Play the Best Online Slots That Pay Real Money

Welcome to the slot machines section of GamblingSites.com. Our goal with this guide to slot machines is to provide the most comprehensive resource for people interested in slots anywhere on the internet.

Essentially, this page is your one-stop slot machine guide. We dig into the history of slot machines, explain how they work and how to choose which games to play, and also share a ton of information about online slots.

Before you get started, we recommend familiarizing yourself with the best online slot casinos for 2023.

We have put a great deal of time and effort into finding and ranking the top online casinos for slots players. Therefore, you can rest assured that our recommendations are the best in the business.

Unfortunately, we don’t have a magical formula for how to win these games. But we can share some insights into how the math works. After all, educated gamblers tend to have more fun and generally stand a greater chance of winning. By the time we’re done, you will be a slot machine expert!

So, whether you’re an American wanting to learn about slot machines, an Australian looking for information about pokies, or a Brit needing advice on fruit machines, our guide has got you covered.

A slot machine is a gambling game with spinning reels. Those reels have symbols on them, which land randomly after you place a bet and spin the reels. If these symbols line up, you win prizes based on which symbols fall on that “payline.”

Believe it or not, the history of slot machines dates back to the late 19th century. The very first slot machines were mechanical devices that relied on springs and gears to spin the reels.

Early slot machines were extremely basic and used simple math. For example, you might have three reels with ten symbols on each of them – making it easy to calculate the odds of getting a particular combination.

While vintage slot games were limited by the size of the reels, today’s slot machines are far more flexible. Since modern slots are powered by a computer, it is not uncommon to find games with 20+ symbols per reel.

Nowadays, there are many different types of slot games. The following section highlights all the popular categories and explains how to choose which games to play.

You can play all the same types of casino slots you can play in person.

These are just a few of the many types of slots you can play. We’re barely scratching the surface here.

Every online slot casino we recommend has a large selection of slots with different themes and features. You should have no problems finding the slots games you enjoy playing the most.

That is due, in part, to the software providers our recommended real money slot casinos work with.

As we already mentioned, there are many kinds of slot games. Thanks to advances in digital technologies, both online and land-based casinos have a vast range of slot machines to choose from.

So, how do you know which games to play?

Slots fall into various categories, such as themes, features, and jackpots. All the top-rated online slot casinos enable you to filter their games by category, meaning you can find the best games based on your personal preferences.

If you’re unsure about which slot games are best for you, we recommend asking yourself the following questions.

The range of slot themes in this day and age is almost endless. Software providers are constantly coming up with new and exciting themed slot games, so you are bound to find something that tickles your fancy.

Some of the most popular slot themes include movies, Egyptian, fairytales, video games, and Ancient Rome. But that is merely the beginning. With hundreds of themes on offer, players can easily track down games that suit their needs.

Each game has unique symbols, storylines, and music that relate to the specific theme. For example, an Egyptian-themed slot might have King Tut, Cleopatra, and pyramid symbols, while an Ancient Rome slot might be set in a Colosseum with gladiators and swords.

The choice is yours!

Slot machines are always fun, but special features can take the excitement to a whole new level.

Essentially, slot features are all the key components that make up a slot game. You will often come across basic features such as free spins, wild symbols, and bonus rounds. Other games have more complex features like cascading reels, cluster plays, and megaways.

Different features offer different perks and benefits. Some multiply your winnings, while others present more ways to win. We recommend researching slot features and how they work in order to discover the best features for you.

If you want the chance to win life-changing sums of money, look for slot games with progressive jackpots. These games have jackpots that continually grow with every bet, dishing up giant payouts to lucky players.

On the other hand, many gamblers enjoy playing branded slots based on popular culture. You can play TV show-themed games such as The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones, or you can enjoy slot games based on iconic music artists like Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra.

Oh, and did you know that there are also 3D slots? These games bring the reels and symbols to life with cutting-edge graphics, creating an immersive experience for slot players.

Progressive jackpots, branded slots, and 3D graphics are all popular features that are available in many slot games. The good news is you don’t have to choose between one or the other. There are plenty of games that include a combination of these characteristics.

Whether you want to play for pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, or dollars, you won’t struggle to find a slot machine that suits your bankroll.

