If you are unfamiliar with how to play online slots, you could quickly waste your bankroll and have a bad experience. We don't want this to happen to you!
Below, you will find a summarized quick version of the steps to get you started playing online slots. Further down the page, you will find more detailed information related to each of these steps, including visual guides that aim to help familiarise you with each step of the process.
Once you are comfortable at playing, you will also want to improve your knowledge on how to improve your chances of winning to further enjoy the entertainment online slots provide.
Game Selection: Browse the selection of slot games available.
Game Information: Click on the information icon to understand the game's rules, paytable, and special features (like wilds, scatters, and bonus rounds).
Know When to Stop: Set time and money limits to ensure you gamble responsibly.
Use Support Tools: Many casinos offer tools to help manage gambling habits, such as deposit limits and self-exclusion options.
Additional Tips:
RTP (Return to Player): Look for slots with a high RTP percentage for better long-term odds.
Volatility: Choose between high volatility (bigger, less frequent wins) and low volatility (smaller, more frequent wins) based on your preference.
Practice: Use demo versions of games to practice without risking real money.
Step 1: Choose a Reputable Online Casino
Choosing a reputable online casino is essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable gambling experience. The first step is to thoroughly research online casinos to ensure well-known regulatory bodies like the UK Gambling Commission or the Malta Gaming Authority license them.
These licenses guarantee the casino operates under strict guidelines designed to protect players. Additionally, look for casinos with positive reviews from other players and high ratings on independent review sites, as these are good indicators of a trustworthy platform.
Look for Online Casinos That Are Licensed and Have Good Reviews
When selecting an online casino, it’s crucial to ensure that a recognized gaming authority licenses the platform. A license indicates that the casino operates legally and adheres to strict standards that protect players.
Beyond licensing, read reviews from other players and check ratings on independent review sites. These reviews can offer valuable insights into the casino’s reliability, customer service, game variety, and payout processes.
Choosing a casino with strong reviews and a reputable license makes you more likely to have a positive gaming experience.
Create an Account by Providing Necessary Details
Once you've identified a reputable online casino, the next step is to create an account. The sign-up process typically involves providing personal information such as your name, email address, date of birth, and sometimes your home address and phone number.
Ensure that the information you provide is accurate, as it may be needed for identity verification, especially when withdrawing winnings. Some casinos might require verifying your email address or phone number to complete the registration process. After your account is verified, you can move on to depositing funds.
Use a Secure Payment Method to Deposit Money Into Your Casino Account
After successfully registering your account, you must deposit funds to start playing. Online casinos usually offer secure payment methods, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets like PayPal or Skrill, and bank transfers.
Consider transaction speed, security, and potential fees when choosing a payment method. Ensure the casino uses encryption technology to protect your financial information during transactions. Once your deposit is confirmed, the funds will appear in your casino account and be ready for betting.
Step 2: Understand the Slot Game
Understanding the slot game you intend to play is crucial for maximizing your enjoyment and potential winnings. Online casinos offer various slot games, each with its theme, symbols and features, and rules.
Before you start playing, take the time to explore the selection of slot games available and choose one that appeals to you.
Browse the Selection of Slot Games Available
Online casinos typically offer various slot games, ranging from classic three-reel slots to modern video slots with complex themes and features. When browsing the selection, consider what type of game you prefer—whether it’s a game with simple mechanics or one with numerous bonus features.
Many casinos allow you to filter games by popularity, theme, or features, making it easier to find a game that suits your preferences. Take your time to explore different games before settling on one.
Cleopatra is a modern 5 reel video slot.
Click on the Information Icon to Understand the Game's Rules, Paytable, and Special Features
Before placing your bets, it's important to understand how the slot game works. Most online slot games feature an information icon, often represented by an "i" or a question mark. Clicking this icon will provide detailed information about the game, including its rules, paytable, and any special features like wild symbols, scatter symbols, or bonus rounds. Understanding these elements can help you develop a strategy and make more informed decisions while playing.
Step 3: Set Your Bet
Setting your bet is a critical step in managing your bankroll and enhancing your gaming experience. Most online slot games allow you to adjust various aspects of your bet, such as the coin value, bet level, and number of paylines. These settings can significantly impact the amount you wager per spin and the potential payouts.
Adjust the Coin Value to Determine How Much Each Spin Will Cost
Coin value is one of the primary factors determining the cost of each spin in a slot game. Adjusting the coin value allows you to control how much money is being wagered on each spin. This feature allows you to manage your budget more effectively, especially if you prefer to play with smaller or larger stakes. Many slot games offer a wide range of coin values to accommodate different betting preferences, so choose a value that aligns with your budget.
Use the blue arrows left and right to adjust your coin value.
Choose How Many Coins You Want to Bet Per Line
In addition to adjusting the coin value, you can set the bet level, which determines how many coins you want to wager per payline. Increasing the bet level can lead to higher potential payouts, but it also increases the total amount you are betting on each spin. It’s important to balance betting enough to maximize your potential winnings and staying within your budget.
Decide How Many Paylines You Want to Activate
Paylines are the lines matching symbols must land to form winning combinations. Some slot games offer a fixed number of paylines, while others allow you to choose how many paylines to activate.
