If you are new to the slot gaming world, you might feel a bit overwhelmed at the sheer variety and choice that is available to you – and you are not alone!
Slot gaming is one of the most popular sectors of the online casino environment, and even the brick-and-mortar casinos recognise just how popular slot games are, often turning whole floors of their buildings into rows of machines offering a huge range of different games to play.Â
Online slots are a great place to start if you are new to casino gaming, and we have a guide to help you make the best decision about the slot games you want to play. We will cover what to look for in an online casino, what sort of games there are available, and how to keep safe when playing online slots.Â
Step 1: Choose the Right Online Casino
A quick search online will bring you back dozens, if not hundreds, of places to play online slots. These online casinos will have all sorts of offers to tempt you, but you need to make sure they are the right place for you to play. Think about the following when you are choosing:
Regulated and Licenced: Online casinos have to be legal, and you can check by looking for registration details with the UKGA, which is usually displayed in the footer of the casino website.Â
Range of Games: A slot-dedicated site is the perfect place for you if you just want to spin some reels, but if you might fancy trying out other casino games in the same place, you might want to get on a site that offers other types too, like poker, bingo, and blackjack.
Customer Satisfaction: Check reviews out before you sign up. Look for independent reviews; focus on those that talk about customer support and overall experience, rather than those that are complaining about losing money – it’s a risk that all players should be aware of.Â
Special Offers: Let’s face it, the bonuses on offer are one of the main reasons that you will choose a particular site, but this shouldn’t be the only consideration – and why it is last on the list. A good new customer bonus will not make up for a boring game selection or terrible customer service, so make sure that you get the right balance between freebies and ongoing experience.Â
Step 2: Choose The Right Game.
This is where the decision becomes much more personal. Game designers know that players want a game to resonate with them for some reason, which is why there is such a wide range of themes. You can choose a slot game to match your favourite hobby – fishing is popular, for example – or maybe you want to play a game inspired by a movie franchise.Â
If you aren’t so easily drawn by these themed games, then you could always look for the perennial favourites. These include some games that might be based loosely on Egyptian mythology or feature rainbows and leprechauns.Â
If you aren’t drawn by the themes, then there are some features of slot games that you might want to look out for. These include:
- Is there a bonus game? This is an addition to the normal game that can lead to boosted winnings in many cases.
- What are the icons that you are looking for? All the information you need about the slot game can be found in the paytable, and this includes the icons and symbols which, when matched according to the rules, will give you the win. Special symbols include wilds and scatters, which can change the reel layout to your advantage or launch bonus games.
If in doubt, it is always a good idea to try the game using the demo mode which is usually available – that will give you an overview of the gameplay and what you are looking to accomplish to win.Â
The most important thing to remember when you are playing slot games is to have fun. Keep an eye on the amount you are spending, and remember that this is a game of chance, so you need to be prepared to lose everything that you stake; don’t bet more than you can afford.