With the rise of online gambling, playing slots has become more convenient than ever. Today, these games are accessible at nearly every online casino, offering a wide range of options for players.
As (almost) always, our iGaming expert Samuel is on the move, this time exploring the world of online slots. He has tested 27 platforms, evaluating everything from game variety to payout potential. Check out his findings below.
In a rush? Online slot game Samuel liked the most after 93 hours of research:
Achilles Deluxe at Red Dog Casino
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- Exciting free spins
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- High 40,000x payout
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- Medium volatility gameplay
Our iGaming expert Samuel at Northeasttimes believes that Achilles Deluxe at Red Dog Casino deserves the top position. Not only is this a fantastic slot game, but it is also available at a casino with an amazing variety and many slot-specific bonuses to boost your bankroll.
If this isn’t quite what you were looking for, these sites also passed Samuel’s checks:
- Slots.lv (10 Times Vegas): Generous bonuses for crypto players
- Ignition (Reels & Wheels XL): High RTP online slots
- Slots Empire (Cash Bandits 2): Fun game themes and designs
- BitStarz (Master Of Starz): Fast and convenient crypto transactions
Why trust us
We’re an independent newspaper with years of reputation on the line.
We hired an iGaming expert, Samuel, to cover the ongoing rise of online gambling websites and present our readers with the safest options while blacklisting the ones that don’t meet his standards.
We sponsor him to travel and write stories for us, testing betting sites and online casinos in different locations where we have readers.
Samuel’s opinion on online slots sites
1. Red Dog (Achilles Deluxe) – Great slots casino with free spins and bonus-buy games
Pros:
- Up to $2,450 slots bonus
- Free spins on new games
- High-RTP games galore
- Free slots available in demo mode
- No transaction fees
- Quick crypto banking options
Cons:
- Can’t request less than $150 payout
- Could have more game filters
Red Dog easily takes the top spot for me today.
The site features some great RealTime Gaming (RTG) slots, including Aces & Eights and 5 Wishes. Achilles Deluxe, inspired by the Trojan War, can pay out up to 40,000x your stake, making it my favorite pick at Red Dog.
As a new player, you can choose between two slots bonuses. One offers a 225% bonus up to $2,450, while the other gives a 200% bonus up to $2,000 plus 30 free spins on Night King. If you deposit with crypto, you will also get an extra 20 spins.
“Red Dog Casino’s Achilles Deluxe stands out with its impressive 40,000x max payout and a solid set of bonus features, making it a great choice for players looking for big rewards.”
For deposits, you can use Visa/Mastercard, Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Tether, or Flexepin. Deposits are processed instantly, regardless of the method you choose. However, you can’t withdraw less than $150, which isn’t ideal if you’re not a big spender.
2. Slots.lv (10 Times Vegas) – Generous slots bonuses and daily jackpots
Pros:
- $3,000 welcome bonus + 30 free spins
- Supports practice mode
- 1-hour crypto withdrawals
- Over 200 slot machines
- Hourly, daily, and epic jackpots
Cons:
- Could have more reload bonuses
- Average banking for fiat currencies
At Slots.lv, I found over 200 slots to explore, featuring developers like RTG, Betsoft, Spinomenal, and Rival Gaming. I’ve noticed their Hot Drop Jackpots are especially appealing, offering hourly, daily, and epic prizes.
The first game I explored was 10 Times Vegas from Spinomenal. It offers 5 reels, a fun theme, and an RTP of 96.5%. In my opinion, it is easily one of the best online slot machines around in terms of value for money.
New crypto players can access a welcome bonus of up to $3,000, plus 30 free spins on Golden Buffalo. It’s not a bad way to start if you’re looking for extra funds to play around with.
“As a fan of classic slots with a twist, 10 Times Vegas at Slots.lv is my go-to. The 10x multiplier adds that exhilarating kick to every spin, making those wins even sweeter.”
When it was time to cash out my winnings (not huge, but still, I managed to get some), I found several options, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, USDT, along with credit cards and MatchPay.
I chose BTC and received my money within an hour. I have to admit, though, that the presence of more fiat payment methods would be really nice.
3. Ignition (Reels & Wheels XL) – Great for high RTP online slots and different software providers
Pros:
- $3,000 welcome bonus
- A dozen top-tier software providers
- Higher RTP than average
- No login required for free play
- 400+ online slots
Cons:
- No support for e-wallets
- Heavy focus on poker bonuses
Ignition is a reputable online casino widely known for its poker tournaments. However, I found its slot selection just as impressive, with a variety of well-chosen games to keep things fun.
My personal favorite is Reels & Wheels XL, a 5-reel, 20-payline slot with a 96% RTP. It comes packed with expanding Wilds, free spins, and a bonus wheel feature that offers a shot at one of three jackpots.
