Looking for a New Slot to Play?
Slot games come in all shapes and sizes. There are many good slots to play. Each new release seems to boast bigger wins and more exciting features than the last. It can be hard to sort out all the noise and find a slot game that suits personal preferences.
The best place to start is a few key selection criteria. These guide the process of narrowing down the thousands of games to the handful of slots worth playing. Seasoned players will already be familiar with these core principles.
This article aims to be an exhaustive guide to choosing slots for fun. The seven main criteria that set great slot games apart are listed and explained in detail.
Contents
On this page you will learn:
- RTP explained – What to look for in long term value
- Volatility defined – Types and their impact on gameplay
- Theme and features to consider – The core entertainment factor
- Bonus and special features – Keep gameplay fresh
- Style of play and betting preferences – Match the game to you
What is RTP and Why Is It Important?
RTP stands for Return to Player.
RTP is a theoretical percentage value calculated from historical data. It represents the proportion of every dollar wagered on a slot that is returned in player wins.
In practical terms RTP is expressed as a number, like 96% or 97%. This means over time that particular slot will pay out 96 or 97 cents for every dollar wagered.
Let’s break that down.
If a player bets $100 in a 96% RTP slot, they can expect to get back $96 of that over time.
The remainder ($4 in this example) is profit for the casino.
Here’s why it matters:
The higher the RTP, the better the expected value for the player.
If two slots pay out 96 cents and 94 cents respectively for every dollar wagered, then the 96% RTP slot is the better game over time.
That is why RTP is the first thing to look at when evaluating new slot games. It is an excellent early filter to identify games with poor value and focus on those with higher returns.
Optimal RTP will usually be between 94% and 97%. Below 94% is generally considered too low for most players.
Testing out different casino slot games like cash collect slots is the best way to build a feel for which RTPs work for your bankroll and playing style.
Other selection criteria to consider before picking a slot…
Volatility Explained
Volatility refers to the pattern of how a slot pays out.
The concept can be a little tricky. Simply put, there are three main volatility levels and each influences the slot gameplay experience.
- Low volatility machines have high hit frequencies. Players will get lots of smaller wins.
- Medium volatility slots offer a balance of frequency and win amounts.
- High volatility games pay less frequently, but the wins are larger.
Picking the right volatility for your bankroll and style is crucial.
Low volatility slots are good for longer play sessions. You get smaller but more frequent wins that keep the balance topped up. The entertainment is steady but the big wins less frequent.
High volatility slots suit larger bankrolls. There is more chance of extended dry spells without a significant win. But when those big payouts land, they can be huge.
New UKGC statistics show the average online slot session is 17-18 minutes. Identifying volatility helps predict if a game matches how long you want to play.
Themes and Features to Consider
Slot themes cover a wide range.
Ancient Egypt to sci-fi space battles, adventure quest to futuristic cyberpunk – game developers pull out all the stops for originality and production value.
Theme affects the overall gaming experience. A theme that resonates with the player will make sessions more enjoyable.
Important features to look for include:
- Graphics and visual quality
- Sound effects and background music
- Animations and special effects
- Mobile compatibility
Visuals are increasingly important in slots. Top new games feature blockbuster cinema quality graphics with realistic animations. Older games look dated and dated by comparison.
Mobile compatibility is often overlooked but hugely important. Mobile gambling accounts for 80% of the global online gambling audience. If a game doesn’t work well on a mobile device it is probably one to avoid.
Bonus rounds and special mechanics are next.
Bonus and Special Features
Bonus features are where slots really shine.
Early slot machines were simple and predictable. Today’s slots are complex and loaded with multiple bonus rounds, free spins, and innovative gameplay mechanics.
Popular bonus features include:
- Free spins with multipliers
- Pick and click bonus games
- Cascading reels (symbols disappear and new ones fall)
- Megaways mechanics (slots with thousands of ways to win)
- Hold and spin games
Some slots focus on one or two standout features. Others cram as many different elements as possible. Smart players find slots with bonus rounds that match personal preferences.
For players that love anticipation and slow burn excitement, hold and spin games are hard to beat. For those that want near constant action and excitement, cascading reels work well.
Moving on to jackpots.
Different Jackpot Types to Know
Not all jackpots are created equal.
- Fixed jackpots have set prize amounts. These don’t grow but are more likely to hit.
- Progressive jackpots increase every time someone places a bet until one lucky player wins the whole thing. These can reach massive life-changing sums but are much less frequent.
Players pick one approach or the other depending on risk tolerance and bankroll size.
Balancing out expectations with how much is in the bankroll is smart. Progressive jackpots are best for those that enjoy high volatility and are comfortable with rare but massive wins. Fixed jackpots suit those that prefer a consistent pace and gameplay experience.
Next, let’s talk about betting sizes.
Betting Ranges and Bankroll Compatibility
Every slot machine has a minimum and maximum bet limit.
This should be obvious, but it bears repeating. If a slot has a $1 minimum spin, that is a big red flag for anyone planning to play with a $20 budget. That is 20 spins before the session is over.
Key things to check include:
- The minimum and maximum bet per spin
- Maximum bet allowed
- Number of active paylines (higher line count usually means a higher minimum bet)
- Session length goals
Aligning these values with bankroll size helps ensure longer, more enjoyable play sessions. Nothing is more frustrating than running out of money after ten minutes of play.
Testing in demo mode is highly recommended.
Demo Mode
Most online casinos offer a demo play mode.
This is a huge asset for players. Demo play allows sampling of a game’s features, volatility, and overall feel without any real money at stake.
Things to try before playing with real money:
- Understand the bonus triggers and how to access them
- Get a sense for how frequently the game hits wins
- Decide if the theme and sound effects are to personal taste
- Test the experience on mobile devices
Demo mode is one of the most powerful tools available to players. Skipping this step is like going into a casino blind. Five minutes in demo mode can often be enough to determine whether a slot matches player preferences.
With all the fundamentals covered, it is now time to bring it all together.
Wrapping It Up
Choosing a slot game is not a random process.
It is about finding the right combination of game features to suit personal preferences. Taking time to consider a few essential selection criteria before playing can make a big difference.
Quick final checklist of criteria:
- RTP (should be 94% or higher)
- Volatility (low, medium, high)
- Theme (should be appealing to the player)
- Bonus and special features (bonus features that match preferences)
- Device compatibility (playable on all the player’s devices)
- Demo play mode (available to test first)
The total number of online slots will reach 1 million later this year. Every week new slots hit the market with fresh features and higher production values. But at its heart, the principles of choosing a good slot game don’t change.
Research pays off. A few minutes of preparation at the start can lead to hours of higher quality entertainment. It is a trade-off worth making every single time.