Activating more paylines increases your chances of hitting a winning combination and raises the total cost of each spin. Consider your budget and risk tolerance when deciding how many paylines to activate.
Example of How To Calculate Bet Size
When setting your bet size, the number of paylines determines the total cost per spin. The bet size is typically set per payline, so the total bet for each spin is the bet per line multiplied by the number of active paylines. For example, if you bet $0.10 per line and activates 20 paylines, the total bet per spin would be $0.10 × 20 = $2.00.
If you increase the bet per line to $0.25 but keeps the same 20 paylines active, the total bet per spin would rise to $0.25 × 20 = $5.00. Therefore, adjusting the bet size or the number of active paylines will change the total wagered amount. A simple yet effective way to help you manage the risk and potential rewards during gameplay.
OUR NUMBER ONE TIP!
However you play, it’s almost always best to start off small. This helps you get a feel for the game and its features while risking less. The minimum bet for most slots is $0.10, which allows you to play without risking much money. However, you can also try the free demo and play around with different bet sizes to experience how it impacts your total bankroll.
Step 4: Spin the Reels
Spinning the reels is the core action of playing slot games, and there are a couple of ways to do it. Whether you prefer complete control over each spin or let the game play out automatically, online slots offer flexibility to match your playing style.
Click the Spin Button to Play Manually
The manual spin option gives you complete control over when the reels are spun. Each time you click the spin button, the reels will spin once, allowing you to assess your bankroll and make decisions after each spin. This method is ideal for players who enjoy the excitement of manually triggering each spin and want to feel more engaged in the game.
Use the Autoplay Feature to Set a Predetermined Number of Spins to Play Automatically
If you prefer a more hands-off approach, the autoplay feature allows you to automatically set a predetermined number of spins that the game will play. This feature is convenient for players who want to sit back and watch the game unfold without repeatedly clicking the spin button. Most games also allow you to set specific conditions to stop autoplay, such as when a certain loss limit is reached or when a bonus round is triggered.
The autoplay feature allows you to set a predetermined number of spins.
Step 5: Monitor Your Balance
Keeping a close eye on your balance is essential for managing your bankroll effectively. You can make informed decisions about when to continue playing, increase your bets, or stop altogether by monitoring your balance.
Determine a Budget for How Much You Are Willing to Spend
Before you start playing, it’s important to set a clear budget for how much you are willing to spend. This helps you avoid overspending and ensures that you play within your financial means. Setting a budget also allows you to enjoy the game without the stress of losing more money than you can afford.
This shows you your existing balance.
Keep an Eye on Your Winnings and Losses to Manage Your Bankroll Effectively
As you play, tracking your winnings and losses is important. Keeping a close eye on your balance will help you manage your bankroll more effectively, allowing you to make informed decisions about when to continue playing or stop. If you’re on a winning streak, you might choose to increase your bets slightly. Conversely, if your balance is decreasing, lowering your bet or taking a break may be wise. Effective balance monitoring is key to enjoying a sustainable and responsible gaming experience.
Step 6: Bonuses and Promotions
Taking advantage of casino welcome bonuses and promotions offered by online casinos can significantly enhance your gaming experience. These offers can provide you with extra funds to play with, free spins, or other rewards that can increase your chances of winning.
Take Advantage of Welcome Bonuses and Free Spins Offered by the Casino
Many online casinos offer generous welcome bonuses to new players, including deposit matches and free spins. These bonuses give you additional funds to play with or free spins on specific slot games, enhancing your chances of winning without risking your own money. Read the terms and conditions associated with these bonuses, as they often come with wagering requirements that must be met before you can withdraw any winnings.
Check for Ongoing Promotions and Loyalty Programs That Can Provide Additional Benefits
Beyond welcome bonuses, many online casinos run regular promotions and offer loyalty programs to reward their players. These promotions might include reload bonuses, cashback offers, or entry into prize draws. Loyalty programs often reward players with points for every wager they make, which can later be redeemed for bonuses, free spins, or other perks. Regularly checking the promotions page and participating in these offers can maximize your rewards and extend your gameplay.
Step 7: Enjoy Responsibly
Responsible gambling ensures that your online casino experience remains fun and safe. It’s important to set boundaries and use the tools available to help manage your gambling habits.
Set Time and Money Limits to Ensure You Gamble Responsibly
Gambling should always be viewed as entertainment, not a way to make money. To enjoy gambling responsibly, set clear limits on both the time and money you’re willing to spend. Stick to these limits, and avoid chasing losses by spending more than you can afford. Knowing when to stop, especially if you’re on a losing streak, is key to maintaining a healthy relationship with gambling.
10 Dos and Don’ts for Playing Slots Online
Here are some of our top dos and don’ts of playing online slots:
Gayle Mitchell is the leading female expert on casino gambling and has written extensively, presented seminars and was editor of four gaming newsletters. She is the author of seven books, 12 Ebooks, and five Tips booklets. Online since 1999, Mitchell has owned and operated 4 gaming websites. Her writing and teaching style is targeted at educating novice and passionate casino players.