“As a player who loves the thrill of big wins, Reels & Wheels XL at Ignition is my top pick. The 12 free spins with re-trigger potential and multipliers can skyrocket my winnings.”
Of course, I tried other games as well, and whenever I checked the RTP, most were above 96%, which is definitely a good sign.
4. Slots Empire (Cash Bandits 2) – Leading online slots site for progressive jackpots and high-quality themes
Pros:
- Up to $7,500 welcome bonus
- Over 250 online slots
- Get new game bonuses
- Demo play without logging in
- Has phone support
Cons:
- High minimum payout ($150)
- Reports of glitches on the website
Slots Empire delivers when it comes to the best online slot games, and my favorite pick here is Cash Bandits 2.
This 5-reel, 25-payline slot from Realtime Gaming has a progressive jackpot that often reaches six figures. It’s packed with features like free spins, expanding Wilds, and the Vault bonus game, where cracking safes can lead to cash prizes.
I’ve also tried other fun options like Lucha Libre 2, Coyote Cash, and Mermaid Queen, each offering its own unique gameplay.
“Cash Bandits 2 at Slots Empire is an absolute thrill ride! The Vault feature can award up to 190 free spins with multipliers up to 17x.”
There’s also a welcome bonus of up to $7,500 across your first five deposits if you use the promo code “TOTALWAR.” Crypto users get an extra 20% added to their bonus, which I found helpful for stretching my bankroll a bit further.
5. BitStarz (Master Of Starz) – Great for fast payouts and exclusive online slot games
Pros:
- 4,000+ online casino games
- Provably fair games
- Exclusive slot titles
- Near-instant crypto withdrawals
- 5 BTC + 180 spins for newcomers
Cons:
- No customer support over the phone
- A tad cluttered front page
Bitstarz has been a reliable option since its launch in 2014, offering over 4,000 slot games, including exclusive titles.
One unique game I explored is Master of Starz – a 5-reel game with 25 paylines and a current jackpot prize of over $200,000. The RTP is around 96%.
“Master of Starz at Bitstarz is a blast! I enjoy the Hold & Win feature, and landing those Credit Symbols for massive wins is incredibly satisfying.”
The 5 BTC welcome package, along with 180 free spins, is available to all newcomers to the site. I also enjoyed the weekly Slot Wars tournament, which offers a $5,000 prize and 5,000 spins, paid out to the top 150 players.
Considering this is a crypto-focused online slots casino, your payouts are processed quickly, usually taking just a few minutes.
Other online slots sites Samuel tested that didn’t make his top 5:
- BetOnline – Great slots selection but has high credit card fees.
- Cafe Casino – Nice loyalty perks but the website design feels too plain and not exciting.
- El Royale – Exciting slot games and bonuses, but payouts can take up to 4 days.
These sites offer excellent services, are secure, and have unique advantages. However, due to specific limitations, they didn’t make my top 5.
I update my rankings monthly, so feel free to check back for the latest recommendations. These casinos could eventually make their way into my top five list if I see some improvements.
How do online slots work?
Online slots may seem like games of pure chance, but there’s a mechanism behind those spinning reels. At the heart of every online slot lies a Random Number Generator (RNG).
This sophisticated software algorithm ensures that every spin is completely random and independent of previous spins. Think of it as a digital lottery where each spin has an equal chance of landing on any combination of symbols.
When you hit the “spin” button, the RNG generates a sequence of random numbers corresponding to specific symbols on the reels. The reels then spin and stop according to those numbers, revealing the outcome of your spin. This ensures fairness and prevents any manipulation of the game’s results.
Another crucial element of real money slots is the Return to Player (RTP) percentage. This represents the average amount of money a slot machine is programmed to pay back to players over time.
For instance, a slot with a 98% RTP theoretically returns $98 for every $100 wagered. Just remember that RTP is a long-term average and doesn’t guarantee specific results on any given spin. However, it can help you gauge a slot’s potential payout over extended play.
How to know if online slot sites are safe
When it comes to spinning those reels and potentially winning big, you want to make sure you’re playing at a safe and reputable online casino. Here’s the lowdown on how to spot a trustworthy slot site:
- Licensing and Regulation: Check if the casino is licensed by a recognized regulatory authority, such as the Malta Gaming Authority. This means it follows strict regulations to ensure fair and safe gameplay.
- Security Measures: Verify the presence of SSL encryption on the casino site. You can easily check this by looking for a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar or ensuring the URL starts with “https.” This indicates that your personal and financial information is protected through secure encryption.
