  

Changing Reels, also known as Moving reels, Avalanche Reels, Tumbling or Falling reels, etc are part of animation setups on most modern online slots. The reels are linked together and move around the standard reels, usually in the middle. For many slots with this feature, it is included as part of the bonus feature (the Jumbo symbols). Other slots with changing reels increase size or boost the number of symbols from the regular number in the base game. 

Expanding Reels (Lines) is when a number of reels or lines can be expanded by certain event, for example, by hitting a Scatter symbol. For example, in Dwarf Mine slot by Yggdrasil, a number of lines can be expanded from 3 to a maximum of 7 (by hitting Scatters). A now classical slot machine Egyptian Dreams Deluxe by Habanero System has layout of 5 reels and 3 lines that extandable to 5x5 but every appearance of  a Pharaoh symbol would only add up one symbol in the extra line. Alternatively, reels can be expanded in the bonus game: when, for example, a base game offers 6x4 grid, it is in a bonus game a number of reels is expanded to 12, making a huge increase in a win potential.

Super Stacks or Stacked Wilds are part of the intriguing features of modern online slots. They are usually offered as part of the bonus feature. As we previously discussed, Stacked Wilds would come in along or as a part of other features, like for example, in Collosal Reels slots.  Many online slots now have this feature, like Jack and the Beanstick, The CatfatherJaguar Princess, to name a few. They can increase your chance of a big win since the probability of gathering a winning cluster is higher.

Free Spin feature is usually the main bonus round offered on many online slot games. Using a free spin means you don’t need to pay before hitting the spin. Yet, your chances of winning cash prizes are high too. The number of free spins given differs from one slot game to another and software providers.

Subsection 2.3. Probabilities and volatility

Return to Player (RTP) also referred to as the Payout is how much on average is a prize as a percent of the money or money’s worth wagered by the player. So, if the slot's RTP is stated to be 95%, it means that on average per each spin a player will get a prize of 95% of the money wagered. Now, in most cases, this is an immaterial figure, since it's only an outcome of the mathematical structure of the game that can only be proven over 100s of billions of rounds. Still, it is important to a player in that it gives an actual sense of experience of the game: is it flatter (like in low RTP games) or exiting, like with the higher RTP games?

Volatility in slot machines is a measure of how wide the prize amount is dispersed from the average. If it is a narrow range of dispertion, a player will tend to follow the slot's RTP on a certain set of spins. Instead, if it is a wide range of dispersion, the final prize amount may walk away from the stated RTP wide astray.

Hit rate is how often on average a player will win anything as a percent of all attempts made. For example, if a slot's hit rate is 41% it means that on average more than 4 times from 10 spins a player will land at least some winning combinations. 

📖 Further reading:

Section 3. Casino Vocabulary

When setting out to play top-rated online slot games in 022, there are important terms you must be familiar with. While some may not require you to understand them, it is essential to get a basic understanding first. To enjoy free games online slot machines, you should be aware of some pointers.

Deposit for Withdrawal: Before jumping on any free online games slot machines, you should fund your casino account first. Most slot titles are offered free, while others need a deposit first. In other instances, you will have to deposit before using bonus features available here. 

Maximum Win: online slot games slot machines in 2022 come with diverse winning chances. While all may not have a jackpot feature, there is a particular benchmark that can increase your wager by several times. This figure is different among the slots, ranging between 100x and 1000x your bet. Maximum win is tied to the highest paying symbol on a line, usually five of them. 

The instant play mode is a function that offers you a chance to enjoy your favorite slot title with the touch of a button. Everything is already set for you to jump on and begin spinning. The instant play mode requires advanced technology for players to use and wager. 

Wagering/ Playthrough Requirements: Wagering requirements are part of the terms and conditions included on bonus offers by both online casino operators and software providers. This common term refers to the number of times you will have to spin the bonus funds before you can place a withdrawal request. 

📣📢 As Jeremy claims: 
Free slot games online come in different types and categories, although the gameplay is similar to each other. A high RTP means players have bigger chances of getting more wins. It describes the percentage of wins a player should get from the total number of spins he has placed in the long term.

📌 More Key Terms About Real Online Slot Games 2022

Nudges: Nudges are part of the features seen in online gambling slot games 2022 to increase winning chances for the current spin. This function allows players to change the position of any reel during a spin, either for one or multiple options. This particular feature appears automatically during a spin and usually changes the entire spin's outcome. 

Split Symbols: The split symbols are emblems on reels that play two different functions while occupying just one space on the reels. You may not need other symbols to fill the reels, but your winning chances are the same with split symbols. Some new online casino slot games which offer the split symbols advantage include Noah’s Ark, Blade, etc. 

