Play The Best Online Video Slots Today

Frank Scoblete
Updated 28 January 2025
Senior Content Editor

Video slots are definitely one of the most exhilarating games available to casino players online nowadays. Game developers are constantly in a race to produce the next big hit and that's good news for players. Video slots have come a long way since they were first introduced and continue to astound us with the level of workmanship that has evidently gone into creating these masterpieces.

If you're looking for high octane thrills with a visual fantasy the likes of which land-based casinos struggle to compete with, video slots are just up your alley. Here we will take a closer look at video slots and what they offer, how to win and what it takes for them to make it onto our list of recommended games.

Video Slots Available to Play for Free

Yes that's right, the online casino world is littered with games that are available to play for free. You may be wondering why anyone would play a gambling game for free and we’ll tell you why.

Imagine choosing a video slot and playing for real money only to realize that it’s not what you expected. Now you've already eaten into your bankroll and you're going to have to start again with another game that might not suit you.

Playing free video slots is a brilliant way for players to get to know a slot before having to put down actual money first. Ok, so you won't be winning any money but you will get to grips with the nuances of the game. You'll know how to play the bonus games, how often the game has been paying out and what are the symbols you'll need to form combinations with in order to hit that big win. Not to mention the fact that you'll be able to enjoy the immersive graphics and gameplay for free.

Another great benefit of playing free video slots is that there is no need to create an account before you'll be permitted to play the games. Enjoy what the casino has to offer with a click of the button and make informed decisions before betting real money.

What Are Video Slots Exactly

Essentially, video slots are the cooler older brother of the classic 3 reel slots. Unlike vintage slots which only offer the basics and no animations, video slots provide everything in a single game. They are continuously evolving and are currently bordering on unbelievable when it comes to craftsmanship.

They come in a variety of forms and themes which have all been meticulously crafted to provide players with an all encompassing entertainment experience. The biggest game developers often have the biggest budget to create these games, which basically means that their titles will be out of this world.

You'll come across loads of different games, from blockbuster movies to treasure mysteries and science fiction themes and many more. There is certainly something for even the most discerning of players.

The Difference Between Classic and Video Slots

At a glance it may seem as if there is very little difference between the two types but that is far from the truth. Classic style slots offer little in the way of animations and varied gameplay. The stock standard reels don't allow for a wide array of themes, which is why you'll usually only come across Vegas style slots.

Video slots are all the rage and for good reason. They offer players a massive variety when it comes to gameplay, themes and animation. Let’s not forget about fun filled features that are guaranteed to boost your bankroll while mesmerizing you with eclectic characters.

Video Slots

Massive array of games to choose from
State-of-the-art graphics & Gameplay
Loads of different themes
Up to 1024 paylines, some offer more
Bonus features galore

Classic Slots

Limited due to developers releasing few
Very limited variation in themes
Standard gameplay
Very few paylines
Rare for the game to have animations

Getting Started With Video Slots

1
Your first action will be choosing a video slot. This may seem simple but thanks to the plethora of games available to you, this may take a little longer than expected.
2
Once you've chosen your game, it’s now time to make a deposit into your account. Decide how much you're willing to spend and remember that you're here for fun.
3
Set your bet amount and select the number of paylines you wish to play. Check out the pay table so that you're familiar with the symbols and features. Some games will only allow the jackpots to be triggered with maximum bets.
4
Spin the reels and enjoy the ride. Form matching combinations along the paylines you've selected.

Win With Video Slots

The first thing all players need to know when playing slots is that they are based purely on luck. Those who think that there is any skill involved are mistaken. That doesn't mean there aren't ways to maximize your chances of winning big though. Here are a few ways you'll be able to increase your chances and get the most out of slots.