- Fair Gaming Practices: Check if that site uses Random Number Generators (RNGs) and has its games independently audited for fairness. Some online casinos would have something better, like Provably Fair Games, so you can check the fairness of each game’s result.
- Reputation and Reviews: Research the casino’s reputation by reading reviews from other players and trusted sources. While my casino reviews help, it’s always a good idea to read player reviews on forums or sites like Reddit.
My tips for playing online slots
From my experience, real money online slots are among the easiest casino games to play. Still, these tips will help you get started with confidence if you’re a newbie.
RTP is your friend
Look for slots with a high Return to Player (RTP) percentage. This number shows the percentage of wagered money that a slot is programmed to pay back over time. Aim for slots with an RTP of 96% or higher to improve your odds of winning in the long run.
Choose the right volatility
Consider the volatility of the slot you’re playing. High volatility slots offer bigger wins but less frequently, while low volatility slots pay out smaller amounts more often.
If you’re in it for the thrill of the chase and have the patience to wait for those big payouts, high-volatility slots might be your thing. But if you prefer more frequent wins to keep your balance topped up, stick to low-volatility games.
Make sure the bonuses are actually attainable
Focus on online casino bonuses that provide real value and manageable conditions.
Start with the wagering requirements – aim for 30x or lower if possible. Then, check the maximum cashout limits on bonus winnings and verify which games are eligible for fulfilling the rollover requirements.
Optimize your stake size
Avoid placing random wagers. Allocate a small percentage of your total bankroll to each bet, typically around 1–2%. This way, you can weather the losing streaks if they come.
“I always play slots without real money first to test the waters. I want to get a feel of how exciting the gameplay is first before I spend anything on it.”
Banking methods available at online slot sites
Now, let’s talk about getting your money in and out of your favorite online slot casino. After all, what good are those wins if you can’t cash them out easily? Here’s a breakdown of the most popular banking methods you’ll find at my recommended sites.
- Credit and debit cards: These are the most widely accepted across the top online slots sites. Visa and Mastercard are standard, with some casinos also offering American Express. While deposits are usually instant, withdrawals can take a few business days to process.
- e-Wallets: E-wallets like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller act as a digital intermediary between your bank account and the casino. They offer an extra layer of security and privacy since you don’t have to share your bank details directly with the casino.
- Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin are growing in popularity at the best online slots casinos. They’re fast, secure, and often anonymous, with low transaction fees. Deposits are typically instant, and withdrawals tend to be quicker than traditional banking methods.
- Bank Transfers: If you prefer a direct transfer from your bank to the casino, bank transfers are an option. However, these are usually slower, often taking up to 10 business days to complete.
- MatchPay: This newer payment method allows you to deposit and withdraw funds through peer-to-peer services like PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle. It’s a good choice for those who prefer these platforms but don’t want to link their bank accounts directly to the casino.
“If available, I join an online casino’s Discord channel to observe how admins behave. It provides valuable, hands-on insight into the platform’s operation behind the scenes.”
Best online slots – FAQs
What are the different types of online slots?
The different types of online slots include classic slots, video slots, and progressive jackpot slots.
Classic slots have three reels and basic gameplay. Video slots feature advanced graphics and more interactive elements, while progressive jackpot slots offer growing jackpots that can be won.
What is RTP in online slots?
RTP in online slots stands for Return to Player, which indicates the percentage of wagered money a slot is expected to pay back to players over time. This metric helps players understand the game’s payout potential and make informed choices.
What is slot volatility, and why does it matter?
Slot volatility, also known as variance, measures the risk level of a slot game. High volatility slots offer larger but less frequent payouts, while low volatility slots provide smaller, more consistent wins.
Knowing the volatility helps players choose games that match their risk tolerance and gameplay preferences.
Are online slots rigged?
Online slots are not rigged if you play at reputable, licensed online casinos. These casinos use Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure fair and unbiased game outcomes.
Can I play slots on my mobile device?
Yes, you can play online slots on your mobile device. Most modern online casinos offer mobile-friendly versions of their games, and many have dedicated mobile apps.
What I’ve learned playing online slot games
From what I’ve seen, the best online slot sites offer a lot in terms of variety. Now, it’s over to you to decide which one you like the most.
For me, Red Dog stands out as a top choice. It offers impressive progressive prizes alongside a strong selection of non-jackpot slots.
You can have another look at my list and make a final decision. As always, don’t forget to have fun and gamble responsibly!
DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Gambling comes with its fair share of risks, and it’s important to recognize that when using online gambling sites.
All gambling sites on this page are 21+ only. Check your local laws to ensure that online gambling is legal in your jurisdiction.
If you have a gambling addiction problem or anyone you know does, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. In addition, the following free gambling addiction resources can be of help:
