Understanding the basics of online slots
They’re an online version of slot machines, the kind you can find at pretty much any brick-and-mortar casino. Indeed, virtual slots are inspired by and play similarly to their historical forebearers, with spins activating the reels and hopefully revealing winning combinations at the end of the spin.
Online slot games also offer gameplay depth through features such as scatters, wilds, additional reels and huge jackpots. There are also the likes of Megaways slots, boasting more ways to win, and progressive slots where the jackpot increases with every bet.
The makings of a great online slot
While there’s a huge selection of slot titles available, the elements which create the best of the best are pretty straightforward. Overwhelmingly, we’d say it comes down to the following vital considerations:
1. Minimum bets and minimum deposits: Making the slot appeal to the masses
First and foremost, we’ve got minimum bets. Essentially what this tells us is how little you’re allowed to bet. It’s often overlooked in great real money online slots but it’s actually vital to their appeal. Most of the best slots out there will allow you to bet very little at a minimum and bet much more if you prefer so that as many people can enjoy that title as possible.
Also vital to take into account is the minimum deposit slots that you can utilize. For instance, if you can spin for cents but you need to deposit $50 in order to play anything, then that game has suddenly gone from being an everyman to something with a much smaller appeal. What we want, ideally, is a slot which allows you to bet both low and high amounts, on an operator which also provides for those who wish to deposit modest amounts.
2. Software developers: The authors behind the best online slot games
Finding the right slots for you is helped a great deal by being able to break down what’s available, from penny slots to global blockbusters. One way to do this is through understanding software developers.
Put simply, these are the companies which make the slot titles. If the software developer is good, the slot is likely to be good too. In addition, a greater variety of quality developers likely means a better casino all around. Furthermore, many operators allow you to search via software developers, making finding new favorites that much easier.
3. Aesthetic design quality: Ensuring your favorite slots look their best
The key reason, of course, that software developers are so important to your online slots experience is the design quality. This is the meat and potatoes of what makes any slot great. Remember, it doesn’t matter how many 5 dollar free spins are offered if what they’re available on isn’t all that enjoyable in the first place.
So, what do we mean by design? Firstly, there’s aesthetics. This is a slot’s overall ambience and presentation, as well as how well it puts forward concepts and themes. To an extent, this can come down to personal preference. However, there are certainly some more successfully implemented than others.
4. Technical design quality: Making sure the slot operates to its fullest potential
Then there’s the technical design. This is how well everything runs and also what it runs on, including any mobile app versions. If a slot has a strong technical foundation, animations should be smooth and actions should be responsive. If it’s really great, you should rarely need to consider the technical aspects. A great slot in this regard is one which is seamless.
5. A brilliant operator: The perfect side dish for your entrée of slots greatness
The fact is that even the most perfect online betting slot doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It must be on a betting site, and in order for us to enjoy any online slots, that casino site also needs to be up to standard.
Above all else, the site must be safe and legitimate. This means a good reputation, licensing, encryption and responsible gaming tools, to give a few examples. In addition, it needs to be available in the right jurisdiction. You could have 50 free spins or 200 free spins, it doesn’t matter if it’s not available to many people. Furthermore, we require a solid selection of payment methods with low minimum deposits, so as many people can use them as possible.
The design, just like the design of the slots themselves, needs to be top-tier. Everything should be easy to find and should work as promised. Keep in mind, that this is also the case for any mobile option or app version.
Also, any promotions need to be fair, add value and preferably be a bit creative. The bonus selection available for casino games is so competitive that we have extremely high standards here. Customer service also must also be excellent in case the user gets stuck or needs help with anything.
Only if all of this is taken care of can we begin to truly enjoy the best slot titles out there. That’s why the operator isn’t an additional consideration when it comes to finding online slots – it’s part and parcel of what makes one among the best.
If fabulous slots and great operators are perfect partners, then the promotional options out there are like the desert. And if promotions are dessert, then we would argue no casino game offers as delicious an online gaming feast as casino slots.
Of course, not all promotions are worth your while – even the tastiest looking low wagering casino bonus can be taken down by a nasty set of terms and conditions. Nonetheless, the best slots promotions are as good as any you’ll find betting online. Here are a few common examples of slots promotions, so you know what to look for:
1. No deposit bonus
Usually, a welcome bonus is offered during registration, you can receive a bonus without needing to deposit anything. A free spins no deposit offer, for instance, should allow you to use a number of free spins without needing to pay any money into your account
2. Deposit bonuses
Receive a bonus when you make a deposit. A common example would be a 100% matched bonus of your deposit amount.
3. Free spins
Receive spins you can use on your favorite slots, for free. For example, you may receive 10 free spins to play on specified titles.
4. VIP bonus
Receive rewards for playing with an operator for a long time. Typically, rewards are greater the more you’ve wagered.
5. Prize drops
Often set up for specific slots at certain times, random prizes are dropped if you play those games as laid out in the terms.
6. Competitions
There are all kinds of slots-related competitions out there, with leaderboards for meeting set criteria related to play, or prize draws for anyone who plays a certain title, to give a couple of examples.
A personal journey to your perfect slots casino
While there’s no doubt a huge difference between good and bad slots, there’s also an extent to which your favorite is personal. There are certain preferences that are important to consider to help you find the right titles for you. These include:
- The kind of operator you’re looking for
- What deposit limits and banking options you require
- The level of complexity you enjoy in a slot
- Whether you’re playing them on the go or on desktop
- What promotions you’re most interested in
- If you have any experience with previous games or developers you’ve enjoyed
- Any aesthetic preferences you might have for online slots
- The minimum and the maximum amount you’re willing to bet
This should get you started. Remember that finding your favorites is a process of trial and error. If you’re not sure on a slot, you should consider betting low to get a feel for it. Also, take notes of the software developer of any game you really enjoy. Finally, remember you can have as many favorite slots on as many operators as you want.
Conclusion: A world of slot variety out there
We’d argue that no type of casino game has benefited more from the move online than online slots. Almost every online casino has an enormous variety of options to suit pretty much everyone, no matter how much you want to bet or what kind of slot you want to bet on. From low minimums to those suitable for high rollers, your simple three-reel classics to huge progressive jackpots, the sheer scale of what’s out there is staggering.
Nonetheless, with our list of simple things to look out for – such as design quality, approachable deposit/bet limits and quality software developers, as well as our look at various operators and promotions elsewhere at TheGruelingTruth.com – finding your ideal slot should be a simple and fun process.
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Online slots FAQ
🎰What are online slots?
Understanding the basics of online slots is a vital part of our guide to all things related to these hugely popular casino game classics. We’ll be explaining everything a total newcomer could want to know about slots. That way, they can have the right foundation for finding slots which bring them tons of online gaming fun.
👍What makes an excellent online slot?
Our look at online slots would simply not be complete without taking you through some key elements we think are most important in making the best online slots what they are. Well, the good news is we’ll be doing exactly that all as part of our exclusive and extensive slots guide, plus much more.
💻Can the operator I use have an impact on my enjoyment of online slots?
Regardless of the subject we’re tackling at TheGruelingTruth.com – with this particular page, we’re deep-diving into the world of online slots – there are always external factors to consider. For instance, does the casino you use can impact your enjoyment of your favorite slot titles? Find out our thoughts right here.