Low-cost penny slots are perfect for people who want to enjoy the thrill of gambling without spending a fortune. On the flip side, there are slot games for high-stakes gamblers who aren’t afraid to part ways with sizeable wagers.

However, it is important to realize that penny slots typically cost more than one penny, and you can easily spend $10 per spin on a quarter or dollar machine. The denomination refers to the number of coins you can play per line. Some games have adjustable pay lines, but you should always play the maximum number of lines anyway. So, if you play a penny slot with twenty pay lines, plan to bet $0.20 per spin.

Be sure to follow the link below to learn more about slot machine games. This page contains reviews for hundreds of slot games and covers even more information about jackpots, features, and denominations.

There are plenty of similarities between online and land-based slot machines. Both versions require you to wager a certain amount before spinning the reels, with a random number generator determining the outcome.

That said, there are plenty of differences too. If you’re used to playing slot machines at brick-and-mortar casinos, we recommend learning about the advantages of playing online.

On top of that, online slot machines tend to have higher payback percentages and better graphics. Online players can also take advantage of more valuable bonuses and a wider variety of banking methods, including e-wallets and cryptocurrency.

Still, some people prefer the whole experience of visiting a real-life casino. Many gamblers would rather play their favorite slot machine while sipping a cocktail and soaking up the atmosphere. Online casinos can only imitate that feeling.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference. If you want to dive deeper into this debate, feel free to explore our page dedicated to online slot machines vs. land-based slot machines.

There are hundreds of slots online. If you’re just getting started, you might get overwhelmed by all the options. Here are some great picks you should keep an eye out for:

Although Achilles Deluxe was released back in 2006, it remains a hugely popular slot game to this day. Developed by RealTime Gaming, the Greek mythology-themed slot is perfect for both beginners and experienced gamblers.

Achilles has several exciting bonus features, including wild symbol-free spins and scatter symbol-free spins. The 5-reel, 3-row slot game also boasts a tasty progressive jackpot, making it one of the best slots to win real money from.

If this sounds like the slot for you, why not head over to Las Atlantis Casino and give it a spin? Las Atlantis is among the top-ranked online casinos in the United States.

Funnily enough, Microgaming released the Mega Moolah progressive slot game in 2006 – the same year that RealTime launched Achilles Deluxe. Since then, Mega Moolah has established itself as one of the most iconic real money slots of all time.

The best thing about this game is that you can win life-changing jackpots without breaking the bank. Mega Moolah is a basic slot with simple rules, but the potential profits are out of this world.

In fact, Mega Moolah is responsible for one of the biggest slot machine wins in history. In 2013, one lucky British player hit a Mega Moolah jackpot worth £13.2 million ($20.8 million) after spending a measly 25p at Betway’s online casino.

Betway is one of the best gambling sites in many regions, from the UK to Canada and beyond. If you want to try your luck at landing a Mega Moolah jackpot, we recommend following the link below.

If you’re someone who enjoys magic and sorcery, the chances are that you will love Book of Darkness. Developed by Betsoft – a leader in 3D cinematic gaming – this slot has eye-catching graphics and an immersive soundtrack. But that is only the beginning.

Book of Darkness is renowned for dishing up tasty bonuses. Thanks to exciting features such as “Clash for Power” and “Shadowform”, you are never too far away from a memorable win.

You can find the Book of Darkness slot at many of the best online casinos, including Ducky Luck Casino. As one of the top online casinos for US players, Ducky Luck is undoubtedly among the places to play Book of Darkness.

Like Mega Moolah, Starburst is a relatively basic slot. But what it lacks in bonus games and features, it more than makes up for with its slick design, expanding wilds, and both-ways pay lines.

Starburst is a low-volatility slot, meaning you will likely experience frequent small wins. Although this game doesn’t produce life-changing wins all the time, players on a budget can receive regular small returns without spending too much.

Why not head over to 10Bet’s casino to play Starburst now? 10Bet has one of the best online casinos for UK residents, but you can still access the site from many other countries.

Back to Venus was released in 2020 as a sequel to It Came from Venus. As you would expect, this Betsoft slot has stunning 3D graphics – bringing the game’s alien symbols and other characters to life.

Boasting a hugely generous Return to Player (RTP) percentage of 97.07%, Back to Venus offers great odds of winning in the long run. You can also access great bonuses like the prickly stick and re-spin feature, flowering wild boost, and rocketship free spins feature.

