Top Casinos Offering Video Slots

Beginner’s guide to video slots

The basics

Slot machines are a casino classic- for both land-based and online players around the world. This online casino staple has delighted millions with its rolling reels, colorful images, and easy-to-master gameplay.

Online video slots are the next link on the evolutionary chain of the slot machine. Like their predecessors, video slots pay out when players connect a sequence of images across one or more paylines. However, whereas classic slots have only three reels, video slots offer five— and sometimes even more— opening up a whole new world of prize-winning possibilities!

Players are no longer limited to matched just three images across the centre payline. Though individual games vary, the average game of online video slots lets players take advantage of 25 to 30 paylines. There are even slot games out there that feature stratospheric amounts of paylines— some as many as 200 upwards — which certainly adds to the excitement of playing

How to play

The rules are simple, but let’s take run through how a video slot game might unravel.

1. Choose your bet size
   First up, decide how much you want to wager per line. Whilst different video slots have different betting ceilings, you can generally expect to be able to bet as little as a penny or as much as a pound per payline.
2. Choose your paylines
   You’ll need to choose how many lines you want to bet on. The more lines you choose, the higher your chances of winnings, but remember that your bet size will be multiplied by this number. So, if you bet £1 per line and bet on 10 lines, you’re betting £10 per spin.
3. Hit spin
   This is the easiest, and most fun part of playing video slots. Click the spin button to see what fate has in store. There’s no good or bad time to set the reels spinning- the outcome is determined by a random number generator (RNG) so results are completely unpredictable!
4. Collect your winnings
   Did you get lucky? Our handpicked list of the best video slots online make it pretty clear when you’ve landed a winning spin, so you won’t miss it. Some video slots spice things up with special symbols and wilds that can boost your winnings further. Your winnings are credited to your online casino account automatically, so you can use them for future gameplay.

Why do casino players love online video slots?

It’s plain to see why online slots have stood the test of time. Not only do they provide thrilling gameplay and opportunities to win big prizes at the press of a button, they also give players the flexibility to control how much they want to risk on any given play. Video slots allow casual players to enjoy low-wager games, whilst high rollers can up the stakes and put more on the line – there’s something for everyone.

With their captivating graphics, imaginative narratives and themes, and dynamic sound effects, you’ll forget your surroundings with this immersive game that makes any environment as thrilling as a Las Vegas casino. Most of the top UK casinos have fully mobile compatible websites, and some even have native mobile apps for iPhone and Android. This means you can enjoy video slots on your mobile and tablet, giving you the opportunity to play wherever you are.

Bonus features

Unlike other popular casino games, such as blackjack and poker, video slots are a game of pure chance. Every spin is independent from the previous and the next spin, so there’s no strategy that will help you get your hands on the jackpot. However, there are a number of exciting bonus features that can help you get the most out of this cherished game of fun and fortune:

• Wild symbols – These will be a welcome friend as you dive deeper into the world of the best online video slots. Wilds can stand in for any other symbol except scatters and bonuses, helping you achieve more wins as they fill in successful line combinations. Best of all, if they appear more than once, the winning amount is often increased!
• Sticky and expanding wilds – Both of these gameplay enhancers can send you skyrocketing towards a torrential downpour of cash! A sticky wild gets added to a winning payline and stays there until you run out of free spins. Expanding wilds, on the other hand, quickly expand across the whole reel, taking the place of the other symbols to increase your chances of a win.
• Scatter symbols – You know your luck’s in when you see scatters, as these symbols can activate a bonus round, increase the total bet, or bestow you with free spins! What’s not to like?
• Multipliers – As the name suggests, these symbols increase the amount paid out by a winning combination. The amount by which the payout is multiplied will vary depending on the rules outlined in the payout table.
• Progressive jackpots – One of the most exciting facets of video slots is the way jackpots build up until the fates smile down upon one lucky player and send the biggest prize toppling into their hands. After being struck, the jackpot resets and begins once again, increasing until the next chosen one comes along.

House Edge

Every casino game is designed so that the casino always wins eventually. This is called the house edge. Over an extended period of gameplay, the odds lean in favour of the casino. This should come as no surprise – it’s how casinos make their money. The house edge figure varies for different games, and even different video slots. You’ll find titles with a house edge between 3-10% at most video slot sites.

Software providers

Most major casino software providers have dipped their toes in the realms of video slots, which means there’s a pretty wide selection on the market. Different slot developers have pushed the envelope in their own unique way, from developing huge progressive slots, exciting themed titles and smooth mobile gameplay. Let’s take a quick look at some of the software providers behind the best video slots.

Microgaming

With hundreds of games to its name, Microgaming is one of the top video slots developers. Having produced some of the most popular titles out there, including Thunderstruck II, Mega Moolah and Jurassic Park, Microgaming offers players a huge range of choice when it comes to slot games. Microgaming video slots are characterised by vibrant designs, large jackpots and large numbers of paylines. Mega Moolah has made several millionaires, while Arctic Fortune, Hot Ink and League of Fortune all offer players a huge 1,024 ways to win.

NetEnt

Another big slot developer, NetEnt’s portfolio features popular titles such as Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest and Jumanji. Having partnered with the likes of Universal and Sony Pictures, NetEnt are renowned for their entertaining themes and top graphics, animations and sound effects. This software giant is also well-known for high-paying progressive jackpot video slots- Mega Fortune progressive slot once payed out a whopping jackpot of over €17 million.

Playtech

Playtech has several hundred slot games in its portfolio, and has become renowned for its top quality designs and high progressive jackpots. Not only has Playtech created some big-name slots like Age of the Gods, White King, Jackpot Giant and Beach Life, it’s also developed many movie-themed slots, including the likes of Gladiator and the Matrix.

Play’n GO

Play’n GO has developed a reputation for its range of detailed and innovative video slots. As specialists in mobile casino games, players can enjoy Play’n GO HD slots from the palm of their hand without compromising on quality. Legacy of Egypt, Rise of Olympus and Gunslinger are just a few examples of great Play’n GO video slots that come with a variety of cool bonus features. In both Legacy of Egypt and Rise of Olympus, players can win up to 20 free spins along with multipliers, while Gunslinger has a Bounty Hunt bonus that gives you the chance to win up to 960 times your stake!

Play the best video slots online

Now that you’ve got to grips with the basics of video slots, you’re probably raring to give them a spin for yourself. Not sure where to find the best video slots? We’ve got just the place to get you started – our curated list of the UK’s top online casinos. Complete with a comparison tool to help you find the casino that’s best for you, our shortlist is the ultimate roadmap to online casino fun. All you need to do is pick out a favourite and sign up to play video slots online.