Slots Casino Guide 2024 – Learn How to Play Online and Win

Slot Game on LaptopOn launching almost any online casino, you’re more than likely to be greeted by hundreds and hundreds of slot machines. Video slot machines are one of the most popular types of online casino games, and for good reason too.

Online video slot machines are quick and relatively simple games, which have the potential to be incredibly rewarding. What’s more, with literally thousands of video slot machines in existence, there’s a game for almost everyone.

That being said, with so many different slot games and variations around, beginning to play online slots can sometimes seem a little daunting. Luckily for you, we’re here to help! In this slots casino guide, you can learn everything you need to know about these incredibly popular games including:

  • The different types of online slots
  • The main features of an online slot machine
  • Common video slot bonus features

The Different Types of Online Slots

When you browse the slot category at an online casino, chances are you’re going to come across many different types of games. Below we’ve highlighted the main different types of online slots there are and how they work.

3-Reel Slots

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Most online slots will fall into one of two categories; classic slots or video slots. Classic slots, as the name suggests, are more akin to the traditional fruity machines you find in land-based casinos. In geral, these games boast 3 reels and very simplified gameplay.

The aim of the game when playing 3-reel slots (or 3 reelers as they’re sometimes called) is to line up three identical symbols across all three reels.

5-Reel Slots

Starburst Slot ScreenshotMost modern slots are categorized as video slots and will boast five reels. These games allow for multiple paylines and so the aim of the game is to create a winning symbol combination across any active payline.

The standard layout for a video slot is 5 reels, 4 rows and 20 paylines. Of course, however, as video slots have become more advanced and innovative, there are now many different variations on this layout too:

1024 Way Slots

These slots have, as the name suggests, 1024 ways to win. In general, these games pay both ways. So, whereas a traditional payline pays left to right, a ‘pay both way’ slot will pay from either side of the game. These types of games are now very common (and very popular) as they give you more chances of winning.

243 Way Slots

Similar to 1024 way slots, 243 way slots offer 243 ways to win and usually pay both ways too.

Progressive Jackpot Slots

Mega Jackpots Cleopatra SlotProgressive jackpot slots are common at online casinos. Here, there is a jackpot up for grabs each time you play. The jackpot is funded by players (part of your wager goes towards the jackpot) and will usually have a set seed amount. Then, the jackpot increases as more people play yet fail to win the prize.

Once a progressive jackpot is claimed, the slot’s jackpot will reset to the seed amount.

The Main Features of an Online Slot Machine

In the image below, we’ve highlighted where you may find key components in an online slot machine:

Slot Machine Diagram1. Bet Size and Payline Controls
On most online slot games, you can adjust your betting size with controls below the main game. There may also be a ‘Max Bet’ button which, naturally, allows you to wager the largest amount possible with just one click.

Near the betting size controls, you may also find controls to adjust the number of paylines. However, only some video slots allow this.

2. The Spin Button
This is where the magic happens! Not really, but it is the button you click to spin the reels.

3. Autoplay Button
In addition to bet size controls, on some slots, an autoplay button may be shown under the main game. You can click this to allow the game to be played automatically on your behalf.

Depending on the slot you’re playing, the autoplay controls may allow you to play through a set number of spins and impose limits which stop the game from continuing automatically, e.g when your bankroll falls below a certain amount.

4. Paytable and Slot Information
In every video slot, there will be a ‘Paytable’ or ‘Info’ icon. These are sometimes symbolised by question marks or an ‘I’. This button will take you to a separate screen, which provides you with all the game info you need.

You’ll be able to see the formation of the paylines, the payouts for different symbol combinations, a list of the symbols and details of the bonus features.

5. A Regular Symbol
A video slot will generally include around 10 regular symbols. These will vary in value and you’ll be awarded set amounts of cash for a winning combination of three or more regular symbols.

6. A Wild Symbol
Wild symbols are necessarily featured in all video slot games, but they are very common. Wild symbols essentially work as a substitute for any other symbol to create a winning combination. They may also carry a multiplier which means they could double or triple your winnings.

7. A Scatter Symbol
Scatter symbols pay out without having to fall on a payline. You’re generally rewarded if you find three or more scatters anywhere on the reels, yet some slots also reward you for landing two scatters. Three or more scatters may also trigger a bonus feature or award you free spins.

Slot Game Bonus Features

Bonus StampMany modern online slot games will feature a bonus round of some description. As we’ve just mentioned, these are usually triggered by landing three or more scatters anywhere on the reels.

The most common bonus feature in a slot game is a free spins round. This does what it says on the tin and rewards you with free spins. These spins are played straightaway and can also sometimes be retriggered by landing further scatter symbols.

In addition to free spins rounds, there are a plethora of other slot game bonus features to enjoy. Below we’ve listed some of our favourites:

Expanding Wilds

Expanding Wilds are wild which grow to fill a whole reel. They can be particularly lucrative as they mean that there’s a wild present on every single row of the game.

Cascading Reels

Gonzo Cascading ReelsCascading reels or avalanche reels mean that if a winning combination is successfully created, the contributing symbols will disappear and new symbols will fall in from the top of the screen. This feature allows you to win over and over again from a single spin.

Click Me Bonus

A straightforward bonus round, a click-me bonus allows you to choose from various different options to reveal a cash prize. For instance, a slot game may present you with three different boxes, each filled with different prizes. You choose one at random and hope you win big!