Australian gamblers can play the Back to Venus slot at Hell Spin Casino – one of the top-rated online casinos in Australia. That said, many of the best gambling sites around the world also offer this game.

Free slots are a relatively new development. When the only place you could play was a land-based casino, you weren’t able to play free slot machine games. What would be the point of a casino offering such a thing?

But online casinos don’t have to worry about how much money they make per square foot in the same way that land-based casinos do. So they’re able to allow players to try their games for free in the hopes that they’ll like them and play for actual cash. You should take advantage of this, but only up to a point.

Yes, you should definitely try the software and the games before making a deposit to make sure that you like them. But don’t be one of those types who sit around playing a pointless game.

Why are free slots pointless?

The whole point of playing them is to risk money in order to win money. If you take the money out of the equation, you’re left with an activity that basically consists of watching a bunch of pretty lights on a screen and listening to some pretty sounds.

The Different Kinds of Free Slots

It is important to remember that the term “free slot game” is different from other slot-related terms that contain the word “free”. As we just explained, free slots are games with no monetary input. However, you might also come across free spins bonuses and free spins features.

With that in mind, we suggest reading the following descriptions to get up to speed on each one.

• Free Slot Games – These are free slots that you can play online. You don’t have to risk any money to play, but you won’t receive any money if you win. You can use these games to get acquainted with a game before you play for real.
• Free Spins Bonuses – An online casino might give you a bonus in the form of free spins. For example, you could receive 50 free spins on a particular slot game and keep the money if you win. That said, you have to reach certain rollover requirements if you want to withdraw your winnings.
• Free Spins Features – Some slot games offer free spin rounds while you play. This feature entitles you to a certain number of free spins for a period of time, meaning you don’t have to eat into your bankroll. These features are built into the game and are typically activated by three or more scatter symbols.

Needless to say, free slot games won’t make you rich. But free spins bonuses and features can give you more opportunities to win.

Mobile Slot Games

For those who enjoy playing slot games but don’t have access to a computer or a casino, there exists the option of playing mobile slot games. Every serious online casino offers a mobile casino app for their games, and slot games always make up a huge portion of the app’s game library.

These games can be played from the comfort of your own phone as long as you have an internet connection and any type of advanced mobile devices such as a Windows Phone, Android Phone, or iPhone. This is extremely convenient considering we usually have our phones on us at all times, making mobile gambling just a few buttons away.

For our list of recommended online casinos for mobile slot games, check out the links below:

• Slots.lv
• Ignition Casino
• Betway Casino – #1 Non-US Option

Real Money Slot Machines

Of course, we think that the appropriate use of a slot machine game is to put some money into action. The slot machines available online are, in our opinion, as good as—if not superior to—those that you’ll find in a land-based casino. These Internet games have state-of-the-art graphics and sound effects, and higher payback percentages.

There are many different types of real money slot machines to enjoy. You can still enjoy plenty of classic slots online, even though modern video slots are more popular. Classic slots are similar to the earliest slot machines. They typically only have three reels and limited features, but they also have higher RTPs than video slots.

Elsewhere, Vegas slots are extremely popular. If you’ve visited casinos in Las Vegas (or anywhere else for that matter), the chances are that you’ve come across famous slot games such as 777 Deluxe and Cleopatra’s Gold. The online versions of these games are just as exciting as the ones you may find on the Vegas Strip.

If you live in the UK, you probably refer to slot machines as fruit machines. Most fruit machines operate in exactly the same way as slot machines, with options to play at both online casinos and land-based venues.

No matter where you are in the world (or what kind of game you want to play), we recommend enjoying the highest-paying slots out there. Playing slots for cash is always fun, but playing slots that dish out giant payouts can take the excitement to a whole new level.

Can I Win Money Playing Slots Online?

You will be pleased to learn that you can win real cash playing online slot games. In fact, some of the biggest slot machine wins in history occurred at online casinos.

Still, there is no secret formula for winning money from online slots. Like all forms of gambling, you have to rely on an element of luck in order to be successful. Slot machines always work in favor of the house, meaning they are set up to make a profit for the casino over the long term.

That said, you can make some decisions about which games to play and how/when/where you play them. Those decisions can help you become one of the lucky few who wins more than they spend. One of those decisions concerns the Return to Player percentages.

What Are Return to Player Percentages?

Return to Player (RTP) is a term used to explain the amount of money that a slot machine pays back to players over a period of time. RTP is shown as a percentage and is basically the opposite of house edge.

For example, if a slot machine collects $100,000 in wagers and it has an RTP of 97%, the machine will have to pay out $97,000, while keeping $3,000 as profit. Keep in mind that the RTP is calculated over thousands of spins completed by thousands of players, so it does not mean that you can expect to get 97% of your wagers back.

Naturally, you will have better odds of winning if you choose a high-RTP game. Although you are never guaranteed to win, you will always have a better chance of making a profit if you play games with higher RTP percentages.

The table below contains a few specific examples of slot games and their RTP rates. We have included games from different software providers to give you an understanding of the varying rates.

Slot Game	Software Provider	RTP%	Theme(s)	Special Features
Gonzo’s Quest	NetEnt	95.97%	Spanish Explorer, Adventure	Free Spins, Multipliers, Cascading Symbols
Back to Venus	Betsoft	97.07%	Aliens	Free Spins, Sticky Wild Symbols
Elven Gold	Microgaming	96.10%	Elves, Gemstones	Free Spins, Scatter Symbols
Rave Riches	RealTime Gaming	95.00%	Nightclub, Dance	Free Spins, Multipliers, Wild Stacks
Mythic Wolf	Rival Gaming	94.88%	Animals, Wolves	Free Spins, Multipliers, Scatter Symbols, Wilds

As you can see, online slot RTP percentages typically range between 94% and 97%. For reference, most land-based slot machines have RTP percentages between 85-95%, depending on where you play. Some games have a lower percentage, though, while others are higher. Be sure to check the RTP of each game before you start playing.

Slot Machine Strategies

Sadly, no amount of “slot machine strategy” can change the odds of a game. In truth, you won’t find any winning slot strategies because slots are games of chance.

The only real “strategy” we can give you is – to choose games with good odds. Other than that, it’s all about getting lucky!

Some gamblers may claim to have slot machine strategies, but they are likely just superstitions. There are plenty of common slot machine myths, such as machines having hot and cold streaks, or games being due to pay out because they haven’t paid out for a while. There are plenty of people who believe these myths because they want to have a strategy for winning. But the truth is that the results are always entirely random.

We recommend choosing high-RTP games to give yourself the best possible chance of winning. But having the best odds doesn’t guarantee you will win. That is why it is also crucial to set loss limits and only bet what you can afford to lose.

Online Slots Tips

There’s no system or strategy that you can use that will ensure that you win money, and ultimately the only way you’ll win is if you get lucky. However, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of winning money, or at least ensure that you get value for your money when playing:

• Ignore Systems: There are no systems that will help you win money from slot machines. Anyone who tries to sell you a system claiming it will guarantee you a win is basically ripping you off, and sadly there are certainly people out there who aim to do just that. Please don’t waste your money on buying systems, no matter how appealing they may seem or what amazing claims they may have made. They will not work, and you’ll end up being very disappointed.
• Manage Your Money: Managing your money correctly is an important part of any form of gambling. While doing this won’t necessarily improve your chances of winning, it should stop you from getting into any form of difficulty when gambling. Only play with money you can afford to lose, choose slots that fit within your budget and never chase losses.
• Take Advantage of Bonuses & Rewards: Most online casinos will give you a specified amount of free chips when you first sign up and make a deposit (this is called a sign-up bonus), and many of them also offer further rewards based on how much you play. By providing extra funds to play with, these bonuses and rewards effectively give you more chances to strike a win.
• Play the Maximum Paylines: Many video slots and online slots have multiple pay lines. The more pay lines there are, the more chances you have of spinning a winning combination, as the combination doesn’t have to be just in a straight line through the center of all the reels. In many of these games, you can choose how many of the pay lines you wish to be active. It costs more per spin the more pay lines you have active, but we advise that it’s in your best interest to play with the maximum amount.

Slot Machine Software Providers

When you sit down to play your favorite game, you probably aren’t thinking too much about who created it. But software providers actually play a very important role when it comes to online slots. For example, NetEnt has more games with high RTPs, but Microgaming is known for offering life-changing progressive jackpots. Learning more about slot machine software providers will help you make informed decisions about which slots you want to play.

