Why Are Slot Games So Popular?
Whether you are familiar with the online casino industry, slots are the first game you will encounter. A few qualities make slots stand out from other casino games like table games and video poker. Slots are popular because
- Easy to Play: Slots are fantastic because new and seasoned players can equally enjoy different titles. New players can choose three-reel slots with low volatility and a suitable payout.
- Value for Money Players can enjoy slots with little investment since the wager limits are low. You can adjust your bets to a suitable amount, which allows you to play longer.
- Numerous Themes: Game developers understand that slots will always be preferred at online casinos. That is why they develop more titles each passing day with new themes that suit the target audience.
- Accessible: This game is so popular that most online casinos and sportsbooks will have an entire section dedicated solely to slots. This has made slots one of the most accessible games in any casino.
Top 10 Most Popular Slots At the Moment
Here are the top 10 most popular online slot games at the moment:
Sweet Bonanza
This is a candy-themed title from Pragmatic Play that was released in 2019. It is a medium to high volatility game with a 96.51% RTP. You get a 6×5 grid; the minimum wager is €0.2, and the maximum bet is €100. The symbols used include grape, banana and 4 different coloured candies. Sweet Bonanza utilizes the pay-anywhere mechanic, and the features include free spins, scatter, ante bet and multiplier.
Wolf Gold
You get a 5×3 format with this title from Pragmatic Play and a 96.01% RTP. It has a progressive jackpot and is medium volatility, making it attractive to many players. This title has a West American desert theme, and you get to enjoy symbols like the Puma, Wild Horse, Buffalo and American Eagle. The minimum bet is €0.25, and the maximum is €5.
Big Bass Splash
Fishing fans are covered with this title, released in 2022 by Pragmatic Play. You can enjoy the aquatic theme with symbols like fisherman wild, fishing rod, dragonfly, fish money and hooked bass scatter. This title has a 5×3 layout, 96.71% RTP and 10 pay lines. The least amount for the wager is €0.10, and the maximum is €5.
Gonzo’s Quest Megaways
This title supported by Red Tiger has 6 reels and 117 649 paylines. It was released in 2020 in collaboration with NetEnt and still follows the Spanish conquistador’s adventures in the Lost City of Gold. It is a high-volatility game with a 95.77% RTP. The symbols include an alligator, bird, snake, and fish, which are the lower-paying symbols, while the higher-paying ones are the different coloured masks.
Gates of Olympus
Pragmatic Play released this title in 2021 with a 6×5 layout and 20 ways to win. It has an Ancient Greek Mythology theme and uses symbols like crowns, rings and cups. Gates of Olympus has a 96.50% RTP and features like cascading reels, multipliers, and scatter pays. The minimum bet across all lines is €0.20, and the maximum is €5.
Buffalo Blitz
Players get 4096 paylines, 95.96% RTP and up to 300X maximum wins with this title from Playtech. It is an animal and nature theme game with numerous symbols, including bears, buffalo, moose and skunks. You can bet at least €0.40 across all 6 reels, and the maximum amount is capped at €200.
Vikings Go Berzerk
Yggdrasil launched this title in 2016 with 25 winlines and a 96.1% RTP. It has a 5×4 layout and a 20.9%% hit frequency with a maximum win of 4000X the wager. The minimum wager is at least €0.25 and at most €125. This Viking-themed title builds on the original game’s greatness with enhanced features like the Rage Meter, Ragnarok Free Spins, and Welcome Rage.
Valley of the Gods
Players get a 5×5 layout, medium volatility, and 3125 winlines with this Yggdrasil title. It is an Egyptian adventure theme game, and you get to enjoy the Yggdrasil signature features, such as expanding and multiplier reels. It has a medium volatility with a 96.2% RTP. You can place a bet for as low as €0.10 and as high as €100.
Fishin Frenzy
This fish-themed title was developed by Real Time Gaming and has a 5×3 layout with 10 ways to win. The symbols include pelicans, fishing rods, tackle boxes and lifesaving tubes. It has a 96.12% RTP. Players can enjoy this medium volatility game with at least €0.10, and a maximum bet is capped at €1.
