Types of Slot Machines
Developers offer thousands of slots. They differ in themes, symbols, the number of lines and reels, and bonus features. For players’ convenience, slot machines are divided into categories. The main ones are listed below.
Classic Slots
Classic slots are similar to one-armed bandits from the first land-based casinos. Their gameplay and rules are simple. Usually, they include 3-5 reels and up to 9 paylines, which players use to form winning combinations. In classic slots, you will see various themed symbols: fruits, berries, horseshoes, sevens, and card suits. Any bonus features in these slots are usually minimal or absent. There are also a few special symbols in these slots: a Wild replaces other symbols, and a Scatter activates the bonus round. There is also a risk game where you can try to double the payout.
Progressive Slots
One feature of progressive slots is the cumulative prize fund. It is formed from bets made by all players in a particular slot. As a result, the jackpot’s amount can reach millions. It keeps accumulating until someone wins it.
Video Slots
Video slots attract players with detailed graphics and special effects. They have thematic symbols and various bonuses. In some slot machines, there are unusual methods of forming winning combinations provided.
Jackpot Slots
Some slots have fixed jackpots. Their size is determined in advance and doesn’t depend on players’ bets. Although fixed jackpots are smaller than progressive ones, they are also a good offer to play. In some slots, the prize fund is drawn every day or even every hour. The chances of hitting these jackpots are higher than the progressive ones.
Branded Slots
This list of the best online slots in the USA includes many branded games. They are based on popular movies, comic books, TV shows, etc. The symbols correspond to the general concept and brand. There are also themed prize rounds available.
Best Online Casino Slots in 2024
Top online slots let you enjoy the game and have a good time. They also provide real payouts. The best slot machines with good chances of winning are listed here in our rating. There are slots from popular providers that offer high-quality graphics, high stakes, and generous return percentages. They also offer various bonuses that make the game more profitable and captivating.
All slots included in the rating have been checked by both our experts and players.
How We Review Online Slot Games
To make a rating, our experts check slots according to various parameters. The main criteria to consider are:
- Provider’s popularity
- Plot, theme, and symbols
- Return percentages
- Volatility
- Odds in the payout table
- Bonus options
- Jackpot availability
- Real players’ reviews
This rating includes online casinos with slots that get positive player ratings. They have high returns and odds, which let players get large payouts.
How Casino Slots Work
To choose the best online slot games, you need to understand how they work.
Slot Reels
Reels are the main element of the gameplay. After you launch a slot, it starts spinning. After it stops, the combinations form up. If it is a winning combination, you get a payout with a coefficient. In modern online slots, the rotating reels are just a visualization. The results are determined by a random number generator (RNG). The number of reels does not affect the probability of winning. It depends on the type of game. Classic slots usually have 3-5 reels, while modern slots have 7-9 or even more. You may also find unusual rotation mechanics in some of the slots.
RNG
Random number generator is a special program that powers slots’ work. It constantly determines random results. They don’t depend on the previous results. No one can accurately predict them.
In casinos operating under an official license, the RNG is regularly checked and audited. According to the results, casinos get certificates, which they post on their websites.
RTP
When choosing the best casino slots, you need to consider their return percentages. RTP is a percentage that determines what portion of the bets made returns to users. For example, let’s say the RTP equals 97%. In the long run, 97% of the bets made are returned to players as prize money, and the remaining 3% goes to the casino.
An RTP works in the long run and this parameter shouldn’t be taken too literally. It doesn’t mean that the exact probability of winning is, for example, 97%. But the higher the return percentage, the more chances you have to receive prize money. In some slots, the return is 98-99% or more. Slots with a return percentage of less than 95% are considered unprofitable.
Paylines
Prize combinations in slots are formed on paylines. Their number depends on the type of slot machine. The simplest slots usually have 3 reels and only one line running through their center. In modern slot machines, the range is from 5 to 25 rows, and each row can bring a winning combination. There are also Megaways slots. Instead of the usual lines, there are numerous ways to form prize combinations. There may be 243 or even 1,024 ways to form a combination with these slots.
Best Online Slots Software
This rating includes software from leading providers. The following developers stand out as the best:
- Microgaming
- NetEnt
- Playtech
- IGT
- Novomatic
- Quickspin
- Play’n GO
- Pragmatic Play
- BTG
Top Online Slots’ Tips for Winning
In the best online slot sites, you can get real winnings. Since the results are determined by an RNG, they largely depend on luck. However, simple recommendations help you increase your chances of getting a payout and reducing risks:
- If you are a new player, try simple slot machines first. They have simple rules that are easy to figure out in a couple of minutes. In addition, many of them have a higher return rate than their analogs. You can also play for free using demo versions to check the mechanics.
