Video Slots Online

The Evolution of Slots: From One-Armed Bandits to Online Video Slots

It all began with the famous "Liberty Bell" slot machine, invented in the late 1800s by Charles Fey. This mechanical wonder took the world by storm, and soon, brick-and-mortar casinos everywhere were teeming with "one-armed bandits." Fast forward to the 1970s, when the first video slot machines emerged, paving the way for today's digital gaming marvels.

The Rise of Video Slots

The internet revolutionized the gambling industry, and online video slots quickly took center stage. These digital counterparts of physical slot machines offer several advantages, including:

• A vast array of themes and styles, from classic fruit machines to cutting-edge slots with 3D graphics and engaging storylines.
• The convenience of playing from the comfort of your own home or on the go via a tablet, smartphone, or other mobile devices.
• Access to game rules, tips, and strategies to improve your gaming experience and odds of winning.
• Access to paytable information and full features (in the past, you needed to figure out the features for yourself when playing land-based versions).

How Do Online Slots Work?

A video slot is essentially a digital version of a classic mechanical slot machine. Like classic slots, you make a bet or spin, and the game will return a completely random result. If matching symbols line up along an active payline, you win.

When you press the max bet or spin button, the game software will randomly draw five numbers on each reel. The spinning reel numbers stop according to the random numbers generated. The program determines whether your play is a win or a loss before the last reel even stops. If you win, the money is credited to your balance. You may also win free spins or bonus rounds.

Despite what some players may believe, the result of a slot game is completely random. Licensed online casinos use a computer component known as a random number generator (RNG) to create random sequences. These RNGs produce a different series of numbers each time you click on the bet max or spin buttons. Video slot machines do not have a memory. The only thing that affects a video slot's result is when you choose to play.

The Basics of Video Slot Games

A video slot works similarly to a classic slot machine but has a few distinct differences. Video slots use video technology in their displays, providing a more interactive gaming experience. Software applications, which allow the use of fun animations, graphics, and sound effects, also run the inner workings of the machines. Most slot games have different themes, such as sports, superheroes, seasonal, or films that draw in certain demographics.

Reels and Paylines: The Building Blocks

At the heart of slot games are the reels and paylines. Reels are the vertical columns that spin when you hit the "Play" button, while paylines represent the patterns that determine winning combinations. Modern slot games often feature 5 reels and multiple paylines, offering players a plethora of ways to win.

Symbols: The Key to Victory

Each video slot game comes with a unique set of symbols, which can be anything from fruits and sevens to mythical creatures and movie characters. These symbols are the bread and butter of the game, and landing the right combination can unlock tantalizing rewards, such as:

• Instant cash prizes
• Free spins
• Bonus games and multipliers

Video Slots vs. Classic Slots

One of the most significant differences between classic slots and video slots is the number of paylines. Video slots have an average of 50 individual paylines, but some games can have up to a hundred or more. Here is a look at some of the other perks that video slots offer:

• More paylines give players extra chances to win
• Free spins and bonus features
• Bigger jackpots
• More prize tiers
• Double-up options at the end of bonus rounds
• Chance to play multiple bonus rounds

While video slots have several advantages over classic slots, there are also a few downsides to consider. As there are more reels with video slots, getting winning combinations can be more difficult. In addition, the maximum bets tend to be higher on video slots because of the higher number of paylines.

No Pay Line Slots - Ways to Win and Megaways

First, let's start with the iconic Ways-to-Win mechanic. This replaces traditional paylines with a system that pays out for any matching symbols that land on adjacent reels. Instead of requiring symbols to land on specific paylines, Ways-to-Win games offer players a set number of possible winning combinations on every spin. That number can vary between games, with some offering hundreds or even thousands of ways to win.

Ways-to-Win adds an exciting element of unpredictability to slot gameplay, as players never know exactly where matching symbols will land on the reels. The mechanic has become increasingly popular in recent years and is now a common feature of many modern games.

