When it comes to UK online casinos there’s no getting away from the fact that the most popular games are online slots. While there are plenty of people who love the challenge of mastering poker strategy or getting to grips with card counting in blackjack, for the majority of players it’s all about slots.
Slots were already popular in land-based casinos but developers, such as Yggdrasil and Play ’n Go, have transferred this to online sites and taken them to a whole new level. They’ve brought outstanding graphics, amazing soundtracks and a whole range of features that were never seen on the land-based alternatives.
If you’re new to online casinos and have yet to try out slots, you may find it all a little daunting. The reality is that one of the most appealing features of slots is their simplicity. Here’s a look at all that you need to know.
First things first
It’s important to stay safe when using the best slot sites so we wanted to start by looking at this before we jump into how to play and any tips. The first step that you need to take before you part with a penny is to make sure that your chosen online casino is licensed. You’ll find that UK casinos have a license number that is issued by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). You may also notice licence numbers from authorities in Malta and Alderney.
If you have confirmed that there’s a license at your casino, you then need to make sure that it’s trusted. This is much simpler than it sounds. A quick Google search will bring up plenty of customer reviews and you’ll soon get a feel for how a casino treats its customers and if it can be trusted.
Games of chance
Now you know how to find a slot site that’s safe to play out, the next thing that you need to know is that slots are all about luck! They have great storylines at times with some pretty amazing graphics and themes but you need to remember that there’s nothing that you can do to influence the outcome. Where a spin stops, it stops: you can do nothing to make it land elsewhere.
While some casino games may have an element of skill (poker and blackjack for instance) the overriding fact is that all casino games are games of chance. With online slots, there are chances to win some really impressive jackpots but what you need to remember is that these games are all about fun. If you’re not enjoying your game, whether you’re winning or losing, it’s time to stop.
Top tips for playing slots
Hopefully, you’ve now found a slot site that you can trust. You also know that as soon as you start spinning, the outcome is in the hands of Lady Luck. That means that you’re ready to get started. Here’s what you need to know as you’re playing:
Find a game that suits you
Are you looking for a slot with a great storyline? Do you want a traditional game that comes with fruit symbols? How about a modern-day classic that’s loved by players worldwide? The reality is that playing online slots is all about fun. You need to take some time to find the kind of slot that you enjoy playing. When you get started, you’ll be blown away by how many there really are. It’s not as if you’ll be faced with one or two to choose from: there are literally thousands of titles to play. Some will be appealing whereas others just may not do it for you.
Use free games to learn
Something that’s great about online casinos is that there is often the chance to play for free. If you’re learning about slots and how they work you really need to be taking advantage of this. Playing for free won’t see you winning money: you’re rewarded with credits that allow you to play again. While you can’t win money, you can’t lose it either. It’s a great opportunity to learn how a game works before you commit your funds and start to play for real money.
Set a budget and stick to it
Okay, so we don’t want to hammer a point home too much but slots are all about luck. When you log in to your favourite site you need to have a plan. What’s your bankroll for this session and can you afford to lose it? If not, don’t play! Be sure that when you reach your budget you’re not tempted to plough more money in. This means that you can come back afresh another day and keep ending all that slots have to offer.
Take advantage of the countless bonuses
There are so many casino bonuses on offer, and do you want to know something? Most of these are aimed at slot players. You’ll find matched deposits that give you funds to play on slots. You’ll also find free spins that are there to be used on certain titles (you can be sure that they’re extremely popular ones). Make the most of these so that you can play for free and still win money!
RTP and variance
When it comes to choosing a slot to play, it helps to know what the terms RTP and variance mean:
- RTP – This stands for return to player. It expresses in a percentage how likely it is that a player will win. the higher the number, the better. You’ll find plenty of slots that have an RTP of 95% plus. At 95%, for every £1 you wager you can expect to win 95p back
- Variance – You’ll find slots that are high or low variance. High variance means that the jackpots are on the larger side, but they don’t pay out very often. A low variance slot pays out more frequently but the payouts are at a lower level
The key takeaway
Just remember, slots are all about fun. They provide a massive source of entertainment and if you happen to win big take this as a bonus!