- See the paytable. It helps you understand which symbols are cheap and which are expensive.
- Do not try to hit progressive jackpots. Accumulative prize funds reach large sizes. However, the chances of hitting such a jackpot are minimal. Fixed jackpots are smaller, but there’s a higher chance of winning it.
- Enjoy bonuses. The bonus rounds in slot machines let you get free spins and increase payouts. Using them, you can play for free.
- Play only on safe and reliable websites. If you want to get winnings, you need to choose your casino carefully. It makes sense to avoid fraudulent websites that change slots’ RTP and don’t pay out winnings. You can find reliable licensed websites here in our casino ratings.
- Use strategies. Although it all depends on luck, the right tactics help you manage your bankroll and minimize risks. You can test different strategies and choose the most effective ones.
Most slots have free versions. They help beginners to study slots, check their parameters, and test their strategies. Demo mode does not involve financial risks as you don’t need to deposit money or register. However, you cannot get a payout in it.
Bonuses for the Best Slots
Online casinos offer players various bonuses. Using the bonuses, you can bet in the best online casino slots without risking your money.
Free Spins
Free spins are one of the most popular promo offers. Casinos determine slots where you can use the free spins and they limit their bet size. If a spin brings a payout, it is credited immediately. With unsuccessful spins, players lose nothing.
Winnings from free spins cannot be withdrawn immediately. You need to meet a wagering requirement first. It determines the number of bets you need to make before withdrawing money. Then the money is transferred from the bonus balance to the main one and can be withdrawn. There are also free spins built into slots mechanics. To activate them, you need to get a specific combination, usually from scatters.
No Deposit Bonus
A no deposit bonus is the most attractive promo offer for players. It usually offers a fixed amount of money. A no deposit bonus is provided for registering or specifying a promo code. Players can use bonus money for bets. Before withdrawing, you also need to meet a wagering requirement. For no deposit bonuses, the requirements are usually higher than for deposit bonuses, which makes wagering more difficult.
Welcome Bonus
There’s a welcome bonus offered at most online casinos. It is a specific amount of money that applies to the first few deposits. For each deposit, you get from 25 to 200% extra. This depends on the bonus amount and the casino’s policy. Additionally, a welcome package may include free spins. The wagering requirements for deposit bonuses are more loyal: casinos set lower wagering requirements and provide enough time to meet them.
There are other bonuses, too. For example, a reload bonus, which is offered to regular customers for depositing at a certain time of the day or week. You can also receive cashback (a return of a part of the money spent). Additionally, you can join loyalty programs and participate in tournaments.
Real Money or Free Games
Best online slots in the USA are available in two modes — for free and for real money. Demo versions do not require deposits and are available without registering. There, virtual chips are used as currency. There are no financial risks for players, but you can’t win real money either. Demo mode is suitable for studying the casino, checking the slots’ parameters, and testing out strategies.
You need to play for real money if you want to receive winnings. This feature is available only to players with registered accounts. Making a deposit is also required. Here, each spin can bring a win.
The main differences between full and demo versions are listed in the table below.
Free Version | Money Version |
---|---|
Demo mode does not require registering. You simply launch a slot machine and place your bet. | It’s available only to registered players. |
There are no financial investments. | A deposit is required. |
You can't win real money. | Each spin can bring prizes that can be withdrawn. |
If you spend all your virtual chips, you can simply refresh the page. | Playtime depends on how much you are willing to spend. |
Advantages of Playing Best Slot Games
The best slots listed in this rating offer players the following advantages:
- Wide choice. There are thousands of slots from classics to the latest novelties are available in online casinos. Slot machines for every liking are available.
- Simple rules. Unlike other games that require skills and knowledge, slots are suitable even for beginners.
- High return percentages. This rating includes slot machines with an RTP of 96% and higher. This gives you good chances of winning.
- Graphics and design. Developers pay a lot of attention to slots’ interface. This guarantees an enjoyable gaming experience.
- Different modes. You can play for money or test slots in free versions.
- Bonuses. Slots have free spins, risk games, bonus rounds, and special symbols. This increases your chances of winning. You can also use bonuses from casinos without risking your money.
The best slots from popular providers listed on this page let you enjoy the gambling process and win real money. All these slot machines are available in demo mode. You can study their parameters first and choose slots you like to bet with real money.
It is indicated in its description. Reviews can also help.
It is a table that shows the rates for each symbol of a slot machine. According to the rates, you can see how much you’ll receive if you win.
Yes. Developers adapt their software for mobile devices. All slots work on smartphones and tablets.
These are NetEnt, Microgaming, Playtech, IGT, and others.
No. There are only demo versions available to unregistered players. Registering is required to play for real money.