These are some of the best video slots with Ways-to-Win:

• Thunderstruck II (Microgaming)
• Da Vinci Ways (High 5 Games)
• Hot Shot Progressive (Microgaming)
• Wild Rockets (NetEnt)
• Candy Dreams (Microgaming)

Next up is Megaways, a mechanic that was created by the game provider Big Time Gaming. The Megaways mechanism allows for a random number of symbols to appear on each reel with each spin, resulting in a different number of ways to win on every round. This means that the number of paylines can vary from spin to spin and can reach the tens of thousands.

Megaways slots are known for their high volatility and big win potential, as well as their unique gameplay mechanics and often innovative features. Today, many popular video slots feature this mechanic, as other software providers have adopted the Megaways mechanic, making it one of the most popular and widespread slot innovations in recent years.

Check out these Megaways' slots at your favorite online casino:

• Bonanza Megaways (Big Time Gaming)
• Gonzo's Quest Megaways (Red Tiger Gaming)
• Great Rhino Megaways (Pragmatic Play)
• Divine Fortune Megaways (NetEnt)

Cluster Pays Slots

Cluster Pays is a video slot mechanic that offers an alternative to traditional payline structures. Instead of requiring matching symbols to land on specific active paylines to create a winning combination, Cluster Pays requires you to land clusters of symbols that are adjacent to each other. The size of the cluster required for a payout can vary between games but typically ranges from 3 to 9 symbols.

Additionally, Cluster Pays games often include features such as cascading reels, where winning clusters are removed and replaced with new symbols, giving players a chance to win multiple times on a single spin.

Check out the most popular slot games that feature the Cluster Pays Mechanic:

• Aloha! Cluster Pays (NetEnt)
• Sweet Bonanza (Pragmatic Play)
• Golden Glyph (Quickspin)
• Mahjong 88 (Play'n Go)

Infinireels Slots

Another popular casino game mechanic is NetEnt's Infinireels, which could theoretically produce spins that could grow an infinite number of reels. Obviously, that does not happen, as somebody could wait forever for a winning spin to payout. Anyhow, this mechanic works by adding a reel every time a winning combination is formed on the reels. That new reel then spins to potentially create another win. This continues until the reels stop producing wins.

Infinireels add an exciting and fun element of unpredictability to slot gameplay, as players never know how many reels will be in play on any given spin. The mechanic features in several popular NetEnt slot games, providing players with a unique and thrilling gaming experience.

Many players enjoy spinning away on these Infinireels video slot games:

• Gods of Gold Infinireels (NetEnt)
• Get the Gold Infinireels (Red Tiger Gaming)
• Dragon's Fire Infinireels (Red Tiger Gaming)

Infinity Reels Video Slots

The Infinity Reels mechanic by Reel Play coincidently came out at almost the same time as the aforementioned Infinireels mechanic. They both work similarly but with one difference. With Infinity Reels, each win not only unlocks an additional reel but also increases a multiplier.

The mechanic offers players a thrilling and unpredictable gameplay experience, with the potential for huge payouts on every spin. Infinity Reels has been featured in several popular ReelPlay and Yggdrasil slot games and has quickly gained a reputation as a unique and exciting addition to the world of online slots.

Enjoy these exciting games that feature the Infinity Reels' mechanics:

• El Dorado Infinity Reels (Reel Play)
• Emerald's Infinity Reels (Relax Gaming)
• Gargoyle Infinity Reels (Boomerang)

Progressive Jackpot Slots

Progressive slots are some of the most popular video slot options. With progressive slot machines, the jackpot gradually increases as more people play the game. Sometimes the jackpot is on a standalone machine, while other times, it’s attached to a network of machines. Microgaming's Mega Moolah progressive jackpot network is a good example of the latter, while Jackpot Giant is one of the most popular in the former category. While a classic slot machine can be a progressive slot, it is much more common to see progressive video slots.

The best casinos will give you access to a wide range of progressive casino games that could payout millions. In fact, some have paid out seven or even eight-figure sums on some occasions.