Book of Dead
Book of Dead is an Egyptian-themed title with a 96.21% RTP developed by Play’n Go. It is highly volatile with high-paying symbols like the Rich Wilde icon, Anubis and Phoenix. Players’ wins can be multiplied up to 5000X the initial bet, and the available features include expanding reels, free spin bonus and scatters.
What Are The Most Popular Slot Game Themes?
Ancient Egypt
The fascination with Pyramids, Pharaohs and Sphinxes has led to the development of Ancient Egyptian-themed slots. Book of Dead follows the adventures of Rich Wilde as he explores Ancient Egypt’s hidden treasures. The traditional Egyptian music soundtrack pairs perfectly with the symbols, including paintings of Anubis and Osiris.
Adventure and Exploration
Adventure-filled quests are one of the reasons slots are so popular among online casino enthusiasts. Gonzo’s Quest is a perfect place to start, as this title shows a Spanish Conqueror’s quest for the El Dorado treasures. This ancient civilization game from NetEnt uses symbols like the alligator, bird, purple mask, snake, gold mask, and blue mask.
Mythology and Legends
Mythology and Legends titles revolve around Greek mythology. Some symbols used include popular Greek gods like Zeus, Poseidon and Athena, with the background mostly set in a temple covered with hieroglyphics. Age of the Gods is a game supported by Playtech that gives you the thrill of mythology-themed slots.
Fantasy
Fantasy slots are all about magic and legendary mythical creatures. Popular elements of fantasy-themed slots include mythical creatures like fairies and dragons, witches, spells, potions and enchanted forests. Dragon’s Luck is a fantasy title from Red Tiger Gaming that embraces Chinese folklore of mythical dragons. Immortal Romance fits the vampire genre and draws inspiration from vampire TV shows and novels.
Irish Luck
Fairies, Leprechauns, Rainbows, Four Leaf Clovers and Frothy Beer are part of the Irish-themed slots. The gameplay is to get a pot of gold, and the backdrop is usually a forest. Rainbow Riches has all the making of a good Irish-themed title, complete with fairies and Leprechauns. Four-Leaf Clover symbols act as wild substitutes, and Fairies as scatter symbols.
Classic Fruit and Gems
Fruits and Gems were the first symbols used in slot games online and at land-based casinos. The simplicity and comprehensibility of fruits and gems slots still make them popular today. You can dive into the gem-themed titles like Starburst from NetEnt, which utilize red, yellow, purple, green and orange gems.
Western
The American Wild West has been a popular theme in movies, which led to the rise of Western-themed slots. Dead or Alive II is a title from NetEnt that encompasses the Wild West theme with symbols like Cowboy Boots, Sherriff Star, Revolver and Cowboy Hat. The storylines are usually a cowboy chasing bandits across the desert into a town with a pub and saloon.
Animals and Nature
Slot games are meant to be relaxing, which is why animals and nature are part of the serene environment they provide. The theme will typically be in an outdoor setting with plants, forests, landscapes and wildlife. Big Bass Bonanza is a fishing-themed title set with a water backdrop and uses symbols like the fishing rod, dragonfly, the big bass and fisherman.
Vikings and Warriors
Viking-themed slots are all about terror, pillaging, and endless wars. This can be seen in a popular Viking-themed title, Hammer of Vulcan from Quickspin. This title is based on Roman mythology, featuring metalworking and fire. The scene is set against a fiery volcano with features such as helmets, shields, hammers, Vulcan and swords.
Movies, TV Shows, and Comics
When a new TV show, comic or movie emerges, it may garner quite a strong following. Slots developers have utilized different aspects of various shows and turned them into titles that these movie, comic and TV show enthusiasts can enjoy. Jurassic Park was a movie that took the world by storm in 2015, which led to the release of titles like Jurassic Park from Microgaming. Jurassic Park features all the characters from the original movie, as well as the scenery and the T-Rex.
What You Should Know About the Mechanics of Online Slots
Reels and Rows
Reels and rows are two of the main aspects of any slot game. This is because they determine a player’s payout depending on where the symbols fall. Rows are horizontal lines, while reels are slots’ vertical lines. The general rule is that a title must have at least 1 row and 3 reels, as with classic three-reel slots.
Symbols
Symbols are the icons utilized in a slots game that create a winning combination. There is no limit to what symbols can be used in a game, and some popular ones include fruits, numbers, and card numbers. Different types of symbols play special roles and affect the payout, including multiplier, scatter, wild, standard and bonus.
Paylines
These are the lines where symbols need to appear for you to win. Paylines are also called ways to win and can be horizontal, cross-sectional or vertical. Paylines can be horizontal, where specific symbols need to appear on a reel for you to win, or they could also form a specified pattern across diagonal lines.
RNG (Random Number Generator)
Random Number Generator (RNG) is the technology used to ensure that slots are fair to play and the outcome is completely random. A small chip is installed in the slot machine, generating numbers that match different symbols and producing a random result. Whether you pull a lever or tap the spin option, RNG is responsible for the outcome you see on the game’s screen.
Return to Player (RTP)
The Return to Player Rate is the amount you can expect to win back from a title over time. The RTP is a percentage determined based on the game mechanics and rules. When you wager €100 on a title with a 94% RTP, you should ideally get €94 when you win over multiple spins.
Volatility
Volatility is the size and frequency of a slot triggering a win. There are usually 3 types of volatility: high, medium and low. A low volatility title will give you frequent and small payouts, while high volatility gives bigger payouts, albeit less frequent. Medium volatility can be medium-low or medium-high and will lean more on one side depending on the amount you wager.
Types of Online Slot Games
Classic Slots (3-Reel Slots)
These are the first ever developed slots similar to land-based casino slot machines. They typically have 3 reels and use symbols like fruits, sevens or bars. The goal is to get three similar symbols on the paylines, and this simplicity makes them ideal for beginners. Classic slots are geared towards providing an enjoyable experience instead of offering huge payouts.
Video Slots (5-Reel Slots)
Video slots are the next phase after classic slots, with more features like the automated 5 reels. These slots include scatter symbols, bonus rounds and free spins. They are usually themed and provide a more immersive player experience. Players can add or remove the symbols or characters along the reels. These titles are also more visually appealing as they focus on high-quality animations, soundtrack and graphics.
3D Slots
Players get better visuals with 3-dimensional animations and graphics. Players can follow a story throughout the game, making for a more enjoyable experience. 3D slots were made possible using more powerful computers that upgraded the initial 2D images. This meant phones with limited storage could comfortably access 3D slots because they were designed to work in handheld devices like tablets and smartphones.
Megaways Slots
The online slot game was revolutionized when Big Time Gaming introduced the Megaways mechanics in 2015. These slots created thousands of paylines in a single game. When you play a Megaways slot, you have up to 117649 ways to win. The Megaways mechanics can change the symbol size between spins, allowing 1 reel to simultaneously accommodate 2 to 7 symbols.
Branded Slots
These themed slots pay homage to different comics, board games, celebrities, cartoons, sports, movies and TV shows. The symbols in branded slots will be the main characters of the themes they intend to portray. These titles also follow the brand’s storyline and ideas to create the best experience for the players. Since Microgaming released Lara Croft: Tomb Raider in 2004, more branded slots like Jurassic Park have been launched.
Mobile Slots
Mobile gaming is in demand now, leading to the development of mobile slots. These slots are designed to be played on tablets and smartphones. The slots are optimized to fit different screen sizes and use HTML technology to ensure the pages load quickly. Mobile slots have enabled fans to access their favourite titles while on the move.
Progressive Jackpot Slots
Progressive jackpot slots owe their popularity to the ever-growing jackpot. As more players place a bet on the progressive jackpot, the payout grows, and one user will eventually win the cumulative amount. The trick is to get the specific combination that triggers the jackpot. The possibility of huge payouts in already highly volatile games is an attractive feature, especially to seasoned players. One of the first notable payouts was by a UK player who won $19.9 million on Mega Moolah from Microgaming. Another player won $24 million on Mega Moolah from NetEnt, which was the largest payout ever made.
Slot Tournaments
These are slot competitions where the ultimate winner gets the prize. The players will all play and place their wagers on a specified slot game within a determined time. After the time lapses, each player’s total points will be accumulated, and the winner will be announced. The winners can get cash prizes, virtual currency or credits. You get more points as you place more wagers, but this does not guarantee that you will win the jackpot. There are different types of slot tournaments, including freeroll, buy-in, scheduled, sit n’ go, extender, reloader and survival. Each type is subject to various rules, and players are informed of each before the competition begins.
Online Slots Bonuses
Free Spins
Online casinos offer free spins to allow players to make spins on specified titles without making an investment. The great thing is that players can keep and withdraw any amounts they win using free spins. You must follow the rules and regulations attached to the free spins bonus before they become eligible for withdrawal. Free spins create extra rounds, enabling you to continue enjoying your game or try out new titles.
In-Game Bonus Features
These are specific features that players can enjoy during the game, adding a different and more interesting element to the title. In-game bonus features include scatter, multiplier, wild, respin, and avalanche symbols. Wild symbols are substitutes for other symbols and may be expanding, stacked or sticky. The multiplier symbol increases your winnings by the number of times it represents. Scatter symbols can appear in multiples and trigger other bonus games features like free spins. A combination of particular in-game bonus features can significantly increase the game’s payout and may also trigger mini-games.
Bonus Rounds
As the slot is ongoing, you may trigger a special combination of symbols that align to avail a mini-game. If you are playing an adventure game, the bonus round may be a different path, leading to more treasures not originally available in the main game. These bonus rounds increase your chances of significant winnings. You should familiarize yourself with the slot’s paytable to understand the rules of unlocking the bonus rounds.
Best Slot Game Providers
NetEnt
NetEnt is a Swedish-based game developer that has been around since 1996. It provides more than 200 slots across different online casinos and has partnered with numerous software developers to reach new markets globally. Some mechanics NetEnt has brought to the slots industry include cluster pays and swirly spins. The most popular slot machines supported by NetEnt include Gonzo’s Quest, Dead or Alive and Jack and the Beanstalk.
Pragmatic Play
This software developer was launched in 2015 and quickly became a household name. It has 150+ slots under its brand and has collaborated with other game developers to better its games. A notable partnership is with Big Time Gaming, which allowed them to use this vendor’s Megaways mechanics. Pragmatic Play released titles with new themes and the Megaways mechanism, like Great Rhino Megaways and The Dog House Megaways.
Play’n Go
Play’n Go came into the casino industry over a decade ago and brought numerous innovations. Some of the innovations include reverse clusters, patterns mechanics and special powers symbols. Their slots also offer high maximum wins up to 20000X the initial bet. The 300+ Play’n Go titles include Rich Wilde and the Book of Dead, Wild North, Riches of Robin and Reactoonz.
Microgaming
Microgaming has been an industry leader since it was launched in 1994. This was after they released the first movie-themed title, Lara Croft: Temples and Tombs, in the early 2000s. This software developer is best known for their progressive jackpots, which have awarded players over €1 billion in titles like Wowpot and Mega Moolah. Other innovations from Microgaming include Megaways mechanism, Hyperspins and Nobleways.
Playtech
Playtech was established in 1999 and is credited with innovations such as Feature Shop used in Kingdom’s Rise. The game developer has provided titles like Ocean Princess, Age of the Gods, Terminator, DC Superheroes and Aquaman. Playtech is listed in the London Stock Exchange Main Market and is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. Playtech utilizes HTML5 technology, enabling its slots to be available on handheld devices like smartphones.
Red Tiger
Red Tiger is best known for a series of innovations like power reels, chain reaction features, power lines, unlockable bonuses, and more. The 200+ titles under Red Tiger’s belt include Narcos Mexico, Hansel & Gretel Candyhouse, Stolen Treasures, and Rock ‘n’ Lock. This game developer was started in 2014 and holds numerous licenses from trusted bodies, including the UK Gambling Commission and Malta Gaming License.
Strategies to Win Slot Games
Before you play any slot game, it is best to keep these strategies in mind;
- Play the Demo: The best way to familiarize yourself with a new title is by playing the demo version. This way, you can explore and practice the game before investing real money in it.
- Learn the Slot Basics: You need to learn the basic terms and the title rules beforehand. You should read and understand the regulations and paytables.
- Use the Features: Claim and use all free features availed to you, including free spins and bonus rounds.
- Deposit Limits: It is easy to get carried away with the game and bet more than anticipated. Always set a limit for deposits and do not exceed it.
- Reputable Casinos: You want to play slots at a casino with a license from a trusted body like the UK Gambling Commission.
How to Find the Best Online Slot Casinos
Legitimacy & Trustworthiness
You want to play at a casino recognized by a renowned regulatory body. This means an authority regulates the online casino’s activities and protects the player’s interests. You also have a place to take your complaints about a casino when they are regulated. Some popular regulatory authorities include The Government of Curacao, the Malta Gaming Authority and the UK Gambling Commission.
Slots Selection
A good online casino should have a variety of slots to suit different player’s tastes and needs. You should lean more towards casinos that have partnered with multiple game vendors. This way, you are assured of a diverse slots portfolio with different RTPs and game mechanics. A limited slot selection may push you to try titles you do not like and thus minimize your user experience.
Bonuses & Promotions
Different online casinos will offer promotions and bonuses for new and existing players. Some bonuses you should look for as a new player include a no-deposit bonus, a match deposit bonus, and free spins. As an existing player, you should expect a VIP program, reloads, rakebacks and cashback from a good online casino.
Accepted Payment Methods
You want to be able to make payments using a method that best works for you. This means finding an online casino that accepts different deposits and withdrawal methods. Some suitable payment methods include Skrill, Mastercard, Neteller, Bank Transfers, cryptocurrencies, Visa, American Express, Trustly, and EcoPayz.
Withdrawal Times and Limits
Your withdrawal method will determine the amount and time you will receive your winnings. Some methods are instantly processed and availed to your account while others take time. Cryptocurrencies, Skrill and PayPal are some of the methods that offer instant withdrawals. Debit cards, credit cards and Bank Transfers may take up to 3 business days to avail your funds.
Customer Support
Players need to access assistance when they need it. You should join a casino that has at least 3 customer support channels. The 2 main channels are live chat and phone numbers that offer round-the-clock assistance regardless of location. An email address is an added advantage, especially when queries require a detailed official response.
Top 5 Most Popular Slots of All Time
Starburst
This is a gem-themed game with a 96.1% RTP from NetEnt. It has a low volatility, 10 ways to win and 5 reels. You can bet the minimum and maximum amount is €0.01 and €100, respectively. You get free spins and wilds and can win up to 250 times your initial bet.
Book of RA
This video slot is supported by Novomatic with 5 reels and 10 paylines. It was released in 2005 and has a mythology theme. It has a high volatility with a 96% RTP, and the maximum winnings are 25000X the initial bet. Some symbols of Book of Ra include Indiana Jones, Isis, scarab beetle and a pharaoh.
Gonzo’s Quest
This title is built on the adventures of Gonzalo Pizarro, a Spanish conquistador, who went out in search of the mythical city of gold, El Dorado. You get 20 paylines, 5 reels and 3 rows with special symbols like the free fall feature. Gonzo’s Quest has medium volatility and a 96% RTP. It is beloved for using virtual reality to bring the characters to life.
Mega Moolah
Mega Moolah is a progressive jackpot game that has gone down in history for huge payouts. This African Safari-themed title has 25 paylines and an 88.12% RTP. The most impressive features of this game are the mini, minor, major and mega jackpots. The highest-paying symbols utilized by Mega Moolah include the lion, monkey scatter and zebra.
