The online slot machine gaming experience is not that much different than your typical slot session at a brick-and-mortar, land-based casino. However, because you’re not simply pumping pennies, quarters, or bucks into a physical machine, experienced slot players may need to learn how to play slots at online casinos.
Our how-to guide tutorial walks you through the process from signing up to learning the different features and terminology and how new users can take advantage of free plays.
Learn how to play slots at the best online casinos in the USA!
1 day (Process) up to 10 days (payment)
24-48 hrs
1-5 days
Instant (Bitcoin) 10 days (check)
1 to 15 Business Days
The process before you start playing your first slot games is very simple. We’ll review the actions required to boot up your next slot games session below.
After you decide on an online casino, the first thing you’ll do is create a new account. This should take you no more than five minutes to complete.
Choosing which slot games to play is the best part of the process, right? There are typically three types of slot games at every online casino, which are 3-reel, 5-reel and progressive jackpots. Keep an eye out for games featuring unique themes that pique your interest such as Bovada’s “Day at the Derby” which embraces horse racing or “As the Reels Turn” for those who enjoy a soap opera or primetime drama. You’ll notice that in recent years the graphics quality of each of these games and video poker has improved as the slot game aesthetics is very important to the user and casino operator.
You’ll also want to note the slots’ paytables as this information is critical in knowing how much to risk to maximize return on each spin of the reel or reels. Also, keep tabs of RTP, or Return-To-Player percentage. Online casinos often highlight this amount via percentage as in how often it occurs. In short, the higher the RTP, the “looser” the machine and better for the player.
Be sure to pay attention to each slot’s minimum and maximum bets. If you’re a new player, try to avoid jumping into a slot game where the minimum is $5 or more because you want to increase the number of pulls while you learn the game. An expensive minimum bet can wipe out a bankroll in short order. Some maximum bets are required to cash in on slot bonuses and promotions. For example, a max bet may be required if you want to earn the return featured on the top line of the paytable. This is a balance of strategy and sound judgment to know when to bet the “Min” and “Max” amounts on any given pull.
Online casino games like slots are powered by random number generator (RNG) software. When you spin the reels, the outcome is truly random based on this algorithm-powered software. Before jumping into a game, be sure to verify that your online casino’s RNG software is licensed and regulated by third-party authorities. These licenses confirm that the software is legit and the outcomes are truly random. This provides you peace of mind that you are playing at a safe online casino.
Yes, many online casinos offer free play or tutorial slot game options. Sometimes these free slot games are made available before creating a new account or making a first deposit. This is a great option for new slot players or those who want to learn a new game. As video slot machines become more intensive, sometimes the learning curve requires a few more reps before playing slots for real money.
These tutorial slot machines are definitely worth 30 minutes of your time. A quick slot session teaches players the winning reel combinations and how much you can bet on each spin. These free versions do not pay real money in most instances. However, it’s easy to switch between playing for free and playing for real money at online casinos.
Despite the randomness of video slot machines, tournaments have become very popular in recent years. Like most gaming tournaments, you pay an entry fee to join, and then try to gain the most points, dollars, or credits as you rise up the leaderboard. Some tournaments even feature different heats like a track meet where if you win one, you survive and advance to the next round.
Because each tournament has a set amount of entrants who have prepaid entry fees, the prize amount if you win one of these tournaments can be big money, or, at times, the online casino games may offer the winner a unique prize, like a vacation or gift package.
Online slots use a random number generator (RNG), just like land-based slots. The RNG gives each reel combination different probabilities of hitting based on the payout table, then generates several thousand results per second. The instant you hit “Spin”, the RNG stops on the latest reel combination selected. Trusted online casinos have their results audited by third-party testers to prove fairness and safety.
Learning how to play online slots in the USA includes a few differences from the international game. First, players must learn if online slots are legal in their place of residence. It is in all 50 states, but double-check local laws to be certain. Second, you must learn different online casino operators than the international game.
Since online slot play takes place in an unregulated environment in 45 US states, you must read reviews to find honest and trusted online slot casinos.
Learning how to play slots online for free is easy. Visit an online casino using your desktop computer or mobile device. Click on the “Slots” link in the top menu of the site. Pick an online slot that looks fun and click on the game icon. When prompted, choose the “Practice” or “Free” version instead of the “Real Money” version.
Once the game loads, you can play the same game you would in the real money version, except your money total is free-play cash and you can’t win money. Learn the rules and game controls for free!