Betsoft Microgaming Playtech RealTime Gaming Rival NetEnt Pragmatic Play Yggdrasil

Frequently Asked Questions

How do slots work?

ASlots machines are games where you place a wager to spin the reels and get payouts based on which symbols land on the pay lines. Modern slot machines are powered by computer programs called random number generators, which randomly determine which symbols land in each place.

The odds are programmed in such a way that the house has an edge in the long run. This means that you might be able to win in the short run because the game is random. But the house always takes a profit by collecting thousands of losing bets from thousands of players.

How do you win at slots?

ASlots are completely random. So don’t expect to find some kind of winning zig-zag strategy. Don’t worry about where the games are located on the floor. And please don’t worry about whether you have a better chance of winning by using the lever instead of the spin button.

All of those ideas are superstitions and/or myths. You can safely ignore them. The best advice we can give you for winning at slots is to choose games that seem on the simpler, boring side, and always play the maximum number of pay lines.

Also, avoid slots with notoriously low payback percentages, like those found in airports and bars. The most important strategy is never to bet more than you can afford to lose!

Are online slots rigged?

All slot machines are rigged in a sense because the odds of winning and the odds of the payouts are never commensurate. The casino always has an edge.

But they’re not rigged in the way that you think. Yes, you do have a chance of winning at slots online. No, you’re not going to lose on every spin. And no, the casino doesn’t have the game programmed to compensate for your last winning or losing streak.

What is an annuity?

You’ll usually hear the term “annuity” discussed when talking about lottery winners or when talking about retirement instruments. It’s just a fancy word for a financial instrument that pays out a certain amount of money over a period of time. It comes up when talking about slot machines because of the size of progressive jackpots.

Here’s how a common annuity might work.

You win $1 million on a progressive slot machine. You have the option to take out a cash payment of $750,000, or you can choose an annuity of $25,000 a year for the next 40 years.

Even though you get a million dollars with the annuity option, the cash payment is the better option. That’s because of the time value of money. Over 40 years, with wise investing and budgeting, $750,000 will be worth more than $1 million.

What is hit frequency?

Hit frequency refers to how often a slot machine hits a winning combination. The concept is related to the house edge and the payback percentage, but it’s not the same thing.

A slot machine that hits often but only for small wins might have a lower payback percentage than a slot machine that hits only seldom but has higher average wins.

Slot machine designers and manufacturers have enormous amounts of data informing their decisions about hit frequency and payback percentages. They know what hit frequency combined with what payback percentage will maximize a player’s time spent on the machine, which is the #1 factor determining how profitable a particular game is.

How do wild symbols work on slots?

AA wild symbol on a slot machine works just like a wild card in a game of poker. It replaces and stands in for a symbol you don’t have that you need in order to create a winning combination.

Some wild symbols stack on top of one another, increasing the amount you’re getting paid off, while others have build-in multipliers or other features

How do scatter symbols work on slot machines?

AScatter symbols are slot machine symbols that create payoffs regardless of what payline they’re on. If you have a certain number of those symbols anywhere on the screen, you get paid or you activate a bonus feature. Most modern slots use scatter symbols to activate the free spins feature.

If you are looking to learn more about the different types of symbols and other slot-related terms, check out our slot machines glossary.

What are the best slots to win real money from?

AYou can find a selection of our favorite real money slot games near the top of this page. That said, the best slots for you might not be the best slots for someone else. Progressive jackpot slots offer the highest overall prizes, but only if you get extremely lucky. We recommend choosing games that you find entertaining, which will depend on the themes and features you prefer.

Wrapping Up Our Slot Machine Guide

Slot machines are some of the most popular games in the casino, and it is easy to see why. They are the easiest game for beginners to learn and everyone has equal chances of winning. There are thousands of slots with hundreds of themes, features, and formats, so there really is something for everyone.

The main downside of slots is that they are entirely random. You can’t use skill or strategy to increase your odds of winning a particular game. But you can be smart about which games you play and how you divide your bankroll to give yourself the best odds of winning in the long run.

We have covered a lot of information in this slot machine guide, including how slot games work, the difference between free and real money slots, and even information about the software providers. If you would like to learn more about specific slot features, tournaments, or other information, check out these resources.

Slots Hot Drops Getting Started Playing Slots Slots Tournaments Real Money Pokies