
Casino slots are a classic source of entertainment for beginners and experienced gamblers alike. Unlike table games that require practice and a certain level of expertise, slots are accessible to anyone with a willingness to risk some money for a chance to win a payout. But with so many options out there, it’s not always easy to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this beginner’s guide to finding the best casino slots and maximizing your chances of winning.
Understanding How Slots Work
Slots operate on what’s known as a random number generator or RNG. This is a piece of software that determines the outcome of every spin, and it does so purely at random. Each game has a specific set of Return to Player (RTP) and volatility metrics, and these figures determine the house edge – which is how the casino makes its profit. Understanding these factors is key to choosing the best casino slots for your tastes and playing style.
Return to Player (RTP)
The RTP is the average amount of money that will be returned to the player as winnings over time. Games are tested by independent agencies to ensure their RTP meets the stated figure, so you can be confident that your chances of winning align with the RTP stated by the developer. But it’s important to understand that this is expressed as a percentage of total wagers, rather than the total amount of money you’ve deposited. So if you’re choosing between slots games that have an RTP of 94% vs 95%, the latter offers a slight advantage, but you’ll need to be consistent with your betting habits over time to benefit.
Volatility
Slots also have varying levels of volatility which determine the frequency of wins, and the size of these payouts. High volatility slots will pay out relatively infrequently, but when they do, the wins tend to be quite large. By contrast, low volatility slots produce frequent, smaller wins. When you’re choosing the best casino slots for your preferences, consider the level of risk you’re willing to accept, and how this aligns with your bankrol management strategy.
Types of Slots Games
Beyond the metrics mentioned above, there are also different types or categories of slots games that you’ll encounter in your research. These days, most casinos – both online and brick-and-mortar – will host a mix of these different game types.
5-Reel Slots
The majority of modern slots games use five reels, which means there are five columns of symbols for each