In this guide, we will breakdown what RTP, volatility and variance mean when it come to online slot games. Although playing slot machines is primarily based on luck, there are some strategies you can do to improve your slot machine returns at the best online casinos.
How to Play Online Slots
To start off, here's how you can get set up to start playing:
- Download any of the mobile casino apps from our list that peak your interest. You can also sign up online.
- Use a promo code to claim extra spins or a deposit match bonus. For example, you can use our Fanatics Casino promo code right now to claim one of the best deposit match offers around.
- Log in to the casino and open the lobby. At most leading casinos, you should be able to filter games by game type (megaways) or theme (fruit).
- Open an online slot in your browser. Choose your stakes and paylines (if the option is available), then tap/click the 'Spin' button. Prizes are awarded depending on win lines hit or bonus features triggered.
Slot Sites In Your State
Understanding Slot Machine Mechanics
Before you can master any strategy for online slots, it's essential to understand how they actually work. Many new players assume there's a pattern or system to beat, but in reality, each spin is governed by sophisticated technology designed to ensure fairness and randomness.
Random Number Generators (RNGs)
Every online slot uses a Random Number Generator (RNG), a mathematical algorithm that determines the outcome of each spin the moment you press the spin button. RNG technology ensures each result is entirely independent of the last—meaning there's no such thing as a "hot" or "cold" slos, guaranteeing a fair gaming experience across all legal online casinos.
Reels, Symbols and Paylines
A slot machine typically features 3–6 reels and multiple symbols (like wilds, scatters, or bonus icons). Paylines—the lines across which winning combinations must land—can be fixed or adjustable. Understanding how paylines work and which symbols trigger features is a core part of any solid online slots strategy. Knowing your game's structure is the first step toward better decision-making and improved odds of success when you play slots online.
Tips to Play Slots Online from Experts
The choice of online slot machines and high RTP slots today is breathtaking. Even the smallest online casinos offer several hundred games with a variety of bonuses and features. Get off to the right start with some of our expert tips.
1.) Choose The Right Slots
With so much choice at regulated real money online casinos around the U.S., it's important to pick the right games. The good news is that you can try out free slots without risking a cent on sweepstakes casinos.
Here are some key factors to consider when choosing slots for long-term gain:
- 🌟 Volatility
- 🌟 Hit Rate
- 🌟 Return to Player percentage (RTP)
- 🌟 Theme
- 🌟 Enjoyability
What is the RTP? It's the in-built returns that every software company programs into the slot. The RTP is an average return over millions of spins. In reality, you'll never play enough spins during a lifetime to experience the true RTP. However, it's a good guide to whether a slot will pay out well.
The RTP is the return made to players for every dollar spent. A slot with an RTP of 95%, for instance, pays – on average – $95 for every $100 wagered. The remaining $5 is the casino's edge. What's a good RTP? It can be anything from 96–98%.
2.) Find The Hit Rate
Once you consider RTP, you need to understand the hit rate. This is the average percentage that you will trigger a payout or bonus feature.
Hit rates are hard to find, and they won't be published in slot paytables or casino lobbies. However, you can sometimes find a slot's hit rate on the developer's website. A good online slot hit rate is around 24–27%.
So, what's the difference between RTP and hit rate? The RTP is simply the theoretical, long-term payout made by the slot. The hit rate relates to how often you hit a winning spin.
3.) Understand The Volatility of Slots
Volatility is another factor to consider when you play slots on casino apps. Simply, it's the frequency with which a slot pays out. However, it also refers to the size of the payouts.
For instance, a slot that pays out enormous jackpots after 100s of non-winning spins can be considered high-volatility. Many slots with progressive jackpots would fall into this category.
Conversely, an older slot that pays out lots of small, regular prizes is considered low-volatility. You won't get rich playing it, but you do stand the chance to make lots of small wins.
How do you find the volatility of slots? Some online casinos will publish the volatility of their slots in their lobbies. Some slots developers, such as High 5 Games, also display the volatility level in their game paytables.
4.) Read The Paytable
Reading the paytable is essential before you start spinning slots. You can glean lots of key information, such as the RTP and jackpot sizes.
With a little work, you can also calculate the rough volatility of the slot. Look at the jackpot payout for the top-paying symbol. If it's over 5–6 times the size of the jackpot for the lowest-paying symbol, you can gauge that the slot is pretty volatile.
5.) Manage Your Bankroll
Whichever site you play at, it's essential to manage your budget. You don't need a rigid staking plan, but make sure you alter stakes based on the volatility and RTP of the slot you're playing.
You can also alter your bet size depending on the number of paylines. For instance, if a slot has 100 fixed paylines, make your stakes small. $0.01 per line is sufficient to begin with. On the flipside, if the slot has 50 paylines, you can double your line bets to $0.02.
6.) Choose Reputable Online Casinos
Choosing the best casino is as important as picking the right games. The top casinos offer good welcome bonuses that allow a 100% slot contribution rate. Plus, they offer a range of slot types to suit all tastes. You can also play on your smartphone via a mobile app from anywhere in a regulated state such as PA online casinos.
7.) Take Advantage of Bonuses
The benefit of online casinos is that they offer a variety of bonuses and promotions. Oftentimes, you can claim extra spins or casino credits without making a deposit. There's added value everywhere if you know where to look.
We recommend opening an account with multiple casinos whether you're signing up with Michigan online casinos, casino apps, casinos in West Virginia or with PayPal casinos to take advantage of all the best deals.
In addition, you can join a VIP scheme and earn points every time you spin the slot reels. It's a great way to enjoy benefits such as expedited withdrawals and birthday bonuses. Use our DraftKings Casino promo code today to claim your bonus.
8.) Play Responsibly
Maximize your online slot wins by understanding payout percentages and volatility. Set a strict budget and time limit to play responsibly, avoiding chasing losses. Prioritize reputable online casinos with secure payment options and fair play certifications. Utilize free demo modes to practice strategies before wagering real money. Remember, online slots are for entertainment; gamble responsibly and within your means.
Get Started Playing Online Slots Today
You can try free slots at all good online casinos. Follow our tips and make the most of a casino bonus right now. Use a promotion like our Caesars Casino promo code and claim free money as you play!
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