Given the nature of slot games, in that they are electronic machines, playing them online isn’t really that different from playing them at a land-based casino. You are just using your own computer and clicking your mouse instead of pushing a button or pulling a lever. Other than that, the experience is pretty much the same.
It’s not at all difficult to get started with online slots, but we understand that first time players may not really know where to begin. That’s why we have put this short guide together. We talk you through getting started step by step, and even recommend the best online casinos at which to play.
Picking an Online Casino for Slots
Before you can play slots on the Internet, you’ll need to join an online casino. This is easy enough to do, although you should put some thought into where you to play. You have plenty of options, as pretty much every casino on the web offers at least a few slot games, but some of them are better than others.
To get the best possible online slots experience, make sure you join one of the very best. You certainly want to use a casino that’s reputable and trustworthy, and you also want to use one that offers a good variety of high quality games. Ideally you should pick one that offers some decent bonuses and rewards as well.
Depositing Funds & Claiming Signup Bonuses
Once you have chosen an online casino and have signed up, the next step is to add some funds to your account. This is a very straightforward process at most places. You’ll usually find a range of different banking options for making deposits, and it’s a simple matter of choosing one that suits you, and then providing the relevant payment details. Funds are typically added to your account instantly, so you’ll be able to start playing right away.
When you are depositing for the first time at a casino, make sure you check what signup bonus is available. Most online casinos offer bonuses to new customers making an initial deposit, and you should try to take maximum advantage of them. They can be pretty generous, and their terms are often very favorable for slots players.
Some casinos offer a selection of different signup bonuses, and there may be something you have to do in order to claim the one you want. It is, therefore, advisable to check all the details before making your deposit so that you don’t miss out. It’s also a good idea to check the associated terms and conditions.
Choosing Which Game to Play
One of the big advantages of playing slots online is the choice of games available, as many of the top online casinos offer a huge selection. While this is very much a good thing, it can be difficult to know where to start if you’re playing for the first time.
There’s no right or wrong way to go about choosing which slot game to play, because it’s really just a matter of personal preference. The best approach, in our opinion, is to try a few different games out and see which ones you prefer. You’ll then get a feel for the type of game you like, and can look for other similar games.
Most online casinos have free versions of their games, which you can play for fun without any real money involved. These can be an excellent way to try new games out.
Playing the Games
The great thing about slot games is that they are so very simple to play. There’s not usually much in the way of rules to learn, and it’s largely a straightforward matter of pushing a button and watching the reels spin. There’s a little bit more to it than that, though, as you will usually have a few options to consider.
Below is a screenshot of a popular online slot game: Incredible Hulk, powered by Playtech. You’ll notice that there are a few different things on the screen that may not immediately make sense, so we’ll explain each. Please note that other games may look different, but the basic principle is always fairly similar.
As you can see, most of the screen is taken up by the reels themselves. To the left and right of these, you can see several different numbers. Each one of these numbers represents a pay-line, and you can click on a number to see the direction of the relevant pay-line.
Underneath the reels is the information about the current settings relating to how many lines you are playing, how much you are betting per line, and your total bet. There’s also a spot that shows how much you have just won following a winning spin.
There are also several buttons underneath the reels. The button on the far left that shows £0.10 is for changing the value of a coin. If you click on it, you’ll be able to change the value of a coin, and therefore change how much you stake per spin. Immediately under this button is an “info” button. Clicking on it will bring up the pay table and other relevant information about the game.
The “auto start” button allows you to play spins automatically. If you click on it, you’ll be able to select how many automatic spins you want, and you can then sit back and watch the results. The “lines” button next to it is how you select the number of lines you wish to have active per spin. The next button along, “bet per line”, is for selecting the number of coins you wish to stake for each active line. The “bet max” button allows you to automatically play the maximum number of lines and the maximum number of coins per line.
The button to the far right labelled “spin” is the button you have to press to actually spin the reels. Once you have adjusted the settings how you want them, simply click on it and your game will start.
Cashing Out
If you get lucky, then you’ll probably want to cash out your winnings at some point. This is just as easy as depositing, and the process is essentially the same. You just have to choose how you want your money sent back to you, and then provide the relevant details.