Love progressive jackpot slots? Then, here are some of the most popular ones at top casinos:

• Mega Moolah (Microgaming)
• Age of the Gods (Playtech)
• Wheel of Wishes WowPot (Microgaming)
• Hall of Gods (NetEnt)
• Atlantean Treasures Mega Moolah (Microgaming)

Award-Winning Slot Casino Games

Because of their continued evolution and innovation, many slot games have won iGaming industry awards over the years. These slot machine games have not only proved popular with players but also with industry awards such as the International Gaming Awards, eGaming Review Awards (EGR), and the Global Gaming Awards (GGA).

Check out these award-winning casino games at your online casino:

• Gonzo's Quest - NetEnt (2011 EGR Game of the Year)
• Immortal Romance - Microgaming (2011 IGA Best Online Slot)
• Gates of Olympus - Pragmatic Play (2021 EGR Operator Awards Game of the Year)

Special Features, Bonus Games, and More!

Many classic slot machines have few or no special features. Those that do have limited special bonus features, like wilds or multipliers. However, this isn’t the case with video slots. Free spins, bonus rounds and scatter symbols are fairly common with video slot machines. As most classic slot machines offer simplistic gameplay, this special feature is typically reserved for video slots alone. Some video slots even have multiple bonus round opportunities.

Wilds and Scatters

To spice things up, most video slots incorporate special symbols like wild symbols and scatter symbols. A wild symbol can substitute for other symbols, increasing your chances of hitting a winning combo. A scatter symbol, on the other hand, is a special symbol that can trigger bonus features or free spins when you land a specific number of them on the reels.

Different Types of Wild Symbols

Most video slots have wild symbols, which can give players an advantage. These can be found in all shapes and sizes and are typically specific to the game. Each wild can range in function, but its primary purpose is to help a player achieve more winning combinations.

• Expanding Wilds: These wild symbols can expand to cover multiple positions on the reels.
• Roaming Wilds: When you land these wilds, they move around the reels on each spin, giving you the potential to unlock additional wins.
• Sticky Wilds: Sticky wilds remain in place on the reels for multiple spins, increasing the chances of creating wins.
• Wilds with Progressive Multipliers: These include a multiplier that increases with each win they help create.
• Stacked Wilds: These appear in groups on the reels and can even cover entire reels.
• Shifting Wilds: Shifting wilds move across the reels on each spin, potentially completing a winning line each time.
• Overlay Wilds: Overlay wilds will sit over the top of regular symbols on the reels.

Free Spins Bonus Features

Easily one of the most popular bonus features, and the most common, is free spins. Usually, you need to land several scatter symbols anywhere in view to win a number of free spins. The number you receive will depend on the slots you play. Some may offer 5, others 10, and that number can even increase to 50 or more on some games.

While some just give you standard spins for free, others come with additional bonuses or features you can take advantage of:

• Multipliers: Some free spin bonuses come with a multiplier that increases the value of any winnings generated during the bonus round. Multipliers can range from 2x to 10x or higher and can lead to big payouts.
• Re-triggering: Many free spin bonuses can be re-triggered by landing additional scatter symbols during the bonus round. This can lead to extra spins and additional chances to win.
• Special features: Some free spin bonuses come with additional special features, such as expanding wilds, sticky wilds, or bonus games within the bonus round. These features can lead to even bigger payouts and add an exciting element to gameplay.

Respins Bonuses

When triggered, the respins feature allows the player to spin one or more of the reels again for an additional chance to win.

The exact mechanics of respins can vary depending on the game, but typically they are triggered by landing a certain combination of symbols on the reels. For example, some games may require the player to land three or more scatter symbols to trigger respins.

Once the respins feature is triggered, the game may lock certain symbols in place and only spin the remaining reels. Alternatively, the game may spin all the reels again with new symbols, potentially resulting in a new winning combination.

Progressive Multiplier Bonus Features

If you want a bonus feature that can lead to big multipliers of your stake, progressive multiplier bonuses will appeal to you. A multiplier value usually increases by 1x, 2x, or however many the slot developer decides whenever you land matching combinations. Sometimes the multiplier may reset between spins, while on other occasions, it may continue to increase with each subsequent spin.