Cleopatra
Cleopatra was released by IGT in 2002 and has a 95.02% RTP. You can win up to 10000X your bet with a minimum bet of €0.01, and the maximum bet is €200. You can utilize different symbols to increase your winnings, including the sphinx scatter and Cleopatra wilds. Players also get an interesting soundtrack of Cleopatra’s voice and other aspects of the Egyptian culture, including the music and hieroglyphics.
FAQ About the Most Famous Slots
What makes a slot game popular?
Slots are the most popular casino games because they are easy to play and visually attractive. Players must remember only a few rules to enjoy the game and win. Slots utilize different themes that make for an immersive gaming experience. These titles also offer various features and mechanics that may increase winnings, such as wilds, free spins, multipliers, and bonus rounds. Slot tournaments add to the interactive aspect of the game and promote social interactions among the players.
What are the most popular slot games right now?
- Starburst (NetEnt): Players get a free demo to test out the game and enjoy a low-volatility game full of beautiful, brightly-coloured gems.
- Book of Dead (Play’n GO): The use of Rich Wilde as a game symbol is an aspect that draws in many fans who love Wild West movies.
- Gonzo’s Quest (NetEnt): This is among the first titles that incorporated the use of virtual reality, making Gonzo’s Quest aesthetically pleasing.
- Big Bass Bonanza (Pragmatic Play): The cartoonish fishing theme is attractive for players looking for a low to medium-volatility game.
- Mega Moolah (Microgaming): This title is widely sought after because it is renowned for its huge payouts.
Why is Starburst so popular?
This title is popular for many reasons, from its amazing graphics to the attractive payout. Players can win up to 250X any amount they wager between €0.01 and €100. Its low volatility makes it ideal for new players and calm gaming. This title is provided by NetEnt, a reliable game vendor known for its great themes and high payout ratios.
What makes Book of Dead a fan favourite?
One of the reasons players are always so excited to play Book of Dead is the free spins feature. It plays into the ancient Egypt theme, and fans of Rich Wilde get to see their favourite character in action. You can win up to 5000 times the bet you place when the game begins using features like wild, scatter and expanding symbols.
Why are Big Bass Bonanza and Big Bass Splash so popular?
Big Bass Bonanza has the Hold & Spin bonus round feature where if you get the money symbols, you get up to 2000X your initial bet. Players enjoy Big Bass Splash because of the random features like hook, dynamite and bazooka, which put you in a position for potentially high payouts. Both titles use the fishing theme and are highly volatile, making them ideal for seasoned players.
What is a progressive jackpot, and which popular slot offers it?
This is a type of slot game where players contribute to a general pool, and the winner of the progressive jackpot games gets the total amount. You play on a selected slot for a specified duration, and after the game ends, the player with the most points wins the jackpot prize and other rewards. Mega Moolah is the most popular progressive jackpot slot known for making high payouts.
What is a cascading reel feature, and which popular slot has it?
This feature allows symbols to disappear or explode when a winning combination is achieved. Different symbols immediately replace the empty slots, increasing your chances of getting more winning combinations. You can trigger the cascading reel feature multiple times within the same game. Some popular slots with cascading reel features include Buffalo Rising Megaways and Kluster Krystals Megaclusters.
Which popular online slot game offers the highest RTP?
High RTP slots offer you a higher chance of winning huge over time. The slots with the highest RTPs of 99% include Mega Joker from OneTouch, Book of 99 from Relax Gaming and Ryse of the Mighty Gods from NetEnt.
Can I play popular slot games on my mobile device?
Yes, there are slots specifically designed for mobile play. These mobile slots include Starburst, 9 Pots of Gold and Big Bass Splash. These are compatible with iOS and Android phones.
Are popular slots available for free play?
Most popular slots offer a demo version, free-to-play and play-for-money options. You can get free-to-play options such as Kitty Kollect, Smoking Hot Fortunes and Big Bass Halloween II.
How do I know if a popular slot is fair?
Slots are fair if they utilize the Random Number Generator technology. This assures you that the outcomes are random without external influence. Check whether the slots have certificates from independent auditing firms like eCOGRA.
