How to Play Online Slots

Frank Scoblete
Updated 29 January 2025
Senior Content Editor

There’s no denying that slots are one of the most popular games at real money online casinos and have been since they were first introduced. Whether you're a total beginner or a frequent player, slots provide endless entertainment. They have come a long way since their humble beginnings and continue to evolve, making them one of the most exciting forms of online gambling. Here we will give you all the information you need to get the most out of online slots.

A Guide to Slots for Beginners & How to Play

The truth is that slots are so simple to play, that anyone can get in on the action without needing a crash course. But, in order to get the most out of your online slot experience, there are a couple things you need to know so you're not completely in the dark.

1
There are a plethora of slots available online, which could make deciding which one to play a little daunting. Slots are based on themes, so a good way to get started is by choosing one that has a theme you're into.
2
Always make sure you've familiarized yourself with the pay table. This can be located by clicking the help icon which is usually located in the bottom left-hand corner of your screen below the reels.
3
The next step will be to decide how much you're willing to bet on each spin. Hit the “max bet” button to select all the paylines. This will give you the best chance of winning the greatest amount, however, keep an eye on your balance.
4
Start spinning the reels by pressing the “spin” button and you're on your way to getting your first payout.

Understanding Online Slot Games

The typical fruit slot still exists these days but the new games are almost completely unrecognizable from their aged counterparts. Developers have needed to up their game which has created a world of world class games that feature unparalleled graphics and gameplay.

The continued advancement of slots has also led to the addition of numerous new features as developers try to stay ahead of their competition. Here are a few new features you'll come across in the new slots.

Wilds
Scatters
Multipliers

Wilds

Slots have certainly adopted the wild from classic card games, where a wild card or joker were considered a trump card. In terms of slots, the wild symbol is somewhat similar. Found in just about every slot, except progressive jackpot slots.

The wild is able to substitute all other symbols in the game, with the exception of the scatter symbol. The reason why the wild is often lucrative is because it has the ability to create wins that may not have occurred.

There are a number of different styles of wilds that are in use, these include stacked wilds, cascading wilds, sticky wilds and more. Always choose a slot that has a wild symbol because they really do help create bigger winning combinations.

Scatters

Ah yes, the quintessential scatter symbol. Definitely one of the best symbols in the world of slots and for good reason. The scatter is usually represented by an icon which is in line with the theme of the game and acts as one of the most powerful symbols.

The scatter is used as a trigger symbol, meaning that if you land a certain number of them you'll trigger a bonus round. The bonus game will differ from game to game, with the most popular being a free spins bonus game.

There are other games which can be initiated, some will take you to a new screen to play a completely different game or it could just be a simple gamble feature. Whichever game it may be, they are always highly lucrative symbols.

Multipliers

As you can imagine, multipliers will definitely be a massive help when it comes to boosting your bankroll. Although players will usually find these multipliers in the bonus rounds or in the free spins, often they'll appear in the base game. Basically, they refer to how many times your win can be multiplied which really does help with big wins. The number of multipliers differ from just 2 to 100x in some games.

Bonus Rounds

Bonus rounds have not always been around, but since their inception, they have become a popular staple amongst online players. Usually triggered by the scatter symbol, bonus rounds offer players a new exciting opportunity to win massive amounts of money.

They come in a variety of forms and are often different from the base game. Developers are always trying to outdo their competition and as such, the bonus games being created feature world class graphics and highly immersive gameplay.

Choosing a slot that offers a bonus game is always a good idea for a variety of reasons. They give you a little respite from the base game as well as a new perspective in terms of the goals players need to achieve. Whether the bonus game features free spins, a gamble feature or a pick and choose role, they will always help increase your balance.

Tips on How to Win at Slots

Play the Paylines

Long gone are the days when players could only choose 1 to 3 paylines. Nowadays, some machines will offer players up to 1024 paylines to play. If you're not sure why this is such a popular addition to slots, try one of the many games that offer this and you'll soon see why players gravitate towards games that offer a loads of paylines.

They basically give you more opportunity to win and what could be better when the whole point is to win more money.

Know the Rules

It is vital that you familiarize yourself with the rules of the game when choosing a new slot. There is always fine print which is all too often overlooked which could lead to disappointment. Apart from knowing what you're doing and what will give you the biggest wins, often you'll only be able to win the jackpot by placing a certain bet.

Make the Special Features Count

All frequent players know just how important special features are in creating massive wins online. They come in a variety of shapes and forms which all assist in making the base game that much more exciting and lucrative.

Click the rules button and read through the game’s features before choosing to bet real money. Often you'll be able to play the game for free which will give you a good indication as to how the game plays and what special features are available.

Slot Tournaments

Many online casinos will regularly run slot tournaments for players. These tournaments have a simple rule, play and get the biggest wins in order to stay at the top of the leaderboard. There are a variety of prizes up for grabs, including holidays, free money, tickets to shows and a whole lot more.

Tournaments are held within a specified time frame, so in order to win, you'll need to compete and get to the top within the allotted time. One way to guarantee a high chance of first place is by betting the maximum. It’s also a good idea to use the autoplay feature which will save quite a bit of time as well as affording you the time to do as you please.

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FAQs

In order to create an account with an online casino, players need to be 18 years or older.

Paylines refer to the lines where matching symbols will create wins. Players can choose from 1 to 1024 paylines depending on the slot.

Yes, many online casinos will have a number of slots that can be played for free.

There are so many slots available that it is hard to decide. High volatility and RTP ensure you'll have the best chance of winning substantial amounts.

This is the term given to a slot game that has been paying out frequently. Some may payout more frequently but in smaller denominations while others less frequently but much larger amounts.

There are two major differences, one being the fact that you can play from the comfort of your own home and the other being that there will always be a table or a slot open for you to play.

The progressive jackpot slots have the biggest payouts these days. There are a number to choose from online, but keep in mind that they often lack special features thanks to the large jackpot on offer.

Senior Content Editor
Frank Scoblete is a casino gaming expert with 35 books, over 6,000 articles, and extensive media experience, including consulting for films, TV, and hosting radio shows. He has also organized gaming festivals across the US and Canada, cementing his status as a leading authority in the field.
Reza Shojaei Photo
Fact-checked by Reza Shojaei
Editor-in-chief

This page has been reviewed by Reza Shojaei, a pioneer in iGaming with over 15 years of experience. As the founder of CasinoTop.com and Value Marketing, he specializes in market analysis, player safety, and regulatory compliance. Reza’s collaborations with top operators and regulators reflect his commitment to fairness and innovation in online gambling.

CasinoTop.com is world’s trusted and independent resource to online casino. Established in 1998, we remain true to our goal of helping our readers find the best online casino information on the internet.

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