Bonus Games on Video Slots

Aside from spins for free, there are other bonus games you might come across in different slot games. For instance, one game might give you a chance to unlock a pick-and-win game, while another might involve a wheel-of-fortune. In some cases, the bonus takes place on a new screen that is different from the base game you have been playing.

Bonus games can offer players the chance to win additional payouts, often with higher values than those found in the base game. In some cases, bonus games can lead to massive payouts or even progressive jackpots.

Buy Bonus Feature

As long as you live in regions where it is allowed (bonus buy is not permitted in iGaming markets such as the UK), you may find Bonus Buy features on the video slot you play. This costs a multiplier of your current stake and guarantees that the next spin triggers the main bonus feature.

As these features can cost between 50x, 100x, 200x your stake, and sometimes more, you often need to win big from the resulting bonus to break even or make a profit. For that reason, a buy bonus is always a big gamble that makes it understandable, while some regions forbid video slots that utilize it.

Tips and Tricks to Maximize Your Video Slots Experience

1. Play for free before risking real money play, allowing you to learn the ropes without risking your hard-earned cash. You can switch to real money games and fully immerse yourself into the games when you're more comfortable.
2. Set a budget and stick to it, ensuring you gamble responsibly and never chase losses.
3. Look for an online slot machine with a high return-to-player (RTP) percentage, which indicates the potential payout rate over time.
4. Take advantage of casino bonuses and promotions to boost your bankroll, but always read the fine print to understand the bonus wagering requirements.
5. Be on the lookout for a slot game with progressive jackpots, as these can offer life-changing payouts if you hit the lucky combination.

The Future of Video Slots

Casino games, and specifically video slots, have evolved significantly over the years. From the early days of level-operated machines with several paylines and not much else, we now have modern video slots full of lucrative bonus features, progressive pooled jackpots, amazing graphics, and entertaining themes.

However, what does the future hold for casino games, including video slots?

• Online Video Slots: A Constantly Evolving Landscape

As technology continues to advance, so too does the world of video slots. Game developers are constantly striving to push the boundaries, delivering new and innovative features that elevate the player's experience. Here's a sneak peek at some trends to keep an eye on:

• Virtual Reality (VR) Slots

Imagine being fully immersed in the world of your favorite online games, with the environment and characters coming to life around you. VR technology has the potential to revolutionize the online slot experience, offering a level of engagement and immersion previously unattainable.

• Skill-Based Online Video Slots

Whilst traditional slots rely mostly on luck, skill-based video slots are gaining traction, adding an element of strategy to the gameplay. These games reward players for their skills, such as quick reflexes or puzzle-solving abilities, adding another dimension to the traditional slot experience.

• Personalized Gaming Experiences

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more sophisticated, the potential for personalized video slot experiences grows. This could mean tailored game recommendations, customizable themes, or even dynamic difficulty levels that adapt to your skill level, ensuring a consistently engaging and challenging experience.

Where to Start Playing Video Slots?

At Playcasino, we list some of the best online casinos that feature top video slots from all leading software developers. Each platform has met our high standards and beat the strict criteria we use when performing our casino reviews. All hold licensing from respected iGaming authorities and therefore offer video slots certified for randomness from accepted third-party testing companies.

Additionally, it also means you can look forward to great casino bonuses, plenty of payment options, responsive customer support, and, finally, a great range of games, including video slots, live games, jackpots, and more!

Play Video Slots Online Today

There's no denying the appeal of video slots. As many games have captivating graphics, immersive gameplay, and the potential for big wins, they've captured the hearts and minds of casino players worldwide. As you embark on your digital slot adventures, remember to stay informed, play games responsibly, and, most importantly, have a blast spinning those virtual reels!

Some of the most popular video slots to play at a casino include Book of Dead, Legacy of Dead, Mega Fortune, Avalon II, Starburst, and Big Bass Bonanza. When playing video slots, you should always try to play the maximum bet for the best payouts. Also, take the time to compare the pay tables to see what each symbol pays.

FAQs: Your Burning Video Slot Games Questions Answered