Joining a casino that has a fantastic welcome offer to new players is always a good start to your online slot journey. Casinos will match your deposit and most will even throw in a good couple free spins for you to use.
Check out the RTP of the slots you're planning on playing. The higher the RTP, the more frequent your wins will come. This is basically just an average so don't rely on this too much.
Know whether the game is considered to be a high or low volatility one. This will give you a good idea as to how big the payouts can be. Playing a low volatility game will usually pay out less frequently but when they do, the payouts are quite substantial. Whereas a high volatility game will payout more frequently but in smaller amounts.
Play video slots that offer a high number of paylines to ensure that every spin counts.
Choose a slot that has a smaller jackpot as you're far more likely to land these than a massive jackpot, that's just the way these games work.
Make sure the game has a variety of special features. Bonus games such as free spins are basically the holy grail of slots. You'll find that these usually create massive wins and are sought after by frequent players.

Strategy for Online Slots

Although online slots are solely dependent on luck, there are several things you can do to improve your chances of winning. Experienced gamers have a specific technique, such as playing just games with the best payout percentages, practicing bonus rounds, and memorizing paylines. Follow these instructions to increase your chances of winning big on online slot machines.

Wilds
Scatter
Bonus Games

Wilds

Definitely one of the most important special symbols you'll come across. Wilds are able to substitute almost every other symbol in the game to assist in creating better winning combinations. In most games, the wild will not be able to substitute the scatter symbol. There are a few different forms that wilds appear in. These range from sticky and cascading wilds to expanding wilds and more.

Scatter

The scatter symbol is used in games to trigger the bonus rounds such as the free spins or any other side game that you may come across. These symbols will also be one of the higher paying ones so keep spinning to land all 5

Bonus Games

The vast majority of online video slots come loaded with features and many have completely separate bonus games that will take you to another screen when triggered with the scatter symbols. Some of the more standard bonus games include a gamble feature where you'll be able to double or triple your wins.

Best Video Slots so Far

There are so many video slots that tick all the boxes when it comes to what fans want. With such a massive variety of epic titles on offer, it’s hard to pick just a few to call the best. Our team of expert reviewers have done their best and here’s what they've had to say.

Games Provider Free Games Real Money
Wheel of FortuneIGT
Triple DiamondIGT
Cleopatra’s GoldReal Time Gaming
Diamond DozenReal Time Gaming
Avalon 2Microgaming
Jurassic ParkMicrogaming
Mega MoolahMicrogaming
StarburstNetEnt
Gonzo’s QuestNetEnt
Always HotNovomatic
ChicagoNovomatic
Book of DeadPlay n’ Go
Aztec PrincessPlay n’ Go
Ace VenturaPlaytech
GladiatorPlaytech

Real Money Video Slots

Many casinos will have a great selection of video slots that can be played for free which is a great way for players looking to get to know a new game. However, it somewhat lacks the same thrill and intensity of playing for real money.

The sheer excitement that is derived from winning big bucks definitely overshadows free play. Plus, the only way you're going to be able to enjoy the feeling of winning a progressive jackpot is by playing for real money.

Before you'll be able to play for real money, you'll need to set up an account with the casino. The process takes no longer than a couple minutes and you'll be ready for all the thrills and spills video slots have to offer. Always choose a reputable casino that has a proven track record for being trustworthy. Make sure that they have a valid operating license, offer loads of banking options and have a superb support team to help and guide you through your experience.

How We Rate Video Slots

In order to make certain we only recommend the best and trusted casinos, our team put them all through their paces. There are a number of criteria which need to be met before we’ll approve them and add them to the list. Here is what our team evaluated:

Security

The casino must be operating with a valid license granted by a reputable authority.

Content

There is a solid selection of games in all categories provided by the best developers in the business.

User Friendliness

The site is simple to navigate and is compatible with numerous mobile devices.

4.2/5
84
%
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Video Slots FAQs

All online casinos will allow players to spin the reels for real money. Check out our list of recommended sites.

Yes, most casinos will have numerous video slots which can be played for free.

Easy, depending on what you're a fan of, there are loads of video slots that we recommend because they offer great graphics and even better payouts.

There are quite a few developers getting in on the action these days. Some of the industry giants include Microgaming, Novomatic, Play n’ Go and NetEnt to name just a few.

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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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