Pay Tables: Slot online free games paytables are usually presented as a datasheet that offers all the information required to enjoy the game. It contains rules regarding a winning cluster, the minimum and maximum bets, cash prizes, and jackpot amount (if any). Betting requirements are also included, which include rules on wagering with bonus funds and the base game rounds. 

The RTP or Return to Player is a calculated sum that estimates the probabilities of a player winning. Usually, all RTPs are supposed to start from 90%. The higher an RTP is for a slot, the more your chances of winning the game. Suppose if an RTP is 100%, the player will go draw to draw with the casino, and there will be no winner. Above 100%, the player’s chances of winning are assured with the house constantly losing.

Auto Spin: It icon refers to an essential feature on best slot online games. Players who do not want to hit the spin button can opt for this automatic option that will go spin after spin uninterrupted. Spins are mainly predetermined before you hit the auto spin button. Number of spins differs between 20 and 100 depending on the slot. 

Benefits of Playing Slot Games Online

Below you can read some benefits of playing slot games online for free. Playing games online offers you an extensive range of options. Online casino players are spoilt for choosing different slot games to play. Many iGaming sites list many fun slot games online titles to enjoy, each with different themes, designs, and bonuses. The retail casino may be limited for lack of space and sometimes reduced number of slot machines. 

Quality Demo Availability - A usual feature of playing free online slot games for free is the availability of a demo mode where you can enjoy the same gameplay as the paid version. The only difference is you can’t withdraw your cash wins when playing in the free mode. 

Safety and Security - All free online slot games no sign up come installed with an algorithm, the Random Number Generator (RNG), to prevent fraud and cheating. This algorithm prevents cheating since a computer simulation controls the probability of a winning symbol combination appearing on the reels. 

Available on Mobile  - Technological improvements now allow you to enjoy your favorite games from the comfort of your mobile device. You no longer need to wait or travel a long distance to play at retail casinos, interrupting your other essential activities. No more sitting in front of a computer; just play free online mobile slot games with the features and crisp graphics intact. 

Various Payment Methods - There are now numerous payment methods for you to choose from when trying to fund your account. Instead of doing physical cash at a vendor, you can select from several choices to either deposit or withdraw. The banking options now vary, with the latest payment option, cryptocurrency, offered by many casinos. If you are scared of releasing your bank information through bank cards, you can easily use an e-wallet to fund your account. 

📣📢 Jeremy: “You must be familiar with essential terms to enjoy your gaming time on online free slot games. Some of them are used as part of bonus features, and a general idea of how they function is essential to help you build your winning opportunities.”

Game Features of Online Slots

  • Multiplier. As the name suggests, multipliers increase your bets, total wins, and even line wins by multiplying by a certain number. As a rule, they usually start from x2 and x20. However, some slot games offer multipliers as high as x1000 or even x10000. Many slot machine games free online players prefer online slots with multipliers because they quickly increase your cash payout potential by multiple times. 
  • Wild Symbol is an icon that appears either in the base or bonus game or online slots. They usually offer a high cash payout by a certain number if they appear at any position of the reels. Wild symbols replace almost all the symbols on the reels except another special symbol. The scatter emblem is available in best free online casino slot games.
  • Autoplay Function allows the spin engines to run independently for a preselected number of spins uninterrupted. It's now a standard function in the current slot games online free, and even classic slots are not left out. Once activated, you don’t need to hit the spin button repeatedly. It loads the spin results and loads the next spin round immediately. 
  • Scatter Symbol is a unique icon found in slots in the wild. You can use it to load the bonus game quickly if you land a certain number on the reels board, usually three. Scatters also boost your winning potential by a certain number and are among the highest-paying icons for any real slot games online. 

Trusted Providers with Online Slots

There are many software providers offering games to online casinos. Among them are reputable and well-known suppliers trusted over the years. Each free slot machines games online has special features and offers for players from all over the world. The list of proven and sought-after providers includes:

1) Aristocrat Leisure Limited

Aristocrat is an Australian-based software provider known for its highly engaging online slots. Their features offer a fair amount of speed, HD graphics, and amazing bonuses. They provide a range of free online Aristocrat slot games like video and classic slots. Customers can play their games on mobile browsers with no software needed.

5 Dragons online slot comes with an RTP of 96%. Offered by Aristocrat gaming, enjoy various bonus features, including scatters, free spins, wilds, and scatters. The theme is based on ancient Asian culture, celebrating the time of the dragons. Enjoy up to 50 free spins when you load the bonus round in the slot free games online.

Lightning Link came from the stable of Microgaming and was released in 2015. The beautiful-looking free online slot games to play now offer a progressive jackpot feature, including the mini, minor, central, and grand rounds. Fifty fixed paylines played on five reels, with symbols reflecting fast gaming speed.
Buffalo Slot. With a taste for adventure, Aristocrat offers you a ride with the big Buffalo. This middle variance slot offers you an RTP of 94.85%, with a jackpot feature. The free Buffalo feature can also be played on mobile devices on five reels with 40 paylines. There are wilds and scatters with up to 20 free spins for grab. 

2) IGT (International Game Technology)

IGT is a respected name in the online gambling world. The company specializes in the production of slot machines both online and offline. IGT offers a range of slot titles with different mechanics attached. Their bonuses are also top-notch, with secure payment methods. 

Wheel of Fortune. IGT is taking things up a notch with their intense slot, Wheel of Fortune. Well known for the mechanics, enjoy this free slot on five reels and 30 paylines. Its RTP of 94% ensures that there is no room for boredom. You can enjoy this free game on your mobile device with no need for software.
Cleopatra. Cleopatra free online slot game is dedicated to the beautiful goddess, Cleopatra, who was the last ancient Egypt Pharaoh. Played on a 5x3 board, it has 20 fixed paylines with an auto spin feature. Enjoy the RTP of 95.02%, and the beautiful queen could reward you with 15 free spins in the free online Cleopatra slot games. 
Siberian Storm. Siberian Storm is not your regular free casino online slot games. Developed by IGT, it brings to light the expensive taste of a white lion as its theme, played on five reels with 720 paylines. You can win up to 1000x your bet, and 240 free spins are up for grabs in the bonus round in the real slot machine games online. 

3) Microgaming

Microgaming, formed in 1994, is a ranking name for online slots. All slot games from this supplier are top-rated with incredible graphics and impressive bonuses. This company was the first ever to offer a progressive jackpot slot that still pays today. Popular Microgaming online slot games include Mega Moolah, Major Millions, Agent Jane Blonde series, 9 Pots of Gold, etc. 

Book of Ra Deluxe. It offers an RTP of 95.1%, which is a great addition. This slot offers you up to 5000x your primary wager and has a free spins bonus round. The free slot games online Book of Ra Deluxe is themed around ancient Egypt with symbols and reels designed to display the beauty of Egypt. Be loyal, and you’ll be awarded 200 free spins and up to 5000x your wager in the free online slot games Book of Ra Deluxe. 

4) Bally

Bally online slots have a large number of slot games in their belt. This provider is based in the USA and offers mega-jackpot games in addition to their video slots. Bally slot games online are available in demo mode as well as the paid version. 
Quick Hit. This is a fantastic free Bally slot game online where you can win up to 5000x your total bet. It offers an RTP of 94.06%, with a grid setup of 20 tiles. If you’re searching for free spins, you’re in luck. Quick Hitcasino slots free slot machines games online free offers up to 20 free spins in the bonus round and can be played on mobile and PC.
88 Fortunes. Bally Technologies offer 88 Fortunes casino games slots free. This game is popular because it provides 243 paylines to win. The RTP is 96%, and it has a friendly classic theme. For the most part, the best online slot games come with additional features, including an auto-play and gamble bonus. The progressive jackpot feature is a great addition, and you could win up to 10 free spins in the bonus round.

📣📢 Comment: “All the features available on the desktop version are available on mobile browsers, with the high-quality graphics intact. Some of the best free online slot games with bonus spins to try out include Wizard’s Critters, Cleopatra, Dragon Clusterbuster, Kensei Blades, 5 Pots PRices, etc.”

Top-5 list of best online casino operators to try

1. National Casino
The National Casino primarily offers a large game selection of online pokies. The casino holds a license from the Curacao government, with lots of bonuses and promotions to show. National Casino has over 50 software providers who list the best online slots like video slots, classic slots, and even fruit machines. 

2. StayCasino 
StayCasino is operated by Hollycorn N.V and holds a license from the Government of Curacao. In addition to online pokies, this casino offers a range of other casino games to play, supplied by renowned providers, including Aristocrat. It has a rich welcome bonus for players to jump on. Some of the top-rated online pokies to try out include Black Wolf, Bonanza Billion, etc. 

3. PlayAmo Casino
Since its inception in 2016, PlayAmo casino has been offering a steady supply of the best online pokies to its customers. Their welcome bonus consists of an impressive 150% deposit bonus with 150 free spins. With a ton of promotions, the free spins never stop flowing. 

4. Spin Samurai Casino
Licensed in Curacao, Spin Samurai online casino has over 3000+ casino games in its collection, with most online pokies. Players at this casino are treated to various bonuses, rewards, and promotions regularly. Jump on popular slots like Buffalo Trail, Book of Anunnaki, Juicy Crush, etc. 

5. YOJU Casino
This popular gaming site is well known to Australian players as a bitcoin casino. They offer a nice welcome bonus of 3000 AUD/5 Btc with lots of free spins following to be enjoyed on their slots collection. This casino has a cryptocurrency payment option, which allows you to deposit and withdraw instantly with low fees

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